West Virginia Library Association News

The Public Library Routines Project - Research Study from the University of South Carolina

Amanda Proper — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:23:09 GMT

Morning Fellow Librarians,

I received an email about looking for participants for a research study out of the University of South Carolina. This study is completely voluntary and we are not endorsing the study just sharing information for those that would like to participate. The information is provided below.

We are a research team at the University of South Carolina. We are currently recruiting public library workers in managerial and non-managerial positions to 2 studies. These studies are part of the Public Library Routines Project, funded by IMLS. You can find out more here: https://bit.ly/public-library-routines.

Note that this is phase 2 of the project. If workers have participated in previous phases, they are eligible to participate in this phase. I have included a description of each study below and attached fliers for each study.

Study #1: Management Study

Are you a manager in a public library? If so, we want to hear from you!

What is the Study? The University of South Carolina is conducting a research study about what makes a library worker effective and how management supports worker development.

What Will I Do? If you choose to participate, you will complete a brief screening interview, create a series of simple diagrams reflecting on your views of worker development, and participate in a 60-minute Zoom interview where you will discuss those diagrams. The total time commitment is approximately 3–4 hours, including preparation and the interview.

Why Should I Participate? Your participation will help us better understand how professional expectations are formed and communicated within public libraries. You will also receive a $35 gift card.

Who Can Participate? Participation is open to anyone working in a public library in a managerial role. Note that this is phase 2 of a larger project—the Public Library Routines Project. If you have participated in previous phases, you are eligible to participate in this phase.

Will anyone know that I participated? Your participation in this research study is entirely confidential. This means that no one outside of the project team will know that you participated. In published project documents, we will remove your name and any information that could potentially link you to your participation in the study.

How Do I Sign Up? Click here to indicate your interest and complete a short demographics survey. If you qualify, you be contacted to schedule a 30-minute screening interview where you will learn more about the study. If you decide to participate, a time will be scheduled for your interview.

Survey Link: https://usccmcis.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55vZ1TGFzVgFaGG

Study #2: Non-Management Study

Are you a public library worker whose identity is in some way marginalized or underrepresented in the profession? Do you have thoughts about what libraries need to do in order to better support you and others when those identities are threatened?

We want to hear from you!

What is the Study? The University of South Carolina is conducting a research study with public library workers whose identities are in some way marginalized or underrepresented in the profession. The goal of this study is to better understand what workers need in order to feel supported when they experience challenges or threats to their identity at work.

What Will I Do? If you choose to participate, you will complete a brief screening interview, respond to some prompts on your own, and then bring your responses with you to an interview. The total time commitment is approximately 3–4 hours, including preparation and the interview.

Why Should I Participate? Your participation will help us better understand what support library workers need when parts of their identity are threatened while at work. You will also receive a $35 gift card.

Who Can Participate? Participation is open to public library workers with identities that are in some way marginalized and/or underrepresented. Note that this is phase 2 of a larger project—the Public Library Routines Project. If you have participated in previous phases, you are eligible to participate in this phase.

Full Survey Link: https://usccmcis.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_esRIMvZ94jLfsDs

SELA 2026 Spring Leadership Conference

Amanda Proper — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:28:22 GMT

SELA is excited to announce that the 2026 Spring Leadership Conference, Service Beyond the Surface, will be on Thursday, May 28, 2026 virtually via zoom.

The conference will include a keynote address from Sam Helmick, 2025-26 ALA President; breakout sessions for sections, committees and roundtables; a brown bag lunch for all state representatives and one on general interests; and a panel discussion on leadership and service.

The conference fee is $25 and will include a complementary 1 year membership for any non-members or $10 off members next renewal.

More information and registration can be found at https://conf2026.selaonline.org/#home.

We hope to see you there!

Don't Forget about Fall Conference!

Amanda Proper — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:30:46 GMT

✨ Got a great program, project, or idea to share? The WVLA Fall Conference is looking for presenters! Whether you’re new to presenting or a seasoned pro, your voice matters.

To propose a session click here

WPWVC-ACRL 2026 Spring Conference - Call for Proposals

Amanda Proper — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:52:19 GMT

The Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Chapter of ACRL Program Committee is excited to invite proposals for our Annual Spring Conference to be hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Library System at Hillman Library (and virtually) on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Proposals on any topic related to librarianship will be considered. We encourage proposals from both long-standing library professionals as well as those who may be new to the region and/or the field of academic libraries. Chapter membership is not a requirement for consideration.

