Category: January–June

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Leadership Development Committee – January–June 2026 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 primary objective of the Leadership Development Committee this year was to host a conversation about leadership at the PLA Member Lounge during the Public Library Association Conference. This goal is in direct alignment with the PLA Strategic Plan goal of Professional Growth.

Megan Klein-Hewett and Kevin King facilitated two concurrent group conversations in the Member Lounge attracting about 40 people in total. The conversations were casual and primarily led by attendees and feedback was generally highly positive. Two attendees reported that it was their favorite conference session, and two others shared that they learned how much expertise they bring and would consider applying to present next conference cycle.

In reviewing the topics that rose to the top at this event, the Leadership Development Committee expressed interest in presenting a series of virtual conversations about career satisfaction.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
While Professional Growth will always have close alignment with the Leadership Development Committee, there are strong aspects of the goal of Transformation that also align with the committee. The need to evolve library staff training and expectations for career satisfaction align closely with the committee's interest in hosting discussions on that topic in FY27.

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)
While no projects are solidly in-progress, there are a number of potential projects the committee expressed interest in:
-Webinar. Hosting webinars on the topics that rose to the top in conversation at PLA. Specific topics included career transitions/advancement, and career satisfaction.
-Mentorship. Idea for a preconference or long session at PLA for training of mentors/mentees and how to connect.
-ALA virtual session idea. Host a session on career satisfaction that could consist of 3-5 panelists and then 3-5 breakout rooms on different aspects of the topic.

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 PLA Membership Advisory Group has always been a strong ally for this committee.

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

Submitted by Megan Klein-Hewett on 06/18/2026

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Continuing Education Advisory Group – January–June 2026 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 committee’s work aligns with several of the strategic goals, particularly by identifying and recommending webinars that support professional development while advancing advocacy, awareness, and engagement within the profession.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The committee work does reflect many of the strategic goals like recommending webinars that will optimize professional growth while supporting advocacy and awareness.

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)
Recommend and promote free or reduced-cost webinars for librarians. As many library professionals face budget reductions and financial constraints, affordable professional development opportunities are increasingly important. If access and inclusion are core organizational values, we should strive to ensure that members can participate in professional learning regardless of their financial circumstances.

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 I can recommend at this time.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
I have occasionally found myself uncertain about the expectations and long-term direction of the committee. Given the limited requirements, I have wondered whether its work could potentially be integrated with another committee. I recognize that some of this uncertainty rests with me, and I take responsibility for not seeking greater clarity sooner. Throughout this experience, however, ALA staff have been exceptionally supportive, communicative, and helpful.

Submitted by Alicia Mangin on 06/16/2026

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Digital Literacy Advisory Group – January–June 2026 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 Digital Literacy Advisory Group primarily supports the PLA Strategic Plan goal of Transformation and the objective of supporting “libraries in advancing all literacies and expanding meaningful and relevant access that results in community wellbeing.” Members provide input and guidance to PLA related to development of the DigitalLearn platform, as well as discuss training gaps and needs in the public library field more broadly.

Current work has increasingly has focused on the intersection of AI and digital literacy, definitions, and guidance. There is overlap among this Advisory Group and the Transformative Technology Task Force and the ALA AI Policy Guidance Working Group.

Work accomplished includes beta testing of the revised DigitalLearn platform and feedback to developers; review and input to training materials for the “Libraries Advancing Accessibility with Apple Tools” project; presentations as part of the PLA 2026 Conference and the upcoming ALA Annual Conference; and information-sharing about digital literacy training, particularly as AI skills building is increasingly important.

Recommended follow-up actions are to include more topics and focus on emerging technologies and to begin scoping deliverables that could be shared, such as a white paper looking at the landscape for library digital literacy right now (including pressure for one-on-on support) or best/effective practices or standards for digital literacy coaching in public libraries.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The primary opportunity is to identify and produce deliverables to address identified gaps related to digital literacy in public libraries and better support public library workers in this area.

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)
Same as follow-up mentioned earlier: include more topics and focus on emerging technologies and to begin scoping deliverables that could be shared, such as a white paper looking at the landscape for library digital literacy right now (including pressure for one-on-on support) or best/effective practices or standards for digital literacy coaching in public libraries.

