From the Chair

Abstract

As I write this, GODORT is in the midst of change, a shift in the structure of service that should hopefully make it easier to fill our volunteer slots and improve the overall functioning of the round table. So why does it matter to shift from 60 people in 80 available volunteer positions to 60 people in 60 available volunteer positions? There are a few reasons, and being mindful of them may help us chart our way forward.

First, the role of the round table has changed as ALA has changed. When GODORT was founded, ALA revolved entirely around two annual conferences, and GODORT primarily organized itself around meeting at those conferences. GODORT planned events for knowledge exchange, social connection, and even political organizing within the bounds of the ALA conference. At present, ALA no longer has two governance conferences, and with LibLearnX concluding after 2025, there may only be one conference each year. But as this has happened, GODORT has shifted to meet more frequently outside the bounds of these conferences. The focus has changed between Friday chats, virtual conferences, virtual committee meetings, and the increased availability of communication platforms like ALA Connect.