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ACRL Appointments Committee: Committee Volunteer Information: Government Relations Committee

Those interested in volunteering for an ACRL Division-Level Committee will find all the information they need to research committee options, including the work of each committee and the time commitments expected for volunteers.

Charge

Work with the ACRL Board and staff to formulate the ACRL legislative agenda seeking input from other ACRL committees and leaders. Assists the ACRL Board in efforts to incorporate the ACRL legislative agenda into the ALA legislative agenda. Serves in an advisory role to the ACRL Staff.

Committee Information

What is the main work of the committee?

The committee creates an annual legislative agenda for use of the ACRL and ALA in advocating for federal support for libraries.

What are the busy times of year for the committee?

January, February, March

On average, what time commitment does being a member of the committee require?

Committee members take up specific topics and research federal legislative background. There is a commitment of several hours early in the calendar year.

What skills or expertise would be valuable in a member of the committee?

No particular skills or expertise are required, but a knowledge of federal legislative processes can help in developing case statements for specific congressional bills.

Is there anything else someone thinking of volunteering for the committee should know?

This is a pretty easy way to make entry into ACRL committee work. The efforts of the committee are pretty straightforward and the roles for each committee member are reasonable.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of the committee’s work, from your perspective?

Getting to know other members of the committee, interacting with ACRL and ALA staff who work to promote libraries to the U.S. Congress, and knowing that the work we do has an impact on the federal government chooses to support libraries.

 

Questions answered by 2021-2022 Chair/Co-Chair