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Public Libraries Advisory Group – January–June 2025 Report


The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee advises Public Libraries magazine, Public Libraries Online, and the FYI podcast. In addition to suggesting contributors and topics, members also offer valuable feedback on editorial direction—helping with questions of tone, balance, and how best to frame timely or complex issues.

Their input ensures that content aligns with PLA’s strategic goals, especially in areas like equity, literacy, workforce development, and community well-being. So far this year, they’ve helped guide several issue themes, surfaced standout library programs and projects, and supported efforts to include a diverse mix of voices in our publishing work.

Going forward, we’ll continue encouraging members to bring forward content ideas and help identify library workers doing innovative and impactful work that deserves broader visibility.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
Yes. Since our committee is focused on content creation and curation across PLA media, we have a unique opportunity to ensure alignment with all areas of the PLA Strategic Plan. Because the goals are interconnected, we can support them in layered ways. For example, by prioritizing inclusive editorial practices, we contribute directly to PLA’s EDISJ goal while also elevating stories of innovation, transformation, and advocacy happening in public libraries across the country.

We also see opportunities to help redefine what professional growth looks like by featuring a wide range of contributors—those leading from the middle, early career voices, and library workers in nontraditional roles. Our work naturally intersects with PLA’s goals around transformation and advocacy, as we spotlight how libraries are responding to community needs and navigating challenges. Ultimately, our role is to ensure PLA content reflects the energy, diversity, and evolution of the profession, and that feels deeply aligned with the strategic goals.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
The committee’s work is ongoing throughout the year, helping ensure that Public Libraries media captures the breadth and depth of what’s happening in the field. As new members come on board, I’d recommend continuing to focus on identifying and elevating emerging trends, persistent challenges, underrepresented topics and voices, and innovations that deserve wider attention. We’ll also be thinking ahead to 2026 and welcome input on questions like:

What emerging trends do you see on the horizon for public libraries?

What persistent challenges deserve deeper coverage?

Are there underrepresented topics or voices we need to elevate?

What areas of library innovation or reinvention should we highlight?

Are there societal or global shifts that will shape how libraries serve their communities in 2026?

This thoughtful input shapes our editorial direction and helps ensure our coverage remains timely and inclusive

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
Yes—committees focused on equity, advocacy, and literacy could offer useful perspectives and help cross-promote relevant content. There may also be opportunities to collaborate with PLA’s Emerging Leaders or leadership development groups to highlight new voices in the field.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
The committee brings great energy and thoughtful input to the publishing program. I’m especially grateful for the range of library backgrounds represented–this diversity of experience really strengthens the relevance, quality, and reach of our content. It's a supportive, engaged group, and their insights have been incredibly valuable.

Submitted by Amy Dissmeyer on 06/04/2025

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Technology Advisory Group – January–June 2025 Report


The group met 1 time this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee explored a range of potential project ideas, though we are still in the process of identifying members to lead specific efforts.

We did make progress by drafting and submitting a revised committee charge:

"To explore the role of artificial intelligence in public libraries, including its potential to enhance services, streamline operations, and support community engagement; to facilitate discussions on ethical considerations, privacy, and equitable access related to AI; to collect and share resources on AI tools, best practices, and implementation strategies; and to support library staff in developing AI literacy through education, training, and collaboration."

This new charge is intended to better define the committee’s focus and ensure our work supports PLA’s broader goals around technology, staff development, and equitable service.

We recommend that PLA leadership review and approve the revised charge.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
While the committee’s updated charge reflects PLA’s goals around innovation and staff development, there is still room to better align our work with goals related to equity and professional growth. Future efforts could include developing guidance on equitable AI implementation in libraries, or collecting case studies on how AI tools are being used to support diverse communities. Identifying specific, manageable projects that match both member capacity and strategic priorities will help move this work forward.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
Incoming committee members are encouraged to bring forward project ideas they are personally interested in leading. To maintain momentum, it’s important that proposed ideas move beyond the discussion phase into small, manageable projects with clear goals and timelines.

At present, the main stream of work to be carried over is the newly proposed committee charge. Once approved, the committee will be well-positioned to begin identifying concrete next steps, such as initiatives related to AI in public libraries.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
PLA Digital Literacy
Core Emerging Tech Trends

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?

Submitted by Michael Bartolomeo on 06/03/2025

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Membership Advisory Group – January–June 2025 Report


The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The membership advisory group continues to welcome new members with personal emails that highlight the upcoming professional development opportunities available through PLA. This spring we also piloted the Membership Monday series to improve member engagement opportunities in the off conference year. Topics included: mapping your PLA journey, presenting at conferences, volunteering, contributing to PLA content in print and online, becoming a PLA leader and more. To date these virtual engagements have seen 210 members in attendance which is definitely a success to build upon for the future. We were very pleased to hear that the Membership Mondays structure will be going forward with other groups within the PLA.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The Membership Advisory Group’s work is very much in line with PLA’s strategic goals.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
We have been successful at the past conferences with facilitating a variety of both informational and recreational member engagements in the Member Lounge so we think that is definitely worth continuing. Button making continues to be a hit along with informal meetups for connecting first timers with mentors and helping people find lunch buddies.

