September’s ALA Liaison Report

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Hi everyone!  My name is Kelsey Ford (she/her), and I am YALSA’s new ALA Liaison for 2021-2022.  I am representing YALSA on several ALA Committees, and I plan to share monthly updates on YALSA’s blog to keep you all posted about what is happening in ALA.  Below please find some important ALA updates for September.

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3 reasons to be the next ALA Liaison

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We’re looking for the next ALA Liaison to serve a term from July 2021-June 2022 and you may be the perfect candidate to apply. 

1. Jump on the fast-track in learning about the work of ALA groups and how they operate within the current structure of ALA.

For instance, the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) does not fall directly under ALA as a division, but shares a relationship with ALA that is akin to the affiliates. Regardless, this powerhouse organization is staffed by a team of dedicated and fierce advocates and their meetings are truly fascinating. As the liaison, you’ll receive free access to hearing the inside scoop on litigation cases that are being fought by FTRF and realize the big picture in their connection to libraries. 

2. Become familiar with current trends in the field for each group’s area of expertise. 

The Intellectual Freedom Committee is one of the busiest and most active ALA groups I’ve seen in action. They are on top of their game when it comes to intellectual freedom issues in libraries. As liaison, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in volunteer work, if you wish. During my experience, I was able to assist a few sub-committees in the updating of documents for the latest edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual.

3. Networking and meeting many people! 

I know, you’re probably thinking “Not another Zoom meeting!” But these meetings feature all kinds of people that you don’t yet know. New professionals, life-long librarians, and even ALA Past-Presidents. Hear about what’s happening all over the country from the individuals themselves. There are in-person meeting requirements for the ALA Conferences whenever they begin occurring in-person again, but YALSA grants a stipend to assist in your participation. 

So what does the YALSA ALA Liaison do? In a nutshell, the appointed individual will:

  • Attend as many virtual meetings as available for each of the eight appointed groups. Some groups are more active than others, meaning that some only meet at conferences.
  • Take notes at meetings to share important updates with YALSA leadership related to teens or opportunities for collaboration with YALSA.
  • Meet virtually with YALSA leadership who will support you in sharing new information from YALSA. 
  • Write two reports for the YALSA Board, each to be submitted before Midwinter and Annual conferences.

If you’re still reading this, what are you waiting for? Submit your application today and get involved! Feel free to check out this page for more info or reach out to me at AmandaBarnhart@kclibrary.org. Deadline for application submission is March 1, 2021.  March 10, 2021.

Wishing you well in your professional endeavors,

Amanda Barnhart (she/hers)
YALSA President 2020-2021
YALSA ALA Liaison 2017-2019

Apply to be YALSA’s Next Liaison to ALA!

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Be our next Liaison to ALA! YALSA is seeking a member to serve as liaison to ALA groups for a one-year term from July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020.

The role of YALSA’s ALA Liaison is to strengthen ties between YALSA and ALA by sharing information between groups and representing YALSA’s interests to ALA. This position would liaise with the following ALA groups both virtually and in person at ALA’s Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference:

  • ASCLA Accessibility Assembly
  • Conference Program Coordinating Team
  • Freedom to Read Foundation
  • Intellectual Freedom Committee
  • Legislation Assembly
  • Literacy Assembly
  • Professional Ethics Committee
  • Website Advisory Committee

Qualifications

Those interested in serving as Liaison should have:

  • Current personal membership in YALSA
  • Ability to attend 8 – 10 ALA committee meetings at both the ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference
  • Ability to attend virtual ALA committee meetings
  • In order to accomplish work in a virtual environment the Liaison must be competent users of digital tools, including but not limited to wikis, e-chats, Skype, Google docs, and Zoom
  • Prior experience serving on a YALSA or ALA committee, and/or the YALSA Board of Directors
  • Knowledge of ALA and YALSA processes
  • Passion for YALSA’s mission
  • Knowledge of current YALSA initiatives, programs, and services
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to speak and write clearly
  • Ability to work well in a team environment
  • Enough free time to dedicate to the extensive demands of this position
  • High degree of ethical standards
  • Minimal other concurrent responsibilities, committee work, affiliations, leadership positions, appointments, etc. within YALSA or with other organizations

If there’s financial need, up to $1,000 in funds total can be provided to the liaison to defray the cost of attending the 2020 Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference. The term of the Liaison’s appointment is July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. For more information or to apply by April 1, visit YALSA’s web site.