The 91´«Ã½ and Chapters Partnership

91´«Ã½ and Chapters currently interact through a variety of activities and services (see also Chapter Answers). This page, repeating somewhat information found on pages What Chapters Are and What 91´«Ã½ Does for Chapters (which includes links to select resources), will guide you to answers and explanations about how the 91´«Ã½ and 91´«Ã½ Chapters partnership works. The relationship between the 91´«Ã½ and its Chapters has varied during the 91´«Ã½'s history. The relationship is flexible: it can be active or passive. Each partner expects certain benefits from the relationship, but each must also recognize the responsibilities that accompany a partnership.

91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ and Chapters Partnership works because 91´«Ã½ and the Chapters help each other help each other!

The 91´«Ã½ and Chapters Partnership will guide you to answers and explanations about how the 91´«Ã½ and partnership works.

| Overview | Advocacy and Legislation | Chapter Activity and Programs | Chapter Councilors | Chapter Relations Committee/Chapter Relations Office | Communication | Conferences and Events/Chapter Conferences | Crisis Intervention | Education and Training | Helping United States Libraries After Disasters | Issues: Chapters Share with Each Other and 91´«Ã½ How They Address Issues Affecting Their Associations | Joint Membership Program | Membership Benefits | Resources for Chapters | Student Chapters | Social Networking | A Continuing Partnership: Summary | 91´«Ã½ and the Chapters: A Mutually Advantageous Relationship | Questions/Comments | 91´«Ã½ Chapter Relations Office Contacts |

Overview

The (CRO) promotes a sense of identification between the national Association and the 57 ; facilitates between the Chapters and all 91´«Ã½ units (e.g., , , ; ), coordinates leadership development for Chapter officers (e.g., ), , chief paid staff members, and other Chapter leaders; strengthens membership promotion activities for 91´«Ã½ and the Chapters (e.g., ); coordinates the and the and ; and helps raise awareness throughout the 91´«Ã½ of and sensitivity to Chapter and other needs (e.g., , where Chapters share how they address common issues). In addition to CRO, the interests of Chapters are represented within 91´«Ã½ by the (CRC), which meets , and serves as an advisory committee to the CRO. Immediately below are links to resources to help you grasp an overview of the 91´«Ã½ and Chapters partnership.



CRO supports 91´«Ã½'s and Chapter's library advocacy efforts by working with other 91´«Ã½ units and other groups.



Links to 91´«Ã½ units and topics, such as key action areas.



Another quick way to find resources for Chapters.



Chapters share with each other how they address common issues.



Free webinars presented by the 91´«Ã½ Chapter Relations Office and the 91´«Ã½ Office for Library Advocacy.



Of the numerous pages to access information about the 91´«Ã½ and Chapters partnership and resources, and answers related to Chapters, this is the page to bookmark and refer to first.



CRO supports 91´«Ã½’s advocacy efforts by tracking federal, state, and local legislation and other issues affecting libraries, and by working with the , the , the , , other 91´«Ã½ units, and other groups. CRO provides advocacy assistance to by several means, including helping them develop and maintain their own advocacy websites, which allow their members to contact state and federal legislators.

Many important resources are provided here. For additional resources, see either or for links to resources for (a) , (b) activities related to the 91´«Ã½ and Chapters Partnership, (c) Chapter leader directories, (d) conference calendars, both those of Chapters and 91´«Ã½, (e) and more.

The partnership between the 91´«Ã½ and its Chapters is designed to benefit both. Each partner expects certain benefits from the partnership, and each strives to meet those expectations by accomplishing the responsibilities accompanying their partnership.

If there is a resource you would like to suggest for this or another Chapters-related page, please contact the Chapter Relations Office, cro@ala.org

. 91´«Ã½ is an incredibly rich and varied organization and offers something for everyone, whether you want to get involved with colleagues who work in the same kind of library, expand your horizons by attending conferences or continuing education events, network with members who share your interests, find a forum to discuss key issues, work on specific projects, or support libraries and librarians.



