Tip Sheet #26
Appointing Section Committee Chairs and Members
The appointing year for a section chair begins when they are vice-chair, in order to have their leadership team finalized for the year that they are chair of the section. The appointing season begins after the February 15 volunteer deadline and lasts until April 1. Some additional appointments may be made up until the Annual Conference.
Additionally, in the fall after being elected, the vice-chair will appoint two committees: a Conference Program Planning Committee (if a program is planned) and a Nominating Committee for the year they will serve as chair. These committee appointments are for two years and are made early so that the committee members may convene at Midwinter and meet deadlines.
Appointment Process
After the vice-chair is elected, the ACRL office sends information on the online appointment system so that the vice-chair may begin to consider members for appointment.
- ACRL uses an online appointment system. Members interested in volunteering for a section committee position, should submit their interest using the online form. The deadline to volunteer is February 15.
- Each appointee must be a member of ACRL and the section. The deadline for making appointments is April 1st.
- Any changes during the year to the section committee rosters must be noted with the ACRL office.
Appointment Terms
Appointments to committees generally are for one or two-year terms and no more than five consecutive years and begin after Annual Conference. A committee chair generally serves for a single year. An appointee must:
- Be a personal member of ALA, ACRL, and the section
- Be willing and able to participate in the activities of the committee, support its mission or concern, and carry out assignments in a timely manner
- Submit an electronic appointment acceptance form
No person shall concurrently serve in more than three separate positions.
An inactive member may be removed before the normal expiration of their term by written notification. Usually the section chair will notify the member, but it may be delegated to the section vice-chair. This should be done diplomatically and ACRL staff should be consulted.
For additional information, please refer to chapter 4 of ACRL Guide to Policies and Procedures.