History Section: Committees

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee provides leadership, coordination, and direction for the Section and acts for and by the authority of the Section during the period between meetings of the Section.

Academic Librarians Committee

This committee will serve as a forum to address the professional needs and concerns of history and humanities librarians working in academic institutions. It will focus on issues of interest such as instruction and information literacy, collection development and assessment, digital pedagogy and scholarship, and mentoring for new librarians.

The committee comprises four subcommittees which will focus on the following areas:  

  • Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Adapt the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education for Undergraduate History Students
  • Continuing Education Subcommittee
  • Mentoring Program Subcommittee
  • Website Resources Subcommittee

Genealogy and Local History Committee

The Genealogy and Local History Committee provides a forum serving the interests of genealogists and librarians whose work is in, or related to, the fields of genealogy and local history. Committee members represent large and small genealogical and local history collections in public, special, university and society libraries. This committee creates opportunities to discuss the issues and concerns related to the management of local history and genealogy collections and services.

Historical Materials Committee

The Committee seeks to improve the usefulness of bibliographies and indexes in the field of history through the evaluation both of specific publications and the pattern and effectivenss of coverage in all fields of history. Each year the Committee compiles and publishes its “Best Historical Materials”. In addition, the Committee promotes enhanced availability of historical works and information and serves as a liaison among bibliographers, indexers, publishers, and professional associations.

History Research and Innovation Award Committee 

The committee administers a $2,500 award granted to an MLS degreed librarian from an ALA accredited school to facilitate and further research relating to history and history librarianship. This award is on hiatus beginning in 2023.

Membership and Communications Committee 

The committee manages the section’s media outlets (including the web site, Connect, social media, and contributions to RUSA Update), promotes the Section’s activities and initiatives, and advises on other communication-related issues.

Nominating Committee

The Committee identifies a slate of candidates for History Section offices.

Programming Committee

The History Section Programming Committee provides leadership in the coordination of History Section programming, including planning and organizing at least one annual program. The Committee supports both section and individual members in the development, implementation, and evaluation process, and provides a centralized area for all communication around History Section programming at both in-person meetings, conferences, and online and distance learning.