Continue to review and advise on PLA products and services related to digital literacy.

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, the overlap with PLA’s Transformative Technology Task Force and also the ALA Digital Inclusion Working Group, in particular, provide opportunities for more collaboration, plus progress specifically related to AI skills building in public libraries.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Not at this time.

Submitted by Pat Ball on 06/10/2026

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Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Committee – January–June 2026 Report


The group met 4-6 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 Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Committee continues to support the Public Library Association's Strategic Plan by advancing advocacy efforts through collaboration, relationship-building, and information sharing among members. Since advocacy has taken on renewed urgency across the library profession since 2018, the committee continues to focus strengthening PLA's role as a platform for highlighting the impact of public libraries and supporting local advocacy initiatives.

Throughout the year, committee members have worked collaboratively to exchange ideas, identify emerging advocacy opportunities, and share successful practices from their communities. Regular discussions have provided a valuable forum for members to learn from one another, explore strategic partnerships, and discuss challenges and opportunities affecting public libraries nationwide.

The committee's work aligns with PLA's strategic goal of championing the good work occurring in libraries at the local level while providing resources, connections, and support that empower library leaders and staff in their own advocacy efforts. By fostering communication and knowledge-sharing across diverse library systems, the committee helps strengthen the collective voice of public libraries and contributes to a more informed and engaged advocacy network.

In addition, the committee hosted an open Member Lounge session, Get Loud for Libraries, during the PLA Conference in Minneapolis. The session provided an informal and engaging space for conference attendees to connect, share advocacy successes and challenges, and discuss effective strategies for elevating the visibility and value of public libraries in their communities. The conversation reinforced the importance of peer learning and collaboration, enabling participants to exchange practical ideas, build new professional relationships, and strengthen their capacity to advocate for libraries at the local, state, and national levels.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
There are opportunities to further align the committee's work with PLA's strategic goals by continuing to strengthen information sharing, advocacy capacity, and strategic partnerships. Committee members have expressed a strong interest in understanding the evolving public policy and political landscape and in sharing ideas, resources, and best practices for advancing public library priorities with state and local elected officials.

At the same time, the committee has encountered challenges in identifying and navigating pathways to meaningful national partnerships that align with PLA's advocacy priorities. Continued coordination with ALA's Committee on Legislation (COL) and state library association chapters remains important to ensure consistent messaging, avoid duplication of effort, and leverage existing advocacy networks.

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)
As the committee moves forward, it will be important to focus on activities that produce tangible outcomes and actionable information while honoring the time and expertise contributed by committee members. Prioritizing collaborative efforts that result in practical resources, shared learning, and stronger advocacy connections will help maximize the committee's impact and support PLA's strategic objectives.

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?
ALA COL, ALA Chapter Relations, ALA COLA

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Thank you to the Advocacy and Strategic Partnership committee members and PLA staff for their collaboration, commitment, and willingness to share ideas and experiences. I especially appreciated the opportunity to help facilitate the Get Loud for Libraries conversation at the PLA Conference and to work alongside colleagues who are passionate about advancing advocacy for public libraries.

Submitted by Susan Hempstead on 06/10/2026

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Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice – January–June 2026 Report


The group met 4-6 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 EDISJ Committee met monthly from January through June. We took a multi-pronged approach to our work, creating a mix of professional development (conference presentations and webinars), EDISJ resources, listening sessions, and contributed columns to Public Libraries Magazine.

In the past six months, to support PLA’s strategic goals of EDISJ, Transformation, Organizational Excellence, and Professional Growth, we completed:

