Dear Students, Alumni, and Faculty:

I've worked with Christine for many years and she has been a staunch supporter of libraries in Michigan and across the US. She is a well-respected librarian and administrator. [Her only drawback is she is a University of Michigan grad, but we can forgive her for not choosing the best Library School (Wayne, of course) ;-) .]

I am endorsing Christine Hage and she will have my vote for ALA President and hope that those of you who are ALA members will vote for her as well.

Joseph J. Mika
Professor Emeritus, WSU/SLIS

Christine Lind Hage for ALA
President

Dear ALA Colleagues,

My name is Christine Lind Hage and I am running for President-Elect of ALA. Your 2016 ALA ballot will be arriving soon and voting runs from March 15th through April 22nd. I am asking for your vote.

When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up you're likely to hear "fireman" or "super hero", but my dream from the beginning was to become a librarian. I've never worked anywhere, but in a library. And throughout my 45-year career I have held almost every position available in a library; page, circulation assistant, children's librarian, reference librarian, and director. Libraries are part of who I am.

America's libraries are continually challenged with underfunded budgets, emerging technologies, threats to patron privacy, and expanding responsibilities and demands on library professionals. It is imperative that the American Library Association inspire, empower and support librarians so that the profession can continue to lead in our democratic society.

Our libraries are not obsolete, they are not just nice to have, they are essential. You know that and I know that and together we will aggressively advocate this message to policy makers, stakeholders, funders and the users that needs us.

As ALA President, I will champion the cause of libraries. I want to see ALA in the Lead working for libraries nationally and internationally, developing and influencing information policy, creating partnerships to enhance resources for libraries and developing leaders for the future.

My pledge is to work in an open, inclusive and collaborative manner to advance the Association's strategic directions so it can lead the way in areas that impact all libraries, including:

Advocacy

• Integrate advocacy into the daily work of every librarian, trustee and vendor partner
• Develop strategies that advance the public's understanding of the value and impact libraries of all types have on the communities they serve
• Information Policy

Build effective coalitions to address information policy issues

• Advocate for copyright policy that promotes user rights and access to information, specifically the digital first sale doctrine
• Develop networks of experts and innovative thinkers to help address emerging issues libraries face

Professional and Leadership Development

• Focus on recruitment that increases diversity across the profession
• Provide high-quality professional development opportunities for librarians, library workers and trustees

During my 45 years as an ALA member, I have served as president of the Public Library Association and as president of United for Libraries. I have served on the ALA Council for twelve years and have had leadership roles on numerous committees and task forces within ALA, its divisions and offices.

I understand the value that librarians, library employees, trustees and libraries contribute to society. Our profession and the resources we collect, manage and make available to the communities we serve are essential in the Information Age. Libraries and library professionals are important gateways and guides to myriad resources. Our potential to help people - from the most humble to the most powerful - is limitless.

As your president I will represent the Association in all forums. My extensive experience and leadership at the local, national and international levels will allow me to effectively serve as the voice of the Association on a full spectrum of issues. ALA is fortunate to have an active and committed membership. As president, I would listen to, value and work with the diverse expertise, vision and energy of our membership to put ALA in the Lead. I ask for your vote for president of the American Library Association. Thank you.

Christine Lind Hage
2016 Candidate for President-Elect of ALA
Director, Rochester Hills Public Library
500 Olde Towne Road
Rochester, MI 48307-2043