ACRL New England Chapter News Online

ISSN 1527-0106

Winter 2006, Number 107

In This Issue (Home):

President's Letter

Annual Conference Update

Constitution & Bylaws Committee Report

Interest Group Reports and
Announcements:
Access Services (ASIG)
Information Technology (ITIG)
Library Instruction (NELIG)
Women's Studies(WSIG)

Board Meeting Minutes, January 4, 2006
Calendar Listings

Upcoming Ratification Vote for Proposed Constitution & Bylaws Amendments

Louise Buckley, University of New Hampshire
Chair, Constitution and Bylaws Committee ACRL/NEC

Chapter members will be asked to ratify several proposed amendments to the Chapter’s Constitution and Bylaws this spring.

The most significant proposed change is the extension of voting privileges to the chairs of SIGs and standing committees; chairs currently are non-voting members of the Board of Directors. The Board believes that this more empowered role for chairs in the administration of the Chapter recognizes the important function that standing committees and special interest groups play in the Chapter’s vitality and success. It also demonstrates the value placed on active participation by and input from members and encourages representation by a broad spectrum of membership interests.

Additional proposed changes allow the Board to vote or meet by electronic means and give the Board the ability to dissolve SIGs that no longer meet members’ needs. Other modifications are being put forward to update provisions or remove redundant language.

The Board of Directors approved the proposed amendments at its January 2006 meeting. Further information about the specific proposed amendments and the reasons for them will be distributed to the membership through the chapter listserv prior to voting by electronic ballot. The ratification vote will occur at the same time as the election of chapter officers. Proposed amendments will become effective when ratified by 2/3 of the members voting.