Editorial: We are Core

Abstract

I belonged to the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS) (formerly Resources and Technical Services Division (RTSD)) for my entire professional career. It was my home in ALA, and where I forged relationships, learned valuable skills for my career, took advantage of continuing education offerings, and contributed to the profession through presentations, committee and task force work, and in editing ALCTS publications. And now, after considerable discussion and planning, ALCTS, along with the Library Leadership & Management Association (LLAMA) and the Library Information Technology Association (LITA), are now Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures. This new division will draw on the strengths of the three former divisions. The Oxford English Dictionary provides various meanings for the word “core,” including “The central or innermost part, the ‘heart’ of anything,” and “a central portion that is cut out, or that remains after using the surrounding parts.” These definitions are quite appropriate and fitting for Core.