VLA Seeking Applications for ALA Councilor for 2016

VLA is accepting applications now through September 1 for the appointed position of American Library Association Chapter Councilor for 2016. As per Rebecca K. Miller’s email, she has taken a position in Pennsylvania that precludes her from participating as Virginia’s Councilor to the American Library Association.

A description of responsibilities is below.  The VLA Executive Committee (http://www.vla.org/2015-vla-executive-committee) will review applications and will select an appointee in the coming weeks. If you are interested in this appointment, please send a candidate statement and biographical information to Lisa R. Varga, VLA Executive Director by September 1, 2015. For examples of Candidate Statements and Biographical Information, please see our current candidates for VLA Office.

If you have any questions about serving as the VLA Chapter Councilor for the year 2016, Rebecca is happy to answer them. Please reach out to her at [email protected].   

As per ALA’s Bylaws, this appointment lasts one year. VLA will elect a Councilor for a new 3 year term during our 2016 election process (which begins next summer.)

VLA Chapter Councilor to ALA Responsibilities
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) Chapter Councilor position includes responsibilities and privileges at both the state and national levels.  This position is a fantastic way to participate in national conversations and represent the Commonwealth of Virginia on a national platform.  
As a member of the VLA Executive Committee, the VLA Chapter Councilor is expected to attend the annual Executive Committee retreat, quarterly VLA Executive Committee, and VLA Council meetings in Richmond, VA.  Dates for these meetings are as follows:

  • December 3-4, 2015 (Executive Committee retreat, Roanoke, VA)
  • January 28-29, 2016 (Executive Committee and Council meeting, Richmond, VA)
  • April 21-22, 2016 (Executive Committee and Council meeting, Richmond, VA)
  • June 2-3, 2016 (Executive Committee and Council meeting, Richmond, VA)
  • September 15-16, 2016 (Executive Committee and Council meeting, Richmond, VA)
  • October 25-27, 2016 (VLA Annual Conference, Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA)

Executive Committee members arrive in Richmond on Thursday afternoon and stay in Richmond through the Council meeting on Friday morning.  VLA covers the expense of a hotel room on Thursday night.  The Virginia Chapter Councilor is expected to offer quarterly reports on activities and communicate discussions and activities occurring at the national level.
In addition to attending VLA meetings, the Virginia Chapter Councilor is expected to attend ALA Annual and Midwinter meetings in order to participate in ALA Council sessions and discussions.  At the conferences, Chapter Councilors usually attend three ALA Council sessions, two ALA Council forums, and the Chapter Councilor Forum, in addition to any other meetings or opportunities that the VLA Executive Committee may identify.  The Virginia Library Association covers the expense of registration, travel, lodging, and meals at ALA Annual and Midwinter conferences for the Virginia Chapter Councilor.