Editorial Team and Guidelines for The Political Librarian

Editorial Team and Guidelines for The Political Librarian Submissions

Who Can Write for The Political Librarian?

We want to bring in a variety of perspectives to the journal and do not limit our contributors to just those working in the field of library and information science. We seek submissions from researchers, practitioners, community members, or others dedicated to furthering the discussion, promoting research, and helping to re-envision tax policy and public policy on the extremely local level.

Submission Categories:

• Opinions/First Draft – Editorial in nature; the first draft of an idea or argument (1000-2000 words).
• White Papers – Longer form discussions that may include research (2000-5000 words).
• Peer Reviewed – Long form articles that include original research and arguments, and are submitted for peer-review by our Editorial Board and invited reviewers. (2000-12,000 words).

Article Proposals:

If you want to propose and article for the Political Librarian, please submit the following:

1. Article abstract: a paragraph of no more than 250 words. Be sure to include what category of article that you’re writing.
2. Attach resume/CV or a link to an online version.
3. Writing sample: this can be a fully completed article, blog post, essay, etc. Our goal is to see your style and ability not judge where the writing comes from.

Completed Works:

Completed submissions should include:

1. Article abstract: a paragraph of no more than 250 words. Be sure to include what category of article that you’re writing.
2. Attach resume/CV or a link to an online version.
3. Full text of the submission.

Submission Format

Accepted submission formats are Word documents (doc, docx), rich text or text files (rtf, txt), Word Perfect. Please do not send PDFs of article submissions. This hinders the editorial process, and you will have to resubmit.

Style Guide

The Political Librarian is dedicated to publishing professional and well-composed articles. Guidelines for for The Political Librarian:

• Be professional:  While we encourage our writers to reflect their own writing style and voice in their pieces, we also require that articles are professional in nature and tone. We are creating a new kind of journal and bringing new kinds of discussions to the forefront, and we want our articles to reflect well on that mission.
• Be Inclusive: The world is a dynamic and varied place and we at the Political Librarian believe in creating and inclusive environment for writers and readers. Your language should reflect this dedication to inclusivity.
• Be Critical: The Political Librarian wishes to foster debates and critical discussions. That said we want to foster well-reasoned and supported arguments. Your piece should stand up to critical examination by our editors and readers.
• Be Clear: Be sure your topic is relevant and well thought out. Use examples and/or evidence to support your claim along. Use clear and concise language that is professional but not so full of jargon that it is not accessible.
• Cite Your Sources: If you are citing the work of others you must cite them. All articles should include a works cited list formatted using APA Style guidelines. In-text citations need not follow APA to the letter, but they should be consistent throughout the piece, hyperlinks are encouraged. If you are using a direction quotation you must list the author’s name in addition to any other relevant links or source titles that are appropriate to the piece.

Formatting/Punctuation/Grammar

• Double-spaced lines.
• 12pt standard font (Times, Times New Roman, Calibri, etc).
• Single space between sentences.
• Use the Oxford comma.
• Spell out acronyms the first time they are used.
• Submission formats: doc, docx, rtf, txt. Please do not send PDFs of article proposals/submissions.
• Use proper punctuation and grammar.
• Pay attention to subject/verb agreement and tense.

Those interested in submitting an article should contact Dustin Fife, [email protected].

Editorial Team

Dustin Fife, Series Editor
Dustin Fife is the Director of Library Services at Western State Colorado University.  Before moving to Colorado, he served as the Outreach and Patron Services Librarian for Utah Valley University and Library Director for San Juan County Public Library System.  Dustin studied history and philosophy at the University of Utah and library science at Emporia State University.  Dustin was a 2016 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, the 2015-2016 Utah Library Association President, and 2016-2017 ALA LearnRT President.  His research interest include open education, leadership and management, and advocacy. You can reach him at [email protected].

Rachel Korman, Assistant Editor
Rachel Korman is an Information Assistant at Vaughan Public Libraries and is a former EveryLibrary Intern. She is an MLIS graduate from Drexel University and holds a with a BA in Geography from the University of Toronto. Ms. Korman is a Board Member and the Treasurer for The Soapbox, an independent publishing center in West Philadelphia. She tweets at @RachelKorman2

Johnna Percell, Editing, Design, and Layout
Johnna Percell is a Children’s Librarian for the DC Public Library’s Department of Outreach & Inclusion. Prior to joining DCPL, she was the Communications Coordinator for the University of Maryland’s iSchool where she earned her MLS with a focus in Information and Diverse Populations.  She has a background in community corrections and served as the 2015 Google Policy Fellow at the American Library Association’s Washington Office. She can be reached at [email protected].

Annie Smith, Editorial Support
Annie Smith is a reference and instruction librarian at Utah Valley University's Fulton Library. Prior to working at UVU, Ms. Smith served as an Electronic Resources Librarian at Idaho State University's Oboler Library. In addition to creating an embedded librarian program at UVU, she works with her colleagues to create John Cotton Dana award-winning orientation games for new students. She is a 2008 MLS graduate of Emporia State University and can be reached at [email protected].