SELA Southeastern Library Association

04/29/2026

Register now to attend the SELA Virtual Leadership Conference featuring Keynote Speaker, Sam Helmick - 2025–2026 ALA President, on May 28, 2026 and be part of the conversation on service, leadership, and the future of libraries.
Added bonus!
--->Current SELA members receive $10 off your next SELA membership renewal as a thank-you for attending.
--->Not yet a member? Register for the conference and receive a free SELA membership — no additional cost.

04/09/2026

Register now to attend the SELA Virtual Leadership Conference featuring Keynote Speaker, Sam Helmick - 2025–2026 ALA President, on May 28, 2026 and be part of the conversation on service, leadership, and the future of libraries.

Added bonus!
--->Current SELA members receive $10 off your next SELA membership renewal as a thank-you for attending.

--->Not yet a member? Register for the conference and receive a free SELA membership — no additional cost.

09/17/2025

The Alabama Library Association Multicultural Information Round Table is happy to announce the following webinar scheduled for Thursday, October 16 at 2-3 p.m. Central Times/3-4 p.m. Eastern time How Libraries Can Support Patrons and Staff during Challenging Times. (Feel free to forward to other listervs).

In today’s challenging climate, libraries are called upon to be more than repositories of knowledge — they are spaces of belonging. Join Nancy Kirkpatrick, Dean of Libraries at Smith College, for a conversation on how libraries can support both patrons and staff by creating welcoming environments, ensuring fair access to opportunities, and cultivating workplaces where people feel valued. This session will highlight practical approaches for serving communities broadly, supporting library workers, and staying resilient amid uncertainty. Grounded in hope but attentive to the realities we face, this webinar offers a path forward for libraries committed to serving all.

Zoom link:
Topic: ALA Webinar w/Nancy S. Kirkpatrick
Time: Oct 16, 2025 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 960 3444 7039

To join by computer, click this link: https://smith.zoom.us/j/96034447039?pwd=qibKdA3twMNLPFIVOXwsYDiSHYoI1J.1

To hear audio through your computer:
Choose Join With Computer Audio when prompted. (Recommended Method)
Password: 850622

To join audio by phone:
Dial: 1 (646) 558-8656
1 (646) 518-9805
Enter Meeting ID 960 3444 7039, when prompted.
or
Use One Tap Mobile:
+16465588656,,96034447039 # US Toll
+16465189805,,96034447039 # US Toll

Meeting ID: 960 3444 7039
Password: 850622
Find your local number: https://smith.zoom.us/u/aeAJmLRis9

09/12/2025

Writing a Scholarly Article in LIS: From Idea to Publication

Are you intrigued by the idea of publishing an article in Library & Information Science, but don't quite know where to begin? Have you started the research or writing process, but find yourself stuck? Or has it been a while since you published, and you’re ready to jump back in the game?

Join us on October 2 at noon for a spirited discussion of writing for publication in LIS, with advice from three librarians with experience in diverse library settings (including academic, public, and school libraries) who have published in a wide variety of journals. A Q&A session will follow the panel discussion.

Please register to receive the Zoom link to this free online session: http://bit.ly/4oHeZyw

Panelists:
Laura Pitts, PhD, MA, MLIS
Assistant Professor of Library Services and Chair of Library Instruction
Houston Cole Library, Jacksonville State University

Jessica Platt, MEd, MLIS
Associate Coordinator of Research, Instruction, and Engagement
Levi Watkins Learning Center, Alabama State University

Elaine Walker, MLIS
Scholarly Communications Librarian
University of Alabama Libraries

Moderator: Charlotte Ford, PhD, MLIS, Director of Carmichael Library, University of Montevallo

This event is co-sponsored by the Alabama Library Association’s Scholarly Communication Round Table and the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries Continuing Education Committee.

09/05/2025

📣 DEADLINE TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL: TODAY Sept. 5, 2025.
🔗 Library staff, students, and faculty: submit your idea for for presentations and/or lightning talks here : https://tinyurl.com/mpku4thb

Save the Date and Call for Proposals! 📣
The College, University, and Special Libraries (CUS) Division of ALLA is now accepting proposals for the 2nd Annual CUS Fall Mini-Conference — happening Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 via Zoom! 🎃💻

Let’s learn from each other — share your work! ✨📚

09/05/2025

Head Librarian
Harrison County Library System - Pass Christian Branch
Pass Christian, MS

Job Description:
The Pass Christian Head Librarian is responsible to the System Director for the administration of a municipal library unit consisting of the Pass Christian Library.

