Interviews with ALCTS Leaders: Margaret Mering, International Relations Committee Chair

Because of my interest in international librarianship, I am especially excited to be serving as the chair of the International Relations Committee, which oversees ALCTS Online Grant for Librarians from Developing Countries. Librarians selected for the grant participate in ALCTS Fundamentals courses. The goal of the grant is to assist library professionals from developing countries to stay current with the latest trends and developments in technical services areas and to enhance their professional knowledge and skills in librarianship and information science. The fall 2017 grant cycle was the first time that more than 100 people applied for the grant.

Continue reading

Survey for Potential New ALA Division

Three ALA divisions—the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS), Library & Information Technology Association (LITA), and Library Leadership & Management Association (LLAMA)—are currently discussing how we might work together to create a new division. We’re asking you to complete an online survey to tell us a little more about your job, work environment, educational needs, and professional aspirations. The survey will close at the end of the day on Sunday, May 20, 2018.

Continue reading

Exploring Realignment of ALCTS, LITA, & LLAMA

For some time now and especially during the past few months there have been ongoing discussions about the complexities and challenges facing ALA and the sustainability and future of the mid-size functional divisions within ALA, of which ALCTS is one. After discussing the difficulties facing ALA and our divisions, the current and future leaders and executive directors of ALCTS, LITA, and LLAMA, wrote the  “Working Document Exploration of Integration and Realignment Opportunities for ALCTS, LITA, and LLAMA.” We welcome your thoughts.

Continue reading

My ALCTS Experience: Hayley Moreno

You know that saying that it takes a village to raise a child? Well the same thing can be said of ALCTS. It takes a village of library students, paraprofessionals, librarians, and staff to make this association as relevant today as it was 60 years ago. For decades ALCTS has continued to stay active as the library landscape morphs in different directions. I’m glad to be a part of ALCTS history by doing my part in helping this organization continue to thrive for years to come.

Continue reading