Video Round Table (VRT)

What is the Video Round Table (VRT)?

VRT is the only organization within ALA that addresses issues related to video collections and services in all types of libraries. We understand 'video' to include all formats, analog, and digital; multimedia that includes video content; and the network delivery of digital or digitized video.

The VRT membership includes librarians, archivists, and educators from a broad range of institutions and organizations.

Perhaps equally important, VRT actively recruits video producers and distributors, editors and publishers, and manufacturers of video equipment in order to discuss issues and find solutions to mutual problems. VRT plays a strong advocacy role within ALA and forges alliances with other national film and video organizations.

Who should join VRT?

• Any librarian who work with video collections and services in libraries or who has an interest in learning more about video in libraries.
• Video producers and distributors who provide service or products to libraries. 
• Other video vendors, such as companies that supply used or out-of-print videorecordings to libraries.
• Publishers of video review magazines and video-related reference books.
• Manufacturers of video playback equipment and supplies.
• Membership in VRT is open to any ALA member.

What will members receive?

As a member of VRT, you will be part of a national network of colleagues and leaders in the field of video librarianship. VRT offers a unique forum for learning about new developments in video librarianship, as well as resources for finding answers to some of the more elusive questions facing video librarians in their daily work. Because VRT is a relatively small group within ALA, you will have the opportunity to influence its direction and priorities. We encourage active participation on the part of all members.

Activities and services include:

Programs and Pre-conferences --VRT usually sponsors a major program at the ALA annual conference. Past programs have covered censorship, copyright, the economics of video production and distribution, and telecommunications policy. In 1997 we sponsored a day-long pre-conference, "From Analog to Digital Video: Making Tomorrow's Decisions Today."

Gala Events --These informal social events have become an extremely popular tradition at the ALA annual conference. Held on Sunday evening, galas feature food and music coupled with a video component--such as screening new films and presentations by filmmakers--offering professional development and fun. Recent gala speakers include Studs Terkel, John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Polyester), Felicia Lowe (Carved in Silence, Chinatown), Michael Moore (Roger and Me), and Gordon Quinn and Frederick Marx (Hoop Dreams). VRT members receive reduced prices and first chance at guest reservations for these sold-out events.

Newsletter --Published quarterly, VRT News provides summaries of VRT events, information about upcoming events, information about the activities of other media-related organizations, news about the video industry, editorials, reviews, and articles on relevant issues.

How can I participate in VRT?

VRT welcomes a broad range of participation in the organization. You can write an article for the newsletter, serve on a committee, chair a committee, participate in informal round table discussions at ALA, offer suggestions or comments at board meetings or membership meetings held at ALA Midwinter and Annual help staff the VRT booth at ALA, assist in program planning and implementation. The options are unlimited and we welcome your suggestions!

What are VRT concerns?

VRT's concerns are your concerns. Some of the topics we have explored recently in programs, at our pre-conference, and in the VRT News include:

• Copyright
• Collection development and selection
• Censorship
• Video pricing
• Preservation
• Development/implementation of video-related standards and guidelines within ALA
• New and emerging technologies
• Media librarianship for newcomers to the profession

How do I join?

Check the appropriate box when you renew your ALA membership or complete and return the attached registration form. VRT membership is an additional $15.00 per year for individual members and an additional $25.00 per year for corporate members. Or you may  join VRT through the American Library Association online registration.

VRT Committees

Membership: Responsible for promoting membership in the Video Round Table and for outreach activities with other professional organizations. Has conducted user surveys and organized the VRT booth at ALA Annual Conference.

Nominating: Seeks candidates for the Video Round Table's elected offices and presents a slate of candidates each year.

Notable Videos for Adults: Screens nominations and selects the list of "Notable Videos for Adults," which occurs at the Midwinter meeting. 

Program: Plans programs at the ALA Annual Conference.

Gala Program: Plans and oversees all activities relating to the Gala Program held at the Annual Conference. Usually includes members who live in the city where the conference will be held.

Publications: Oversees the creation of all Video Round Table publications, including VRT News, which is published four times a year.

How do I volunteer?
If you are interested in serving on a VRT committe, please complete the  Member Volunteer Form
 

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For questions or comments please contact mailto:vrtwebsite@ala.org .