Listed below are selected links to sources to consult when looking for speakers. In general, most colleges and universities will maintain a list of faculty experts willing to be tapped as speakers. Also, many federal, state, and local government agencies are willing to share their in-house experts. Another path for locating speakers is to review previous VLA programs and conferences.
Library Associations and Organizations:
The Virginia Writers Club, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of writers and poets, screenwriters and playwrights, journalists and essayists,
and other publishing professionals whose purpose is to support and stimulate the art, craft and business of writing,
as well as advocate the literary arts in the Commonwealth
SOLINET Speakers Bureau
Southeastern Library Network
ALA ACRL Officers Speakers
Association of College and Research Libraries
Officers and chairs of other ALA divisions may be able to make recommendations. Also, other library networks such as Capcon may be of assistance.
Many libraries and library systems have personnel willing to share their expertise.
Library of Congress “Especially for Librarians & Archivists”
Other library sources:
Comprehensive List of Library Servers on the Web
Government, Business and Professional Organizations:
Many communities have local speakers bureaus or lists of experts. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or browse the locality’s Web site. Groups promoting events and conventions may be particularly helpful.
U.S. Chambers of Commerce – Virginia
“My Virginia” – the Official Commonwealth of Virginia Home Page
State and Local Government on the Net – Virginia
College and University Guides to Faculty Experts:
Many colleges and universities maintain “guides to faculty experts” either on their Web sites or published in print. Try contacting college or university offices with names such as “University (or College) Relations,” “Media (or Journalist) Relations,” and “Community Relations.” Alumni offices may maintain lists as well.
Averett College
Danville Community College
George Mason University
Hampton University
Hollins University
J. Sargeant Reynolds
James Madison University: call (540) 568-6986
Mary Washington College
Northern Virginia Community College
Old Dominion University
Radford University
University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Virginia Tech
Catholic University of America
SCHEV list of “Colleges and Universities Authorized to Operate in Virginia”
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia