The Reference and User Services Association is a network to educate, empower, and inspire its members to advance the evolution of the profession and better serve users in a continually changing information society.
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Guidelines & Resources
Welcome! The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is pleased to provide tools to help you in your job. The resources provided in the links
Catch up with RUSA!
Did you miss a HOT RUSA webinar? Don't fret, check out the list of recordings available for purchase today: Supporting an Informed Citizenry with State
About RUSA
The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is a division of the American Library Association. RUSA serves all types of libraries in reference, user services, adult readers advisory and collection development as well as resource sharing, genealogy and archives, business reference and reference technology.
RUSA has six specialty sections that are free to RUSA members.
Get Involved: Volunteer!
RUSA needs people like you—people who are moved by the extraordinary possibilities that libraries create. By getting involved with RUSA you’ll develop new skills, grow your network, and make a difference in your profession and community.
Our member opportunities bring reference librarians together, so they can advance the practices of connecting people to resources, information services, and collections.
RUSA Sections
Business Reference And Services Section
Welcome to RUSA's Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS), your station for expertise on all aspects of business reference. Our members come from all kinds of libraries- public, academic, and corporate but all of them share a responsibility for being able to provide answers to business-related questions.
Should you be a BRASS member?
BRASS Members: Log into ALA Connect to engage.
Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES)
RUSA's Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES) is the place in ALA for reference/user services librarians and staff from all types of libraries to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of collection development, readers’ advisory, and publishing. The possibilities for professional and personal growth in CODES are vast!
Great people - great programs – and plenty of opportunities to make a difference. Interested in joining? We welcome your energy, enthusiasm and commitment.
CODES offers seven awards for outstanding books and reference works:
- Notable Books for Adults (the year’s 25 most important works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry)
- Outstanding Reference Sources (outstanding reference publications for small and medium-sized libraries)
- The Reading List (top fiction in eight genres)
- The Sophie Brody Award (achievement in Jewish literature)
- Dartmouth Medal (the most significant reference work)
- The Listen List: Outstanding Audiobook Narration
- Essential Cookbooks: The CODES List::
Plus two achievement awards:
- Zora Neale Hurston Award (demonstrated leadership in promoting African American literature)
- Louis Shores Award (acknowledgement for excellence in book reviewing and other media for libraries)
Emerging Technologies Section
ETS is the Emerging Technologies Section of RUSA. Our vision is to equip public-service librarians to implement tech-savvy solutions that improve user experience and library success. ETS welcomes practitioners from all library types and all levels of technological skill. We create opportunities for both hands-on and online professional development, resources for tech projects, and opportunities to explore and discuss trends, tools, and troubleshooting. We love to find and feature best-in-class technology implementations that improve public services.
History Section (HS)
RUSA's History Section (HS) represents the subject interests of reference librarians, archivists, bibliographers, genealogists, historians, and others engaged in historical reference or research. It brings together representatives of history collections in all formats from all types of libraries, archives, and historical societies.
History was the first section established within RUSA. Reflecting the Section's broad representation, its objectives are to identify common problems and to recommend solutions that can enhance service to users. Through its programs, committees, and projects, the Section helps to improve the materials and methods for historical reference and research services.
Connect with the History Section!
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
- Join the RUSA History Section Discussion List (Open Forum) on RUSA Connect.
Reference Services Section (RSS)
RUSA's Reference Services Section (RSS) represents frontline librarians, information specialists, and library support staff engaged in all aspects of reference and information services across all types of libraries by:
- Creating professional development and educational opportunities,
- Collaborating among colleagues, and
- Representing the needs of library users.
Your participation makes a difference and brings about positive change across the reference profession!
Communicate with RSS on ALA Connect.
Get Involved!
In addition to connecting with our section, join an RSS committee. Members of RSS committees:
- Organize programs and host discussion forums;
- Write and maintain Standards, Guidelines, and Recommendations that help librarians worldwide; and
- Develop tutorials, administer surveys, and discuss developments in reference services.
To express interest in joining a committee, complete the ALA Volunteer Form and select RUSA, RSS.
Sharing and Transforming Access to Resources Section (STARS)
Sharing and Transforming Access to Resources Section (STARS) is RUSA's section for librarians who manage inter-library loans and other reference sharing. Many library resource sharing activities are guided, limited, and even made possible by federal laws – particularly those related to copyright and copyright exemptions. Core guidelines commonly adhered to in resource-sharing practices have grown out of these laws. ... Knowledge of current laws and guidelines governing resource sharing can help librarians provide compliant, standardized services that enhance performance in their library's roles as both borrower and lender.
Join STARS to learn more about best practices for resource sharing.
RUSA STARS' 5 Things Every New Resource Sharing Librarian Should Know
Are you new to Resource Sharing and Inter-library Loan? Check out these tips and resources put together by your colleagues!
Get Involved with RUSA STARS!
The majority of the committee and task force appointments are made in the spring by matching STARS members' interests and background with the section's needs. If you are interested in contributing your ideas and talent to a STARS committee, please contact Hilary Thompson, hthomps1@umd.edu.
RUSA's Interest Groups
Continuing Education
RUSA abounds with opportunities for you to extend and refine your expertise: Everything from in-person programs at ALA Conference to webinars and eCourses. Whether you want to acquire new skills or sharpen your current skills, RUSA's online courses and webinars offer convenient and flexible learning opportunities on both basic and advanced topics.
Connect with RUSA
I AM RUSA
RUSA Calendar
