Model Chapter Governing Document
NAME AND MISSION
The name of this unit is the Chapter, Special Libraries Association.
The mission of this Chapter shall be that of the Special Libraries Association.
MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Chapter shall be those members of the Association who reside or work within the geographic boundaries of the Chapter, defined as [insert the specific Chapter boundaries here], or who elect to affiliate with the Chapter.
The Association’s Board of Directors shall define the classes of members.
Chapter membership falling below 25 members for more than one Association year will be reported to the Chapter Cabinet Chair.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
The executive board (“board”) with a minimum of four members shall have the authority and responsibility to manage the Chapter’s property and to regulate and govern its affairs. A majority of board members in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the board.
No member shall serve in the same office for more than two consecutive terms.
Should the office of president become vacant, the president-elect shall assume this position for the remainder of the term. All other board vacancies, including a vacancy in the office of president-elect, occurring before the conclusion of a departing member’s term will be filled by majority vote of the remaining members of the board.
OFFICERS
The president, subject to the executive board, shall have general supervision and control over Chapter affairs.
The president-elect shall have duties as specified by the Recommended Practices for Units and the needs of the Chapter.
The secretary shall keep an approved record of all meetings of the Chapter and board and sign legal documents jointly with the president.
The treasurer shall have custody of the Chapter funds.
The Chapter may elect additional officers as specified by the Recommended Practices for Units and the needs of the Chapter.
MEETINGS
At least one business meeting shall be held during the term of office of each elected board.
The Chapter annual business meeting shall be held prior to the end of the calendar year.
Adequate notice of meetings shall be provided to the membership.
COMMITTEES
The board may establish committees, which shall be responsible to the board. The board may authorize funds for committee expenses.
No Chapter member may serve on any one committee for more than six consecutive years.
SUBUNITS
Subunits may be established and disbanded by the Chapter, according to the Recommended Practices for Units.
FUNDS, CONTRACTS AND PROPERTY
Funds for Chapter expenses shall be derived in part or in whole from the Association as an allotted share of the annual dues paid by Chapter members.
Any agreement, contract, or obligation entered into by the Chapter, including the purchase of property such as office machines, filing cabinets, computer equipment, etc., shall have advance approval of the board. Any agreement, contract or obligation must be in compliance with Association liability limits as prescribed in the Recommended Practices for Units.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
A Nominating Committee for each election of members to the board shall be appointed by the board. Nomination of candidates for each office and the election of candidates shall be determined by the Recommended Practices for Units.
DISSOLUTION AND MERGER
The Chapter may petition the Association Board of Directors for dissolution, or for merger with another Chapter, by vote of its membership in accordance with the Recommended Practices for Units.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Chapter shall institute suitable mechanisms to facilitate communications with and between its members regarding Chapter activities, affairs, issues, and other matters.
CHAPTER REPRESENTATION AND AFFILIATION
Chapter representatives to joint committees and meetings of other societies having objectives allied to those of the Chapter and of the Association may be appointed by the President.
AMENDMENTS
This governing document may be amended by an affirmative vote of two thirds of the votes cast when amendments are put to the vote. Revisions in, or amendments to, the Chapter governing document shall be reviewed by the Association’s bylaws committee, prior to presentation to the Chapter membership.
Approved by Chapter Cabinet: June 10, 2018
Approved by Board of Directors: September 12, 2018
Effective Date: October 1, 2018
This Governing Document was amended:
Approved by the Bylaws Committee, Special Libraries Association
_______________________________, Chair
_______________________________
(Signed) (Date)
Approved by the Chapter membership
_______________________________, President
_______________________________
(Signed) (Date)
