Get ready to vote! The YALSA election runs from March 19 through April 25, and to help you be an informed voter, we’re sharing interviews with each of the 2014 YALSA Governance candidates.
We will start with the candidates for Board Director-at-large. YALSA Board members serve three-year terms, during which they jointly determine YALSA’s policies, programs, and strategic direction, in accordance with YALSA’s bylaws. They attend both virtual and in-person meetings and serve as liaisons to YALSA’s committee chairs and members. A full description of Board duties and responsibilities can be found here.
Candidates, who will be presented in alphabetical order, were asked to craft “Twitter-length” responses (i.e. around 140 characters). Full biographical information on all of the candidates can be found on the sample ballot.
Today we have an interview with‘ Betsy Fraser.
Name and current position:‘ Betsy Fraser,Selector, Calgary Public Library
Why did you decide to run for a YALSA office? What excites you about serving on YALSA Board? ‘
I was inspired to run by the Board liaison I had while chairing the Summer Reading Taskforce and I am excited about the opportunity to do the same thing for someone else.
What areas of YALSA’s Strategic Plan do you think you can best contribute to? Why?’
Advocacy and member recruitment, as I am a staunch believer in YALSA and what it offers.
What is the most pressing issue facing YALSA today?
The need to attract and retain members, which offers possibilities for partnerships and advocacy.
What priority activities should YALSA take on to address the “paradigm shift” as described in The Future of Library Services for and with Teens report?
Promote digital and media literacy and capitalize on the know-how and innovative programming done by members.
What attributes have helped you succeed professionally?
Enthusiasm, determination, and a sense of humor.
What do you see as the primary role of the Board?
To look to the best possible future for the Division.
If elected, how will you help YALSA members (in their daily work, in their careers, other)?
Be available as a sounding board, as others have consistently been for me.
What else would you like voters to know about you?
I’ve served on Council, ALSC committees, & YALSA award, selection & process committees & have a solid understanding of where we fit.
