2018 Virginia Libraries Journal: Call for Submissions

Virginia Libraries is seeking articles for its 2018 annual issue, and the Editorial Board is excited to see submissions exploring projects, programs, trends, issues, research studies, and initiatives, that you are leading!

Articles in the 2018 annual issue will be published on an item-by-item basis, as received, through December 2018. Submit for publication at any time. The deadline for submissions to be published by the December 2018 end of volume is September 30, 2018.

Virginia Libraries, VLA’s open access journal, has recently changed to an annual frequency. Volume 62, 2017 articles are available in HTML online with a full volume all-in-one PDF format in process. Submissions for 2018 are already in process and will begin publication in the next few weeks. Virginia Libraries features peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed content of interest to all types of libraries (academic, public, corporate, school, and special), with a particular focus on content of interest to and deriving from the library community in Virginia. The journal’s goal is to further research in all areas of library and information services, communicate best practices, and explore trends and issues of interest to the library profession.

Queries are welcome! Do you have a topic you’re considering, or are you wondering about which article type best fits your writing interest? For questions or more information, contact the Editorial Board at: [email protected].

Who can submit? Submissions are welcomed from all types of libraries and library staff as well as graduate students. Part of the journal’s mission is to introduce new Virginia voices to the library literature and provide an encouraging environment for new authors from all types of libraries. Journal editors will work closely with prospective authors in the development of submissions and articles.

Submission criteria: The journal is considering submissions for:

  • Research articles
    • peer reviewed; report on research studies, scholarly research and analysis, or literature reviews
  • Best Practice articles
    • peer reviewed; describe innovative initiatives and effective practices
  • Case Studies
    • examine a narrowly focused scenario in an applied context and with a training or educational purpose; no peer review
  • Essays / Commentary
    • discuss a topic or issue of interest related to libraries; more room for subjectivity and expression of a position; no peer review
  • Themed Columns - a 2018 topic is: Civic Engagement and Participation
    • Librarians from James Madison University are building on a statewide survey they conducted last year and writing a column that includes brief case studies on the topic of public, school, special, and/or academic libraries supporting your community’s participation in civic life. Has your library hosted dialogues on topics of importance to your city? Promoted voter registration? Organized a book display about current issues relevant to civic life? Hosted a forum with politicians or candidates? They would love to hear about these types of activities and more! If you want your library’s civic engagement program to be highlighted, please share some information in this brief online form -- http://jmu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aXBhlIR9At6Oq6p --  by Friday, June 1, 2018.

For further information see the journal website: https://virginialibrariesjournal.org/, or contact the Editorial Board at: [email protected].