Virginia Libraries Takes on a New Focus

 After sixty years of publication as a quarterly print journal, Virginia Libraries is moving in a new direction. As noted in every issue, the journal was originally designed to:

“develop, promote, and improve library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to advance literacy and learning and to ensure access to information in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The journal, distributed to the membership, is used as a vehicle for members to exchange information, ideas, and solutions to mutual problems in professional articles on current topics in the library and information field.”

The journal has had a remarkable run, and the archives will remain available online at: http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/VALib/index.html

We’re excited about the first peer-reviewed issue of Virginia Libraries, which will be published in March 2015. We are also taking this opportunity to reshape the journal into an annual single-issue, peer-reviewed print journal (which will continue to be kept in the online archive). At the same time, we see the Virginia Library Association website growing into a more robust platform for sharing timely news and information from our members.

With this in mind, we are forming a new Ad Hoc Website Content Committee to review the Association’s website. This committee will work with the VLA Executive Committee and the VLA Executive Director to develop policies and procedures for maintenance of the website, including the creation of new content that best meets our members’ needs. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact Lisa Varga <[email protected]> or Shari Henry <[email protected]>.

Suzy Szasz Palmer

President

Virginia Library Association

February 27, 2015

Call for Nominations: 2015 VLA Awards

We know you work with amazing people, and that hundreds of wonderful volunteers help make your library a success year after year. Celebrate those people and their dedication by nominating them for a Virginia Library Association Award (deadline May 15). Winners will be honored at the Virginia Library Association Annual Conference at the Richmond Marriott, October 21-23.

Click here for Nomination Forms and Award Criteria

2015 VLA Awards Call for Nominations
The Awards and Recognition Committee is seeking nominations for the following VLA Awards:

• George Mason Award
• Honorary Life Award
• Trustee Library Award
• Friends of the Library Award

The deadline for nominations is May 15, 2015.

Nominations may be submitted electronically to Lisa Varga, VLA Executive Director ([email protected]).
 
Thank you,

The Awards and Recognition Committee
 

VLA 2015 Presentation Academy

Would you like to…

 
Then sign up for VLA’s Presentation Academy! A recent survey of some VLA members revealed that a number of library professionals would be interested in presenting but requested help with the necessary skills.  This new venture is intended to support VLA members of all stripe, seniority, and persuasion in an effort to expand and improve presentations in our area.  Whether you are a seasoned professional just looking for some new ideas or a new member who wants to learn the basics, the Presentation Academy may be for you.

The Presentation Academy will be a hybrid experience. Participants will first attend an in-person workshop on Monday, March 2, in Charlottesville, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. At this meeting, we will brainstorm ideas for presentations, learn techniques to combat public speaking nerves, and discuss how to write a strong proposal.

In the summer, we will offer webinars on effective presentation design.  

In September, participants will then have an opportunity to give a “dress rehearsal” on a presentation to academy faculty members, who will offer constructive critiques.  

Additional benefits: .  For those of you who want to submit for VLA 2015, academy faculty members will provide written feedback to your draft proposals. During the VLA selection process, your proposals will be given extra consideration. Participants will be entered into a $100 drawing from the VLA Fundraising/Development Forum.  Participants who complete all activities will receive a certificate of completion.

Space is limited, so please apply by Monday, February 16.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Do I need to be at an academic or public library?
A. You can be any kind of library professional that has a membership to VLA or ACRL (Virginia resident). Student members are also welcome.

Q. How much does this cost?
A. There are no registration fees.  

Q. Do I have to attend the Charlottesville event?
A. This is the kickoff event for the academy and is required.

Q. Where will the Charlottesville meeting be located?
A. UVA’s Alderman Library will host us. VLA will cover parking expenses. Thank you, UVA and VLA!

Q. What if I just want to attend some of the events?
A. To be a participant, you must commit to the kickoff event in Charlottesville and the summer webinars. (Webinars will be recorded so that participants who cannot attend can watch at another time.) The September session is optional for those not presenting at VLA.

Q. Who are the Presentation Academy faculty members?
Candice Benjes-Small (VLACRL)
Ladd Brown (VLA Technical Services Forum)
Nathan Flinchum (VLA Executive Committee & Local History Forum)
Rebecca K. Miller (VLA Executive Committee & VLACRL)
Jennifer Resor Whicker (VLACRL)

I have other questions; who should I contact? Candice can be reached at [email protected]

Call for Proposals NOW OPEN

Libraries @ the Center
2015 VLA Conference
October 21-23, Richmond Marriott

“Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated”: This was far from the truth for Mark Twain, and the same can be said for libraries. Reports suggesting that libraries are losing their relevance in today’s technological world are proving to be equally false. In fact, libraries remain at the center: for students and teachers in K-12 schools, for college and university faculty and students, and for the public at large. Indeed, what other institution can say it has an impact on the cultural, social, educational, and civic fabric of our lives? The Virginia Library Association will commemorate its 110th Anniversary at the 2015 Annual Conference – Libraries @ the Center. Join us as we celebrate the vital role libraries continue to play in our communities by creating new environments for exploration, learning, interaction, and imagination!
 
What are you doing at your library to remain @ the Center? The VLA Conference Committee invites you to submit a session proposal by the April 15, 2015 deadline. This is a joint conference with the Virginia Association of Law Libraries (VALL) and will include a VLA College and Research Libraries (VLACRL) Conference Within a Conference.
 
Suzy Szasz Palmer, VLA President
Shaunna Hunter and Samantha Thomason, VLA Conference Co-Chairs
Candice Small, VLA College and Research Libraries Chair (VLACRL)
Stephanie Miller, Virginia Association of Law Libraries (VALL) Representative
Lisa R. Varga, VLA Executive Director