Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures – A new Division of the American Library Association

Introduction
The American Library Association (ALA) has established a new division called Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures. This division aims to advance the profession of librarians and information providers by focusing on central roles in buildings and operations, leadership and management, metadata and collections, and technology [2]. Core members play a crucial role in shaping the future of the profession by balancing maintenance and innovation, collaboration and leadership, and process and progress [2]. In this blog post, we will explore the purpose and sections of Core, highlighting the value it brings to its members and the broader library community.

Purpose of Core
Core serves as a national association that supports librarians and information providers in various aspects of their work. It provides opportunities for mentoring, learning, networking, and leadership development across different library types and experience levels [2]. Core aims to build and sustain a more equitable and accessible future for libraries, one member at a time [2]. By bringing together professionals involved in leadership, infrastructure, and futures, Core facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance library services and spaces for communities and staff [2].

Sections of Core
Core is organized into six sections, each focusing on a specific area of work within the division [3]. These sections provide a platform for professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives. The initial sections of Core are as follows:

1. Access and Equity: This section advocates for equity of access, open access, net neutrality, privacy, and copyright issues. It supports ALA lobbying efforts and contributes to equity, diversity, and inclusion within the division and the profession [3].

2. Assessment: The Assessment section emphasizes the role of assessment in demonstrating the impacts of libraries. It develops assessment tools, guidelines, and policies, and evaluates Core’s efforts in equity, diversity, and inclusion [3].

3. Leadership: This section focuses on identifying and developing leaders at all levels within the profession. It adopts best practices for inclusion, talent management, and human resources. It also offers mentoring programs and leadership institutes to support professional growth [3].

4. Metadata and Collections: The Metadata and Collections section shares best practices and knowledge related to collections and discovery. It promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in the development and description of collections. It also contributes to the creation and implementation of standards for selection, acquisition, description, access, and preservation of information resources [3].

5. Operations and Buildings: This section focuses on staying engaged with changing trends in organizational structures, services, staff operations, and facilities. It identifies and adopts best practices for inclusive practices and design within library operations and buildings [3].

6. Technology: The Technology section addresses the technology-related needs and discussions across all types of libraries and operational areas. It provides resources, tools, training, and community support for the adoption and implementation of information policies. It also helps librarians understand emerging technologies and develop actionable plans for library services [3].

Conclusion
Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is a division of the American Library Association that brings together professionals involved in various aspects of library work. Through its sections, Core provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development. In addition, Core-ALA provide professional development course scholarship for Library professionals from developing countries [4]. By focusing on leadership, infrastructure, and futures, Core aims to shape the future of the profession while maintaining and improving core library services. Whether you are a practitioner, innovator, decision-maker, or a library school student, Core offers valuable resources and opportunities to build and maintain the best spaces and services for your community and staff [2].

Sources To Read More:

1. Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures – A new division of the American Library Association
2. About Core | Core
3. Core Sections – Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures
4. Core Online Continuing Education Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries