Public Library Division

Idaho Library Association

Friday, October 8, 1999

Call To Order

The Public Library Division meeting was called to order by chairperson Max Leek at 8:25am.

Introductions

Chair Max Leek Introduced Robert Wright, chairperson elect 1998-1999, as the Division's new chairperson for 1999-200. Kevin Booe was introduced as the Division's new chairperson elect.

Discussion of Proposed By-Law Changes

Refer to the web version of the Division By-Laws

Article I Name

No discussion or change.

Article II Purposes

No discussion or change.

Article III Membership

Diane Hoffpauir suggested the Division might want to add mention of the Trustees/Friends in this statement. Robert Wright thought this was premature as he felt the Trustees/Friends Division may not disband. Max Leek stated that they may need a home and, if necessary, our division would be the logical home for members of this division.

Article IV Officers

Section 1. Officers.

There was a question from the floor as to whether mention of a secretary was needed. Chairperson Max Leek explained that a secretary would be appointed at each meeting as needed.

Section 2. Elections.

Discussion: Chairperson Max Leek explained that Robert Wright will serve a one year term as chairperson. Kevin Booe will serve two (2) years as chairperson, with elections of a new chairperson elect in 2001. The election of chairperson elect in 2001 will begin the odd-numbered year election rotation in accordance with the Idaho Library Association Bylaw Article 4, Section 2c.

Section 3. Vacancies.

No discussion.

Section 4. Duties of the Officers.

Section 4. 5.

Amended to read as follows: Shall prepare a division budget, submit bills for divisional expenses, within authorized limits, to the ILA Executive Board.

Article V. Meetings.

No changes.

Article VI. Committees.

Section 1. Special Committees.

No changes.

Section 2. Awards Committee.

The last sentence should read as follows: The Awards Committee establishes criteria for and administers selection of recipients for the Idaho Public Library of the Year Award.

Article VII. Quorum.

Several members of the division questioned whether ten (10) members are too many. The consensus felt that fewer than ten (10) members would not be representative enough of the Division.

Article VIII. Amendments.

In the discussion of this Article, it was felt there are other means of mail other than U.S. Post Office delivered that would be acceptable. Among these could be faxed vote and possibly an email vote.

Article should read: The By-laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority of ballots returned by a special mail ballot by members of the Division.

Adoption of the Public Library Division Bylaws was unanimous.

Standards for Public Library Service and Proposed Electronic Standards

The Standards were created in 1991, and approved in 1994 or 1995 (as referenced by John Hartung, who originally worked on the Standards). Chairperson Leek recommended that the in-coming officers will need input from Division members as to whether they need to be redone. Please refer to Public Standards. John Hartung described the philosophy of the Standards and further indicated that there is no way to please everyone. Discussing them in Division meeting is much like "preaching to the choir." It was asked who uses the standards. Many felt that they are useful as goals especially for someone who is new on the job - librarians and trustees. It was further suggested that perhaps the Standards should not be called Standards, but be called Guidelines. After all, there is no governing authority to enforce them as Standards. Another suggestion was to send a ballot request for approval or rejection with the election of chairperson elect giving the reference to the web site address. As the soon-to-be past chairperson, Max Leek volunteered to head up a committee to review what may become Guidelines for Public Library Service.

Trustee Training Workshops

Robert Wright proposed that there needs to be training workshops for trustees in conjunction with the spring regional conferences. These workshops could be held the evening prior to the conference day in order to give trustees a better opportunity to attend. Once of the suggested topics was "how to evaluate a director." It was also suggested that trustees could be asked what training topics there were interested in.

Pacific Northwest Library Association Conference

Susannah Price asked for program suggestions for the PNLA/BCLA joint conference, May 24 - 28, 2000, in Kelowna, British Columbia. She needs suggestions by October 14, 1999.

Legislation

Arlan Call alerted the Division members of legislation that may concern us. There is rumored legislation: (1) constitute easier removal of a city trustee from position; (2) propose a youth trustee position with voting rights; and (3) remove affirmative defense for disseminating pornographic material to minors in a library by librarians.

Idaho Book of the Year Award

Idaho Book of the Year Award recipient, One Winter in the Wilderness by Pat Peek, will be available for purchase in the Exhibit area. The author will be available for autographs.

Proposed Division Budget

Chairperson Max Leek indicated a proposed budget of $175.00 will be submitted to the ILA Executive Board. The break down is as follows:

$100.00 for mailing of the amended By-laws

$ 75.00 for the Public Library of the Year Award

Passing of the Gavel

Chairperson Max Leek passed on the authority of chairperson position to Chairperson elect Robert Wright.

Adjournment

As there was no further business, the Public Library Division meeting was adjourned at 9:05am.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine L. Reynolds

Appointed Secretary of the day