SECTIONS, COMMITTEES

VERMONT LIBRARY ASSOCIATION SECTIONS

To better meet the needs of our members, Vermont Library Association maintains
four sections that develop targeted programming and focus on issues of
special concern to members in those sections. VLA members may join any

section(s) at no additional charge by indicating their desire on the membership
form. Please contact the leaders below for more information about the sections’
activities and how you can get involved.

Children and Young Adult Librarians Section (CAYAL)

The Children and Young Adult Librarians (CAYAL) Section of VLA is
open to all public librarians who serve young people, birth through 18
years of age. CAYAL Section responsibilities include articles in the “CAYAL
Corner” of VLA News, the annual CAYAL Program in late winter, and CAYAL
programs at the Vermont Library Conference in May.

Section President:  Megan Allison
802-223-4665
megan@kellogghubbard.org

College and Special Libraries Section

The College and Special Libraries Section welcomes VLA members working
in college, university, and post-secondary trade school libraries, as well
as the libraries of businesses and corporations. Our goal is to support
excellent service to all our patrons by sharing our ideas and resources.
We have a minimum of one workshop a year, and make sure the annual Vermont
Library Conference includes workshops relevant to our concerns. 

Section President:  Richard Amberlang
802-454-9311 x 2730
richard.amberlang@goddard.edu

Public Libraries Section

The Public Libraries Section strives to extend the effectiveness of
library services and librarians in ensuring equal information access and
availability of literary and cultural resources.

Section President:  Peter Blodgett

802-785-4361
thetford@vals.state.vt.us

Vermont Library Trustees Association (VLTA)

VTLA sponsors continuing education opportunities for trustees, friends of the library,
and other library advocates. The section holds an annual fall statewide
conference, and organizes four workshops at each of the five annual spring
Town Officers Educational Conferences sponsored by the Vermont Institute
for Government. Topics have included orientation of new trustees, establishing
a good working relationship with the press, planning for automation and
technology, working better with town government, fund-raising, collaborating
with community organizations, providing outreach service, and policymaking.
These conferences offer an excellent opportunity for trustees to network
with others in their area as well as with their own town officials. VTLA
is guided by a Steering Committee of trustees from around the state. 
We welcome new Steering Committee members at any time during the year.
Call Marianne Kotch for details.

The Vermont Library Trustees Association (VLTA) is a section of the Vermont Library Association (VLA). Trustees may join VLA as individuals ($15/year) or as a whole board ($30/year), and then check “VLTA” as their section preference. Membership forms are available at www.vermontlibraries.org.

Section Convenor:  Marianne Kotch

802-828-2320

marianne.kotch@dol.state.vt.us

2007-2008 Steering Committee:
Dorothy Bergendahl, Jericho
David Brown, Shelburne
Marcia Devino, Colchester
Harriet Grenier, Waterbury
Robert Kittner, Rutland
Laurel Stanley, Danville

Michael Roche, Dept. of Libraries
Marianne Kotch, Dept. of Libraries

Trustee rep. to VT Library Conference Committee:
Laurel Stanley

 

 

VERMONT LIBRARY ASSOCATION COMMITTEES

Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee educates Vermonters about the role of libraries in maintaining free access to information, supporting intellectual freedom, and improving literacy. The Committee also informs communities about the need for adequate library funding. In 2007, the Advocacy Committee’s focus will be assisting the Government Relations Committee in lobbying for State funding to public libraries.

Co-Chair Selene Colburn
802-656-9980
selene.colburn@uvm.edu

Co-Chair Barbara Shatara

802-865-7211

bshatara@ci.burlington.vt.us

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee solicits nominations and selects winners of two
awards each year:  the Sarah T. Hagar Award
and the Trustee of the Year Award. To place a
name in nomination for either award, please send the nominee’s name, the
name of his/her library, a letter explaining why this person should receive
the award, along with your name, library, telephone number, and e-mail
address to the Awards Committee chair. If a nomination is made by more than one
person, please designate one signatory as the contact person. Letters of
support from community members or colleagues are welcome.

Chair: Grace Greene
802-828-6954

grace.greene@dol.state.vt.us

Conference Committee 

The Conference Committee is responsible for planning and presenting
the annual Vermont Library Conference, held in cooperation with Vermont
Educational Media Association. The committee includes a co-chair appointed
by the vice president, a representative from each of the sections, as well
as a co-chair and representatives from Vermont Educational Media Association.

Co-chair:  Jessica Allard
802-881-8297

Government Relations Committee

Public Relations handout from the Schmooze, don’t lose workshop.

The Government Relations Committee prepares an annual legislative agenda,
works toward implementation of the legislative agenda with the Executive
Board and appropriate committees, keeps abreast of state and national legislation
that affects libraries, and reports on this to the Board and to the membership.
Our mission is also to create a greater awareness among our elected legislators
about the role Vermont libraries play in reaching their constituents with
access to information and life-long learning opportunities for all ages.
We want to impact the decisions that support libraries (funding, policy
etc.) and create an environment that promotes better communication about
legislation that affects public libraries. New members and new ideas always
welcome!

Co Chair:  Lisa von Kann
802-748-8291

lvkann@stjathenaeum.org

Co Chair:  Martin Hahn
802-223-3338
mhahn@kellogghubbard.org

Intellectual Freedom Committee

The Intellectual Freedom Committee is concerned with the rights of
freedom of expression, and stands ready to assist in situations where
these rights may be in danger. The Intellectual Freedom Committee is responsible
for arranging the John Swan Memorial Lecture. The committee has prepared an Intellectual Freedom Toolkit to help you.

Chair: 
Trina Magi
802-656-5723
Trina.Magi@uvm.edu

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee recruits members to the association, develops
and promotes member benefits, oversees the member renewal process, and
make recommendations for honorary membership.

Chair:  Sharon Thayer

802-656-5746
Sharon.Thayer@uvm.edu

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee addresses personnel issues that affect
the membership, studies library salary issues, and issues recommendations
about minimum salaries. Compensating library employees fairly– it’s the
right thing to do! Here’s how we can help you:  telephone consultations,
informational handouts, worksheets, visits to your library to meet with
staff and board members (visits can be counted as continuing education
for trustees on the DOL standards forms). Other ideas? Volunteer for the
VLA Personnel Committee today!

Chair:  Amy Grasmick
802-728-5073
kimball_acg@hotmail.com