* Three contributions to Public Libraries Magazine
* Two PLA Conference Presentations:
* Outcomes and Benchmarks for the Rest of Us (w MEAGG): 75 attendees
* Responding to Ice at the Library: Real World Approaches: 600- 700attendees
* Training for library workers: Responding to Ice in the Library – Real World Approaches webinar. Angela Maycock provided the following stats (and was her usual amazing self):
* 2,775 people registered and 1,653 people attended the live webinar, which was available exclusively and at no cost to ALA members.
* An additional 138 people have registered for the free on-demand recording for ALA members (for a total of 2,913 registrants),, and 11 people have registered for paid access to the on-demand recording for non-members. In addition, ALA worked with Massachusetts, California, and Oregon to facilitate state-level bulk purchases of a one-year license, making the on-demand webinar recording available to all librarians in those states.
* Shoutout to Scott Duimstra, Kimberly Knight, and Jocelyne Sansing for presenting, and Angela Maycock and Kathleen Hughes for ensuring everything ran smoothly.
* Two listening sessions at the 2026 PLA Conference (thanks, Oscar Gittemeier, Keturah Cappedonia, and Jaena Rae Cabrera)
* Invited Kevin Strowder to participate/facilitate
* Two listening sessions are scheduled at the 2026 ALA Conference (Thanks, Tanya Finney Estrada, and Nikki Shaw)
* Continued to work on the living document of EDISJ Library Resources by State
* Submitted columns for each issue of Public Libraries Magazine
* Planning a Virtual Listening Session for Fall 2026 (in the works)

As we look ahead to the next year, we would like to:

* Collaborate with others on conference presentations. Topics are TBD, but some ideas include:
* Showcase of EDISJ resources developed by various roundtables (e.g., ALA Rainbow Round Table, ULC EDI Committee, ALA Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table, ALA Social Responsibilities Round Table, REFORMA, BCALA, APALA, AILA, and others)
* Internal EDISJ issues, having difficult conversations & conflict resolution
* Plan two webinars (one in the fall, one in the spring)
* Neurodiversity in the Workplace
* TBD
* Continue listening sessions (including virtual)
* Share, maintain, and grow EDISJ resources by state.
* Continue contributions to Public Libraries Magazine.
* Identify existing and create EDISJ training resources for public libraries.
* Host one listening session at the 2026 ARSL Conference (Thanks, Aimee Adams!)
* At least one virtual listening session

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
I think we’ve done a fairly good job aligning our work with strategic goals, but I would love to know if there are places we could collaborate, support, or provide resources to other PLA Committees. It would be great if there were quarterly or twice-a-year meetings of PLA Committee chairs to discuss what we’re doing, ensure that we’re not duplicating work, and see where our work dovetails.

We would also appreciate any feedback from the PLA Executive Board or leadership on whether they would like us to focus on a larger initiative or move in a different direction.

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)
This is an active committee with ambitious plans. We’re looking for committee members who are committed to EDISJ and have enough bandwidth to contribute meaningfully to the committee and the profession. We expect new committee members to show up enthusiastically and authentically, ready to pitch in and move this work forward.

Some of next year’s work is maintenance, with (hopefully) minimal additional effort, such as keeping the EDISJ resources up to date by state. We will continue to contribute columns to each issue of Public Libraries Magazine and get feedback from our peers and colleagues through listening sessions. After we pilot the first virtual session, we can decide if it's an effective way to continue the conversation.

Given the response to the Responding to ICE at the Library webinar, there is a clear demand for ongoing EDISJ training. There’s an opportunity to address current topics through webinars and conference presentations. One goal for the coming year is to collaborate with other roundtables and affiliates doing EDISJ work.

The other is to align our work with PLA's broader vision and the work of its other committees.

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 potential opportunities to partner with REFORMA, BCALA, APALA, AILA, ODLOS, ARSL, the Rainbow Round Table, and others. I’d love to see wider collaboration and improved communication between the different groups focusing on EDISJ.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
* My experience serving on this committee has been wonderful. We have a core group of committed colleagues who are passionate about this work, great collaborators, and creative thinkers.
* We would love to find a way to strengthen our committee. Several appointees never attended meetings, and a couple had to resign. We know there’s a lot of demand to serve on committees, and if there were a way to remove folks who can’t participate and replace them with those who can, that would be great.
* We have tremendous support from our Padma Polepeddi, Kathleen Hughes, and Angela Maycock. The PLA team has consistently gone above and beyond to support our work, despite already having lots on their plates!

