Chapter 8: Nominations and Elections

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Introduction 

A nominating committee is appointed by the president-elect of the division (chair-elect of each section) to recruit a slate of candidates for each elective position that has or will become vacant. The past Past-President typically chairs the committee.  The committee is composed of a representative from each section that is typically the past Past-Chair of each section.

Vacancies are normally created through expiration of a term, but may also occur through resignation, removal, or death of committee members.

The RUSA office will notify the chairs of each nominating committee of the number of candidates to be nominated for each position and the length of each term.

Each Nominating Committee must submit the complete slate of nominees to the RUSA office by September 30th.  

Confidentiality

Work on any RUSA Nominations Committee, excepting the final slates, is confidential. This includes any files that are shared and discussions at meetings. It is best practice to discuss details about individuals in meetings and not through email.  Email should be used only to communicate dates, logistics, and other non-personal information.

 

Suggestions for the nominating committee:

Nominating committees should explore all suggestions for nominees in the search for the most qualified candidates, including:

  • When appropriate, successive candidates for an office should come from different parts of the country.
  • Representatives of a variety of types of libraries should be considered for each slate.
  • Candidates should represent a variety of ethnic backgrounds, genders, ages, and lengths of service to RUSA and membership in ALA.
  • Candidates for the office of vice-president/president-elect and section vice-chair/chair-elect should have demonstrated interest in the division by serving on its committees, sections, interest groups, or discussion groups.
  • Members of the division or section should be considered first. However, if a desirable candidate is a personal member of ALA but not a member of the division, the individual may be asked to join. The candidate must join for the year of nomination, and must be a personal member the year of the election, and for subsequent years until the end of the term of office.

Submission of slate

The Nominating Chair sends the slate to the RUSA Executive Director by email (section Nominating Chairs are asked to send this information to the RUSA Nominating Committee chair). Candidates' names are listed on the ballot in alphabetical order..

Biographical Information

Biographical information for all candidates is due December 1st.

Candidates must self-submit information via the ALA online form.

The Nominating Committee is responsible for instructing candidates on how and when to submit this information. Candidates who fail to submit biographical information will be listed only by name on the ballot.

Nominating calendar (covers two fiscal years)

Late Spring

  • Nominating committee appointed.

July - September

  •         Nominating committee issues general call for nominations for all slates. 

  •         Following the conclusion of call for nominations, Committee determines slate and asks candidates if they are willing to run.

September 30

  • Chair submits the complete slate of candidate names to the RUSA office.

December 1

  • Candidates submit their biographical information using the ALA online form.

Spring

  • Ballots distributed for election.

May

  • Candidates notified of election results.

(RUSA Nominating Committee is in charge of updating this page.)  Last updated March 2023.