Governance

ALA and AASL release joint statement on Florida Senate Bill 7026

CHICAGO – American Library Association (ALA) President Jim Neal and American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Steven Yates released the following joint statement in response to legislation that will allow for the arming of school librarians in Florida schools. Senate Bill 7026 would permit librarians, counselors, and coaches to carry firearms in Florida Public Schools.

American Library Association appoints Cushman & Wakefield as strategic real estate advisor

CHICAGOThe American Library Association (ALA) has appointed Cushman & Wakefield as its exclusive real estate advisory firm to assist in the development of strategic real estate options that support the mission, business, and financial goals of the ALA.

Long-time RUSA member, Ed Garcia, elected to ALA Executive Board

CHICAGO - The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is pleased to announce that long-time RUSA member and current RUSA Director-at-Large has been elected to the ALA Executive Board. In addition to his service to RUSA, Garcia is a member of LITA, PLA, GAMERT, GLBTRT and many other groups within ALA. Garcia is the Director of the Cranston Public Library in Cranston, RI.
 

ALA Appoints Mary Ghikas as Executive Director through January 2020

 CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board has appointed Mary Ghikas as executive director through January 2020, effective immediately. Ghikas has been serving as interim executive director since August 1, 2017, after the retirement of Keith Michael Fiels. She was most recently senior associate executive director of member programs and services.

Candidates announced for 2018 Public Library Association board election

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) Nominating Committee has unveiled the slate of candidates for the Association’s 2018 election. In the 2018 PLA election six nominees will stand for three positions on the board of directors: PLA President and two Directors-at-Large. The candidate elected in each race will serve a three-year term from June 2018 through June 2021.

PLA and United for Libraries to host Oct. 17 webinar on ‘Troubled Library Boards’

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) and United for Libraries are partnering to present a webinar designed to improve library boards of directors. The webinar, titled “Troubled Library Boards: Prevention and Survival” will be held at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Committee Appointments 2018-2019

CHICAGO — Loida Garcia-Febo, American Library Association (ALA) president-elect, encourages members to volunteer to serve on ALA, Council, and two joint committees for the 2018-2019 term (terms start on July 1, 2018). Serving on a committee provides members with leadership training, networking opportunities, and experience in working on specific association topics.