Do You ALA?

At the Young Turks reception in Boston, we initiated a conversation by asking the question of those present:

What would make ALA a better fit for you?

We invited responses on paper, on Twitter using #youngturks, or by email to any of the working group members. We’ll post some of those responses on ALA Connect for all to share.

If you weren’t at the reception, or even if you were and have new ideas, we invite you to comment below, on Twitter, or on Connect and share your constructive ideas for what might make ALA a better place.

PS: This is directed to the Young Librarians Working Group Think Tank, but anyone else is welcome to respond, too.

I thought this blog might be useful for us to post and consider some of the initiatives and efforts out there in ALA-land (and elsewhere) that tie in to our work to make ALA more welcoming to young librarians. As a result, I offer here two items that have come recently to my attention on the subject. Your thoughts and feedback are welcome!

ITEM 1: AndyW’s blog post on LISNews, “ALA rhymes with ‘Pay’,” in which he suggests that a great way to promote ALA membership is to give it away! A great read, and an interesting idea.

ITEM 2: Big Think, RUSA Board Meeting, Midwinter Conference, Boston. From an email message…

The RUSA Board devotes time at the Midwinter meeting for a RUSA Big Think; this is a time for the Board to brainstorm a critical question facing the association. One of our biggest issues this year is attracting new members.

Our President, Susan J. Beck, has written two very timely articles that fit right in with this topic: one assesses some interesting trends in the issues addressed by recent candidates for elective positions in RUSA, and she succinctly points out the value of reference librarians (“library lifesavers”) and RUSA membership in another: “We Must Think Strategically,” RUSQ, Spring 2010 and “This is our time to shine,” RUSQ, 49:1. Please feel free to come to the RUSA board meeting on Saturday, January 16, 2010, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the Boston Convention Exhibition Center (BCEC), room 102A and participate in the Big Think.

I’m sure interested in hearing the results of the Big Think — I hope RUSA will be sharing them!