NLA ANNUAL MEETING Minutes
Thursday, October 26th, 2006
Qwest Center, Omaha, Nebraska
A. Call to order Joan Birnie
Meeting was called to order at 12:45 p.m. by President Joan Birnie. 117 members were present
1. Announcements
The reports are in packets at the tables.
2. President’s Report
Written report—highlights:
a. The NLA Board designated the following objectives this year:
1. To work with Susan Steider to establish a Young Adult Round Table
2. Develop a NLA statewide essay contest about libraries
3. Keep librarian informed on topical Intellectual Freedom issues
b. NLA Board voted unanimously to “support the authority of strong and independent boards and support the system currently set forth in state statutes.”
c. An endowment account, the Nebraska Library Association Legacy Fund was established for Planned Giving Fund.
d. 2007 Library Legislative Day was announced, Feb 14, 2007 and the next three years are planned
e. Brenda Ealey and Rod Wagner attended the Law and Libraries meeting in Chicago. The Intellectual Freedom Committee is developing a two-year program that will disseminate information on this topic beginning with this year’s conference and Candace Morgan’s presentation.
f. The NLA board voted to oppose Initiate 423
g. The NLA Board regretfully accepted Maggie Harding’s resignation. The Executive Board voted to combine the Executive Director and Conference Coordinator positions. An announcement was posted on the web
h. Next year’s conference theme is: Nebraska Libraries: Charting Paths to the Future
B. Secretary’s Report Julie Simpson
Written report
Becky Baker made the motion to approve, Matt Rohde seconded Motion approved
C. Treasurer’s Report Devra Dragos
Written report
No Comment
D. New Business
1. By-Laws Change Becky Baker
Written report.
The By-Law changes were distributed before the meeting. The changes were made to reflect actual practices. Time was allowed for a vote. Scott picked up ballots. The full text of the bylaw changes is included with the results of the vote.
Following F10 is the actual text of the changes and the vote.
E.. Conference Report Sally Gibson
Thanked committee, made a plea for everyone to please fill out evaluation forms so we know what you think of the Qwest.
Joan talked about the 35 minute clip of Hollywood Librarian, she offered thanks to Omaha Public Library’s Friends group and OPL for sponsoring it.
F. Other Reports
1. ALA Councilor Mike Poma
Written report.
Mike introduced John Chrastka, manager of ALA Membership development. He will be available during the next session for questions or concerns about ALA. He is here to learn more of what Nebraska libraries are doing.
The final attendance figure was 16,964, low compared to 2005’s
attendance of 27,962 in Chicago. Services to conferees were excellent.
Council actions and resolutions-- the full text can be found on
the ALA website:
o To oppose the so-called TABOR bills such as Initiative 423
o Urging congress to direct the EPA to fund the EPA library network
o To support the Federal Research Public Access Act of 2006, which directs federal agencies to supply their documents to depository libraries
o To urge congress to stop the destruction of federal libraries and to employ professional librarians to staff them
o To support e rate discount in libraries and schools
o To recommend standards for retention of library usage records
o Dues increase needed by ALA and allows for implementation the new initiatives called for the in the new strategic plan AHEAD TO 2010
o (more in the written report)
Mike read Nebraska Library Association Resolution Opposing Initiative 423:
NLA supports a reasonable and rational approach to taxes that support public services, such as schools and libraries, in our state. We believe, however, that Initiative 423 is a “one-size-fits-all” attempt to limit tax increases at the state level without regard for the financial needs special situations, and current and future realities of our state. Further, aid lost at the state level is likely to place increased pressure on local property taxes. Over time, Initiative 423 would erode the ability of our communities and the state to sustain acceptable levels of services, including libraries. For these reasons, the Nebraska Library Association stands on record as opposing Initiative 423.
2. MPLA Representative Nina Little
Written Report
· Nina recognized Sharon Osenga’s efforts as president of MPLA.
· The MPLA Board choice awards (two were awarded because of president being from NLA) went to Evonne Edgington (Omaha Public Library) and to Sally Snyder (Sharon’s choice) .
