The group met 4-6 times this reporting period.
Recent Activities
First Activity
Reviewed Public Libraries Magazine themes and suggested articles and writers to fulfill the themes. Committee members reached out to potential contributors through direct contacts, our listservs and networks. Reviewed and edited received materials for the issue.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Advocacy and Awareness, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Leadership, Organizational Excellence, Transformation
Second Activity
Selected the 2020 Featured Article of the Year. Read featured articles from previous year, scored them and recommended winners.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Advocacy and Awareness, Leadership, Organizational Excellence
Third Activity
Selected new columnists for "The Big Idea" and "The Wired Library" columns for ongoing issues follow the departure of the last columnists. We reviewed resumes and writing samples. Using rubric and discussion, selected new columnists for both regular columns.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Advocacy and Awareness, Leadership, Organizational Excellence
Fourth Activity
A subcommittee wrote an article for the former Insights column on mask wearing, compliance, and suggestions for compliance responding from a former question. It was published in the sister online journal, Public Libraries Online.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Advocacy and Awareness, Leadership, Organizational Excellence
Fifth Activity
Served as Guest Editor to the July/August 2021 online issue on the anti-racism/social justice issue. In addition to helping with soliciting writers and giving editing suggestions, Kathleen allowed committee members to guest edit specific issues. I was thrilled to help with this one and bring together thoughts from all over public libraries how we can amplify voices from across public libraries and learn from each other's experiences.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Advocacy and Awareness, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Leadership, Organizational Excellence, Transformation
What will your group be working on for the next six months?
While this was my first tenure as chair, I've rolled off of the committee after my second year. During my tenure, we selected and confirmed issue topics, writers, and contributors. We voted on the top featured articles from the previous year. Some committee members assisted with writing.
Does the group have any policy recommendations, ideas with financial impact, or other items to bring to the PLA Board for discussion or action
We selected to publish at least one issue as an online versions. I've received more feedback on that issue since it was easily shared online. It saved on printing and mailing costs.
Do you have any suggestions for future products or resources (excluding conference programs) to be developed based on your group’s work?
A webinar on what Public Libraries looks for in writers and how to submit good articles from solicitations.
Are there other PLA/ALA committees your group might collaborate with to benefit the work of all?
The committee might benefit from a report from the PLA Council Member.
Have there been any issues related to meeting participation/attendance for any of the group’s members?
No
Is there anything PLA could have provided during this time that would have helped your group with its work?
No. Thank you for the opportunity.
Submitted by Kimberly B. Knight on 09/15/2021