American Association of School Librarians, Office for Library Advocacy, and Chapter Relations Office have embarked on a yearlong initiative to strengthen state library ecosystems through unified messaging and identification of shared priorities for action.

Advocacy and Legislation

OneClickPolitics

  • 91´«Ã½ currently provides support for all state chapters to set up their own OneClickPolitcs platform. Visit also the , and .
  • To take action on state legislation or local issues affecting libraries and to take action for libraries in your state via OneClickPolitics

Bill Track 50

  • Provided to all state chapters to track bills in their state.

To further assist the Chapters with advocacy:

  • See .
  • 91´«Ã½ has an Office for Library Advocacy, which provides resources and other assistance to Chapters.
  • 91´«Ã½ has an . The office has created as a space for us to help keep current events in conversation with libraries' ongoing work in and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • If libraries in your states are in danger of being closed, etc., and you think 91´«Ã½ can help in any way, please contact the

Chapter Activity and Programs

  • Perhaps the best way to find out what Chapters do is to , in particular, their advocacy efforts on behalf of the libraries within their states and their annual conferences. Start by !
  • Another way to find out how Chapters function is by studying their self-reported activities, either in their newsletters, (including blogs), or in the annual survey they submit to 91´«Ã½. This survey is called the . These snapshot reports () help Chapters and 91´«Ã½ assess the health and vitality of state and regional library associations. These reports help highlight notable activities and achievements that can be modeled, and identify challenges and needs that may be addressed collectively.
  • . Forum held at 91´«Ã½ Midwinter and Annual Conference provides a full agenda on a variety of topics to help prepare Chapter leaders to lead their association.

Chapter Councilors

  • Each State Chapter has a councilor on 91´«Ã½ Council.
  • The Chapter Relations Office provides a webpage of resources for the Chapter Councilor that includes a job description and other information to prepare them to serve (see ).
  • 91´«Ã½ also provides a general orientation for new Councilors at Midwinter. Chapter Councilors meet in three, all-Council forums. In addition, Chapter Councilors meet on Sunday in their own Chapter Councilors Forum. The forum is held on Sunday to meet between the two CRC meetings (CRC I on Saturday; CRC II on Monday). See .
  • Chapter Councilors help Chapters promote general library service and librarianship within its geographic area, provides geographic representation to the 91´«Ã½ Council, and cooperates in the promotion of general and joint enterprises with 91´«Ã½ and other library groups.
  • have specific duties (see , including helping complete the and promoting 91´«Ã½ at their associations' annual conferences (e.g., (Word)). For other duties, see (Word).

Chapter Relations Committee/Chapter Relations Office

The and the work together to provide guidance and assistance to the . See also , , , and .

91´«Ã½'s role with chapters is overseen by the Chapter Relations Committee, established by the 91´«Ã½ Council upon the recommendation of the on January 11, 1967, and executed by the Chapter Relations Office, established by the Council in 1979. CRO is headed by a half-time director (who also directs the International Relations Office) and staffed with a program officer.

Chapter Relations Committee

The (CRC):

  • Established January 11, 1967;
  • Develops and recognizes Chapters as integral components of 91´«Ã½;
  • Encourages discussion, activities, and programs that support the mutual interests of 91´«Ã½ and the Chapters;
  • Advises when requested on proposals and actions of other 91´«Ã½ units that may affect Chapters;
  • Provides a forum wherein Chapters can share ideas and concerns of common interest and identify common needs and goals;
  • Communicates these Chapter needs and goals to 91´«Ã½ and 91´«Ã½ goals, programs, and priorities to the Chapters;
  • Encourages and maintains a cooperative and supportive relationship among 91´«Ã½, its units, and the Chapters;
  • Formulates and reviews periodically requirements for Chapter status; and
  • Serves as an advisory committee to the .
  • The CRC meets at each .
  • Presents the each Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference.
  • Sponsors one or more programs at the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference.
  • After every Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference, the CRC provides the 91´«Ã½ Council with a report on its activities. See .
  • CRC members are subscribed to two CRO business e-lists, crc@lists.ala.org and alacro-l@lists.ala.org

