The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) is inviting applications for the position of Editor of RUSA Update, the quarterly newsletter of RUSA. Guided by RUSA editorial policy, the editor is responsible for the content, format and timely publication of RUSA Update and will prepare an annual plan indicating areas expected to be addressed in quarterly issues. This position is an excellent professional development and leadership opportunity within RUSA.
The RUSA Update Editor is 2-year appointment, beginning at the end of ALA Annual Conference 2014 and ending at the end of the Annual Conference in 2016. Appointee must be a RUSA member. Term is renewable upon approval of the RUSA Board. The Editor is appointed by the President of RUSA in consultation with the RUSA Communications and Publications Committee.
RUSA contributes $1,000 per year to help offset the conference expenses of the RUSA Update editor. In addition, the RUSA Update editor receives complimentary registration for both conferences and VIP early registration for hotels.
Please see the job description at the end of this message for full details.Â
To apply for the editor position, please send a statement of interest and CV to Susan Hornung, shornung@ala.org, no later than May 3, 2014.Â
Job Description: RUSA Update Editor
Reports to: RUSA Board
Term: 2-year appointment, beginning at the end of ALA Annual Conference 2014 and ending at the end of the Annual Conference in 2016. Term is renewable upon approval of the RUSA Board. The Editor is appointed by the President of RUSA in consultation with the RUSA Communications and Publications Committee. The RUSA Update Editor must be a member of the Reference and User Services Association.
Summary of Position:Â
 RUSA Update is the official newsletter of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association.
 RUSA Update serves as a primary communication channel between RUSA and the library and member communities.
 Guided by RUSA editorial policy, the editor is responsible for the content, format and timely publication of RUSA Update and will prepare an annual plan indicating areas expected to be addressed in quarterly issues.
 The Publications and Communications Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the editor and develops guidelines to assist the editor.
 Editorial policies are approved by the RUSA Board.
Specific Responsibilities:
 Invite news and announcements related to RUSA, its sections, members and interests.
 Work closely with RUSA office staff, particularly the Marketing Manager, to identify, develop and incorporate content from the RUSA Office. Develop regular communication mechanisms for working with the RUSA office.Â
 Set an annual publication schedule.
 Share content deadlines with the RUSA president (who writes a message for each issue), RUSA committee chairs and section members responsible for providing section content for each issue.
 Establish a schedule of routine items that are expected to appear in each quarterly issue and solicit the required information from RUSA members and staff following the schedule, such as RUSA awards, actions of the Board, conference programs and activities, election results, committee appointments, president’s letter etc.
 Set expectations for section content. Develop guidelines for article content and length in collaboration with the RUSA Publications & Communications Committee, the RUSA Blog editor, RUSA staff, and the RUSA Executive Committee. Develop communication channels with sections and standing committees
 Edit articles for length, content, style, and correct grammatical usage, consulting with other experts as needed. The RUSA Communications and Publications Committee serves as an unofficial editorial board
 Prepare articles for each issue for posting to the RUSA Update website and submit files via e-mail to the RUSA office.
 Provide leadership to a team to develop new directions for communication strategies for RUSA.
 Attend RUSA Board meetings as non-voting ex-officio member at ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meetings, and attend as many section and committee meetings, programs, and other RUSA-related events as possible.
Honoraria:
RUSA contributes $1000 per year to help offset the conference expenses of the RUSA Update editor. In addition, the RUSA Update editor receives complimentary registration for both conferences and VIP early registration for hotels.
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