Appointments: Chair, Advisory Committee on Standards (CoS)

Term: August 2023-August 2025

Appointments will be made by IFLA’s Governing Board in April 2023

Overview

The Advisory Committee on Standards (CoS) provides a central focus for IFLA’s work on the subject, in order to improve the visibility, relevance and uptake of IFLA Standards among IFLA’s Members and beyond. It also coordinates the maintenance and storage of, and access to, standards, and supports wider IFLA priorities.

Its Chair leads this work, promoting efficient operations, timely action, and coordinating with other parts of IFLA, including the Review Groups and the Professional Units.

Who can stand for this position?

Anyone can stand. Candidates do not have to be an IFLA Member or Affiliate, and if elected, are elected in their own right and not as the representative of their employer or nominator.

What is the term of office?

The term of office is two (2) years from 2023 – 2025. This term is renewable once, although individuals would need to stand again for re-election. It is not possible to serve more than four years in a row on the Advisory Committee in any capacity.

What are the roles and responsibilities for this position?

The Chair of the Advisory Committee on Standards (CoS) leads work to advise the Governing Board and promote the creation and uptake of relevant and high quality standards across IFLA’s membership and beyond. They facilitate the creation and continuation of relations with other relevant actors in the field.

They also guide the Committee in its work to implement a common approach to the creation, development, translation, validation, publishing and version control of standards, and to coordinate the maintenance and storage of, and access to, all IFLA standards documents. Furthermore, the Chair guides work to undertake strategic planning for standards, and support wider professional activities.

Find out more about the work of the Advisory Committee on Standards.

What skills and attributes do I need for this position?

Candidates for this position should be able to demonstrate:

  • extensive expertise, interest, and experience connected with one or more IFLA Standards (drafting, managing, or contributing to an IFLA standard), or knowledge about and experience with the development of library standards in general which might be applicable in the IFLA context;
  • proven ability to lead and inspire the work of a diverse range of colleagues on a committee and development of work that supports the wider library field;
  • an interest in strategic planning, implementation and review processes, and in improving aspects of IFLA’s own standards management;
  • experience in communication, representation and networking;
  • willingness and ability to devote time and energy to the role – this is usually several hours per month;
  • time allowance to prepare and attend meetings of the Advisory Committee, and financial resources to attend at least the IFLA annual Congress;
  • an ability to act with respect, trust, confidentiality and transparency and recognize the need to protect personal and privileged information. Candidates must declare any conflicts of interest and abstain from discussions where they have a conflict or potential conflict of interest.

How many nominations do I need?

Each candidate requires one (1) nomination for this position.

Who can be a nominator?

IFLA Association Members (National and International) can nominate individuals for this position. They have received an election email containing information describing how they can submit a nomination.

How many candidates can each Association Member nominate for this position?

Each Association Member can nominate one (1) candidate for this position.

How do I find a nominator?

Check the list of National and International Associations. You may contact them asking to be nominated.

How do I submit my nominee form?

Those wishing to stand as a candidate will need to submit a nominee form for this position. This should be done once a nominator has been found. In this form you will be asked to provide a statement of up to 300 words describing how you demonstrate the skills and attributes required.

A nomination only becomes valid when there is is both a completed nomination form and a completed nominee form.

More information

Learn more about the remit of Advisory Committees in Rule 14.3.2.1 of the IFLA Rules of Procedure.