Chapter Relations Office

The (CRO):

  • Established 1979;
  • Promotes a sense of identification between the national Association and the 57 91´«Ã½ Chapters;
  • Facilitates communication between the Chapters and all 91´«Ã½ units;
  • Coordinates leadership development for Chapter officers, , chief paid staff members, and other Chapter leaders
  • Strengthens for 91´«Ã½ and the Chapters;
  • Coordinates the and the ; and
  • Helps raise awareness of and sensitivity to Chapter needs throughout the 91´«Ã½.
  • Along with the and other 91´«Ã½ units, assists Chapters, when requested, to address crises in their states.
  • The serves as an advisory committee to the CRO

Chapters Share with Each Other, and 91´«Ã½, How They Address Issues Affecting Their Associations

. Chapters share with each other how they address these issues. Each discussion is sorted alphabetically by (Chapter). See also



Links to model letters in response to issues affecting 91´«Ã½ Chapters. Organized under topics.



Links to model resolutions in response to issues affecting 91´«Ã½ Chapters. Organized under topics.

Communication

91´«Ã½ Connect

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is now providing members a common virtual space to engage in 91´«Ã½ business and network with other members around issues and interests relevant to the profession.

The and the each has an 91´«Ã½ Connect community. See also , , .



Shared information about and resources to help in planning and accomplishing Chapter Conferences.

E-lists

91´«Ã½ and Chapters currently use these discussion lists, hosted by 91´«Ã½ for communication (e.g., distributing information of interest not only from 91´«Ã½ but also from the Chapters):

alacro-l

The alacro-l e-list subscribers are chapter leaders (presidents, executive directors and staff, chapter councilors), members of the Chapter Relations Committee, CRO staff, and some other 91´«Ã½ staff. 91´«Ã½ press releases are sent once a week to the alacro-l e-list.

chapcoun

The Chapcoun list is only for . The messages sent to this list relate to 91´«Ã½ Council activity, meetings of the Chapter Councilors at meetings.

chapterleadersforum

The chapterleadersforum list is for registrants for the .

chapters-engage

CRO provides assistance to Chapters by helping them develop and maintain their own advocacy “take action” websites (powered by Engage), which allow their members to contact state and federal legislators. Chapter advocacy representatives are subscribed to this e-list.

crc

This is the e-list for the .

iclae

This e-list is for the International Council of Library Association Executives (ICLAE). ICLAE members are the Chapter executive directors or other Chapter managers and administrators. ICLAE members and other interested persons meet at each 91´«Ã½ Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference. (See .)

stuchapt

This e-list is for the . Chapters and the CRC can send messages to CRO to send to this e-list.

Twitter

. Subscribe to these Twitter lists: and .

Webinars

These are conducted by the 91´«Ã½ Chapter Relations Office, listed in alphabetical order by topic. Check for current webinars and sign up! Webinars are always available after they are presented. is another free webinar resource.

Conferences and Events/Chapter Conferences

  • Chapters and 91´«Ã½ currently interact through each others’ conferences in a number of ways:
    • Chapters may provide space for 91´«Ã½ promotional materials at their conferences and invite 91´«Ã½ leaders and staff to participate and contribute to programming at their conferences. See .
    • 91´«Ã½ has created a for the Host Chapters (associations in states where 91´«Ã½ holds its Midwinter and Annual Conferences and Contiguous Chapters (associations in states contiguous to the Host Chapters). These benefits vary, depending on the state and negotiations with the .
    • The 91´«Ã½ conferences provide the opportunity for Chapter leaders and staff to meet and interact.
    • When the 91´«Ã½ drafts its strategic plan, 91´«Ã½ holds planning forums at Chapter and Affiliates conferences to obtain feedback/input. For example, see .
    • 91´«Ã½ leaders and staff are available to participate in Chapter Conferences to provide presentations and programs. Chapters wishing to invite an 91´«Ã½ President, President-elect, or Executive Director may do so directly or through the .
    • 91´«Ã½ leaders have travel budgets to attend conferences. If the Chapter is able to provide some support (complimentary hotel rooms, ticketed meals, etc) that is appreciated. 91´«Ã½ staff also have some resources to travel to do programs and presentations at Chapter Conferences. Please feel free to contact specific staff directly as well.
    • See also (which explains the special business relationship between the 91´«Ã½ Chapters and 91´«Ã½).

