The State Library Advisory Panel, outlined in Iowa Code 8A.221, helps determine service priorities, provides feedback on programs and resources, and articulates the needs of Iowa librarians.
Membership & Terms
The 13-member panel is appointed by the Iowa Library Association (ILA) Executive Board and the State Librarian, representing all sizes, districts, and types of Iowa libraries:
ILA: Seven appointments consisting of one academic librarian, one school librarian, and five public librarians from differing districts and size codes.
State Library: Six appointments of public librarians from the districts and size codes needed to meet requirements for various representation.
Members serve four-year terms that run from May 1 to April 30 and are initially staggered at the discretion of the State Librarian. Members may be reappointed three times, and vacancies are filled for the unexpired portion of the previous memberβs regular term.
Duties & Expectations
The Advisory Panel duties and expectations of members include:
Duties: Advise and recommend evidence-based best practices, assist the State Library to determine service priorities and launch programs, articulate the needs and interests of Iowa librarians, and share research and professional development information.
Meetings: Meet online at least twice per year. Members should have video and microphone capabilities to replicate an in-person experience. Meetings must follow public meeting requirements outlined in Iowa Code Chapter 21.
Chairperson: Elected by the panel annually. The chairperson sets meeting dates and develops the agenda in collaboration with the State Librarian. The chairperson also prepares and submits recommendations in a report each spring to the Dept. of Administrative Services and State Librarian.
Secretary: Volunteer position that takes meeting minutes and provides them to State Library staff for posting to the website.