As stated above, the Membership Mondays virtual engagement pilot series showed that the members are interested in this type of content so I would encourage the group to plan another series when possible.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
None that come to mind.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
It’s been a pleasure serving on this committee for the past four years. I cannot speak highly enough of our staff liaison Samantha Lopez. She is incredibly easy to work with and always willing to do whatever is needed to further the goals of the group. I commend PLA for making this standing committee as a commitment to providing a voice / personal contact for new and existing members. – Meredith McCarthy

Submitted by Meredith McCarthy, Jennifer Baxter on 06/02/2025

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Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Committee – January–June 2025 Report


The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee collaboratively wrote a PLA online journal article about how to build advocates in simple and impactful ways. Jason Homer was a main editor and contributor though we included ideas from all committee members. This directly answers the action steps in advocacy and professional development of the SP! In July, the committee will be participating in Membership Monday to further share ideas and successes to inspire others in the important work of making advocates that partner with libraries and make us stronger and more visible in our communities.
It has been a contentious time for libraries with the new US president, so we felt that taking a positive approach to what CAN be done was best. These actions were more about telling what was possible and making library staff at all levels see it is relevant and easy to build advocates to rally around the issues that matter for public libraries.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The goals were clear and easy to adapt to.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
The political climate continues to evolve which may direct the future work of the group.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
This committee is also engaged with the ALA Advocacy group and that tie helps us stay informed to better address needs at a national level.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Katina is amazing and helps keep us moving forward. Thank YOU!

Submitted by Jennifer Weeks on 05/30/2025

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Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Committee – January–June 2025 Report


The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee collaboratively wrote a PLA online journal article about how to build advocates in simple and impactful ways. Jason Homer was a main editor and contributor though we included ideas from all committee members. This directly answers the action steps in advocacy and professional development of the SP! In July, the committee will be participating in Membership Monday to further share ideas and successes to inspire others in the important work of making advocates that partner with libraries and make us stronger and more visible in our communities.
It has been a contentious time for libraries with the new US president, so we felt that taking a positive approach to what CAN be done was best. These actions were more about telling what was possible and making library staff at all levels see it is relevant and easy to build advocates to rally around the issues that matter for public libraries.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The goals were clear and easy to adapt to.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
The political climate continues to evolve which may direct the future work of the group.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
This committee is also engaged with the ALA Advocacy group and that tie helps us stay informed to better address needs at a national level.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Katina is amazing and helps keep us moving forward. Thank YOU!

Submitted by Jennifer Weeks on 05/30/2025

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Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Committee – January–June 2025 Report


The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee collaboratively wrote a PLA online journal article about how to build advocates in simple and impactful ways. Jason Homer was a main editor and contributor though we included ideas from all committee members. This directly answers the action steps in advocacy and professional development of the SP! In July, the committee will be participating in Membership Monday to further share ideas and successes to inspire others in the important work of making advocates that partner with libraries and make us stronger and more visible in our communities.
It has been a contentious time for libraries with the new US president, so we felt that taking a positive approach to what CAN be done was best. These actions were more about telling what was possible and making library staff at all levels see it is relevant and easy to build advocates to rally around the issues that matter for public libraries.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The goals were clear and easy to adapt to.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
The political climate continues to evolve which may direct the future work of the group.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
This committee is also engaged with the ALA Advocacy group and that tie helps us stay informed to better address needs at a national level.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Katina is amazing and helps keep us moving forward. Thank YOU!

Submitted by Jennifer Weeks on 05/30/2025

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Family Engagement Advisory Group – January–June 2025 Report


The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
Integrating the four pillars of the 2022-2026 PLA Strategic Plan, not only did we meet to get work done to support families, we met to connect and encourage each other in our work as Librarians.

We worked to schedule four family engagement posts for social media on a monthly basis, a project that we started as a committee last year. Followers enjoyed seeing activities from our various libraries. This project targets transformation, professional growth, and advocacy and awareness as our posts will hopefully encourage other library staff to implement and/or start highlighting their family engagement activities.

Task force members also submitted a conference proposal to the 2026 PLA Conference entitled “Meeting the Needs of Your Committee Through Family Engagement.”

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
No

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
Keep the social media posts going.