Crisis Intervention

Please let us know whether any libraries in your states are in danger of being closed, your state is facing tough legislation, etc., and you want to know how the 91´«Ã½ can help in any way. Contact the

See also and .

. 91´«Ã½ and its members work with libraries, the broader library community and members of the public to advocate for the value of libraries and for public support for libraries of all types at the local, state, federal and international level.



91´«Ã½ Mission; Core Organizational Values; Key Action Areas; and Strategic Directions: Advocacy, Information Policy, Professional and Leadership Development, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

. Designed to increase public awareness of the value, impact, and services provided by libraries and library professionals, the Libraries Transform campaign will ensure there is one clear, energetic voice for our profession. Showcasing the transformative nature of today’s libraries and elevating the critical role libraries play in the digital age. See also the .

. The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has adopted a protocol to respond to library crises at the state and local level. The goal of 91´«Ã½'s involvement is to advance the advocacy efforts of the library and/or the appropriate state-level library organization. 91´«Ã½ can only become involved when its efforts are welcomed by and coordinated with the library and/or the state-level library organization.

Education and Training

  • For over 20 years the Chapter Relations Committee has provided the Chapter Leaders Forum, a forum for incoming Chapter leaders at each 91´«Ã½ Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference. Each forum usually attracts up to 40 participants. 91´«Ã½ also occasionally provides one or more 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference programs for Chapters on a specific association management area, such as member development, or on special events (e.g., ). See the for CRO and CRC meetings, events, and programs during these annual conferences.
  • 91´«Ã½ with its credentialing programs for Public Library Management and Support Staff provide an opportunity for Chapters to create courses for these programs.
  • The Certified Public Library Administrator program is a voluntary post-MLS certification program for public librarians with three years or more of supervisory experience. For more information, visit the .

Helping United States Libraries After Disasters

. Please let us know whether any libraries in your states were damaged (e.g., by a natural disaster) and whether the 91´«Ã½ can help in any way toward recovery. Contact the Chapter Relations Office

Issues: Chapters Share with Each Other and 91´«Ã½ How They Address Issues Affecting Their Associations

. Chapters share with each other how they address these issues. Each discussion is sorted alphabetically by (Chapter). See also and . See also .

Joint Membership Program



Forty-four Chapters partner with 91´«Ã½ to allow students to join 91´«Ã½ and one Chapter for one membership fee. See also

Membership Dues and Benefits

  • Chapters pay the lowest organization rate ($150) to be a member of 91´«Ã½.
  • Each State Chapter selects one of their members to represent the library community in their state on 91´«Ã½ Council.
  • Every Chapter receives a subscription to American Libraries magazine, and 10% discounts on 91´«Ã½ books.
  • Chapters are able to take advantage of service discount programs 91´«Ã½ offers to organization members. For a list of current benefits, contact Michael Dowling, 91´«Ã½ Membership Director,
  • Chapters are also able to receive free mailing lists of 91´«Ã½ members in their state or region.
  • 91´«Ã½ has an Online Community Space called (at ).
  • Forty-three chapters participate in the .

Resources for Chapters

See , , and answers related to CRO, Chapters, Chapter Councilors, Student Chapters, and Chapter Relations Committee:



Information and resources related to the Chapter Relations Office.



Information and resources for and about Chapters.



Information and resources for and about 91´«Ã½ Chapter Councilors.



Information and resources for and about 91´«Ã½ Student Chapters.