· There were seven applicants for the Ghost Ranch Leadership Institute this year. Three were invited: Scott Childers, Sarah English and Joann Ferguson Cavanaugh.
· The next MPLA conference is a joint conference with the New Mexico Library Association-- March 14- 16, 2007 in Albuquerque. There again will be a bus taking people to MPLA.
· Nina thanked everyone for allowing her to be the MPLA representative for the past three years.
3. Executive Director Maggie Harding
Written Report
As of today there are 61 more members then reported (for a total of 845)
Maggie thanked the membership for allowing her to serve this organization for 11 odd years, and “believe me some of these were odd”. Maggie also said, “I am not going away, but will be doing less them I am now.” Maggie received a standing ovation.
4. Lobbyist Ken Winston
Joan reminded people about Ken’s band playing this evening.
Ken said he is “proud to represent the NLA in the legislative. I will always have great people to work with.” Every year he hears good comments from the legislators and staff about our participation. The NLA board is well organized, knows the process, and is great to work with.
There were three issues last session:
· Supported additional funding for databases-- this may be part of governor budget this year.
· Benefits for systems employees, the bill set in committee, we will see what interest is there this year
· Opposed the legislation to make library boards in class 2 cities advisory boards. This was a perfect example of how well organized NLA is. The senators were prompted by librarians and they actually asked the right questions.
Other issues: Internet regulations, free speech, new senators (often new senators go to workshops and then propose strange bills and we have to educate them all over again.) There will be 21 new senators this year, we will have to have some get acquainted events. It is a brave new world in 2007 legislature.
Ted Smith will be chair of legislative committee next year and he is very confident.
John Seyforth asked about the Initiative to repeal 645, Ken said he had not seen this yet. It deals with the ability of cities to offer high speed internet services.
5. Legislative Committee Michael Lacroix
Written report
Thank all of you for your support. He reminded everyone that grass root support makes a difference, so please do it. Please attend Legislative Day on Feb 14, 2007. The Senators look forward to it, and does make a difference. The Senators appreciate recognizing the student volunteers.
6. Nebraska Library Commission Rod Wagner
Thanked the NLA Board, members, and the chairs of the sections and committees, because we have many common interests and goal. We are appreciative of all your help.
Rod recognized Joan Birnie. She has graciously taken time to make long trips to attend committee meetings and is positive and brings a lot of enthusiasm. Rod recognized Maggie Harding, especially her involvement with the League of Municipalities to put together a small committee to host a dinner and dialogue which helped local relationships. Thanks to Joan and Maggie.
7. Citation Committee Sally Payne
Written report
Duane Munson is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award.
Joan Hoffman, writer and poet from Clearwater, NE, is the recipient of the Mari Sandoz award.
8. Nominating Committee Brenda Ealey
Written report
NLA Vice President/President Lisa Olivigni
NLA Secretary Diana Johnson
MPLA Representative Julie Beno (Simpson)
College and University Section Vice Chair/chair elect Michael LaCroix, Treasurer Trude De Goede
Public Library Section Chair Nadine DiBacco, Vice Chair/Chair Elect Nancy Chmiel, Secretary Lisa Guthals
School Childrens & Young People Vice Chair Betty Meyer
Special & Institurional Section Vice Chair/Chair Elect Erin Egan-OsBurn, Secretary Carolyn Bennett
Trustees, Users, Friends Section Secretary/Treasurer Jean Spence
The vote to merge TUFS with PLS were 3-1 in favor
New Members Round Table Vice Chair/Chair elect Charlene Maxey-Harris, Secretary Nora Hillyer, Treasurer Judith Wolfe
2006-2007 Unopposed officers:
Paraprofessional Section Vice Chair/Chair elect LaRaine Cihak, Secretary Bonnie Henzel
Information Technology and Access Round Table Vice Chair/Chair Elect Linda Parker, Sec/Treasurer Duane Abbott
Technical Service Round Table Vice Chair/Chair elect Sheryl Williams, Secretary/Treasurer Laura England
9. Scholarship Committee Kathy Jacobs
Written report
The Husker raffle netted 140 dollars. Kelly Dick, Jonathan Masters, and MeMe Smith were awarded the Louise A Nixon Scholarships of $1000 each. MeMe Smith won the Duane Munson $250 award. Kathy plugged the silent auction. Please bid, bid, bid.
