Guardians of Truth: AALL's Cornell Winston and Jenny Silbiger on Transparency, Advocacy, and the Road to Portland

The Geek In Review

This week, we welcome Cornell Winston (current President of the American Association of Law Libraries) and Jenny Silbiger (President‑Elect). Speaking from sunny San Diego and O‘ahu’s courthouse halls, the duo joins the show to preview AALL’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon—and to talk candidly about the challenges and opportunities facing the legal‑information profession during a time of rapid technological and political flux.

Cornell and Jenny explain why open communication has become a strategic imperative for AALL. Although board books have long been public, they are doubling down on proactive updates—through e‑briefings, “Know‑It‑AALL” newsletters, and 80‑plus committee channels—because members crave clarity when the profession feels under siege. Their message is simple: phone numbers and inboxes are open; no question is off‑limits. The leaders frame transparency not as a defensive posture, but as an invitation to pull every member into the conversation and decision‑making process.

The discussion then turns to the vacant Government Relations role—often seen as AALL’s front line in Washington. Cornell reassures listeners that, despite the hiring gap, advocacy has never left the stage: the Government Relations Committee partners with ALA and other allies, tracks executive‑order whiplash, and issues public statements on IMLS funding or Library of Congress appointments. While lobby dynamics have shifted since COVID‑era restrictions, AALL continues to file comments, weigh amicus briefs, and equip members to speak up in their own jurisdictions until the position is refilled.

Next, the hosts probe changes to the volunteer pipeline. Under the new process, virtually every member who raises a hand gets a seat—whether on a jury, committee, or the coveted Annual Meeting Program Committee. Headquarters now monitors overlapping appointments to spread opportunities and ensure early‑career librarians experience the career‑shaping mentorship Greg once received from the late Bob Oakley. Jenny underscores that engagement options range from micro‑tasks to multi‑year leadership roles, accommodating both time‑pressed newcomers and seasoned veterans.

Turning to the July 19‑22 conference itself, Cornell shares upbeat registration numbers, hotel tips, and—importantly—news of no late‑registration fee increase. Portland’s light‑rail pass, tax‑free shopping, and Nike/Columbia/Adidas discounts sweeten the trip, but the intellectual draw is formidable: 65‑plus programs, four pre‑conference workshops, and a cross‑pollinated AI track that unites academic and private‑sector librarians. Keynote speaker Roosevelt Weeks, renowned for transforming Austin Public Library into a nationally acclaimed, radically welcoming space, will challenge attendees to double down on access and inclusion.

Asked for their “biggest challenge” predictions, Jenny cites the breakneck pace of AI and the resulting imperative to preserve integrity in an era of deepfakes and data deluge. Cornell echoes the warning: librarians must remain society’s trusted validators and proclaim that expertise without apology. As the gavel passes in Portland, Jenny’s presidential agenda crystallizes around three goals—meeting members where they are, converting dialogue into strategic action, and leaving the profession stronger for the next generation. Whether you are a long‑time AALL stalwart or a first‑time volunteer, this episode is a reminder that the future of legal information will be shaped by those who show up, speak up, and keep the channels open.

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[Special Thanks to ⁠Legal Technology Hub⁠ for their sponsoring this episode.]

Blue Sky: ⁠⁠@geeklawblog.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@marlgeb⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: [email protected]
Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transcript