ALA Meeting

ALA Meeting January 15 2018

Date: January 15th, 2018

Time: 5:00pm

Place: Trail Room

Members Present: Lara, Erin, Lisa, Kellen, Melissa, Katherine, Jaime, Rachel, Mitch, Miranda, Limor, Anita, Alex, Victoria

Introductions

• Lara introduced the ALA executive members and explained their roles.
• It was asked how often positions change. It was explained that there is no set schedule and no term commitment. Open positions were mentioned (secretary, co-chairs)

Introduction to the ALA

• Lara explained the role of the American Library Association and the ways it connects students and professionals to the library/information profession.
• Joining the ALA was recommended. Student pricing and ALA member resources (roundtables, professional divisions, webinars, etc) were explained.
• Questions about becoming an ALA member were asked. Lara explained ALA membership is necessary for accessing roundtables but the professional divisions and ethnic caucuses often have their own memberships. It was clarified that you can get a membership online, but that ALA membership is not needed to be in the ALA Student Chapter. A discussion was had about ALA conferences and whether membership is required.

Explanation of the ALA Student Chapter

• The Student Chapter acts as a conduit for students to get information put out by the ALA (links and information are included in newsletters). It also helps connect students with the UBC SLAIS community through events and collaborations with other groups.

ALA Events

• Members were reminded that the Scavenger Hunt started today, but people are still welcome to sign up.
• There will be a scavenger hunt wrap up party on Friday, January 19 at Koerner’s.
• There was discussion of the other events the ALA normally hosts (coloring party last term, tour of aquarium library).
• Members were directed to the SLA for additional tours.
• Kellen explained the possible trip to Western Washington University Children’s Literature Conference.

ALA Scholarships

• Lara recommended that members apply to the ALA scholarships and explained some of their requirements.
• It was clarified that students do not need to be ALA members to apply and that it is beneficial to have SLAIS faculty provide reference letters.

Newsletter Links

• Members were reminded of upcoming free webinars and directed to the newsletter for links.

Executive Nominations

• Lara nominated Lisa Zhu and Erin Flynn to be co-chairs. Kellen seconded the nomination.
• The secretary and webmaster positions are currently open.

Other Information

• Members were invited to attend a lecture on the state of the book at Green College on Tuesday, January 30 from 5-6:30 PM. For more information, see: https://www.greencollege.ubc.ca/civicrm/event/info?id=713&reset=1

Next Meeting

• Meetings will be held on Mondays from 5-6 PM. The next meeting will be in approximately one month, date to be determined later.