Submitted by Erica Freudenberger & Oscar Gittemeier on 06/05/2026

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Public Libraries Advisory Group – January–June 2026 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 continued discussion and voting around the 2025 volume year feature article contest and helped identify potential winning submissions. The articles reflected the goals of professional growth and advocacy & awareness noted in the PLA Strategic Plan. Items that support the goals include:

• The committee began brainstorming and refining possible themes for the 2027 volume year, including topics related to media literacy, ethics, collection development, workforce development, aging populations, social media, and equity in library services.
• The committee continues to serve as an advisory body supporting editorial direction and helping identify timely issues and trends relevant to the field

Members discussed opportunities for future feature articles, contributors, and emerging issues affecting public libraries that will need to be followed up by the incoming committee members.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The goals of transformation and professional growth align with the committee work and the articles created support library workers at all levels. The articles should mirror the goals of PLA and how to help library workers.

Identified in our mid-year report, the committee sees opportunities to further strengthen alignment by continuing to prioritize contributors from small, rural, and underrepresented libraries, and by identifying stories and voices that directly support PLA’s focus on equity, workforce development, and community impact.

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)
For in-coming committee members, upcoming work includes finalizing contest selections, continuing development of 2027 themes, and overall advisory. They will also need to brainstorm ideas for future articles.

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 is always opportunity to partner with other PLA and/or ALA committees. Many of the article ideas come from PLA/ALA conferences, speakers/presenters and work that is being done in committees.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Kathleen Hughes is an amazing liaison to this committee. She is clear in her emails and details an agenda with information. I appreciate her sending out an email before our meeting on 1/15/26 that encouraged use to prepare to share ideas on specific items. She always created a poll for voting on articles and scoring grid. Emails and discussions along with articles and scoring grids were sent out. And there is always a recap of the meetings, most recently, the one on April 24, 2026 where we finalized the feature article contest update and initial theme ideas for 2027. I enjoyed serving on this committee and reading the articles/hearing the podcast and thinking on all the new topics affecting libraries today. The committee will be meeting in person at the ALA Conference this June.

Submitted by Phyllis Gorshe on 06/04/2026

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PLA 2026 Conference Program Subcommittee – January–June 2026 Report


The group met 4-6 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.
We worked diligently to receive and review timely programming and training opportunities for PLA conference attendees that speak to the day-to-day operations with Public Libraries aligned with PLA’s strategic goals. Our committee work strengths the profession as a whole and amplifies voices of public libraries nationwide. The Programming committee supports the professional growth strategic goal with their work related to the planning of the PLA Conference. This committee also supports Advocacy and Awareness and Transformation, as the PLA Conference really provides a transformative experience for library professionals seeking professional growth and empowers them with awareness and advocacy too.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
PLA does a great job of offering ongoing professional development opportunities through webinars, in addition to the PLA conference. This committee does a wonderful job aligning with strategic goals of PLA

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)
Remain connected and engaged at each step of the process within the committee. Dive deeper into the conference registration drop and see how we should proceed with planning for other revenue streams if there’s a huge impact to the PLA revenue with the PLA conference registration drops.

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?
Collaboration is always welcomed. Specifically with the PLA Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice. ALA Specific committee would be Committee on Diversity, and Council Training & Engagement Committee would be helpful collaborators.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Angela B-I appreciated the guidance from Angela Maycock and Megan Stewart and the partnership of my co-chair Padma Polepeddi. And appreciated being trusted to cochair such an invaluable resource to our profession.

Padma – This has been a highly rewarding experience. Angela Maycock and Megan Stewart and Melissa are all such high functioning leaders and they had such a highly efficient process in place where every minute of every meeting and every communication was top notch learning and professional development experience. The committee members all came with robust experience and expertise and it was a high functioning and highly efficient committee. With the leadership of Angela Bennett, the co-chair of the Programming Committee and Angela Maycock’s leadership in putting together a robust plan of action for everything that needed to get done within a planned timeline and a highly dedicated group of committee members who all brought their experience and expertise in getting the work done has made this an extremely rewarding and professional growth opportunity.

Submitted by Angela Bennett, Padma Polepeddi on 01/23/2026

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Digital Literacy 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 Advisory group focused on 2 of the goals in PLA's starting plan Professional Growth & Advocacy and Awareness.
The group worked on creating ideas for sharing information on AI thru webinars, best practice and presenting in a session at ALA. A subgroup was developing handouts for best practices on AI with librarians.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
Collaborating with the Technology Advisory Group on emerging technology such as AI in term of both staff and publics use would be beneficial.