The committee invites proposals for:

· 30-minute presentations (online or in-person)

· 5-minute lightning talks (online or in-person)

· Poster presentations (in-person)

· Other - please share your idea/time requirements for this option (online or in-person)

To submit a proposal, please fill out the proposal form by 5:00pm EST on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Notifications regarding proposal status will be sent by mid-April, 2026.

Not interested in submitting a proposal? You can still help the Program Committee create awareness about the conference by forwarding this email to colleagues at your institution!

If there are any questions about the conference, the submission process, or submissions themselves, please reach out to WPWVC-ACRL Program Committee Chair, Carrie Donovan (cdonovan@pitt.edu).

Introducing WVLA’s New Job Board: Connecting Libraries With the Talent They Need

Amanda Proper — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 20:30:25 GMT

The West Virginia Library Association is excited to announce the launch of our brand‑new WVLA Job Board, a centralized space where libraries, archives, and information organizations across the state can share open positions — and where job seekers can easily find their next opportunity.

For years, our members have asked for a simpler, more consistent way to post and discover library jobs. Today, we’re thrilled to deliver a tool that does exactly that.

What You’ll Find on the WVLA Job Board

Our new job board is designed to be:

✔ Easy to browse

Search by posting date, job type, or location.

✔ Open to all libraries and institutions

You do not need to be a WVLA member to post a job.

✔ Free to use

There is no cost to post or view job listings.

✔ Updated continuously

New opportunities can be added at any time, ensuring the board stays current and useful.

How to Post a Job

Posting a job is simple — and we’ve created a step‑by‑step guide to walk you through the process.

Posting a Job: User Guide
https://gethelp.wildapricot.com/en/articles/1840-posting-on-your-job-board-a-user-guide

This guide covers:

How to create a free login
How to submit a new job posting
How to edit or remove a posting
What information to include for applicants

If you’ve never posted with us before, this guide is the best place to start.

Why This Matters for West Virginia Libraries

Recruiting in the library world can be challenging — especially for smaller systems without dedicated HR staff. Our new job board helps:

Increase visibility for open positions
Connect qualified candidates with libraries statewide
Strengthen the library workforce pipeline
Support hiring equity and transparency

Whether you’re hiring a director, a children’s librarian, a cataloger, or a part‑time assistant, the WVLA Job Board gives your posting a statewide audience.

Ready to Explore?

Visit the WVLA Job Board today to browse current openings or submit your own:

WVLA Job Board

We’re excited to offer this new resource to our library community — and we can’t wait to see how it helps connect great people with great work across West Virginia.

If you’re already a WVLA member, you can log in to the job board using your existing WVLA credentials. There’s no need to create a separate account — your membership login works across all WVLA services.

2026 ALA Annual Conference

Amanda Proper — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:19:24 GMT

Shape what’s next for your library at ALA Annual—the largest library event in the world!

Meet change-makers, idea-builders, and library leaders at the ALA 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition as we mark ALA's 150th Anniversary and look boldly to the future. This milestone gathering will bring together thousands of library professionals, educators, authors, publishers, and advocates from around the globe.

Together, we’ll celebrate libraries—and ignite the next era of innovation and access—through future-focused learning, powerful keynotes, transformative resources, and an overall commitment to building libraries that reflect the adaptive, inclusive, and community-driven world we want to live in.

Be part of the celebration. Be part of the future.

Check out the official conference site. Registration begins February 19, 2026.

What to Expect:

Educational programming, created and curated by library professionals
The Library Marketplace with innovative and informed exhibitors, LIVE stages, ARCs, and more
President and Chair Programs featuring timely updates and professional recognition events that highlight important work happening across our diverse organization
Memorable and inspiring featured speakers
Top-tier authors
Fun and entertaining networking opportunities
and more!

Fall Conference Request for Proposal

Amanda Proper — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:09:44 GMT

✨ Got a great program, project, or idea to share? The WVLA Fall Conference is looking for presenters! Whether you’re new to presenting or a seasoned pro, your voice matters.

To propose a session click here

The Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity Award is accepting nominations!

Amanda Proper — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:58:59 GMT

Do you know of a librarian who has faced adversity with integrity and dignity intact? If so, please nominate them for the Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity Award.

About the Prize:

It is of the opinion of Lemony Snicket, author, reader, and alleged malcontent, that librarians have suffered enough.

Therefore, he is establishing an annual prize honoring a librarian who has faced adversity with integrity and dignity intact.

The prize will be a generous amount of cash ($10,000) from Mr. Snicket's disreputable gains, along with an odd, symbolic object from his private stash, and a certificate, which may or may not be suitable for framing.

