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Recruitment/Retention
Recruitment of a new generation of diverse, well-educated, and professionally
dedicated librarians is one of the most pressing issues facing the profession
and the association today. ALA estimates that 58% of current librarians will
reach age 65 by the year 2019. Already there are notable shortages of
librarians in several areas of the country.
At the same time, there is a
serious disconnect with the very same generation of librarians we so urgently
need. ALA must address the limited job opportunities for librarians in many
areas and unreasonably low starting salaries.
ALA must also cultivate a better appreciation in the public and profession for
the value of developing a diverse population of library leaders and
professionals.
I support:
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ALA Spectrum Initiative;
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ALA Recruitment Assembly's
efforts to develop a clearinghouse of best practices and resources for
recruitment, retention and mentoring across all divisions;
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Creating a NextGen/New
Librarian task force to develop a plan to increase the "next" generation's
voice and participation in ALA and to help shape its future;
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Encouraging conference
programming to address succession planning, mentoring, and developing a
diverse workforce.
Other platforms:
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