Links to the social networking resources of the ALA Chapter Relations Office and other related resources.

ALA Connect

The American Library Association (ALA) is now providing members a common virtual space to engage in ALA business and network with other members around issues and interests relevant to the profession. Every group in  ALA Connect will have the ability to use the following tools:

• Posts (which are like blog posts)
• Online docs (which are like collaborative, wiki-like pages or Google Docs)
• Group calendar (for listing meetings, deadlines, etc.)
• Surveys (for asking multiple questions at once)
• Polls (for asking a single question)
• Chat room (text-based, including the ability to save a transcript of the discussion)
• Discussion forums (also known as “bulletin boards”)

ALA Mentor Connect

ALA has launched MentorConnect in ALA Connect so you can find or become a mentor.

MentorConnect is an informal mentoring network implemented within ALA Connect that allows all ALA members to participate and only requires that you actively choose to join the network in order to begin serving as a mentor or seeking a mentor.

Mentoring others is one of the most powerful ways you can give back to the profession, but it’s not a relationship to be entered into lightly. If you join MC, you’re making a commitment to help someone else. A strong mentoring relationship requires consistent contact between the mentor and mentee so think carefully about making this commitment before offering your services as a mentor.

Having effective mentors is important for your professional and personal growth. Asking someone to take the time to mentor you is a serious commitment. When someone agrees to mentor you, they’re making an investment in your future. Plan on spending time with your mentor via MentorConnect in order to get the most from this important relationship. 

For more information, visit Mentoring on the ALA Chapters Resource Wiki.

Facebook, Twitter, and more

ALA Chapters on Facebook promotes communication and assistance among ALA and the ALA Chapters.

The ALA Chapter Relations Office on Twitter promotes communication and assistance among ALA and the ALA Chapters.

The ALA Student Chapters group on Facebook facilitates communication and assistance among the student chapters and ALA.  See also ALA Student Chapter fan page.

The ALA Student Member Blog is the go-to place for student members of all stripes!

The American Library Association Student to Staff Participants group on Facebook promotes communication and assistance among ALA and the student-to-staff participants. See also ALA Student to Staff fan page.

E-lists

To subscribe to the Chapter Relations business e-list, ALACRO-L, please contact a staff member listed below. To subscribe to other ALA e-lists, or visit the e-list archives, visit the ALA Mailing Lists Service (SYMPA).

Send comments and questions regarding this page to Don Wood, Chapter Relations Office.