Interface, which is distributed quarterly to members of ASCLA, covers both association news and also important developments in the fields of librarianship ASCLA represents: networks and cooperatives; independent librarians and consultants; state library agencies and services to special populations such as the incarcerated, blind, deaf, hard of hearing and other patron groups with special needs. The most recent issue focused on services to special populations and highlighted activities in the field such as the Wolfner Library of Missouri’s transition from analog to digital talking books, an update on the Prisoners’ Right to Read and coverage of the division’s related activities at the 2010 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference. As editor, Abate will manage submissions, editing and online publication of the newsletter.

"I am excited about having this opportunity to learn so much more about ASCLA from the inside,” said Abate. “While I have dabbled in most of the areas encompassed by ASCLA and its sections, I look forward to learning more about the ASCLA members, their libraries, their concerns and what makes them unique. We will be reaching out to all of the ASCLA membership to share their stories with each other through Interface. We have so much to learn from each other."

Abate has worked in a wide variety of libraries and library-related organizations during her career. She is currently the owner of Library Discount Network, a small business that negotiates with database vendors on behalf of library consortia and networks and provides administrative and management support for nonprofit organizations. Abate previously served as executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Library Consortium, now known as SWON Libraries, where she coordinated the programs, services and activities for the members. In previous lives, she worked as the director of marketing for a large corporation and held positions in libraries, including law, academic, public and special libraries. She teaches in the areas of information technology for Xavier University and nonprofit management for Northern Kentucky University and has also taught for the University of Kentucky and Nova Southeastern University. Abate holds a bachelor's degree from Xavier University, master's in library and information science from the University of Kentucky, a doctorate in computer technology from Nova Southeastern University and a certificate in nonprofit management from Northern Kentucky University.

ASCLA, a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), is a diverse organization of librarians and support staff who work in academic and public libraries, state agencies, specialized libraries and multi-type cooperatives, as well as those who are self-employed. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in discounted registration rates on conference, ASCLA preconferences and other ASCLA events? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your 91´«Ã½ membership at .