Core has six sections that are free for members to join. Sections are networks that focus on specific areas of library work and let members tailor their experience to their areas of interest. Members can join as many sections as they like. View all 6 Core sections on ALA Connect.
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Access and Equity
Dedicated to advocacy and equity in areas such as accessibility, copyright, dismantling systemic racism, equity of access, open access, net neutrality, privacy, and representative collections in all types of libraries. We support ALA's lobbying efforts in these areas and provide programming and training in support of equity, diversity, and inclusion, both within the division and the profession.
See what's happening in the Access & Equity Section
Assessment
Focuses on library assessment, evaluation, and measurement regardless of type of library or activity. We emphasize the role of assessment in demonstrating the impacts of our libraries. Our work includes recommending and developing tools, methods, guidelines, standards, and policies and procedures; planning and deliver webinars, programs, publications, special projects, and interest group(s); seeking opportunities to collaborate within our community, within Core, and beyond.
Buildings and Operations
Brings together librarians, library workers, and design professionals to analyze, discuss, and share information related to academic, public, and school library buildings, equipment, and furnishings. We share ideas and knowledge to help members stay engaged on changing trends in organizational structures, services, staff operations, and facilities. We also identify and promote adoption of best practices for inclusive practices and design. Topics addressed include, but are not limited to, library site selection; building planning and architecture; library furniture and equipment; interior design; maintenance and security of buildings and property; disaster recovery.
See what's happening in the Buildings & Operations Section
Leadership and Management
Provides librarians and library staff from any positional level or library type who desire to impact the broader professional space to connect around the fundamental proficiencies and knowledge necessary to lead a successful organization. We explore and develop members' skills to create an inspiring vision, motivate people, and manage complex projects. We also help connect larger theoretical constructs to real, practical experiences. Join a network of colleagues who understand and want to help each other succeed...because when we succeed, libraries succeed, and when libraries succeed, everyone benefits.
Metadata and Collections
Addresses and improves all aspects of acquisitions, cataloging, collections, continuing resources, metadata, preservation, reformatting, and technical services in all types of libraries. Examples of our work include, but are not limited to, sharing best practices and knowledge in work areas that support collections and discovery; identifying best practices for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the development and description of collections; creation and input on standards and best practices for selection, acquisition, description, access, and preservation of information resources; preservation of both print, media, and digital resources.
See what's happening in the Metadata & Collections Section
Technology
Includes anyone in libraries, archives, museums, and information-related organizations interested in leading edge technology and applications for librarians and information providers, everyone from absolute beginners to hi-tech professionals. We address the planning, development, design, application, and integration of technologies within the library and information environment, the impact of emerging technologies on library service, and the effect of automated technologies on people. Our work includes, but is not limited to, identifying and adopting of best practices for inclusive practices and design; making ALA information policy concrete for members and the profession by providing resources, tools, training, and community support for adoption and implementation; helping librarians to understand emerging technologies and translate them into actionable plans for library services; bridging the technology related needs and discussions across all types of libraries and operational areas.
Core's strength is in our sections but also the overlap between them. The graphic below represents the initial work of section and community members to map their common areas of interest, programming, and committee work. It shows that there is already significant overlap in the work that we do and the members we serve and shows we can discover new possibilities for collaboration and action. It shows the strength of expanding access to more people and resources for Core topics while still maintaining a home for each unique professional home. These are just some of the examples members have recognized between the six Core sections.
Areas of Overlap Between Core Sections
Assessment ⇔ Access & Equity
- Alternative Access Models
- Community Analysis
- Ethnography
Assessment ⇔ Leadership & Management
- Communicating Value
- Impact Analytics
- Organizational Design
Assessment ⇔ Metadata & Collections
- Altmetrics / Digital Analytics
- Bibliometrics
- Collection turnover reports
Assessment ⇔ Technology
- Accessibility
- Cost and ROI Estimation
- Usability
- User Experience
- User Testing
Assessment ⇔ Buildings & Operations
- Occupancy Services
- Space Needs
- Service Flow Design
- Space Usage Analysis
- User Experience
Leadership ⇔ Buildings & Operations
- Fundraising for Spaces
- Space Design
- Sustainability
Access & Equity ⇔ Technology
- Accessibility
- Equitable Access to Technology
- Net Neutrality
- Usability
Metadata & Collections ⇔ Leadership & Management
- Disaster Planning
- Standards
- Collective Collections/Action
Buildings & Operations ⇔ Access & Equity
- ADA Compliance
- Organizational Learning/Development
- Open Infrastructure
- Space Planning
Technology ⇔ Metadata & Collections
- Linked Data
- Discovery
- Digital Collections
- Linked Data
- Repositories
- Standards
Leadership & Management ⇔ Access & Equity
- Recruiting Diverse Leaders
- Retaining Diverse Leaders/Workforces
- Values-Based Leadership and Management
- Values in Action
Buildings & Operations ⇔ Technology
- Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality
- Information Commons
- Scholarship Labs
- AR/VR
- Technology Infrastructures
Access & Equity ⇔ Metadata & Collections
- Classification Headings/Resource Description
- Decolonized Collections & Metadata
- Open Scholarship
- Representative Collections & Metadata
Technology ⇔ Leadership & Management
- Technology Budgeting
- Collection Investment
- Patron Data Privacy
- Sustainable Innovation
Metadata & Collections ⇔ Buildings & Operations
- Climate Control
- High Density Collections/Offsite Facilities
- Preservation
Section Leader Resources
- Core Handbook
- Section Leaders Group in ALA Connect