The ALA Chapters Resource Wiki promotes communication and assistance among ALA and the ALA Chapters.

ALA Chapters on Facebook promotes communication and assistance among ALA and the ALA Chapters.

The ALA Chapter Relations Office on Twitter promotes communication and assistance among ALA and the ALA Chapters.

The ALA Student Chapters group on Facebook facilitates communication and assistance among the student chapters and ALA.  See also ALA Student Chapter fan page. If your Chapter is not on here or you need to update some information, contact Don Wood, ALA Chapter Relations Office.

The ALA Student Members Wiki facilitates communication among student members and ALA.

The American Library Association Student to Staff Participants group on Facebook promotes communication and assistance among ALA and the student-to-staff participants. See also ALA Student to Staff fan page.

See also ALA Read Write Connect and ALA Weblog Service.

Surviving in a Tough Economy: An Advocacy Institute Workshop, Friday, January 15, 2010, 1:30 - 5 p.m., Boston Public Library- McKim Lower Level, 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116
Hear success stories, get the latest tips, and learn how to better advocate for your library in this difficult financial time. Advance ticket: $25; Onsite ticket: $50 Event Code: OLA1

2010 Midwinter Advance Registration ends December 4, 2009

Advocacy on the Front Lines: How to Make a Difference from Where You Sit, Saturday, January 16, 2010, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., 2010 ALA Midwinter Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, Location TBA
Do you think advocacy is just for the higher-ups in your organization? Everyone can – and should – have a role in advocating for their library and the profession. Learn how advocacy can be made easy: Join ALA President Camila Alire and guests in a discussion on Frontline Advocacy, an initiative designed to motivate, encourage and train the library community to seize opportunities to promote the diverse professionals, resources and services of libraries of all types.

This panel discussion is sponsored by the Camila Alire Presidential Initiative Workgroups in cooperation with the ALA Office for Library Advocacy, Governance Office and Office for Literacy and Outreach Services.

Has your chapter had an outstanding year? Has membership in your chapter increased? Did your Chapter develop and provide opportunities for members to participate in interesting and rewarding activities? Has your chapter received any awards? Do you have outstanding officers or members who should be recognized nationally? Apply for the New Members Round Table Student Chapter of the Year Award!

Applying for this award is a great way to highlight the time, energy and creativity that your Chapter has put forward in planning activities and increasing student involvement. The Award is presented in recognition of a Chapter’s outstanding contributions to the American Library Association, their library school, and the profession. A winner and runner-up will be selected for the award. All interested applicants must be accredited ALA Student Chapters.

Questions? Please contact Elizabeth Downey, chair of the committee, at 662-325-3834.

ALA Personal Members will qualify for:

•    20% off all in-store purchases, excluding café purchases
•    10% off our already discounted online prices at www.booksamillion.com/ala
•    Free shipping on any order over $25, including large quantity orders for libraries
•    Individualized service from a dedicated staff ready to serve you

Throughout the year as you’re shopping for your library ALA Organizational Members are able to use a library purchase order to place an order online, via phone by contacting Books-A Million’s Business 2 Business Department at 1-800-201-3550 x 3 or via email at business@booksamillion.com and B.A.M. offers a quote service at no charge.

See Join the NMRT-L Discussion E-List for instructions on how to join in on this discussion.

For more information about the discussion forum, see 2009-2010 Online Discussion Forum.

Below is a select list of the pros and cons for each specific aspect of the topic and looking at the future:

Open Access

Pros:

1) It “gives scholars and libraries an increased role in the scholarly communication system” (Haschak, 2007).

2) Open Access helps mitigate the financial effects from the “predatory practices of some large commercial publishers” (Haschak, 2007).

3) Publishing with open access, peer reviewed journals makes scholarly communication available to a much larger audience, especially when published in an online journal.

4) As it is sometimes called Grey Literature, it “offers a much more comprehensive picture of the state of knowledge for any topic” (De Castro et al., 2008, P.144).

Cons:

1) Open access will undo the peer review process (Lewis, 2008, P.271).

Future:

One possible, reasonable future is that libraries will continue to pursue open access opportunities in order to mitigate constantly increasing journal subscriptions. Journal subscriptions will consistently decrease with the addition of each open access opportunity a library participates in.

Web 3.0: the next evolution for the Web, the intelligent Web, or a 3^rd decade of the Web’s evolution resulting in a greater maturity . . .

