About Forums

Virginia Library Association members may join one of the nine forums at any time throughout the year. Forums are groups within the Association that exchange ideas and information. Many forums host their own virtual or in person events which all VLA members may attend. Each forum is led by a chair who acts as a liaison to the Communications and Member Engagement Manager. Committee chairs are members of the VLA Council - these terms commence and end with the VLA Annual Conference’s closing board meeting.

Explore your interests, share your knowledge, and form connections with library workers across Virginia through forum membership. Join a forum at any time by filling out the Forum Registration form below. You will be added to the forum's Basecamp hub by the last day of the month. From there, you can access meeting links, discussions, and more.

Learn More About VLA Forums

Field Interest Forums
Collections and Technical Services Forum (CaTS)
College and Research Libraries Forum (VLACRL)
Graphic Novels and Comics Forum
Intellectual Freedom Forum
Makerspace Forum
New Members Roundtable
Youth and Family Services Forum

Social Interest Forums
LGBTQIA+ Forum
Librarians of Color Forum

Forum FAQs

How do I join a forum?
Sign up for a forum (or two, or three) using the Google form linked above. The respective chair will add you to the forum's Basecamp.

What is Basecamp?
Basecamp is a software platform with a message board, a calendar with Zoom and event links, and cloud storage abilities. You can start chats or discussions with other forum members, find the link to join upcoming meetings, and work collaboratively on forum projects.

What do forums do?
Forums do not have specific projects or timelines as committees do. Forum's work varies; some may meet up in person for events, others may plan projects that are distributed to the Virginia Library Association membership as a whole, and others may simply work as an idea exchange with ongoing virtual discussions. No matter what, it's a great way to connect with others who share a common interest or profession.

How often do forums meet?
Most forums meet virtually once per month.

How do I get involved with a forum?
Any VLA member may join a forum meeting. Once you're added to the Basecamp, you are able to start discussions, chat with other members, and connect with forum leadership about proposed ideas for the forum.

How do I become chair of a forum?
Forums have different processes for selecting incoming co-chairs. Many forums allow existing members to vote via virtual ballot from a pool of candidates who submit their names. Co-chairs serve in a learning role for one year before transitioning into the chair role.

How do I start a forum?
Any member of the Association may organize a forum. Members wishing to organize a forum must submit a written petition of at least 20 members to the Executive Committee, which approves or denies the request. The petition must include the name, general purpose, and specific objectives of the proposed forum. If the Executive Committee approves the petition, the President of the Association appoints a chairperson until such time as a meeting is held and a chair is duly elected by the Forum membership. The chair is a member of Council.