The latest scoop:
Proposed Bylaws Changes – amended June, 2010
Larry’s Comments on Proposed Changes – June 1, 2010
Why are we changing the CTLS bylaws?
Changes to the bylaws will allow other types of libraries to join the system, due to the changing fiscal environment, opportunities for collaboration among multitypes, and pressure from the State Library to extend membership to all types of libraries.
Who is working to change the CTLS bylaws?
Bylaws Taskforce Members were appointed at the Winter Membership Meeting in Salado. They are:
- Larry Ringer, Chair – Vice Chair of CTLS, Inc.
- Linda Coker – San Marcos lay representative
- Alayne Fuller-Ramsden – Harker Heights lay representative
- Eric Lashley – Georgetown Public Library
- Susan Mann – Hillsboro Public Library
- Carolyn Manning – Wimberley Village Library
- Tom Moran – Austin Public Library
- Dale Ricklefs – Round Rock Public Library
Pat Tuohy serves as staff liaison to the Task Force and will provide all administrative and organizational support needed by the group to carry out its mission.
The Charge of this Task Force has been to develop proposals to revise the current CTLS Bylaws that would allow for the inclusion of other types of libraries into the CTLS membership. This charge encompasses all revisions, deletions, or additions that are needed to admit other types of libraries into the System and to conform to the rules adopted by the Texas State Library governing system membership. The Task Force may also consider changes that will allow for future flexibility and vitality of the corporation.
What is the Timeline?
The Task Force has prepared and sent out a 1st Draft of changes to the membership by April 9, 2010. A series of regional meetings were held in April. Members were able to discuss, comment on, and propose changes to the 1st Draft. The dates and locations of the meetings were as follows:
April 21 West Public Library
April 22 Madisonville, Kimbro Center
April 23 Giddings Public Library
April 29 Virtual meeting
April 30 Johnson City Public Library
After the April meetings, the Task Force considered all comments and has develop a 2nd Draft. This 2nd Draft incorporated ideas from the regional meetings.
Over the course of the summer, members will be able to discuss these changes with each other. The Task Force may create a wiki, use the CTLS e-mail list, host telephone and virtual town hall meetings, and use other forms of communication to encourage a vigorous discussion of the implications and impact that the changes would have on the operation of the System. At the September 24th Membership Meeting in Cameron, the issue will come before the lay representatives for a vote.
Why does this matter to our members?
The revision of the Bylaws is a profound step for our organization second only to the creation of the Nonprofit in 2005. The CTLS Board wants all members to be involved in this very important process. Changes to this document will set in place how the system will operate for the next 10 to 20 years. The CTLS membership deserves to have a thorough and thoughtful discussion of this very significant matter.
