About Alki
                                                                                                                               
Alki became the official print journal of the Washington Library Association (WLA) in 1983. Alki’s editors have each brought something different to the job and the intervening years have brought new production tech­niques, new ways of relaying content and new expec­tations.

Alki’s originators wanted a journal that was broader in scope than other library association publications, a journal that published material other state library journals and periodicals would not and that encompassed diverse people and ideas within the library community. So, from the beginning, Alki’s offerings have included everything from scholarly historical pieces and conference session reports, to humor and philosophical pieces. Alki has had it all.
                                                             
Alki, which took its name from our State’s motto, is published three times per year in March, July and December. Traditionally, each issue centers on a theme selected by the Alki Editorial Committee with one issue per year dedicated to coverage of WLA's annual conference. Receiving the journal is a benefit of WLA membership. Membership is open to any individual or organization interested in library service and library and information science.

Since 1997, WLA has posted issues of Alki on its website. WilsonLine and Ebsco also include the full-text contents of Alki and Library Literature indexes Alki fully, including back issues.

Purpose Statement

Alki’s purpose is to communicate philosophical and substantive analyses of current and enduring issues for and about Washington libraries, personnel and advocates and to facilitate the exchange of research, opinion and information.

Alki Editorial Policy

Because Alki is the official publication of the Washington Library Association (WLA), the editor has a responsibility to convey to the membership and other readers accurate information about Association actions and activities within the scope of a balanced and readable publication, as well as in accordance with its purpose. With regard to Association activities, the extent and style of coverage is the editor's prerogative.

In order to carry out this responsibility, the editor may have access to privileged information. The editor must assume an obligation to represent WLA’s best interests and its units fairly and as fully as possible within the scope of the journal. The editor is guaranteed independence in gathering, reporting and publishing news and opinions according to WLA's position on intellectual freedom.

Editorial Principles

The Editor and Alki Editorial Committee are committed to:

• Providing a fair, balanced, accurate and comprehensive account of events and issues;
• Supporting the open exchange and expression of diverse viewpoints;
• Encouraging publication of content about all matters of importance to libraries and librarians, regardless of geographic location;
• Giving a voice to the variety of institutional types and constituencies that exist within the library community; and

Statements of official WLA positions on any matters shall be clearly identified as such when published in Alki. The editor is free to analyze and interpret such matters as his or her judgment dictates, and such analysis and interpretation should appear over the editor's signature.

Alki Editor & Assistant Editor

The Alki Editor and the Assistant Editor, who provide continuity to the editorship, are responsible for providing a balanced mixture of relevant and thoughtful articles and features on the problems, responsibilities and concerns of all library personnel. The journal should be a leader in the field by raising the consciousness of the profession which it serves. Alki should be a responsive and inspirational voice reflecting WLA to a diverse library community.

The Alki Editor reports to the WLA President and is evaluated by the President with input from the Editorial Committee and Coordinator of Communications.

Alki Editorial Committee

The eight-member Alki Editorial Committee is responsible for ensuring that the journal remains current and relevant to the needs of the library community. The committee provides direction to the Editor, with oversight from the Coordinator of Communications. The committee is charged with proposing Alki policies and developing day-to-day operating procedures (i.e. selection of themes, content solicitation and development, etc.). Members also actively contribute to the journal.

Committee members are appointed by the WLA President and serve two-year terms. The Coordinator of Communications, as well as a student of an ALA-accredited library school serves as Ex-officio committee members.
                                               
Disclaimer

The Washington Library Association (WLA) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for errors or damages of any kind resulting from access to its journal or use of the information contained therein. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented as factual.

The statements, comments or opinions expressed by contributors to the journals are those of their respective authors, who are solely responsible for them, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Washington Library Association (WLA).