It is Mr. Snicket's hope, and the ALA's, that the Snicket Prize will remind readers everywhere of the joyous importance of librarians and the trouble that is all too frequently unleashed upon them.

The award will be presented at the ALA Awards Ceremony at the 2026 ALA's Annual Conference, in Chicago, IL.

To nominate please complete the online application. The nominations must be accompanied by a specific statement of qualifications of the nominee. Supporting evidence or testimonials are welcome.

Deadline: March 1, 2026

Check out some past winners at the bottom of this webpage.

This information was shared to the SELA listserv.

Black History Month: “African American Covers of Country Music BEFORE Ray Charles”

Amanda Proper — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:48:33 GMT

The Alabama Library Association Multicultural Information Round Table presents a webinar celebrating Black History Month: “African American Covers of Country Music BEFORE Ray Charles” on Wednesday, February 25 at 2 – 3 p.m. Central Time. The presenter is Dr. Tim Dodge, History, Political Science, Economics, and Theatre and Dance Librarian, Auburn University.

In early 1962 famed Soul/R. & B./Jazz star Ray Charles recorded his “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” against the wishes of his record company. The album and several spun-off single releases was a resounding success that, in effect, made it “legitimate” for African Americans to record country music ultimately leading to the success of such artists as Charley Pride and, more recently, Beyonce’ and Shaboozey. However, African American interest in and participation in country music long predates Ray Charles’s musical and cultural breakthrough.

While much music history scholarship has looked at the major influence of African American popular music and recordings on white country music, very little has, so far, explored the reverse influence. The musical exchange was not all one-way. This webinar will explore African American covers of records first made by white country artists and will help confirm that African Americans were an important, if usually unacknowledged, part of the country music scene from the early 1920’s when the American record industry first began marketing popular music according to the racial categories of “race music” and “hillbilly music.” The reality has always been more complicated.

Zoom link:

Tim Dodge is inviting you to a scheduled Auburn University Zoom e-meeting. If you're a new participant, we have a quick start guide here: https://aub.ie/zoomquickstart

Topic: ALLA MCIRT Webinar: African American Covers of Country Music before Ray Charles

Time: Feb 25, 2026 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://auburn.zoom.us/j/82848426228

Connect using Computer/Device audio if possible.

Or Telephone: Meeting ID: 828 4842 6228

Dial: +1 301 715 8592 (US Toll)

or +1 305 224 1968 (US Toll)

Or an H.323/SIP room system:

H.323: 144.195.19.161 (US West) or 206.247.11.121 (US East)

Meeting ID: 828 4842 6228

SIP: 82848426228@zoomcrc.com

Tim Dodge

Moderator

Multicultural Information Round Table

Alabama Library Association

LIS Educator Event

Amanda Proper — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 13:04:45 GMT

The Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Chapter of the Association of College & Research Libraries’ Program Committee is pleased to invite you to an upcoming panel session featuring leadership from Library and Information Science (LIS) programs across our region, including Marshall University, the University of Pittsburgh, and PennWest.

The event will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, February 3rd at 11:00am EST. Please register in advance to receive the meeting details: https://pitt.zoom.us/meeting/register/RBa1rLPvQbyErPrLh_MGZQ

This panel will offer an opportunity for program leaders to highlight their LIS educational offerings and discuss the current trends shaping the field. Panelists will share insights into program focus areas, delivery formats, and how their curricula prepare graduates for careers in libraries and information organizations.

Please join us for this engaging session to learn more about regional LIS programs while strengthening connections across our institutions and organizations.

We encourage you to attend and to share this invitation with colleagues, students, or anyone interested in library and information science education.

Thank you,

Carrie Donovan

Chair, 2025-2026 WPWVC-ACRL Program Committee

Proposal Call - 7th Annual Southern Library Support Staff Conference

Amanda Proper — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:43:16 GMT

To allow additional time for submissions, we’ve extended the deadline for presentation proposals.

Call for Proposals: 7th Annual Southern Library Support Staff Conference

The Vanderbilt University Libraries is excited to announce its 7th Annual Southern Library Support Staff Conference, taking place from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Libraries in Nashville, TN.

This year's theme, "From the Heart of the Library: Stories of Engagement, Innovation, and Leadership," invites library professionals to delve into personal narratives that highlight the transformative power of libraries in their communities. We encourage you to share your experiences that foster meaningful engagement with patrons, spark innovative practices, and exemplify leadership.

The conference will follow a hybrid format, making it accessible for both in-person and virtual attendees. We welcome proposals for a variety of presentation formats, including:

60-minute contributed presentations with audience interaction

2-3 hour workshops

Panel discussions

15-minute lightning talks that inspire others with quick, impactful insights

Each proposal should include a title, a brief description, the names of presenters, and expected learning objectives grounded in the conference theme.

