President’s Message: Open Access/Open Data

"I [Colleen Cuddy] am very excited to write this column. This issue of Information Technology and Libraries (ITAL) marks the beginning of a new era for the journal. ITAL is now an open-access, electronic-only journal. There are many people to thank for this transition. The LITA Publications Committee led by Kristen Antelman did a thorough analysis of publishing options and presented a thoughtful proposal to the LITA Board; the LITA Board had the foresight to push for an open-access journal even if it might mean a temporary revenue loss for the division; Bob Gerrity, ITAL editor, has enthusiastically supported this transition and did the heavy lifting to make it happen; and the LITA office staff worked tirelessly for the past year to help shepherd this project. I am proud to be leading the organization during this time. To see ITAL go open access in my presidential year is extremely gratifying...."