ACL Member Discussion List

ACL members are our biggest resource and source of ‘collective wisdom’ in the librarian field.

When an individual joins ACL, they are added to the ACL Member Discussion Google Group. This email group platform gives each member the opportunity to ask library-related questions to the whole membership and collaborate on important topics. It is the desire of the ACL Board that the list is an online medium to facilitate communication between ACL members to encourage professional development and promote a caring community.

  • The list is to remain un-moderated to provide freedom for open discussion and to avoid additional expense and staff time required to moderate the discussion list.
  • In the event that a posting to the discussion list offends you, please contact the individual posting the offending message directly off-list. (Matt. 18:15)
  • lf you prefer to have all messages come to you in one daily email, select the “Digest” option of delivery.
  • To send a message to the whole group, address your email to [email protected].
Thank you for your efforts in maintaining an online environment that is a place of professional, charitable communication for ACL members. Please follow the guidelines and etiquette below.

Guidelines, Etiquette, and Policy for ACL Google Groups

The following guidelines, etiquette, and policies apply to all ACL Google Groups, including the Member Discussion List, Interest Groups, Section Listservs, and Resource Groups. These shared expectations help ensure that all ACL communication spaces remain professional, respectful, and aligned with our mission.

Guidelines:

  1. Foster robust, edifying discussions about library-related topics, keeping in mind that we are all image bearers of God. Members represent a variety of Christian traditions. In your conversations, recognize Christ in all of us.
  2. Consider with grace viewpoints other than your own. Civil discourse in the spirit of Philippians 2:3-5 is expected.
  3. The ACL discussion list serves to fulfill the mission of the association. It is not to be utilized for personal profit.
  4. Avoid comments related to non-library controversial issues, such as doctrinal issues and/or denominational differences.

Professional Email Etiquette:

  1. Please do not use all CAPS.
  2. Clearly and specifically state the subject of your email within the subject line.
  3. Be concise.
  4. Close your message with your name and contact information.
  5. Unless it is necessary to reply to the whole list, send your replies to the sender only.
  6. Use “Reply All” when your reply is intended for the edification of the whole group.
  7. Move discussions off-list if they do not pertain to the whole group.
  8. Limit attachments to individual off-list messages.

Policy for Discussion List Suspension

The ACL Discussion List is an un-moderated forum to provide freedom for open discussion and to avoid additional expense and staff time required to moderate the discussion list.

    • If one finds a posting departing from the spirit of the discussion list guidelines, they are encouraged to contact the individual posting the message directly off-list. (Matt. 18:15)
    • If the situation does not resolve, members are asked to contact the Home Office at [email protected] regarding the discussion list violation.

The Home Office is authorized to take the following action steps with any reported violation:

    • Warnings: Remind the author of the post in question that the guidelines are in place to foster the edification of the whole membership, and warn the offending party that another violation of the guidelines will result in a 30-day suspension from the list.
    • Suspensions: In the event of another divergence from the guidelines, suspend the author from the list for 30 days.
    • Indefinite suspensions: Repeated and persistent non-compliance may lead to indefinite removal from the discussion list.

Board Approved
February 17, 2023

Using ACL Google Groups

What to Expect

The Association of Christian Librarians (ACL) uses Google Groups to facilitate communication across several communities, including Interest Groups, Section Listservs, Resource Groups (ILL, DUPEX), and the ACL Membership Discussion List. The information below applies to all ACL Google Groups and will help you understand what to expect and how to participate. Here is what to expect:

  • Emails in Your Inbox
    You will receive messages from your interest group directly in your inbox.
  • Message Prefixes
    Each email will include a prefix in the subject line that identifies which group the message is coming from. This helps you quickly recognize and organize messages. Please note the table below to see a full list of ACL Google Groups, prefixes, and group email address.

How to Participate

  • Sending a Message to the Group
    To start a conversation, simply send an email to your group’s email address.
  • Important to Know
    • After sending your message, you will not receive your own message in your inbox.
    • You will see it in your Sent folder.
    • When others reply, their responses will come to your inbox.
  • Sending Guidelines
    • You can only send messages to the group from the email address that is registered with the group.
    • If you try to send from a different email address, your message will not go through.

Managing Your Subscription(s)

  • Email Subscription Options
    • Each Email (Default)
      You will receive every individual message sent to the group individually, as they are posted.
    • Digest
      Instead of receiving individual emails, you will receive one combined email per day that includes all messages sent to the group, shown in full.
    • Abridged / Summary
      You will receive a shorter, condensed email that includes a list or preview of messages, rather than the full content. This is helpful if you want to stay informed without reading every message in detail.
  • Need to Change Your Subscription?
    Please contact the ACL Home Office if you would like to switch your subscription format.
  • Need to Unsubscribe?
    If you would prefer to no longer participate in an interest group, you can contact the ACL Home Office and we will be happy to remove you from the group.
  • Organization Suggestion
    If the volume of emails feels overwhelming or you would prefer to keep messages organized:

    • Consider setting up email filters or folders in your email client
    • You can automatically route ACL Google Group messages into a specific folder for easy access and review

Accessing the Web Platform

  • You cannot log in to the Google Groups web interface unless:
    • You are using a Gmail address that is part of the group, or
    • Your current email address is linked to a Google (Gmail) account
  • Good to Know
    Accessing the web platform is not required. All messages are delivered directly to your inbox, and you can fully participate via email.

Tips for a Good Experience

ACL Google Groups are professional spaces intended to encourage helpful, respectful, and Christ-centered communication. We ask all participants to follow ACL’s guidelines for:

  • Appropriate and professional communication
  • Respectful engagement with colleagues
  • Staying on topic and contributing constructively
  • Not using this avenue to request funding

👉 Please refer to the full Guidelines, Etiquette, and  Policy for Suspension.

Tips

  • Use clear subject lines so others know what your message is about.
  • Reply thoughtfully to keep conversations helpful and encouraging.
  • Take advantage of the group to ask questions, share resources, and learn from colleagues.

ACL Google Groups Directory

Group/Listserv Subject Prefix Email
ACL Discussion List [ACL] [email protected]
Bible Core Section Listserv [BCS] [email protected]
Liberal Arts Section Listserv [LAS] [email protected]
Seminary Section Listserv [SEM] [email protected]
Archives & Special Collections Interest Group [ASCIG] [email protected]
Christians in Secular Academic Libraries [CISAL] [email protected]
Current Library Directors Interest Group [CLDIG] [email protected]
Emerging Library Professionals Interest Group [ELP] [email protected]
Information Literacy Interest Group [ILIG] [email protected]
International Librarians Interest Group [INTLIG] [email protected]
K-12 Librarians Interest Group [ACL K-12] [email protected]
Management and Supervision Interest Group [MSIG] [email protected]
Public Librarians Interest Group [PLIG] [email protected]
Research Interest Group [RIG] [email protected]
Retirees Interest Group [RETIG] [email protected]
Solo Librarians Interest Group [SLIG] [email protected]
Technical Services Interest Group [TSIG] [email protected]
Interlibrary Loan Service [ACL-ILL] [email protected]
Duplicate Exchange Service (DUPEX) [DUPEX] [email protected]