Role and Responsibilities
· Selects, supervises, trains, and evaluates (annually) staff in compliance with System personnel policies
· Attends local funder meetings and acts as liaison to local funding entity
· Works closely with Friends of the Library organization and other civic groups to enhance library capacity
· Responsible for selection of library materials according to System collection development policy
· Assists Director in preparing annual budget and informs Director of funding needs
· Directs local library expenditures under adopted annual budget
· Originates and submits purchase orders for equipment and supplies to the Director
· Responsible for directing requests for maintenance, repair, and security of library building and for maintenance of grounds to the proper entity
· Accountable for weekly cash report and local petty cash
· Responsible for reporting accurate monthly service statistics to Headquarters
· Responsible for programming to enhance library service
· Responsible for marketing library programs and services to the community via media and outreach
· Coordinates with Director and colleagues on system-wide concerns and planning
· Oversees the receipt, acknowledgement and disposition of gifts made to the local library and ensures compliance with System policies
· Attends professional meetings and other training opportunities to keep abreast of library trends
· Supervises use of meeting room and display cases in compliance with System policies
· Act as back-up to staff for meeting library service needs and may need to work desk and weekend shifts
· Other duties as needed or required by Director

Qualifications:
ALA-accredited MLIS Degree or Bachelor’s Degree and appropriate experience
Two years professional library experience
Knowledge of library technology
Thorough knowledge of public library philosophy
Strong Commitment to public service
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Excellent supervisory skills

To apply:

Download application here - https://www.harrison.lib.ms.us/about-us/employment

Send completed application, a current resume, and a cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for the position to Sarah Crisler-Ruskey at [email protected]

The position is available November 17 and is open until filled.

09/05/2025

The Georgia Library Association Carterette Series Webinars presents:
How Social Media is Used as an Information Discovery Tool
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
2pm Eastern (11am Pacific | 12pm Mountain | 1pm Central)
Cost: Free
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Social media has transformed from spaces that simply connect and build communities online; to a means for keeping in touch with the day-to-day lives of friends, family, and peers; to now, being a platform where anyone can make a living, go viral, and discover information. Social media has become the preferred search engine of younger generations, enabling people to find answers to their questions and satisfy their curiosity online. This presentation will explore how people are engaging with Instagram and TikTok, not only as spaces to connect and build communities but also as an information discovery tool. Through the lens of real information discovery queries and diverse content examples, attendees will learn the importance of social media for librarianship and how showing up in these spaces with thoughtfully produced content can help libraries thrive.
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To register for the online event:

1. Go to the registration page: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rgov6xCpTIW9uyD9tIAZww

2. Complete and submit the form.
3. A URL for the event will be emailed to you immediately after registration.

Social media has transformed from spaces that simply connect and build communities online; to a means for keeping in touch with the day-to-day lives of friends, family, and peers; to now, being a platform where anyone can make a living, go viral, and discover information. Social media has become the...

09/04/2025

We are pleased to announce the launch of the SELA Emergency Assistance Fund!

Now available at the following link: https://www.selaonline.org/eaf.

The Emergency Assistance Fund was established to provide support to Southeastern libraries and SELA individual members facing significant hardship, often resulting from natural disasters or other unexpected emergencies.

Over the past year, the SELA Executive Board, with guidance and oversight from the full Board, has worked diligently to bring this initiative to life. This fund represents our commitment to supporting our community during times of urgent need.

We encourage you to share this information with anyone who may need help. Also, there is a link to donate to the fund if you are interested.

Please contact SELA President, Laura Slavin, MLIS, MBA, at [email protected] should you have any questions about the fund.

08/26/2025

📚 Thinking about publishing in Library & Information Science but not sure where to start? Already writing but feeling stuck? Or ready to dive back into publishing after a break? Scan the QR code to register.

✨ Join us October 2 at 12 PM for a lively discussion on writing for publication in LIS! Hear tips from librarians across academic, public, and school libraries who’ve published in a variety of journals.

🎤 Panel + Q&A with members of the ALLA Scholarly Communication Roundtable (SCRT)
🤝 Co-sponsored by ALLA SCRT & NAAL’s Continuing Education Committee

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and get inspired!

08/26/2025

John Barnett has accepted the position of Editor of The Southeastern Librarian (SELn). John serves as Dean of the Library at the University of South Carolina Upstate and is an active member of SELA. He will begin working with current Editor Ashley Dees on the Fall 2025 issue.

Effective immediately, please direct all new submissions and journal-related inquiries to John at [email protected]. During this transition period, John and Ashley will jointly manage communication with authors and reviewers of submissions already in progress.

Ashley Dees, Associate Head of Research & Instruction Services at The University of Mississippi Libraries, has served as Editor of SELn for over five years. We extend our sincere thanks to Ashley for her outstanding service and dedication to the journal. Her contributions have been phenomenal, and we are deeply grateful for her leadership.

The summer issue is now available: https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/seln/vol73/iss2/