Handbook

Job Description for Committee Members

When members are appointed to committees, they are expected to be active participants in committee work. They must commit the time, energy and creativity needed to assist the committee in realizing its goals and objectives. Committee members are responsible for attending all committee meetings held at both Midwinter and Annual (except for Virtual Members) responding to communications from the chair, and accepting and performing tasks assigned to them by the chair.

Before deciding on a committee, it is a good idea to contact the current Chair of the committee or attend a committee meeting (like YALSA's All Committee Meeting at Midwinter and Annual) to get an idea of the committee work.  Some committees, like selection committees, require a significant amount of time.  In some cases, a committee member has read over 300 titles before making their final selections.

Qualifications: ALA/YALSA Member

Reports To: Chair of the Committee to Which They Have Been Appointed

Involvement:

• Reads appointment form and cover letter carefully before signing.
• Asks the YALSA office for more information if needed.
• Knows the function statement for the committee.
• Becomes familiar with the YALSA Strategic Plan (in .pdf).
• Actively participates in planning and implementing short and long-range goals.
• Attends scheduled meetings.
• Attends YALSA programs, special events and the YALSA Membership Meeting.
• Becomes familiar with the ALA Handbook of Organization and the YALSA Handbook.
• Takes a proactive approach to committee work.
• Works on committee projects throughout the year, not just at conferences.
• Understands the virtual member policy if appointed as a virtual member.
• Clears contacts with vendors first with the committee chair, who then clears it with the YALSA Office.

Communication:

• Informs chair and the YALSA office of changes in mailing and posting information.
• Responds within 24 hours to committee chair messages, if possible.
• Subscribes to the relevant YALSA electronic discussion lists, especially YALSA-L.
• Notifies YALSA President, Committee Chair and YALSA Office if resigning.