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YALSA SEEKS EDITOR FOR QUARTERLY JOURNAL

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is seeking a Member Editor for its quarterly journal, Young Adult Library Services. The deadline for applications is September 3, 2007.

The Member Editor will be responsible for the textual and pictorial content of the quarterly publication, and will work closely with YALSA’s Editorial Advisory Board, committees, members and designated YALSA staff to solicit articles and information. The Member Editor will also edit and proof all copy for each issue.

Applicants must have editorial and writing experience, excellent communications skills, the technical capacity to work in an electronic environment, and be YALSA members. Experience in library service to young adults is preferred.

For a complete description of the position and list of qualifications, please see below.

The Member Editor will be selected by November 2, 2007. The term of the appointment is three years beginning with the Summer 2008 issue and ending with the Spring 2011 issue. The Member Editor will receive an honorarium of $500 per issue and $500 to attend each of ALA’s Midwinter and Annual Conferences.

Candidates should send a cover letter, resume which includes editing experiences, and two samples of published work to: Stephanie Kuenn, YALSA Communications Specialist, at skuenn@ala.org. All resumes, etc. must be submitted via email. For further information contact Stephanie Kuenn by email or phone: 1-800-545-2433, extension 2128.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

NATURE OF THE POSITION:

The editorship is a professional appointment made by the president of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), with guidance from YALSA’s Executive Committee and Editorial Advisory Board. Extending for a period of three years, the appointment carries the possibility for renewal. An honorarium of $500 per issue (4 per year) plus $500 in travel support for each of two ALA conferences per year will be paid. The Member Editor reports to the Communications Specialist of YALSA and works closely with YALSA’s Editorial Advisory Board, and is responsible overall to YALSA’s Board of Directors.

PURPOSE OF THE JOURNAL:

1. To serve as a vehicle for continuing education for librarians and library workers serving young adults, ages 12 through 18
2. To publish articles of current interest to the profession
3. To showcase research and best practices in the field
4. To provide news from related fields
5. To spotlight significant events of the organization, including but not limited to awards and booklists
6. To offer in-depth reviews of professional literature and resources
7. To serve as the official record of the association

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Excellent oral and written communications skills.
2. Must have the technical capacity to work in an electronic environment.
3. Editing experience in publishing and/or journalism, sufficient to enable the individual to solicit and select refereed and non-refereed articles that will result in a high-quality publication that addresses the diverse interest of the readership.
4. Dynamic, self-motivated individual.
5. Ability to delegate.

6. Strong organizational skills.
7. Ability to set and meet deadlines.
8. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
9. Experience in library services to young adults.
10. Membership in YALSA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Member Editor:

• Deliver to YALSA a final set of copy for each issue according to previously set deadlines, satisfactory to YALSA in content and form and ready for typesetting.
• Set the scope and tone of the journal both textually and visually.
• Work with YALSA’s Editorial Advisory Board to develop a yearly editorial calendar, solicit manuscripts and assist them with the referee process.
• Provide regular input to YALSA’s Communications Specialist about content of upcoming issues so she can solicit ads.
• Work with YALSA’s Communications Specialist and production services to determine schedules for publication.
• Provide input to production services so they can develop a cover for each issue.
• Manage editorial office and write editorials.
• Manage the work of columnists and reviewers.
• Aggressively encourage the submission of high-quality articles according to current activities and interests of the field and maintain and develop positive relationships with authors and potential authors.
• Using the input of referees where appropriate, complete a thorough review of all submitted manuscripts in light of the philosophy, purpose and general style of the publication.
• Corresponds in a timely manner with authors regarding acceptance, rewriting, or rejection of articles.
• Edit all copy (including rewriting, reorganizing, validating information in content, etc.).
• Work with the Communications Specialist to determine association news to be included in each issue of the journal.
• Prepare each issue for publication by planning the table of contents, writing introductory notes, identifying text to be highlighted in pull quotes, determine the placement of images, etc.
• Secure copyright as necessary for articles, images, etc.
• Thoroughly review and edit galleys and page proofs for both first and second passes.
• Communicate with production services and the YALSA staff regularly.
• Communicate with the editor of YAttitudes and the Blog Manager and collaborate when appropriate.
• Attend ALA’s Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting, including meetings of YALSA’s Editorial Advisory Board, to assist YALSA with promoting the publication and also to solicit authors and advertisers.
• Prepare an annual report for YALSA’s Board of Directors, to be turned in one month before ALA’s Annual Conference.
• Answer questions and inquiries about the journal.
• Perform other relevant duties as needed.

YALSA Staff

1. Works with production services to maintain the template for the journal.
2. Works with production services and the Member Editor to develop a publication schedule and comply with it.
3. Handles all financial transactions for the journal.
4. Communications Specialist communicates regularly with editor to provide support and facilitate work.
5. Works closely with the ad rep to ensure that ad revenues meet targeted goals.
6. Promotes the publication through appropriate venues.