Hi everyone,
As more groups are making the transition from the old Sympa platform into Connect, we're continuing our series of protips with one that's particularly relevant to committees and other groups doing the work of the association. (Click here to read last month's tip, How to use ALA Connect as a listserv)
Organizing your Library allows you to maintain an archive for future group members, ensuring continuity and smooth transitions as membership changes – and preventing your group's work from getting lost or overlooked! Each group's Community Admins are responsible for maintaining the Library, and each group can decide to organize its files in a way that makes the most sense for its needs. However, suggestions for how to most productively do this are available in the attached one-sheet PDF, which is also summarized below. These guidelines are based on work by Natasha Arguello, past BRASS Chair.
Here's a snapshot of a Connect group's Library (yours may look slightly different if it's on a different microsite):
- Navigate to the Library tab of your Connect group.
- Switch to Folder View by clicking the folder icon, if that's not your group default.
- Please note that the Library can default to either "Document" or "Folder" view, but this setting applies on a microsite level. Please contact your staff liaison in order to change your microsite's default setting.
- In the left widget, create, rename, and move folders and sub-folders as needed.
- In the right widget, add new files or rearrange existing files (including moving them between folders) by using the "cut" and "paste" icons.
Creating Folder Structure
- Your filing system can change as your group's needs evolve
- Suggestions for a generalized "committee" are in the screenshot, but note that all may not apply to your group; you can also use others as needed
- Start simple and add sub-folders or new folders as needed – avoid burying a single file in multiple sub-folders when it's the only file you're adding to a new Library!
Suggested Naming Schema
- YEAR-MO-DAY Descriptive Name (event, location/virtual/phone)
- A different schema is fine – but consistency is incredibly helpful with archiving
- Note that dates and locations are available by clicking through to the Library Entry, but it's much quicker to locate files if you put this information directly in the file name
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
David Sheffieck
Community Engagement Manager
ALA Offices & Member Relations
312-280-2424
dsheffieck@ala.org
Pronouns: he/him/his
Please note our new address:
American Library Association
225 N Michigan Ave
Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601