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)
Areas of focus for next year could include working with groups on ensuring E rate funding continues, especially after hot spots were considered eligible and now funding is in jeopardy.

Being informed about changes in FCC both in terms of leadership and regulations.

Creating better communication and information sharing with local libraries and the Digital Library group's work. Knowing what others are providing in services and needs can help inform the group about gaps in order to be able to better meet those need.

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?
ALA Digital inclusion Working Group in order to ensure equitable access.

ALA ' s Information Technology Policy Advisory Committee to advocate for libraries.

Communication with National Telecommunication & Information Administration (NTIA) for broadband issues to build awareness and share stories of library's impacts.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
It is always a pleasure to serve on committees or advisory group. PLA staff are wonderful to work with.

Submitted by Patricia Ball & Julianne Rist on 06/13/2025

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Leadership Development Committee – 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 developed two educational activities. The first was a "Membership Monday: Becoming a PLA Leader." This webinar occurred on Monday, June 2.

A second education activity will happen in the Career Center at the ALA Conference. On Sunday, June 29, I will present a session titled Interview Prep Made Easy.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
I feel this committee did not meet often enough or have enough participation to really be productive this year.

It might help to get more orientation on 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)
No work is carrying over from this committee. I feel that to make it more productive the meeting schedule should be set early on to ensure it gets on members' calendars.

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?
Not aware of any at this time.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
I am disappointed we didn't get more done and that participation at meetings was low. I wasn't able to give this as much time as I expected. However, I do enjoy being on PLA Committees, so I hope to participate again in the future.

Submitted by Douglas Crane on 06/11/2025

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Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice – January–June 2025 Report


The group met 4-6 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 EDISJ Committee has supported PLA’s strategic goals by using consensus based decision making to identify 5 committee projects that support EDISJ work in libraries, including:

Project 1: EDISJ & MEAC conference proposal on PLA Project Outcome & Benchmark
-Addresses PLA goals related to EDISJ, Professional Growth, Advocacy & Awareness, and Organizational Excellence.

Project 2: Host EDISJ Conference Listening Sessions at ALA & PLA
-Addresses PLA goals related to EDISJ, Transformation, Professional Growth, Advocacy & Awareness, and Organizational Excellence

Project 3: Create a living document of EDISJ library resources by state, including training resources.
-Addresses PLA goals related to EDISJ, Transformation, Professional Growth, and Organizational Excellence.

Project 4: Create a document with base level accommodation language that does not require HR/official paperwork, including developing talking points for staff in libraries that celebrate religious observances and how to communicate with supervisors about time off.
-Addresses PLA goals related to EDISJ and Organizational Excellence.

Project 5: Write regular EDISJ articles for Public Libraries Magazine.
-Addresses PLA goals related to EDISJ, Transformation, Professional Growth, and Organizational Excellence.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The EDISJ Committee could follow the work of other committees more closely to see if there are additional opportunities for collaboration.

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)
I recommend new committee members attend the first meeting in July so they can meet the committee members that are offboarding, learn about the succession plans for each project, and if they are unable to attend monthly committee meetings I recommend that they participate by being active on our ALA Connect page. For those attending ALA and PLA I recommend that they attend the EDISJ listening sessions so that they know what PLA members want to see from the EDISJ committee. Lastly, this can be emotionally demanding work, so I recommend that members practice not just self care, but community care within the committee.

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?
EDISJ is currently collaborating with MEAC, but we could also partner with the Leadership Development Committee to help funnel emerging minority leaders into the EDISJ committee, so that they have an opportunity to build a portfolio that reflects national / association wide projects.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
The PLA EDISJ committee has provided a space for members to connect and be in community during a very challenging time for library workers. At times like these I am thankful we have organizations like PLA to bring us together. National committee work provides a reminder that even though we come from very different libraries, in various states, we often face similar challenges.

Submitted by Oscar Gittemeier & Lewonda Gipson on 06/06/2025

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