Emerging Technologies Section (ETS)

Spring 2017: ALA Midwinter Recap, ETS Member Survey, Volunteer for 2017-18 Committees //

Geoffrey Morse, Editor

Note from the ETS Chair

Greetings, all!

Longer days, warmer temperatures, April showers and May flowers are all on their way – as is the 2017 ALA Election ballot. In addition to the election of a new Vice-Chair and Member-At-Large for ETS, there are also some important bylaws changes pending for RUSA. You can review additional information about the changes to RUSA structure suggested by the Organization and Planning committee via ALA Connect at http://connect.ala.org/node/261828.

In this edition of the ETS RUSA Update, you’ll find our ALA Midwinter Meeting wrap-up with reports on three discussion groups sponsored by the section at that gathering; information on leadership opportunities through committee appointments; and last but not least, an opportunity for you to share how you currently engage with the section and your suggestions for how ETS can best represent and support you, our members.

We hope that, through this survey, we can learn what topics are currently of interest to our membership and what venues for professional development, section participation and networking are most effective and convenient for you. You’ll already have received our survey via email. Many thanks to those of you who’ve responded! If you haven’t already had a few minutes to complete the survey, I wanted to take a moment to assure you that your input is valued and valuable – take our 10 question survey now. We know that you’re busy, so again, many thanks for sharing your insights and suggestions for how ETS can bring more value to its members.

We look forward to seeing many of you in Chicago at ALA Annual this June.

As always, please contact me at any time with questions, suggestions or comments at crgreene @indiana.edu.

Courtney McDonald, ETS Chair, 2016-2017

Report from Midwinter

ETS sponsored three events at the recent ALA Midwinter Meeting in Atlanta that focused on emerging trends in library public services. All of these events were well attended and reflect the enthusiasm and diverse interests of ETS members and the profession as a whole. Many thanks to all who attended.

You can find detailed reports of each event within RUSA News:

• “ETS in ATL: #libUX & change management, a #UXets discussion group”
• ETS in ATL (part 2) – Hot Topics Discussion, “Now You See It: Using Video and Virtual Technologies to Enhance Reference Services”
• ETS in ATL (part 3) – Services for Systems and Discovery’s “Unconference on the First Year Experience and Technologies”

Volunteer for ETS!

Are you ready to get more involved in RUSA’s Emerging Technologies Section? ETS is currently recruiting volunteers for the 2017-2018 program year. We’re looking for individuals interested in:

• Hot topics – help us identify emerging uses of technology in the provision of library public services
• Discovery services
• User Experience design
• Identifying the best free websites for reference
• Outreach to our membership through social media and other venues

Through membership in our virtual and/or in-person committees, you’ll have the opportunity to actively contribute to your own and others’ professional development through:

• Planning and implementing programs, webinars, and discussion sessions
• Developing leadership skills
• Working on special projects
• Building service experience for your resume
• Extending your professional network

If any of these pique your interest, it’s time to volunteer! Sign up using RUSA’s volunteer form or email ETS Vice-Chair Beth Boatright (beth.boatright@ipfw.edu) to express your curiosity, delight, and/or enthusiasm.