-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Wisconsin colleagues Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2011 16:27:34 -0500 From: Armstrong,Helenjane <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> Greetings to all of my Wisconsin colleagues. I would like to second Alice and Brian's offer of support. As a proud graduate of Wisconsin's primary through collage schools I am very concerned about what is currently happening in Wisconsin. I am very grateful to the many teachers and librarians who were working for lower pay and benefits when I went through the system in the 1950-60s. If it weren't for my "free" public school education, I am sure I would never have achieved whatever I have in my scholastic and professional life. Also I am concerned that some colleagues may not recognize that what is happening in Wisconsin can affect our own libraries. After 3 years of reduced budgets and cut backs, the new Governor of Florida is drastically cutting education funds. The ex-Governor of Illinois wanted to gut the pensions of its public school teachers and librarians. A lot of time, effort and money had to be spent educating the legislature that the teachers had taken lower pay as part of a contract in which the comparable salary would be put into a retirement plan. In some offices the Wisconsin Governor's actions are being held up as as example of how to deal with budget problems. Although I am not an activist, I have lived through 45 years of budget cuts and political agendas. It has made me naturally a little sensitive to "political" situations which may eventually affect libraries. My concerns are with Wisconsin colleagues but also with the other librarians/curator's who may not recognize ! a problem before it is too late. Please forgive any personal tones to this message but I feel very strongly that one of Wisconsin's great strengths has been it's educational system and I would be amiss if I did not offer any support if it is ever needed. On a happier note; Congratulations on finally acquiring the archives of the AGS for NY. I lived through the whole transfer of the AGS collection and saw the many difficulties you all over came. It is good to know you are progressing well and will be there for the foreseeable future. Helen HelenJane Armstrong PhD Map Librarian/Professor Emeritus University of Florida Gainesville, Florida [log in to unmask]