The Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness is committed to developing a forward-looking governance and organizational structure to support a 21st Century profession. We are also committed to keeping all ALA members and stakeholders informed of the status of the project and opportunities for input. With that in mind, we are pleased to share the following updates and next steps.
1. The Executive Board Task Force selected Tecker International to work with the Steering Committee and Executive Team on a review of ALA's governance, member participation and legal structures and systems. The Tecker group has a long history of work with ALA and its Divisions, particularly in the area of strategic planning.
2. Together Tecker International, the Steering Committee, and the Executive Team will work to engage a cross section of leaders to in an exploration of alternative models and reorganization possibilities.
3. The Steering Committee will seek input and review from members throughout this process. This will build on the extensive data previously gathered through "Kitchen Table Conversations," discussions with Council at the 2018 Midwinter Meeting and 2018 Annual Conference, and small group discussions with members at the 2018 Annual Conference.
4. Some of the next steps include:
a. During Fall 2018 the Steering Committee will work with Tecker International on a review of ALA's relationships, structures, and processes as well as the needs of librarianship as a whole.
b. In October 2018, a Summit including the Steering Committee and others will be using knowledge-based strategic thinking to develop alternative organizational and governance models.
c. Public forums will be held in a variety of settings including the 2019 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle and virtually to discuss, and refine possible models for ALA.
d. At the 2019 ALA Annual meeting in Washington, D.C., The Steering Committee and Tecker International will present to the ALA Executive Board a report of research and recommendations. Tecker International will aid in the continued review and implementation of recommendations approved by the ALA Executive Board through January 2020.
5. Thanks to input and consideration from our engaged membership at and after Annual Conference in New Orleans, we are pleased to present the Steering Committee's charge and finalized list of members.
a. Charge: The Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness will carry out a comprehensive review and study of ALA's governance, member participation and legal structures and systems, with the goal of proposing changes that will vitalize its success, strength and agility as a 21st century association. The Steering Committee will provide advice and support to the Executive Board on priority improvements. The work of the Steering Committee will focus on membership development and engagement, and on encompassing the diversity of voices that enrich ALA through incorporating the perspectives, interests and contributions of a wide variety of stakeholders and affiliated groups. Its work will be mission driven and embrace the Association's core values. Through input and feedback from across the Association, the Steering Committee will explore alternative models and reorganization possibilities. It will work with the Executive Team and a consultant to formulate and present its findings and recommendations to the Executive Board
b. Steering Committee Members:
Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Mid-Hudson Library System
Emily Daly, Duke University
Emmanuel Faulkner, Baltimore County Public Schools
Kenny Garcia, California State University, Monterey Bay
Mandi Goodsett, Cleveland State College
Terri Grief, McCracken County High School (retired)
Alexia Hudson-Ward, Oberlin College
Ben Hunter, University of Idaho
Steve Laird, Infogroup
Jack Martin, Providence Public Library
Alanna Aiko Moore, University of California, San Diego
Lucinda Nord, Indiana Library Federation
Vailey Oehlke, Multnomah County Library
Andrew Pace, OCLC
Juan Rivera, A. Phillip Randolph Campus High School
Karen Schneider, Sonoma State University
Felton Thomas, Cleveland Public Library
Kerry Ward, ALA/Library Leadership and Management Association
Nora Wiltse, Chicago Public Schools
Steven D. Yates, University of Alabama
Shali Zhang, University of Montana
Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada, Palos Verdes Library District – Chair
c. Executive Team Members:
Jim Neal (ALA Immediate Past President)
Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada (Steering Committee Chair)
Mary Ghikas (ALA Executive Director)
Tecker International
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
All the best,
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Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada
ALA Executive Board Member
Chair, ALA Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness
Young Readers Librarian, Palos Verdes Library District, California
she/her/hers
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