RUSA Guidelines Task Force

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Charge

The RUSA Guidelines Task Force is charged to assess the current publication and review process for division- and section-level professional guidelines, professional competencies, and other language or wording related to best practices (hereafter referred to as ‘guidelines’). The Task Force will propose recommendations by ALA Annual 2020. 

The work of this task force should be undertaken with the understanding that different types of guidelines will require different levels of approval and review based on their complexity, content, etc. All proposed processes should minimize bureaucratic overhead and center the expertise of subject matter experts. 

Physical attendance at ALA is not required. The term of this task force is December 2019 through July 2020.

Scope

Expected Deliverables 

Due: Annual 2020 

1. Recommendations document, including
   1. 1. Review of the current process for publication of guidelines:
         1. Articulate the role of subject matter experts and section leadership in the development and assessment of guidelines; 
         2. Clarify the review calendar;
         3. Define categories of guidelines based on purpose or complexity, and propose differentiated processes for each; 
         4. Define a process for review and approval of existing guidelines distinct from a process for review, revision, and assessment; and, 
         5. Address the question of what constitutes public comment for each of the various categories, balancing thoroughness of review with efficiency. 
      2. Review of the Professional Resources Committee charge and make a recommendation for future action. 

Out Of Scope 

• Revision of RUSA Policies & Procedures Chapter 4: Developing Guidelines 

Members

Membership 

The task force shall be comprised of 5-6 members, prioritizing Section representation.

Operating Assumptions 

RUSA Values and Norms

This Task Force will work with the RUSA Values and Norms and assume an attitude of possibilities. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17suXyvGxYoObfsMsEcTZKsrlFGdQL55AQRky1Dn0Da0/edit?usp=sharing 

ALA Code of Conduct 

The American Library Association is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion or other group identity. All Task Force members are expected to follow the ALA Code of Conduct. 

http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/statement_appropriate_conduct 

Timeline