We're excited to announce that the IHLS Board of Directors has voted to transform the Advocacy & Education Committee! Now, in a new initiative aligned with the IHLS Strategic Plan, the Board is expanding the committee's membership to include IHLS members and staff. The goal of this change is to provide our members with more opportunities to shape our advocacy efforts and connect with policymakers. That means we're inviting you—our member library staff and trustees—to apply for this new iteration of the IHLS Advocacy & Education Committee!
Timeline
The application period will be this October, and we'll reach out to selected committee members in early December. The committee will meet for the first time in January 2026.
Application Process
Our application form asks for contact information, as well as details about your library, your role there, your background with advocacy, and your history of service to the greater library community.
Eligibility & Selection Process
In order to serve on the IHLS Advocacy & Education Committee, you must be a staff member or trustee at IHLS or a current IHLS member library in good standing. Applications will be reviewed by the IHLS Board’s Executive Committee, with IHLS staff available to provide guidance, utilizing a selection rubric created prior to candidate review.
Selection Priorities
The Executive Committee will ensure that the minimum requirements are met in the application. They will strive for diversity of library type and geography. They'll also aim for a mix of seasoned advocates and newer voices interested in developing their advocacy skills.
The full IHLS Board will approve the Executive Committee's selections. Then, after contacting those selected members, we'll announce the results to the rest of our IHLS members.-
Terms of Service
To establish staggered terms, half of inaugural members will be appointed for one year and half of inaugural members will be appointed for two years. The Executive Committee will assign terms randomly or by balancing experience and geography (ensuring continuity across both groups). Then, after the inaugural appointments, all new members will serve two-year renewable terms.
Serving on the Committee
The Committee Chair will take the lead in scheduling our first official meeting within the next one to two months following member selection. Once we get the ball rolling, the Chair will keep the community in the loop by providing regular updates to the IHLS Board, summarizing our activities, outcomes, and recommendations.
Each year, the Executive Committee will conduct a review of the committee’s makeup to ensure we maintain balance and effectiveness. If any spots need filling, we’ll send out an open call to find the right person for the job!
To keep everyone informed and engaged, we’ll share regular updates on the committee’s work through newsletters and at IHLS membership meetings. Transparency is key, and we want everyone to feel included in this process!
