Student Essay Contest

Current students enrolled in any ALA-accredited Library and Information Science program are encouraged to submit essays pertaining to the field of Jewish Studies librarianship to the Student Essay Contest sponsored by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL). All student essays will be refereed; the winning essay will be considered for publication in the Student Essay section of Judaica Librarianship, and the winner will be awarded $300. Please refer to the Journal’s Call for Papers bellow for suggested topics.Call for Papers: Judaica Librarianship

The Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) is pleased to announce that its peer-reviewed journal, Judaica Librarianship, will be published online starting with the next issue. The journal will be available to subscribers for 12 months following the publication of each issue, while back issues will be freely accessible to all on the Internet. Additional information about the new online configuration will be released soon.

The Editorial Board of Judaica Librarianship invites submissions for the journal’s next issue, scheduled to appear in late 2013. We welcome research articles on all theoretical or practical aspects of Jewish Studies librarianship and cultural stewardship in the digital age, as well as historical studies or current surveys of noteworthy libraries or collections. All articles will go through a double-blind peer review process. We also welcome extensive reviews of reference works and electronic resources, including electronic databases and informational websites, as well as thoroughly revised and updated versions of papers presented at AJL Annual Conferences or chapter meetings.

We extend our invitation to the global community of scholars and information specialists in anticipation of a vigorous discussion on the multifaceted intersection of Library and Information Science and Jewish Studies.

Relevant Topics

Theoretical or empirical studies integrating Library and Information Science with aspects of Jewish Studies and related fields that could stimulate the scholarly discussion about Jewish libraries. Possible areas of connection would include: the History of the Book, Bibliometrics, Literary Studies, Media Studies, Jewish languages and Linguistics, Information Technology, Literacy Studies, or Social History, to name a few.
Best practices and policies for Jewish libraries of all kinds: school libraries (all levels); community center libraries; public libraries; Judaica collections in religious institutions; archival collections; museum and historical society libraries; research libraries; and special libraries.
Innovative approaches to data curation, discovery tools, or preservation of library materials in the digital age.
Descriptive essays and surveys of special collections.
Digital Humanities projects relevant to Jewish Studies and other digitization projects.
Historical or bibliographical studies pertaining to Hebraica and/or Judaica materials, libraries, or librarians.
Library services for users, including but not limited to reference tools and instruction guidelines for teaching Jewish literacy, cultural programming, or any other outreach programs.
Collaborative collection development initiatives across library networks.

Focus and Scope of Judaica Librarianship

Judaica Librarianship is a peer-reviewed annual published by the Association of Jewish Libraries. Situated in the field of Library and Information Science and international in scope, the journal provides a forum for scholarship on the theory and practice of Jewish Studies librarianship and Information Studies.

Judaica Librarianship seeks to publish research articles and essays related to the development and management of Judaica collections in all types of libraries and archives, the initiation and coordination of digital curation projects, the creation and dissemination of information resources in all formats, and the promotion of Jewish information literacy for diverse audiences through various outreach activities. The editorial board welcomes submissions on all theoretical or practical aspects of Jewish Studies librarianship and cultural stewardship in the digital age, as well as historical studies or current surveys of noteworthy libraries or collections.

Editorial Board

Rachel Leket-Mor, Arizona State University (Editor-in-Chief)
Zachary Baker, Stanford University
Pearl Berger, Yeshiva University
Annette Goldsmith, University of Washington
Arthur Kiron, University of Pennsylvania
Roger Kohn, Library of Congress
James Rosenbloom, Brandeis University
Barry Dov Walfish, University of Toronto

Manuscript Submission

Please email articles, reviews, or letters, in English, to the editor (manuscripts should be single-spaced, in 12-point type). Typical peer-reviewed articles are 12-30 pages in length (3,000-8,000 words); column pieces tend to be shorter.

Text, image, audio, or video files are accepted in most file types, provided that they can be attached via email. Illustrations (tables, figures, diagrams, charts, graphs, photos, screen captures) should not be saved within text files, but submitted separately if created in other than word-processing software. Please contact the editor for inquiries regarding large or unconventional file types.

For additional details, see AJL’s website, at http://www.jewishlibraries.org/main/Publications/JudaicaLibrarianship.aspx. Submissions and/or inquiries should be sent to rachel.leket-mor@asu.edu.