submitted by Suzanne Corriell
VLA Conference is October 11-13 at the Hilton Main in Norfolk. The call for proposals is open, with a March 15 deadline. (This is earlier than usual.)
The theme is Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges. The keynote speaker will be Margot Lee Shetterly, author of Hidden Figures; Friday's keynote speaker will be ACRL President Trevor Dawes.
There will be no preconferences, but tours and other activities instead.
Membership - dues haven't been raised since 2009; Lisa and the Executive Board are investigating institutional membership ideas that might increase membership and participation
The Nominating Committee reminds members that they need to VOTE for candidates in August/September. Last year's election only received a 30% response rate.
ALA Council - at Midwinter, they voted to add a fourth directive regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion. The 2018 ALA Conference in New Orleans will have fewer sessions, in response to attendee feedback.
Legislative Program - members are urged to stay informed about the legislative update, at Legislative Updates
HB 2191 is an especially hot topic this year; contact your legislator is you have opinions about it.
There have been measures introduced in the GA that would allow the Library of Virginia to reinstate some positions and/or reinstate some reading room hours. Nothing has yet passed.
Executive Committee - changes are being made to the criteria for awards, to reflect the inclusion of professional associates as nominees; the VLA Manual is also being revised for consistency issues. The Scholarships Committee will likely award 3 scholarships this year and 3 scholarships next year, thanks to an extra significant donation.
Designated Agenda for 2017: Agenda
Section VIII has been added in order to implement a recommended strategy for addressing intellectual freedom in Virginia; section V adds diversity.
ALA has suggested that state chapters draft a statement of core values - the Executive Committee will be working on this, as well as beginning a new strategic planning process.
VLA Professional Associates Conference - will be May 22 at the Marriott City Center in Newport News
The committee is seeking new members for the board.
The website has been updated and upgraded with the banner (to generate advertising revenue) and new "meet a member" features.
The Technical Services and Technology Forum will be hosting collection management workshops this spring/summer, and has recently launched a Facebook page.