10. Diversity Committee Charlene Maxey-Harris
Written Report
The committee applauded LPS’s approach to handling Native American books that portray negative stereotypes and contain inaccurate information.
The results of the By-Laws voting were announced:
ARTICLE V
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 4. Regular Meetings.
A regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held within one month following the annual
conference at a time and place designated by the President at the
same time and place as the annual meeting of the Association, without further
notice than this By-Law. The Board of Directors may provide by resolution
the time and place for holding additional regular meetings of the Board without
other notice than such resolution. All regular meetings of the Board of
Directors shall be open to the public unless prior notice is given by the
President that the meeting, or portions thereof, will be closed.
_114___YES
_0____ NO
3 Abstained
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS
Section 2. Nomination of
Officers.
The Nomination committee shall solicit candidates for each office vacancy and
secure the permission of at least two candidates to be voted upon for each
office. The Nominating committee shall secure candidates at least six months
prior to the annual meeting.103___YES
_7____ NO
7 Abstained
Section 4. Duties of Officers.
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be a bonded officer of the Association
and shall personally arrange for such a bond within one month after assuming
the office. The Treasurer shall deposit this bond with the Executive Director
of the Association. The Treasurer shall be reimbursed by the Association for
the expenses incurred in securing the bond work with the Executive Director of the Association to secure
bonding within one month after assuming the office. The treasurer shall
perform all duties incident to the office of the Treasurer and participate in
committees as specified in the By-Laws. The Treasurer shall submit all
financial records annually for the audit by the Auditing committee.
110___YES
_0____ NO
7 Abstained
ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Proposing Amendments
Proposed amendments to these By-Laws may be introduced at any regular meeting of the Association at which a quorum is present. In the interval between meetings, proposed amendments may be submitted to the Board of Directors who may authorize introducing the proposed amendments to the membership by mail.
Section 2. Voting on Amendments
Proposed amendments shall be voted on at the next regular
meeting following their introduction
may be voted on at the next meeting of the association following their
introduction or by mail ballot, as determined by the board of directors.
a. if a vote is taken at the next meeting of the association, ten percent (10%) of the total membership with voting rights must attend the Meeting to constitute a quorum, as long as at least five libraries and five communities are represented. the by-laws and handbook committee will tabulate and announce the results of the voting before the meeting is adjourned.
b. If a mail vote is called for, ten percent (10%) of the total membership with voting rights must return their ballots to constitute a quorum, as long as at least five libraries and five communitites are represented. the by-laws and handbook committee will tabulate the results of the mail ballot and announce them at the next regular meeting of the board of directors.
Section 3. Approval of Amendments
A simple majority
vote of two-thirds of the members present OR OF BALLOTS RETURNED shall
be required to adopt any proposed amendment.
Vote to divide Article XVI into sections as outlined:
113___YES
_0____ NO
4 Abstained
Vote to approve voting by mail as outlined in Sections 2 and 3:
112___YES
_2____ NO
3 Abstained
Vote to approve a simple majority for adopting amendments as outlined in Section 3:
98___YES
_17____ NO
2 Abstained
ARTICLE XVI (Current Wording – for reference only)
AMENDMENTS
Proposed amendments to these By-Laws may be introduced at any regular meeting of the Association at which a quorum is present. In the interval between meetings, proposed amendments may be submitted to the Board of Directors who may authorize introducing the proposed amendments to the membership by mail. Proposed amendments shall be voted on at the next regular meeting following their introduction. A vote of two-thirds of the members present shall be required to adopt any proposed amendment.
G. Unfinished Business
none
H. 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence Joan Birnie
Awarded to Maggie Harding.
The gavel was passed to Beth Goble
I. Adjournment Beth Goble
Adjourned at 12:37.