Mission, roster, and more.

Student Chapters

  • The first 91´«Ã½ Student Chapter was created in 1980 at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. The most recent 91´«Ã½ Student Chapter was created in 2009 at Chicago State University. Each Student Chapter has its own character and purpose. 91´«Ã½ Student Chapters enhance students’ 91´«Ã½ membership by providing leadership and programming opportunities on the campuses.
  • Coordinated by the 91´«Ã½ Chapter Relations Office.
  • See .
  • Student Chapter leaders are subscribed to a CRO business e-list, stuchapt@lists.ala.org
  • Each year 40 library students are chosen to assist 91´«Ã½ staff during 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in the . In exchange for working about four hours a day, these students receive free conference registration, housing, and a per diem for meal expenses. During free time, they may attend programs and participate in other conference activities. Participants are subscribed to a CRO business e-list, student2staff@lists.ala.org

A Continuing Partnership: Summary

The relationship between the 91´«Ã½ and the chapters began in 1913 and has changed through the ensuing years. It was not rigidly constructed by its founders; this has enabled the partnership to develop according to the needs of the time.

Part of the partnership's vast potential has been reached, but it is incumbent on both the 91´«Ã½'s leadership and the chapters' leadership to interpret and develop the relationship in terms that meet the needs of all parties. To this end, the Chapter Relations Committee develops a strategic plan. The relationship between 91´«Ã½ and its chapters has never become static. Flexibility and change will continue to characterize this mutually beneficial partnership.

91´«Ã½ and the Chapters: A Mutually Advantageous Relationship

The following list was developed by the Chapter Relations Committee, and shows the All of the advantages are reciprocal: that is, both 91´«Ã½ and chapter benefit from each.

  • Chapters contribute to strengthening a national voice on issues facing libraries; 91´«Ã½, particularly through the Washington Office, may more confidently speak out on the spectrum of issues with the advice and support of chapters.
  • Clout, a contemporary catchword for power and influence, can be felt in the combined approach of 91´«Ã½ and chapters to library issues, such as intellectual freedom and legislation.
  • Through the mechanism of state library associations, the governance of the national association (the 91´«Ã½ Council) has the assurance of geographic representation; and through the chapter councilor, chapters have a voice in creating and implementing resolutions and other policy-making decisions of 91´«Ã½.
  • The chapters may draw upon 91´«Ã½ for specialized consulting and expertise in given areas; 91´«Ã½ may draw together, through the chapters, an overview of diverse approaches to problem-solving in the library profession.
  • An official communications flow exists between 91´«Ã½ and the chapters, improving the climate for understanding and cooperative efforts. valuable networks in the profession exist through the state and regional library associations as chapters.
  • Association membership promotion activities are accelerated through the affiliation of 91´«Ã½ and its chapters.
  • Avenues for leadership development through local, regional and national arenas may be followed by 91´«Ã½ and its chapters.
  • Continuing education for librarians can be provided, replicated, and enhanced nationwide through the sharing of ideas, plans, and programs of 91´«Ã½ and its chapters.
  • Chapters and 91´«Ã½ may share more directly and regularly in the development of knowledge and information about chapters and 91´«Ã½.
  • Programming, necessary for well-informed librarians, is readily accessible through the 91´«Ã½ and its chapters and is enhanced by cooperation between 91´«Ã½ and chapters.
  • 91´«Ã½, with its chapters, constitutes an invaluable pr effort for libraries, keeping before the American public the essential role of libraries in providing the access to information resources that are so critical a foundation to our society.
  • Chapters, with 91´«Ã½, can readily enter into joint ventures through carefully planned and mutually beneficial agreements.

Questions/Comments

Additional questions or comments? Please feel free to contact Mariel Colbert, Chapter Relations Office.

91´«Ã½ Chapter Relations Office Contacts

Michael Dowling, Director



mdowling@ala.org

Jon Martin, Program Manager

Chapter Relations Office

jmartin@ala.org