Look for opportunities to present about Family Engagement in the library community.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
There are elements of this committee that would pair well with ALSC’s Early and Family Literacy Committee.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
No

Submitted by Lisa Mulvenna and Emily Sedgwick on 05/21/2025

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Continuing Education Advisory Group – January–June 2025 Report


The group met 0 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The Continuing Education Advisory Group (CEAG)'s work includes reviewing proposals for upcoming PLA webinars. During this reporting period, CEAG reviewed 16 webinar proposals and made recommendations for educational opportunities for public library staff. This work supports PLA's strategic goals in areas of:
– Professional Growth – the webinars and trainings are reviewed for inclusivity to allow PLA to help grow the
knowledge, skills, and competency of workers at all levels to support a cohort of library leaders with diverse
experiences.
– Organizational Excellence – by including PLA members with direct experience in the field as part of the webinar
review process, PLA ensures relevance and efficacy in available trainings.
– Transformation – by including PLA members with direct experience in the field as part of the review process, PLA also
ensures that the topics selected are current and relevant to ongoing and ever-changing professional and community
needs.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
We continue to see two opportunities to better align committee work with strategic goals. One is to look for opportunities for
committee members to be more informed of related work by other committees and/or divisions that intersect with the
work of this group, for example the EDISJ committee or conference committee. Another opportunity would be to
include the strategic goals directly on the webinar review rubric to increase reviewers' awareness of the goals.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
We recommend that committee members should be tasked with sharing out the opportunities to their networks each time a request goes out, both for the call for proposals and when the approved list is shared. We also recommend committee members are encouraged to set aside a block of time when reviewing proposals to avoid interruptions and distractions.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
The Continuing Education Advisory Group continues to support collaboration and partnerships with committees such as
EDISJ, Conference Planning Committees, Leadership Development Committee, and Measurement, Evaluation, and
Assessment Advisory Group to ensure our work complements the work they do and adds to the value of PLA in the
greater library community.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
The PLA team has been great to work with, we appreciate their help and support.

Submitted by Julie Brophy and Krista Riggs on 05/14/2025

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Membership Advisory Group – July–December 2025 Report


The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The Membership Advisory Group is focusing on the strategic plan goals of professional growth and organizational excellence to guide our activities in the fall of 2024 – 2025.

February – May we are starting a monthly virtual engagement event called "Membership Mondays" to help members be engaged and empowered on their journey in PLA. We will be covering topics such as personal growth, networking, volunteering, presenting at conference and being a voice in PLA's print and online media content.

As part of the brainstorming of the group for keeping engagement high during an off conference year we suggested perhaps having a major author virtual event for members only. Samantha took that idea and ran with it and it is our understanding that this is being investigated by PLA staff for possible roll out in Fall of 2025.

We continue to send out personalized welcome emails to all new members of PLA highlighting the professional development opportunities that are coming up soon and all the great tools PLA has to offer.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
We believe what the Membership Advisory Group is doing is very much in line with PLA's strategic goals.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
We have been successful at the past conferences with facilitating a a variety of both informational and recreational member engagements in the Member Lounge so we think that is definitely worth continuing. We hope that the Member Monday virtual engagements will show the value in providing opportunity for PLA groups and committee's to share information / get feedback from the general membership.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
None that come to mind.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
We continue to be very grateful to have Samantha Lopez as our staff liaison. She is wonderful to work with and is amazing at getting us connected with any resources or staff needed to achieve our goals. We truly appreciate her and all that she does for us.

Submitted by Meredith McCarthy / Jennifer Baxter on 01/09/2025

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Public Libraries Advisory Group – July–December 2024 Report


The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee has been actively involved in shaping upcoming Public Libraries Magazine content and expanding engagement with PLA’s broader initiatives. Recent activities include:

Planning for the 2025 Volume Year Themes: The committee reviewed and discussed proposed themes for each 2025 issue, including topics such as library careers, serving people in crisis, resource sharing, human resources, multigenerational programming, and strategic planning. Ideas for refining these themes and potential contributors were shared to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Feature Article Contest: The committee selected winners for the 2024 feature article contest, reviewing submissions and finalizing the criteria for selection.

Call for Contributors: Efforts to expand contributions to Public Libraries Magazine, Public Libraries Online, and the FYI Podcast have been ongoing. We’ve actively sought participation from underrepresented voices and shared opportunities across peer networks.

Content Review: Members reviewed and provided critical feedback for articles, such as Manifestations of 'Doomscrolling' in the Public Library: Insights from the UK, ensuring high-quality submissions.

Surveys and Engagement: The committee has been advising on survey questions for the upcoming PLA Member Survey.

FYI Podcast Development: We continue to suggest potential podcast guests to highlight innovative library programs, reinforcing the broader goal of showcasing impactful stories.

Career Advice Project: We’ve assisted in sharing and contributing career advice submissions for the "Your Library Career" issue, offering inspiring insights for readers.

Community Outreach: Members have played a key role in circulating contribution opportunities, focusing particularly on amplifying underrepresented voices.

In all of our efforts we work to represent diverse voices and libraries and ensure we are upholding the very best of work that reflects on PLA as an organization.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The committee’s work directly supports PLA’s strategic goals by advancing EDISJ (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice), fostering professional growth, and highlighting innovation in public libraries. Through editorial planning and outreach, we’ve worked to ensure diverse voices are featured, aligning our work with PLA’s goal of increasing representation. Additionally, our focus on podcasts and career advice strengthens knowledge sharing, while our input on the member survey will provide further insights to support the broader mission of public library excellence.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
n/a

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
We will be working with the PLA Membership Advisory Group in early 2025 to promote participation from more members. We look forward to the opportunity to speak to a broad audience about ways more members can add their voice to our publications.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?

Submitted by Amy Dissmeyer on 12/23/2024

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