Ex Libris Association Newsletter Committee Chair

Fame Awaits!

A volunteer opportunity is now open to become the Chair of the Newsletter (ELAN) Committee. Frances Davidson-Arnott, long-time ELAN Committee Chair intends to step down from her position shortly.

Editorial experience is not essential; however familiarity with ELA, organizational skills, and a strong commitment to our profession will be essential to be successful in this role.

The Newsletter Committee boasts a number of strong writers and correspondents that provide material for the two issues per year.  The Committee has a professional editor on contract, and the Ontario Library Association (OLA) provides desktop publishing of the newsletter.  Examples of the newsletter are available here.

The Newsletter Committee Chair job description is as follows:

1.  Chair the Newsletter Committee.

2.  Schedule and chair Committee meetings.

• Develop meeting agendas (The Committee as a whole discusses content of upcoming issues and decides what ideas to pursue, and establishes priorities).
• Ensure Committee minutes are kept.
• Act as a liaison with the ELA Board and prepare reports for quarterly Board meetings and Annual General Meetings.

3.  Sourcing Material for the newsletter.

• Confirm contributions from regular contributors at the beginning of the issue cycle.
• Find replacement contributors as required.
• Set and enforce deadlines.

3. Organize and review submissions for issues.

4. Work with the ELAN Editor and OLA Desktop Publisher

• Review and proof-read the final version for printing.

An ideal candidate would have the following skill sets:

• A librarian or information professional with broad contacts in the library and information sector.
• The ability to find and persuade potential contributors to provide content.
• Basic research skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Computer literate (e.g Microsoft Word, etc.)

The new Chair will have the benefit of  the present Chair's experience and advice while taking on this position.