Apply to Be the Next VRA Bulletin Content Editor

Are you interested in developing leadership skills in digital publishing and open access?

The Executive Board is now accepting applications for the position of Content Editor for the VRA Bulletin.  All members are encouraged to consider this important role for the VRA, especially if you have a background or strong interest in editorial work, writing, open access, and/or electronic publishing.  The Bulletin is published twice per year and the Content Editor is compensated $750 per issue.

The term will officially commence in January 2019, upon completion of Volume 45, by our current VRA Bulletin Content Editor Maureen Burns.  The candidate for Content Editor will have the opportunity to shadow and train with Maureen this fall in preparation for the transition in the new year.  Maureen has done a superb job, leaving a legacy that includes implementing peer-review and laying the groundwork for open access, and the board wishes to express our most sincere gratitude. The Content Editor will also have the advantage of partnering with the VRA Bulletin Production Editor, currently Hannah Marshall, and working closely with peer reviewers and copy editors.

The mission of the VRA Bulletin is to serve the membership of the VRA by providing a professional forum for the discussion and dissemination of ideas and information directly related to the field of visual resources. It is a journal of professional practice documenting the research, ideas, projects, activities, and history of the Visual Resources Association as well as the broader work of information professionals in image management. Articles authored by members of the Association and like-minded information professionals from outside VRA, cover a wide range of topics including: digital imaging and digital projects; cataloging and classification systems; historical collections and archives; digital humanities; data standards; education and professional development; intellectual property rights and copyright; library systems; collection development; digital curation and preservation; visual literacy and instruction; and, professional standards and ethics.

A detailed charge and characteristic duties and responsibilities of the position follow below.  To apply, please send a statement of interest and a short resume, highlighting your relevant education, experience, and any publications to Amy McKenna (info@vraweb.org) and/or Stephen Patton (VRA.Patton@gmail.com).  Queries about the position may also be sent to Stephen or Amy, or directly to Maureen Burns (moaburns@gmail.com).

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, July 18.

Thank you for considering this vital and rewarding position.

Amy McKenna, VRA Public Relations and Communications Officer

Stephen Patton, VRA President

Content Editor, VRA Bulletin

Charge: To solicit and select news articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication and to manage content uploaded to the electronic journal system. Partners with the Production Editor to plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the VRA Bulletin in electronic form.Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:The VRA Bulletin Content Editor is appointed by and reports to the VRA Executive Board. The term of appointment is four years and any change in term is subject to Board approval. The term may be renewed or reduced by the Board. The VRA Bulletin Content Editor works in conjunction with the Production Editor.General

• In partnership with the Production Editor, plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the electronic VRA Bulletin.
• Develop and maintain editorial staff, peer reviewers, and occasional guest editors.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with Executive Board, Production Editor, Membership Services Coordinator, and serves as member of the informal Publications Special Interest Group.
• Maintain VRA Bulletin editorial working files related to content.

Editorial

• Define and develop the content of the publication.
• Send out calls for content at least two times a year.
• Solicit and select articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication.
• Work with editorial staff to review content and ask authors for revisions or copy editing.
• Make final decisions on the content for each issue.
• Oversee the progress of materials for publication, including editing for style, content, and organization.
• Write publication copy as needed.
• Communicate with the Production Editor on content readiness.

Administration 

• Prepare the Mid-Year and Annual reports for the Executive Board with the Production Editor and include any budgetary information and requests.
• Work with the Executive Board to keep the electronic journal current with trends in electronic scholarship.