Pros:

1) The use of natural language for searching and indexing

2) Semantic web applications can be used for enterprise date integration and other related functions.

3) Web 3.0 technologies have so far been using Web 2.0 technology

Cons:

1) I am not sure there is truly a downside to this next step for the Web, however I am not an expert.

Future:

The trends now being set in motion by Web 2.0, the personalization of the web, self service, and the added mobility of information, is creating a transforming environment where users are interacting with each other more and directly with information (Holmberg et al., 2009, P.669). This trend will continue and could possibly be creating the foundation of what is to come, Web 3.0.

References Consulted

Haschak, P.G. (2007). “The ‘platinum route’ to open access: a case study of E-JASL: The Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship” Information Research, 12(4) paper 321. [Available at http://InformationR.net/ir/12-4/paper321.html]

De Castro, P., Salinetti, S., & Banks, M. (2008). Awareness and empowerment in document production and distribution as a “must” for open access: Experiences from the “Nancy style” to guarantee quality. Grey Journal (TGJ), 4(3), 143-149. Retrieved from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts database.

Lewis, D. (2008). Library budgets, open access, and the future scholarly communication. College & Research Libraries News, 69(5), 271-273. Retrieved from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts database.

Holmberg, K., Huvila, I., Kronqvist-Berg, M., & Widén-Wulff, G. (2009). What is Library 2.0?. Journal of Documentation, 65(4), 668-681. Retrieved from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts database.

What is NMRT-L?

An e-list maintained by ALA, NMRT-L serves two complimentary purposes:

• To provide a forum for discussion of issues pertinent to those of us new to the library field, including, but not limited to, salaries, professional involvement, training, continuing education, staff development, library school and almost any topic relevant to newer librarians, new ALA members, paraprofessionals, and students;
• To provide a communications network for members of NMRT and its state counterparts, especially officers and board members, and as such, provide a place for announcements, calls for participation, general discussion and other activities of the organizations.

Of course, any e-list is only a reflection of its subscribers and their interests. Any issue of concern or interest to you as a new librarian, new ALA member, paraprofessional or library school student is appropriate for posting to the e-list. Messages for distribution should be sent to: nmrt-l@ala.org. It is considering a courtesy to include your name and institution in the body of the message, as well as a subject in the subject line of the header.

This e-list is unmoderated. Messages to the e-list will automatically be distributed to all subscribers. Contributions to this e-list are archived at http://lists.ala.org/wws/arc/nmrt-l. Registration is required to search the archives. Please direct any list administration questions to the listowners who are listed on the NMRT-L site.

NOTE: Messages posted to NMRT-L do not necessarily reflect the official position or receive the endorsement of ALA-NMRT.

How do I subscribe/unsubscribe to NMRT-L?

To subscribe or unsubscribe to NMRT-L (or any other ALA e-list), please point your Web browser to http://lists.ala.org. If you are not already a member of any ALA e-list, you can click on “send me a password,” and provide your e-mail address (please make note of the email address you use, since you will need it to log back into this interface), and one will be sent to you. Once logged in, you can turn any of your email subscriptions on and off.

Is there an archive of the NMRT-L mailing list?

Yes! The NMRT-L archives are available at http://lists.ala.org/wws/arc/nmrt-l.

Eligible participants

ALA student members at the master’s level and beyond are eligible to form official ALA student chapter groups at schools offering ALA-accredited programs of library and information services, or a master’s degree with a specialty in school library media from an NCATE/AASL-accredited program.

Fees

Student Chapters pay no fee to ALA. Individual members of the student chapter group pay ALA student dues. Each ALA student member is entitled to all the regular ALA personal membership benefits at a substantially reduced dues rate. The chapter may support its programs through fund-raising activities, dues paid to the student chapter group, or contributions from the school administration.

Benefits

Student-to-Staff Program

Each student chapter is entitled to nominate one student to go to the Annual Conference to participate in the Student-to-Staff program.

ALA materials

Catalogs, , posters, ALA Placement Center handouts, and other materials will be mailed to the student chapter president by the Staff Liaison in Chapter Relations upon request.

Student chapter plaque

A plaque will be sent to the student chapter by ALA upon receipt of an approved, ratified constitution and bylaws.

