By Wayne Jones

Welcome to the fall issue of Access.

Our cover story is about a school board that decided it could do without its school libraries and librarians, and probably got more media coverage than it had anticipated. It's an interesting example of what might have seemed like a practical, local decision, perhaps a little (or a lot) short-sighted on the part of school administrators - and with not only the media but also students having to remind them of what's really valuable and necessary in a student's education. Christy Den Haan-Veltmanx gives all the details (p. 11).

But of course we have other stories, too. On the public library front, Jane Hilton reminds us of an important division of responsibilities (p. 14). Just what is the CEO of the library responsible for, and what is the library board responsible for? And Courtney Lundrigan argues for the importance of incorporating GIS technology into your reference services (p. 16).

In this issue we also have the usual excellent and varied array of contributions from our columnists (starting on p. 22). Elizabeth Yates writes about a consortium which is helping to provide access to digital information in developing nations. Amanda Etches-Johnson wants you to consider whether you really need an app for that particular library service of yours. Catherine Coles writes about advising rural readers. Vivian Howard writes about her research and the development of a website devoted to contemporary Atlantic Canadian books for children and teens. Patrick Ellis and Jennifer Bayne tell us about Canada's first national virtual health library, which is now online. Katya Pereyaslavska writes about her efforts to become the ideal job candidate. Jennifer Dekker writes about the importance of having an open source blogging tool like WordPress. Maggie Weaver has something to say about DIY and NDIAA. Robin Bergart interviews another OLA member (only about 4,990 to go!). Michael Ridley wants you to join (and generally support) that other large Canadian library association, CLA. And Alessya Quattrociocchi has the last word, as usual: she has a secret to reveal about what one of the most dangerous jobs in the world is.

Don't forget to check out Access Online, too, where we post pieces that the practicalities of page limits don't permit us to publish in the print magazine. Linda Ecclestone updates us on the Google Books Settlement. And we're also inaugurating a brand new column online: Greg Sennema is the column editor for POV: Interviews with Library Directors. Each issue, like the subtitle says, he'll provide an indepth interview of a library director from any of the various sectors. See accessola.com/ accessonline for his first one, with the CEO of the Kitchener Public Library, Sonia Lewis.

And, both online and in print, that's just a selection of what Access offers. Many thanks to all contributors, and to you the readers for your attention and comments.

This is my last issue as Editor-in-Chief of Access. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the whole team of people that it takes to put together the issues. They're all listed there just to the left of this page (if you're reading this in the print magazine), but I'd especially like to point out Lori Knowles, our Managing Editor, who reads and edits every piece, holds writers to deadline, and generally keeps the ship sailing. Natalie Marlowe does an excellent job with layout, as does Brian Pudden with all things web-related for Access. And final thanks also to OLA Executive Director Shelagh Paterson, who has provided the editorial team with general support, direction, and encouragement, but also has allowed all of us to make our own independent contributions.

Oh, and thanks, writers, for sending all those articles and columns.