Notice to SLA Members
The proposed SLA Bylaws Amendments have passed. |
The Special Libraries Association, Inc. ("SLA") Board of Directors voted in favor of putting to the membership a vote regarding several proposed changes to the SLA Bylaws. Each proposed change is described in detail below. Proposed changes are in bold and underlined.
Pursuant to the relevant provisions of SLA's Bylaws, the proposed amendments to the Bylaws must be authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the members of the Association present and voting at the annual business meeting, Article XIX: Amendments (or via Action by Written Ballot, Article IV. Section 9).
SLA's Board of Directors has approved a recommendation from the Bylaws Committee, and is referring to the entire membership for e-vote, changes to the bylaws affecting the composition of the board and the terms of its members.
- Add Two Cabinet Posts
SLA's Board of Directors currently includes four cabinet posts: the chair and chair-elect of the chapter cabinet and the chair and chair-elect of the division cabinet. Each of these four individuals now serves a two-year term, one as chair-elect and one as chair.
The Board has accepted a recommendation to add two additional cabinet posts: the past chair of the chapter cabinet and the past chair of the division cabinet, for a total of six cabinet posts. That would mean that each individual in a cabinet post would serve on the board for a total of three years--one as chair-elect, the second as chair, and the third as past chair.
The recommendation is based on the fact that the workload of the individuals in cabinet posts has increased in recent years because of changes that include the Leadership Summit in January and the Leadership Development Institute at the annual conference. The change, if approved by the membership, will also give the cabinet chairs an additional year to work with chapters and divisions and allow them to be more fully involved in complex and long-term task groups and board projects.
- Reduce Number of Additional Directors
In addition to the president, president-elect, immediate past president and treasurer, the current board structure includes six additional directors. The recommendation would reduce that number to four additional directors, thereby leaving the total board membership at 15.
Bylaws amendments: To change the length of terms for the cabinet officers from two years to three and to add the positions of past chapter cabinet chair and past division cabinet chair and to reduce the number of three-year directors from six to four.
New Bylaws with changes in bold and underlined.
Section 2. The board shall consist of: the president and president-elect of the Association, the chair, chair-elect and past chair of the chapter cabinet, the chair, chair-elect and past chair of the division cabinet, the treasurer, the most recent past president, and four additional directors. At the first regular meeting held after an election, the board shall elect a director to serve as secretary.
NEW:
The past chair of the chapter cabinet will serve as a director and work with the chair-elect of the chapter cabinet and the chair of the chapter cabinet.
NEW:
The past chair of the division cabinet will serve as a director and work with the chair-elect of the division cabinet and the chair of the division cabinet.
Section 9. The terms of office of president, president-elect and past president of the Association, secretary, chair, chair-elect and past chair of the chapter cabinet, chair, chair-elect and past chair of the division cabinet shall be one year or until a successor is elected and assumes office. The terms of office of treasurer and director shall be three years or until a successor is elected and assumes office.
Article VII: Nomination and Election
Section 2. The Nominating Committee shall present two candidates each for president-elect of the Association, chair-elect of the chapter cabinet, chair-elect of the division cabinet. For two years, four candidates will be presented for two director positions. In the third year, no candidates will be presented. Terms for directors shall be staggered so that two directors are elected at each election for two consecutive years, then no candidates for one year. Every three years the Nominating Committee shall present two candidates for treasurer.
Vote:
______ Yes
______ No
Legal Notice - This action has been submitted to voting members of SLA for approval by written consent. In accordance with SLA's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, any action which may be taken at a meeting of voting members may be taken without a meeting if the action is approved in writing by voting members holding a majority of the voting power of the members voting on such action, presuming the number of votes approving such action is equal to at least a quorum. If you elect to cast your vote online, you hereby agree that taking such action, voting either for or against the proposed amendment, shall constitute signing a written consent of members.
Posted 24 October 2008
RSS
Feedback form