ALA student chapter group and other student groups

There are often several student groups on the library school campus to handle student problems and concerns. The student chapter is concerned with external relations with ALA as a professional organization. All groups can exist side-by-side without any role conflict. In fact, if time constraints or other considerations seem to dictate it, groups can be combined, sharing officers and activities.

How to get started

Designation of advisor

A faculty advisor should be designated to work with the organizers on chapter formation.

Information and organizational meeting

Arrange an informational and organizational meeting at the school for all interested students. The officers of existing groups can serve as a steering committee and can be of great assistance in helping to promote the chapter group. Students who have already joined ALA as student members should be identified and included in the chapter group. At the informational meeting, distribute membership forms and sign up students. Once a nucleus of members is established, a constitution should be drafted. Sample constitutions are available from the ALA Chapter Relations Office. A nominating committee should be appointed and a meeting held to elect officers and approve the constitution. A chapter group program committee should be appointed to work with the officers to develop program ideas.

Notification of ALA

The approved constitution, name of advisor, and list of officers should be sent to Don Wood, the staff liaison. The student chapter group’s information will appear on the ALA Student Chapter website.

Helpful contact people

Chapter organizers may well profit from the experience of local ALA members and others including:

• Your state’s ALA Chapter Councilor.
• The presidents and faculty advisors of existing student chapter groups. (Frequently updated information is available from ALA Chapter Relations Office.)

After your group is founded

Local programs

These will vary from chapter to chapter and should be designed to meet the needs of each particular group.

Here are some suggestions:

• Arrange campus visits from ALA program staff, ALA Officers, ALA Councilors, or ALA committee chairs. Visitors may be invited to visit classes or give a formal presentation, with informal gatherings either preceding or following the presentation. In order to keep costs to the student chapter to a minimum, such a campus visit might be added to a previously planned trip or draw on ALA members in your area. The Staff Liaison can help you to determine which ALA staff or members would be available to visit your school on a certain date.
• Student tours of local libraries might be arranged with active ALA members, giving students an opportunity to investigate current library practice from a professional perspective. Brown-bag lunches on campus where local ALA members are invited to share experiences and career development ideas with students in an informal atmosphere.
• Student attendance at local events sponsored by NMRT Affiliates, AASL Affiliates, ALCTS, ACRL Chapters, and ALA Chapters and Affiliates.
• Start a website, e-list, blog, Facebook, or other social networking tools for student chapter members, with news from conferences, a calendar of campus events, and interviews. Include articles on curriculum changes, new faculty members, and fellowships available to students from off-campus sources. Use chapter communication tools for humorous articles and to publicize student chapter programs.

Relationship with the state library association

Whenever possible, make a connection with the state library association in addition to ALA. Many library school students are more oriented towards their state than they are to the national scene and plan to remain in the state after graduation. Student chapter connection with the state association allows students to learn the workings of a smaller association, to make contacts with professionals in their area, and to attend local conferences and workshops. Many individuals begin their association “careers” in state associations.

Contact the president of the state library association or the executive director if there is one. Ask to be put on their mailing list to receive publicity for their programs. A list of state associations and their presidents and/or executive directors will be found on the online directory maintained by the Chapter Relations Office.

For further information

Good luck organizing your new student chapter. If you need help or further information, don’t hesitate to contact the Student Chapter staff liaison: Chapter Relations Office, American Library Association, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, or call: Toll-free 1-800-545-2433 x2429, in Chicago (312) 280-2429, or FAX: (312) 280-4392, Email: Don Wood.

Deadline to complete the application is Nov. 23, 2009.

Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than Dec. 15, 2009.

To apply, candidates must complete the application criteria and submit an essay that answers the following question: “What do you believe to be the biggest challenge in managing electronic resources in libraries today, and what solutions do you envision?” Essays and applications will be judged by a jury designated by ALA.

EBSCO is the world’s premier full-service provider of information, offering a portfolio of services that spans the realm of print and electronic subscription access and management, research databases and more. The company’s e-resource renewal and management tools help librarians accomplish in hours what once took weeks. For more information, please visit EBSCO.

The partnership between the American Library Association and its Chapters has varied during the Association’s history. For an understanding of this partnership, see The ALA/Chapter Relationship: A Shared Responsibility and ALA Chapter Councilors.

