About Forums
Virginia Library Association members may join one of the nine active forums and VLACRL at any time throughout the year. Forums are groups within the Association that exchange ideas and information. Many forums host their own virtual or in person events which all VLA members may attend and have ongoing virtual discussions on their Basecamp.
Explore your interests, share your knowledge, and form connections with library workers across Virginia through forum membership. Join a forum at any time by filling out the Forum Registration form below. You will be added to the forum's Basecamp hub by the last day of the month. From there, you can access meeting links, discussions, and more.
All members of ACRL in Virginia are automatically members of VLACRL. Distinct from a VLA Forum, VLACRL does not have regular meetings with members. VLACRL hosts a Spring Program and Summer Program virtually and coordinates the peer review of the VLACRL sessions for the VLA Annual Conference. They have an in-person meeting at the conference that members are welcome to attend.
Learn More About VLA Forums
Field Interest Forums
Collections and Technical Services Forum (CaTS)
Graphic Novels and Comics Forum
Intellectual Freedom Forum
Local and Family History Forum
Makerspace Forum
New Members Roundtable
Youth and Family Services Forum
Social Interest Forums
LGBTQIA+ Forum
Librarians of Color Forum
Inactive Forums
Professional Associates (PAF)
Forum FAQs
How do I join a forum?
Sign up for a forum (or two, or three) using the Google form linked above. The respective chair will add you to the forum's Basecamp.
What is Basecamp?
Basecamp is a software platform with a message board, a calendar with Zoom and event links, and cloud storage abilities. You can start chats or discussions with other forum members, find the link to join upcoming meetings, and work collaboratively on forum projects.
Can I use a fake name to sign up? Or my personal email?
No, you must register for a forum using your own name. Members are not permitted to use aliases or impersonate others. You may use a personal email to register for a forum.
What do forums do?
Forums do not have specific projects or timelines as committees do. Forum work varies; some may meet up in person for events, others may plan projects that are distributed to the Virginia Library Association membership as a whole, and others may simply work as an idea exchange with ongoing virtual discussions. No matter what, it's a great way to connect with others who share a common interest or profession. Make friends to meet up with at a conference, network with future coworkers, and start a conversation!
How many forums can I join at once?
There is no limit to how many you may join, but be mindful that forums may have conflicting schedules at the Annual Conference and that it may be difficult to make meaningful contributions when you join many forums at once. You can always revisit the sign up form and add additional forums at another time.
How often do forums meet?
Most forums meet virtually once per month and many plan social events, such as dine outs, at the Annual Conference.
How do I join a virtual meeting?
You must join a forum to attend a meeting, but new members are always welcome to jump into a monthly meeting. Due to Zoom bombings, forum meeting links are now exclusively available through the forum's Basecamp and will no longer be posted publicly.
How do I get involved with a forum?
Any VLA member may join a forum. Once you're added to the Basecamp, you are able to start discussions, chat with other members, and connect with forum leadership about proposed ideas for the forum.
How do I become chair of a forum?
Forums have different processes for selecting incoming co-chairs. Many forums allow existing members to vote via virtual ballot from a pool of candidates who submit their names. Co-chairs serve in a learning role for one year before transitioning into the chair role.
How do I start a forum?
Any member of the Association may organize a forum. Members wishing to organize a forum must submit a written petition of at least 20 members to the Executive Committee, which approves or denies the request. The petition must include the name, general purpose, and specific objectives of the proposed forum. If the Executive Committee approves the petition, the President of the Association appoints a chairperson until such time as a meeting is held and a chair is duly elected by the Forum membership. The chair is a member of Council.
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