SECTIONS, COMMITTEES

VERMONT LIBRARY ASSOCIATION SECTIONS

To better meet the needs of our members, Vermont Library Association maintains four sections that develop targeted programming and focus on issues of special concern to members in those sections. VLA members may join any section(s) at no additional charge by indicating their desire on the membership form. Please contact the leaders below for more information about the sections’ activities and how you can get involved.

Youth Librarians – formerly Children and Young Adult Librarians (CAYAL) Section

The Youth Librarians Section of VLA is open to all public librarians who serve young people, birth through 18 years of age. Youth Librarians section responsibilities include member distribution list, updates and/or articles on the VLA website, the annual Youth Librarians Program, and youth-oriented programs at the Vermont Library Conference in May.

Section President: Jane Napier
802-223-4665
jnapier@kellogghubbard.org

College and Special Libraries Section

The College and Special Libraries (C&SL) Section welcomes VLA members working in college, university, and post-secondary trade school libraries, as well as the libraries of businesses and corporations. Our goal is to support excellent service to all our patrons by sharing our ideas and resources. We have a minimum of one workshop a year, and make sure the annual Vermont Library Conference includes workshops relevant to our concerns.

Share information and ideas on the College & Special Libraries Section Wiki.

Section President: Charlotte Gerstein
802-468-6409
Charlotte.Gerstein@castleton.edu

Public Libraries Section

The Public Libraries Section strives to extend the effectiveness of library services and librarians in ensuring equal information access and availability of literary and cultural resources.

Section President: Lucinda Walker
802-649-1184
lucinda.walker@norwichlibrary.org

Vermont Library Trustees Association (VLTA)

VLTA sponsors continuing education opportunities for trustees, friends of the library, and other library advocates. The section holds an annual fall statewide conference, and organizes four workshops at each of the five annual spring Town Officers Educational Conferences sponsored by the Vermont Institute for Government. Topics have included orientation of new trustees, establishing a good working relationship with the press, planning for automation and technology, working better with town government, fund-raising, collaborating with community organizations, providing outreach service, and policymaking. These conferences offer an excellent opportunity for trustees to network with others in their area as well as with their own town officials. VLTA is guided by a Steering Committee of trustees from around the state. We welcome new Steering Committee members at any time during the year. Call Michael Roche for details.

The Vermont Library Trustees Association (VLTA) is a section of the Vermont Library Association (VLA). Trustees may join VLA as individuals ($15/year) or as a whole board ($30/year), and then check “VLTA” as their section preference. Membership forms are available at www.vermontlibraries.org.

Section Convenor: Michael Roche

802-748-3428

michael.roche@mail.dol.state.vt.us

2007-2008 Steering Committee:
Dorothy Bergendahl, Jericho
David Brown, Shelburne
Marcia Devino, Colchester
Harriet Grenier, Waterbury
Robert Kittner, Rutland
Laurel Stanley, Danville

Michael Roche, Dept. of Libraries
Trustee rep. to VT Library Conference Committee:
Laurel Stanley

VERMONT LIBRARY ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES

Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee educates Vermonters about the role of libraries in maintaining free access to information, supporting intellectual freedom, and improving literacy. The Committee also informs communities about the need for adequate library funding. In 2007, the Advocacy Committee’s focus will be assisting the Government Relations Committee in lobbying for State funding to public libraries.

Co-Chair Helen Linda
802-322-1602
helen.linda@goddard.edu

Co-Chair Barbara Shatara
802-865-7211
bshatara@ci.burlington.vt.us

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee solicits nominations and selects winners of two awards each year: the Sarah C. Hagar Award and the Trustee of the Year Award. To place a name in nomination for either award, please send the nominee’s name, the name of his/her library, a letter explaining why this person should receive the award, along with your name, library, telephone number, and e-mail address to the Awards Committee chair. If a nomination is made by more than one person, please designate one signatory as the contact person. Letters of support from community members or colleagues are welcome.

Chair: Grace Greene
802-828-6954
grace.greene@mail.dol.state.vt.us

Government Relations Committee

The Government Relations Committee prepares an annual legislative agenda, works toward implementation of the legislative agenda with the Executive Board and appropriate committees, keeps abreast of state and national legislation that affects libraries, and reports on this to the Board and to the membership. Our mission is also to create a greater awareness among our elected legislators about the role Vermont libraries play in reaching their constituents with access to information and life-long learning opportunities for all ages. We want to impact the decisions that support libraries (funding, policy etc.) and create an environment that promotes better communication about legislation that affects public libraries. New members and new ideas always welcome!

Co Chair: Lisa von Kann
802-748-8291 X301
lvkann@stjathenaeum.org

Co Chair: Debra Bullock Spackman
802-457-2295 X121
deb@normanwilliams.lib.vt.us

Public Relations handout from the Schmooze, don’t lose workshop.

Intellectual Freedom Committee

The Intellectual Freedom Committee is concerned with the rights of freedom of expression, and stands ready to assist in situations where these rights may be in danger. The Intellectual Freedom Committee is responsible for arranging the John Swan Memorial Lecture. The committee has prepared an Intellectual Freedom Toolkit to help you.

Chair: Gail Weymouth
Sherburne Memorial Library
802 422 9765
gail@sherburnelibrary.org

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee recruits members to the association, develops and promotes member benefits, oversees the member renewal process, and make recommendations for honorary membership.

Chair: Sharon Thayer
802-656-5746
Sharon.Thayer@uvm.edu

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee addresses personnel issues that affect the membership, studies library salary issues, and issues recommendations about minimum salaries. Compensating library employees fairly– it’s the right thing to do! Here’s how we can help you: telephone consultations, informational handouts, worksheets, visits to your library to meet with staff and board members (visits can be counted as continuing education for trustees on the DOL standards forms). Other ideas? Volunteer for the VLA Personnel Committee today!

Chair: Amy Grasmick
802-728-5073
kimball_acg@hotmail.com