ALCTS: Conceptually Speaking

A concept can be variously defined as “something conceived in the mind” and “an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances.” From AACR2 revisions to metadata standards to seriality to the ALA Preservation Policy, ALCTS (The Association for Library Collections & Technical Services) and its members develop, implement, and advise on those concepts that form the very framework upon which the library profession depends. From theory to practice, ALCTS members continually strive to provide leadership to the library and information communities in developing principles, standards, and best practices for creating, collecting, organizing, delivering, and preserving information resources in all forms.

Professional development is an increasingly important aspect of any library career, professional or support staff. A solid continuing education program that informs, updates, and expands the knowledge of participants is crucial to the changing conceptual world. Through its institutes, pre-conferences, and programs, ALCTS offers many opportunities for enhancing your career. The highly successful metadata institute will be offered again in 2003 as a pre-conference. Look for pre-conferences on map cataloging and disaster management in 2002 and on the changes in Dewey in 2003. Other institutes and workshops are being developed. Look for announcements at www.ala.org/alcts/. .

Library Resources & Technical Services (LRTS), ALCTS research journal, ranks among the premiere authorities on technical services issues and trends. The ALCTS Newsletter Online and AN2 update members on news items of importance. ALCTS offers a wide range of publications from the practical to the conceptual including the ALCTS Papers Series, the ALCTS Guide Series (both published by Scarecrow Press), and the quadrennial edition of the North American Title Count. (www.ala.org/lrts and www.ala.org/publications/index.html)

ALCTS members take an active role in shaping and revising the guidelines and standards you and your library depend upon every day. From the revisions in AACR2 and Dewey to the development of metadata standards to the ALA Preservation Policy, if you bind, classify, catalog, assign subject headings, or preserve the nation’s resources, you use information ALCTS members helped to develop.

ALCTS members actively serve on a host of committees and in a wide variety of discussion groups. ALCTS provides you an opportunity to express yourself and further the goals and objectives of the association and advance your career. Whether you are a new professional or an experienced one, a library support staff or a related professional, ALCTS has a myriad of service points in which you can participate. Add your voice to those members and volunteer for service.

ALCTS and its members have a direct impact on the concepts that drive the library profession. If you are interested in acquisitions, cataloging, serials, preservation, and collection management and development, then ALCTS has a place for you. Help ALCTS define those concepts. Become a member today.

Bill Robnett, President Charles Wilt, Executive Director