Online Community Moderator

Description: ALA offers several Online Community forums for members that are based on the individual’s involvement and interests in the association. Focus areas include Special Interest topics and General forums. Opportunities are available to moderate an individual group, for example, HR Issues or Financial Issues.

Three of the most important activities of community moderators:

1. It is of utmost importance to ensure discussions are not violating antitrust laws. Moderators educate community members and edit posts if needed. More information on antitrust guidelines is here. 
2. Help to ensure posts receive responses and encourage general discussion. Sometimes this may involve responding yourself or reminding/asking others.
3. Ensure the discussion is respectful and supports the ALA Code of Ethics.

The moderator is authorized to edit and/or delete posts if required by antitrust regulations and works with ALA staff to determine the course of action in ambiguous circumstances.

Expectations: The time commitment for this volunteer activity is dependent on the volume of posts. Estimated time is approximately 3-5 hours per month. 

Eligibility: Anyone with an interest in moderating may volunteer to do so. If a community is restricted to assigned members only, the moderator must be part of the authorized group(s). Membership is required for access to the ALA Online Community.