Many members may know Bill Ladewski as executive director of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), an American Library Association (ALA) position he has held since 2019. In early September, Ladewski added another title to his CV: director of Member Relations and Services. In this role, he and his team are charged with providing service and information to the Association’s nearly 50,000 members.
Ladewski answered our 11 Questions to reintroduce himself to the ALA community.
Coffee, tea, other?
Coffee, one cup of hot coffee in the morning.
What’s the first website or app you check in the morning?
Weather app. On weekends, probably YouTube.
Best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve received a lot of good advice from many people over the years, and common advice not attributed to anyone in particular. One that comes to mind that I try to follow: Take your work seriously but not yourself too seriously.
What drew you to librarianship and ALA?
I’ve dedicated most of my career to association work. As a national association with a mission I believe in, the draw to ALA was strong, both professionally and personally.
Most distinctive aspect of your personal office?
It’s admittedly sparse. I do keep an “Ask Me Anything—I am a RUSA member!” pin at the base of my monitor. I also have a “We Are ALA” bookmark next to it. They provide daily reminders of the work we are doing and the people we are supporting.
Guilty pleasure?
When in the office, sometimes I deviate from the most direct path back to my desk because I know I will pass a candy jar that someone has out. It’s a weakness.
First job?
I was a caddy at a nearby county club. That was when I was underage, and I remember getting paid in cash. Once I was 16, I worked at a local grocery store.
What do you hope to bring to ALA and members?
I hope to bring a professional commitment to support and advance the ALA mission. For members, I hope to bring knowledge in association management that allows them to have confidence that their association is being managed with care and expertise.
If you had to choose any other profession, what would it be and why?
Probably something culinary. Perhaps a baker. The work and creative aspect inherent to it is appealing. And the aromas.
Book(s) you’re reading?
Nuclear Folly: A History of the Cuban Missile Crisis by Serhii Plokhy, and Vincent van Gogh: A Life in Letters. I also have a shelf of cookbooks that I reach for frequently.
Tool used for keeping your life organized?
I really don’t write much down, to be honest. It’s risky, I know, but so far, I usually know where I need to go and when I need to get there.
