B03-07

BOARD DOCUMENT

TO: Board of Directors

FROM: AOOC (Association Office Operations Committee)

DATE: 16 October 2002

RE: Governance Model and Philosophy Statement

Background Information: The attached is for your information and review. AOOC was asked in June 2002, to develop this statement for the Board’s review.

Financial Impact Statement: This statement should have no direct financial impact on the Association.

Governance Model

The Special Libraries Association Board of Directors follows a Policy Board Model. The Board is concerned with making policy level decisions and helping to establish an overall direction for the Association. To accomplish this, the Board works in partnership with SLA staff, SLA Appointed Committees, and SLA Unit leadership, as needed. While SLA units have some flexibility in self-governance/management (e.g. utilize the structure that works best for the unit’s needs) and have flexibility to respond to member needs, the SLA Board of Directors establishes structural guidelines and has final decision-making authority.

Governance Philosophy

The SLA Board of Directors’ primary role is one of oversight, leadership, direction and policy making. The Board:

Recognizes that each member brings valuable and unique experience, providing the Association with a broad base of skills, diversity of perspectives and background, to be represented at the decision making table;

Is committed to assist the Association in becoming a better quality, more effective and efficient organization;

Supports members’ needs while keeping the best interests of the entire Association in mind;

Strives to be fiscally responsible; and is committed to ensure SLA is the association of choice for all information professionals and special librarians.

Prepared by: AOOC

Produced by: Bill Fisher and Karen Kreizman-Reczek

Reviewed by: AOOC