ALA Chapter Councilors

ALA Chapter Councilors provides information for Councilors, including Chapter Councilors, a contact list of all ALA Chapter Councilors. State and regional chapters provides contact and other information for all ALA Chapters. ALA and Chapter Conferences Calendar provides a list of upcoming ALA, Chapter, and Affiliate Conferences.

ALA Chapter Relations Committee and Chapter Relations Office

The Chapter Relations Committee (CRC) develops and recognizes Chapters as integral components of ALA; encourages discussion, activities and programs that support the mutual interests of ALA and the Chapters; advises when requested on proposals and actions of other ALA units that may affect Chapters; provides a forum wherein Chapters can share ideas and concerns of common interest and identify common needs and goals; communicates these Chapter needs and goals to ALA and ALA goals, programs and priorities to the Chapters; encourages and maintains a cooperative and supportive relationship among ALA, its units, and the Chapters; formulates and reviews periodically requirements for Chapter status; and serves as an advisory committee to the Chapter Relations Office.

Student Chapters

For an understanding of the partnership between ALA and the Student Chapters, see ALA Student Chapters, which includes: Who is Eligible to Form an Official ALA Student Chapter? How Do You Form a Student Group? How Do I Join ALA? How Do I Contact Other Student Chapters? Where Can I Find Chapter Resources? And Information about Jobs? And Information about Scholarships? as well as I Need a Mentor (And I Could Be One, Too!), So What Do I Do? What’s the Student to Staff Program, or How Do I Volunteer at an ALA Conference? ALA Connect, Wikis, and More.

Dear Colleagues:

When I ran for ALA President, I pledged to provide members who want to play a meaningful role in ALA the opportunity to do so. I am asking for your help in making this promise a reality.

One of the most important responsibilities I will undertake as ALA President-elect is to make appointments to the ALA and Council committees in collaboration with the Committee on Appointments (COA) and the Committee on Committees (COC).

To ensure diversity on all ALA and Council committees, I am seeking ALA members who represent racial and ethnic diversity; a variety of types and sizes of libraries, areas of the country, and work experience; and experience in participating in ALA.  In addition (and importantly), one of my goals this year is to encourage the involvement of newer members, members previously not active, and active members who have never been formally appointed to serve on committees.  I would especially appreciate your forwarding to me the names of those who are new to ALA and to the profession so I can consider them for appointment as committee members or interns.

Serving on an ALA or Council committee provides members with leadership training, networking opportunities, and experience in working on specific association topics.  I know that, as a member-leader, you have a broad knowledge of the kinds of people I am looking for.  Therefore, I would be grateful for your help in encouraging interested member-volunteers who would be good choices for appointment to serve on the committees listed here:

Accreditation; American Libraries Advisory; Awards; Budget Analysis and Review; Chapter Relations; Conference; Constitution and Bylaws; Council Orientation; Diversity; Education; Election; Human Resource Development and Recruitment Advisory; Information Technology Policy Advisory; Intellectual Freedom; International Relations; Legislation; Library Advocacy; Literacy; Literacy and Outreach Services Advisory; Membership; Membership Meetings; Organization; Policy Monitoring (current Council members only); Professional Ethics; Public and Cultural Programs Advisory; Public Awareness; Publishing; Research and Statistics; Resolutions; Rural Native and Tribal Libraries of All Kinds; Scholarships and Study Grants; Status of Women in Librarianship; Training, Orientation and Leadership Development; Website Advisory; ALA-Children*s Book Council (Joint Committee); ALA-Association of American Publishers (Joint Committee); and the ALA-Society of American Archivists/American Association of Museums (Joint Committee).

Anyone who would like to serve on one of the above committees must complete the committee volunteer form available at http://tinyurl.com/ybpgsm9.  The deadline for completing the ALA committee volunteer form is Friday, December 4, 2009.

I will also be organizing a number of task forces for my Presidential year to explore ways in which we can continue to transform the association for the 21st century.  Individuals who are not appointed to a committee will have the opportunity to be tapped for one of these groups.

Roberta A. Stevens
Outreach Projects and Partnerships Officer The Library of Congress
Development Office
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20540-1400
E-mail: rste@loc.gov
Work: (202) 707-1550
Fax: (202) 707-0312

Thank you again for helping me, COA and COC bring new voices into participatory and leadership roles in our dynamic association.

Sincerely,

Roberta A. Stevens
ALA President-elect