The proposal submission has been extended to February 15th, with acceptance notifications sent by February 27th. Proposal form: https://cfp.sched.com/speaker/rRFdFRfbae.

While aligning with the conference theme is not a requirement, we particularly encourage proposals that explore the evolving role of libraries through stories of leadership, innovative practices, and pathways to engaging patrons. We welcome presenters from all types of library systems to contribute their ideas and expertise, as together we shape the future of our profession.

We are pleased to announce that scholarships for first-time attendees will be available through a grant from the Institute of Library and Museum Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.

For complete details, please visit https://slss.library.vanderbilt.edu/.

Library Legislative Day for 2026!

Amanda Proper — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:57:49 GMT

WVLA is excited to announce Library Legislative Day for 2026! As we have previously stated, we will not be setting up displays in the Capitol Rotunda this year. Instead, we will be having an educational and advocacy day where WVLA members who are experienced in legislative operations will provide tours of the Capitol building and lead groups in attending committee hearings and the House and Senate sessions.

We will meet on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. inside the lobby of the Culture Center, and then we will walk over to the Capitol together and have an orientation to the building. Depending on the number of attendees, we will divide into smaller groups to attend committee hearings (some of the hearing rooms are small) and tour the building. We will continue in two groups to attend the House and Senate sessions together to observe the business of the day. WVLA will provide attendees with a box lunch in the Governor’s Conference Room before we attend more committee hearings in the afternoon.

We hope to fill the committee rooms and chambers with librarians and advocates to make our presence known, and so that we can see our individual libraries’ Delegates and Senators in action.

We encourage all librarians to attend this day, whether or not you have experience in advocacy, and to learn how the legislative process works. We hope to partner with and mentor those of you who have less experience and may have questions. We have also requested approval from the State Library for continuing education credits for attendees!

Please register for the event at the following link by February 16 so that we can plan our groups and order lunch for you: https://wvla.wildapricot.org/event-6532121

We hope to see you at the Capitol in February!

WVLA Spring Fling 2026 - Call for Proposals!

Amanda Proper — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:51:02 GMT

WVLA Spring Fling 2026 — Call for Proposals!
Theme: Turning a New Leaf: Growth, Renewal, and Forward Momentum

As we welcome a season of new beginnings, WVLA invites you to help us “turn a new leaf” at our 2026 Spring Fling Virtual Conference! This year, we’re celebrating the many ways West Virginia libraries are cultivating growth, nurturing renewal, and helping our communities thrive.

Whether you’re sprouting new partnerships, revitalizing your spaces, expanding your collections, or planting seeds of innovation, your story matters, and we want to hear it.

We’re seeking proposals that explore:
*Community connections – Collaborations with schools, nonprofits, local businesses, and beyond
* Growing collections – Tools, games, seeds, puzzles, toys, Library of Things, and creative resource expansions
*Space transformations – Reimagined corners, tutoring nooks, makerspaces, gardens, outdoor updates, and more
:* Programs that inspire renewal – Initiatives that foster hope, healing, resilience, or reinvigoration

If your library has taken steps to help your patrons grow, learn, or bloom in new ways, we want you to share your work with colleagues across the state.

*Proposals are due Friday, March 6, 2026

Spring Fling 2026 – Proposals
*Spring Fling will take place virtually on Zoom, April 1–2, 2026

Let’s cultivate something vibrant together.
Let’s grow forward, WVLA!

Membership App

Amanda Proper — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:49:49 GMT

Welcome to WVLA’s New Digital Experience

The West Virginia Library Association (WVLA) is thrilled to announce the launch of our new website and the Wild Apricot Members App — two powerful tools designed to make your membership experience smoother, smarter, and more connected.

A Fresh, Modern Website

Our redesigned website is built with you in mind:

Streamlined navigation so you can find resources, events, and updates faster.
Member-only content with improved security and privacy.
Mobile-friendly design that works seamlessly across devices.
Simplified event registration and access to WVLA news, all in one place.

This upgrade ensures that whether you’re browsing from your office or on the go, WVLA resources are always at your fingertips.

The Wild Apricot Members App

We’re also excited to introduce the Wild Apricot Members App, available for iOS and Android. With the app, you can:

View and update your membership profile anytime.
Register for WVLA events in just a few taps.
Access your digital membership card.
Connect with fellow members and stay engaged with our community.

The app puts WVLA in your pocket, making it easier than ever to stay connected.

No more worrying about missing important information — WVLA will keep you in the loop automatically.

