FAFLRT Initiatives & Projects
The Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT) is the primary voice for federal and armed forces libraries in the American Library Association (ALA) and has embarked upon a number of initiatives to assist federal libraries and educate ALA on the needs of federal libraries. These initiatives include:
Awards
FAFLRT has established four awards to encourage the best and brightest in federal librarianship:
- The FAFLRT Achievement Award recognizes an individual for achievement in the promotion of library and information service and the information profession in the Federal community.
- The Federal Librarians Adelaide Del Frate Conference Sponsorship Award is a $1,000 award given to assist a library school student who has an interest in working in a Federal Library so that they can attend the ALA Annual Conference.
- The Federal Librarians Cicely Phippen Marks Scholarship is a $1,500 scholarship award given to a library school student who has an interest in working in a Federal library.
- The FAFLRT Distinguished Service Award recognizes a FAFLRT member for outstanding and sustained contributions to FAFLRT.
Careers in Federal Librarianship
Started as a workshop, this initiative has grown into a series of national events designed to encourage and educate potential applicants on the benefits of Federal librarianship. Some library schools are bringing these events to their campuses. If you would like a Federal librarian liaison to work with your school or library, describe your needs and availability in our quick survey. Please also check out our collaboration site hosted on Google Groups.
Committee on Legislation
To strengthen the Round Table and to improve communications, the Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT) Executive Board voted to establish a Committee on Legislation in 2008. The purpose of such a committee is to draft resolutions to go before the General Assembly of ALA. Typically resolutions seek ALA advocacy on behalf of federal libraries. This Committee will also improve communications with membership by holding listening sessions at various venues and seeking input concerning the most pressing issues facing Federal and Armed Forces libraries. [Send input to the Committee on Legislation] Please also check out the Federal Libraries wiki focused on highlighting Federal libraries at risk.
Conference Workshops
Each year, FAFLRT holds workshops at the ALA Annual Conference to educate and encourage Federal librarianship. A listing of previous workshops with links to the presentations is available online.
Membership Now Free for Students
In looking to the future of Federal librarianship, FAFLRT decided to change its dues structure to attract new librarians (free round table membership for students). In doing so, FAFLRT hopes to not only attract highly qualified librarians to bring fresh ideas and energy to the round table, but we hope that we can influence and mentor new librarians to pursue careers within the Federal sector. [Full story...]
National Federal Librarian-Library School Network
Are you a Federal librarian that would like to speak at a library school on Federal librarianship? Are you teaching a class at a library school? Are you associated with a library school that could use a federal librarian as a resource for classes and job fairs? Describe your needs and availability in our quick survey. Please also check out our collaboration site hosted on Google Groups.