PLA Communities of Practice
Connect to your profession. Join a PLA Community of Practice.
PLA is excited to introduce its new and improved Communities of Practice! New features include:
- Access through ALA Connect
- PLA Board and Staff liaisons
- Formal recognition for participation
- A documented charge with defined objectives
But just in case you’re wondering, “What is a CoP?”
PLA CoPs are virtual groups hosted on ALA Connect, the active online member community site of ALA. Each community comes together to share knowledge and enthusiasm for a specific subject and makes valuable contributions to PLA and the public library world.
Why should you join?
When you’re part of a PLA CoP, your efforts might result in an educational program for National Conference, an article for Public Libraries, a discussion forum for members, or even a new PLA product. The possibilities are limitless!
PLA’s CoPs offer you a valuable opportunity to contribute to your profession and engage with colleagues throughout the world.
What are the requirements?
The only requirement is a desire to make a difference. There are no appointments or terms. You can join (and leave) CoPs at your discretion.
What is ALA Connect and how can you logon?
ALA Connect is an engaging member community sponsored by ALA. Many groups and committees do virtual meetings and work on it, while others simply logon to join an interesting discussion. To get started, follow these instructions. Once you’re inside ALA Connect, there are plenty of detailed documents to help you make the most of your time there.
What CoPs can you join?
There are more than 20 active groups. If you don’t find one that excites you, create a new one! See below for instructions. Here are the current ones looking for members. Click on the CoP and you’ll be taken to the ALA Connect page.
- Branch Libraries (Leader -Julie Roberston)
- Buildings and Facilities (Leader - Traci Lesneski)
- Cataloging (Leader - Sally Smith)
- Collection Development (Leader - Clara Hudson)
- Continuing Education for Library Personnel (Leader - Pam North)
- Digital Librarianship (Leader - Becky Ranallo)
- Intellectual Freedom (Leader - Mary Glendening)
- International Relations (Leaders - James Keller & Jennifer Owens)
- Library Management (Leader - Bonnie Tollefson)
- Marketing Public Libraries (Leaders - Denise Raleigh & Mary Howard)
- Public Library Services for Children (Leader - Mary Glendening)
- Public Library Systems (Leaders - Robin Shader & Gretchen Pruett)
- Readers Advisory (Leader - Marilyn Bonnette)
- Reference (Leader - Otto Pleil)
- Rural Libraries (Leader - Rob Reagan)
- Services for Spanish Speakers (Leader - Catherine O’Toole)
- Small and Medium Libraries (Leaders - Kent Slade & Pam North)
- Staffing Issues (Leaders - Robin Shader & Kathryn Jordan)
- Strategy for Public Libraries (Leader - Kelly Whittle)
- Technology (Leader - Amy Terlaga)
- Urban Libraries (Leader - Julie Robertson)
- Volunteers (Leader - Barbara Dean)
How do I start a new CoP?
PLA welcomes your ideas and passions! If you’re interested in leading a new CoP, e-mail Melissa Faubel-Johnson with the details. Please keep in mind, while you do not have to be a PLA member to join a CoP, you must be a PLA member to lead one. PLA has established basic guidelines to outline the scope of CoP leadership. As a CoP Leader you will be expected to:
- Serve a two year term.
- Encourage involvement in the CoP.
- Ensure that the CoP generates discussion topics, articles, programs, projects etc. within the purview of the CoP’s charge.
- Regularly communicate with CoP members regarding CoP activities as well as initiatives coming from the PLA Board, staff, or other interested parties.
- Communicate with the CoP Board liaison. This will include a brief annual report on CoP activity. Reports will be posted on the CoP site.
- Communicate with your CoP staff or Board liaison if, for any reason, you determine that you are unable to fulfill the responsibility of leading the CoP.