Explore Today

We invite you to explore the new website and download the Wild Apricot Members App to experience WVLA’s enhanced digital tools. Together, these updates make it easier to stay connected, informed, and engaged with your library community.

Visit the new site now and take WVLA with you wherever you go!

WVLA 2025 Conference Workshop Preview

Amanda Proper — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:37:18 GMT

WVLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 WORKSHOP PREVIEW

Wednesday, October 8

Levy 101

Non-Fiction Collection Development

Telling the Library Story to Stakeholders and Policy Makers

Reader's Advisory: How to Talk About Books

Marketing a Public Library

Incorporating Nature into Children's Library Programs

Appalachian Pop Culture Fairs

Out with the Old and In with the New: Maintaining Your Library Collection

Thursday, October 9

Teachable Moments in Non-Classroom Settings

Utilizing your FREE Tutor WV.com Program

Working with People with Disabilities

Shifting from Dewey Decimal to Library of Congress classification

Bringing Books to Life: How to Host an Author at Your Library

Can You Spot a Bedbug?

Exciting News! WVLA Website Updates

Readers Advisory for Academic Libraries

AI for personal Knowledge Management and More

ARSL: Working Smarter, Not Harder for Your Library

WV Library Section Special Services: Do you Know What We do?

Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence

Using People First Language

Libraries Promoting West Virginia Role Models

West Virginia University Football in Books

Every West Virginian's War: Uncovering the perspectives of western Virginia's marginalized communities during the Civil War

Building a Brighter Future: The Impact and Promise of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in West Virginia

Libraries and Broadband: Expanding Digital Access in Rural West Virginia

Creating Dialogs Between the Academic and Athletic Departments

Stampede into the Future: The Library Science Pathway with the Thundering Herd

Simple Statistics for a No Sweat Bibliostat

Libby for Academic Libraries

Library Accounting 101

Friday, October 10

AI Literacy in Libraries: Advocacy & Implementation

Unlocking a Love for Reading: A 3rd Grade Initiative for Boosting Literacy Through Library Programs

Psychology at the Circulation Desk: Human Behavior and Emotional Intelligence in Library Leadership:

Transformation, Translation, Complication: "Take me Home, Country Roads"

A Reference Collection for Library Degree Candidates

Library Funding: The Federal and State Budget Process

WVLA Statement on SB 452 and House Bill 2009

Amanda Proper — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:30:39 GMT

Statement of the West Virginia Library Association

Senate Bill 452/House Bill 2009

The West Virginia Library Association (WVLA) strongly believes that the state’s library section director must possess both a Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) degree and at least three years of administrative experience to effectively lead and manage the state's library systems. SB 452/HB 2009 proposes to amend §29-1-8c(c) to remove these essential qualifications. WVLA opposes this change and urges lawmakers to reconsider the implications for West Virginia’s libraries and communities. An MLIS degree is a critical qualification for the library section director. It ensures that the individual in this role has a deep understanding of library science, including vital areas such as information management, user services, cataloging, and the ethical use of resources. The MLIS program provides specialized training in emerging library technologies, data privacy, and information literacy—knowledge that is essential for navigating the modern landscape of libraries, where digital access and information management are increasingly important. The library section director must be equipped to lead in an environment of rapid technological change, and an MLIS degree offers the foundation needed to do so. Equally important is the requirement for at least three years of administrative experience. Managing a large and diverse library system requires leadership skills and practical experience in budgeting, staffing, policy development, and collaboration with local libraries and community organizations. The library section director is tasked with navigating complex decisions that impact libraries across West Virginia, advocating for resources, and ensuring that library services are equitable and accessible to all. At least three years of administrative experience provides the necessary skills to oversee operations, manage staff, and drive initiatives that promote library excellence. It also enables the state librarian to effectively communicate with legislators, stakeholders, and the public to secure necessary funding and support for libraries statewide. SB 452/HB 2009, if passed in its current form, would strip away the requirement for the library section director to have an MLIS degree and significant administrative experience. WVLA believes this proposal undermines the integrity of the office and would compromise the quality of library services throughout the state. Libraries are critical hubs of information, education, and community engagement, and they require leadership that is both knowledgeable and experienced. WVLA urges the West Virginia legislature to amend SB 452/HB 2009 to remove the proposed changes to §29-1-8c(c) and maintain the current qualifications for the library section director. Ensuring that the library section director holds an MLIS degree and has relevant administrative experience is essential for the continued success of our libraries and the communities they serve. WVLA is committed to advocating for the highest standards in library leadership and will continue to work toward policies that strengthen our libraries for generations to come