From RUSA Update, by
“Will you be attending ALA Annual 2017 in Chicago later this month? Please join United for Libraries, RUSA and ALA Chapter Relations for the timely discussion: “Crisis Communication: Who Speaks for Your Library?”. The discussion group will will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 at McCormick Place West, W194b. Add this event to your conference schedule.
What happens when a newspaper calls the library for a quote on a Saturday morning? Is it your Library Director or Trustee who answers an elected official’s question about the library? In the event of a materials challenge, who serves as the library’s spokesperson? Stuff happens, whether you work for a public, academic, or school library. Are you ready in a crisis, whatever it may be?
This program/discussion will feature Macey Morales, Deputy Director of ALA’s Public Awareness Office; Susan Jennings, Past President of the Tennessee Library Association, and Brian Auger, Director of the Somerset County (N.J.) Public Library. Participants will use scenarios and role-playing, and learn how to prepare statements and a crisis communication plan for their libraries.
For a detailed listing of United for Libraries programs at the ALA Annual Conference, as well as information on purchasing tickets and registering, visit their website.
United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library Trustees, advocates, Friends, and Foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. To join, please visit United for Libraries website or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161.
The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association, represents librarians and library staff in the fields of reference, specialized reference, collection development, readers’ advisory and resource sharing. RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services and collection materials they need. Learn more about RUSA.”