Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship (COSWL)

Charge

To officially represent the diversity of women's interest within ALA and to ensure that the association considers the rights of the majority (women) in the library field. To promote and initiate the collection, analysis, dissemination, and coordination of information on the status of women in librarianship. To coordinate the activities of ALA units that consider questions having special relevance for women. To identify lags, gaps, and possible discrimination in resources and programs relating to women. To help develop evaluative tools, guidelines, and programs in cooperation with other ALA units designed to enhance the opportunities and the image of women in the library profession, thus raising the level of consciousness concerning women. To establish contacts with committees on women within other professional groups and to officially represent ALA concerns at interdisciplinary meetings on women's equality. To provide council and membership with reports needed for the establishment of policies and actions related to the status of women in librarianship, and monitor ALA units to ensure consideration of the rights of women.

Roster

Loida A. Garcia-Febo (Chair, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024)
Shatha Baydoun (Member, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024)
Beatrice Elizabeth Canales (Member, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024)
Joanna Kathleen Gadsby (Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)
Loida A. Garcia-Febo (Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)
Dr. Linda Marie Golian-Lui, Ed.D,MLIS,M.D. (Member, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024)
Shana M. Higgins (Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)
Mrs. Lisa Gangemi Kropp (Member, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024)
Mindy M. Pobst (Member, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024)
Dr. Ellen M. Pozzi (Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)
Mrs. Hong Yao (Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)
Stephanie Chase (Executive Board Liaison, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026)
Elizabeth Katherine Langley (Committee Associate, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024)
Beatrice Calvin (Primary Staff Liaison, May 11, 2018, to June 30, 2024)

Displaying active committee roster as of 03/19/2024. Last retrieved on 03/19/2024. Members can log in and refresh the page to view full contact information for committee members.

Resources

Statements & Notes from COSWL

 

News

Recorded Sessions

Reference Materials

Social Media Pages

Other Women's Groups within ALA

Other Non-ALA Organizations

 

 

Last updated 1/31/2024

Composition

The Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship (COSWL) consists of eleven members appointed from the membership at large serving two year staggered terms and led by chair, serving a one year term.

Subcommittees & Task Forces

The Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship (COSWL) consists of eleven members appointed from the membership at large serving two year staggered terms and led by chair, serving a one year term.

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