Chapter 12: RUSA Representatives to the wider ALA Community

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Introduction

RUSA representatives to ALA committees and assemblies help with information sharing across the wider ALA community.  They also provide reference and user services voices for strategic planning and initiatives in ALA.

Role and Responsibilities

  • Represent RUSA at the ALA Level.
  • Serve as a conduit of information between RUSA and ALA and other divisions and units on the ALA committees.
  • Consider ideas RUSA leadership and membership want to know about; issues that seem to be pressing or need RUSA input or consideration; look for trends in these areas.
  • All RUSA representatives are attached as a liaison to a RUSA committee or to RUSA Board and are expected to share information and solicit input from the committee. Committee attendance is strongly suggested whenever possible.
  • Submit an informal report about their work and findings to the RUSA board within 2 weeks of each ALA meeting. Report should be shared with the chair of the liaison committee.
  • Representatives may ask to be put on the RUSA Board agenda as needed following Board agenda guidelines.
  • Regularly report to the RUSA Leadership Council on activities.

Appointments and Expected Reporting

  • The Vice-President of RUSA appoints representatives for a one-year term.
  • Some appointments are dual with RUSA committee chair positions
  • The list of RUSA liaison positions changes frequently.  For current information, see RUSA Liaisons to ALA Committees on the Committee Rosters page.

 

Additional Positions

In addition to RUSA liaisons and committees, RUSA also has the opportunity to suggest appointments to the ALA Vice-President for possible appointment to an ALA committee.

  • This process happens in early fall and is established by the ALA Vice-President. The RUSA Vice-President makes the suggestions.
  • The ALA Vice-President need not appoint a member suggested by RUSA.
  • While members have no direct duties to the Division because of their appointment, it is considered a courtesy to submit a yearly informal report on the work of the committee to which they were appointed and to point out in that report any items of interest to RUSA and its membership.

(RUSA Office staff are in charge of updating this page) Rev. 08/2018 - Updated by Guide editor 04/2025