MLA seeks an innovative editor to build upon the MLA Newsletter’s excellent traditions and transform the Newsletter from its current format into dynamic and timely sources of association news and information. The purpose of the Newsletter has been to keep the membership of the Association abreast of events, ideas, and trends related to music librarianship, and that purpose will carry forward into the future. While working to re-envision the Newsletter, the editor will
- prepare a vision and timeline for transforming the Newsletter, in consultation with the Publications Committee, to be presented to the Board for the Fall 2015 Board meeting,
- following Board approval, implement the plan,
- maintain the current Newsletter format until the new format can be implemented, and
- serve as a member of the Publications Committee.
History
The MLA Newsletter has been published four times a year: September/October, November/December, March/April, and May/June. Preparation for an issue has typically begun eight weeks prior to its publication, with the majority of the editor’s work taking place in the two weeks prior to publication. Responsibilities of the editor have included:
- establishing an annual publication budget
- soliciting items for publication
- reviewing relevant literature for additional information that should be brought to the attention of members of the Association
- editing member submissions
- preparing the html for publication on the OJS (Open Journal Systems) platform
Term
The editor serves a term of five years subject to favorable annual reviews. The editor is evaluated annually at the fall board meeting. The successful candidate will be announced at the February 2015 annual meeting in Denver, and will work closely with the current incumbent to prepare and publish the March/April 2015 issue, which will remain in the current format.
Benefits
The editor receives gratis MLA regular membership and MLA annual meeting early-regular-member registration.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will demonstrate a vision for moving the Newsletter forward, while understanding that the current format may need to be retained for a period of time. Editorial experience, project management skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, literacy in web publishing and social networking, and membership in the Music Library Association are required. Experience using image editing software such as Adobe is preferred.