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ALCTS Bylaws

CONTENTS

Article I. Name

The name of this body shall be the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services, a division of the American Library Association

Article II. Object

The object of this Association shall be to provide its members, other ALA divisions and members, and the library and information community with leadership and a program for action on the access to, and identification, acquisition, description, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources in a dynamic, collaborative environment. In addition, ALCTS provides forums for discussion, research and development, and opportunities for learning in all of these areas.

Article III. Relationship to the American Library Association

This body shall be a division of the American Library Association. The Constitution and Bylaws of that association, to the extent to which they are applicable, take precedence over these bylaws.

Article IV. Membership

Section 1. Members. Any member of the American Library Association who elects membership in this Association according to the provisions of the Bylaws of the American Library Association thereupon shall become a member of this Association.

Section 2. Classification. Membership classes of the Association shall consist of the same classes as those of the American Library Association.

Section 3. Honorary members. Honorary members shall be those honorary members of the American Library Association nominated to such membership in this Association by the Board of Directors and elected for life by the membership. Honorary members of the former Division of Cataloging and Classification of the American Library Association shall be honorary members of this Association.

Section 4. Dues, rights, and privileges. All members of the Association shall be eligible for membership in any one or more of the sections. Only personal members shall have the right to vote and to hold office. Dues paid to the American Library Association shall constitute the dues of members. The date of payment of dues to the American Library Association shall be considered the date of payment of dues to this Association. The designation by a member of the American Library Association, on its membership form, of this Association as a division to which the member wishes to belong shall be considered as election of membership in this Association.

Section 5. Membership, fiscal, and conference years. The membership, fiscal, and conference years shall be the same as those of the American Library Association.

Article V. Meetings

Section 1. Annual meeting. The regular meeting of the Association shall be held at the time and place of the annual conference of the American Library Association.

Section 2. Special meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors and shall be called by the president upon the written request of fifty members of the Association. At least thirty days notice shall be given and only business specified in the call shall be transacted.

Section 3. Regional meetings. Regional meetings may be called by the Board of Directors at the time and place of regional meetings of the American Library Association.

Section 4. Votes by mail or electronic device. Votes by mail or electronic device may be authorized by the Board of Directors between meetings, or when, for reasons beyond the control of the Association, no meeting is held during any one year. When no meeting is held during any one year, votes by mail or electronic device shall be submitted at the written request of fifty members. Whenever an action is submitted to a mail or electronic ballot, each ballot shall be accompanied by a written report stating the purpose of each specific proposal and the principal arguments for and against its adoption.

Mail or electronic ballots shall be conducted by the Executive Director, ALCTS in such manner as the Board of Directors shall determine. A copy of the ballot shall be mailed by the Executive Director, ALCTS to each member. A period of at least thirty days from the date of mailing shall be allowed for the return of ballots to the Executive Director, ALCTS. A proposal shall be carried if it receives the same proportion of affirmative votes from among all votes cast as would be required to carry the same proposal if voted upon at a meeting. Unless otherwise specified in the proposal, if carried, it shall become effective upon publication of the result of the ballot. In the case of a vote by mail or electronic device the Board of Directors may designate publication of the ballot or questions submitted in the ALCTS Newsletter Online or in the official journal of the Association as the appropriate method of submitting the matter to the members for their determination.

Section 5. Quorum. Fifty members shall constitute a quorum.

Article VI. Nominations and Elections

Section 1. Nominations. The Nominating Committee shall present candidates for the positions of vice-president (president-elect), Division Councilor to the American Library Association Council, and directors-at-large when required. Other nominations for these offices may be submitted in writing by any ten members and shall be filed with the Executive Director, ALCTS. Any such nominations shall be included on the official ballot. No candidate shall be presented whose written consent has not been filed with the Executive Director, ALCTS. No candidate shall be presented who at the time of nomination is not a personal member in good standing of the Association.

Section 2. Nominating Committee.

1. Composition. The Nominating Committee shall consist of the immediate past-past President of ALCTS, who shall be the chair of the committee, the chair of each section's Nominating Committee, and the chair of the Council of Regional Group's nominating committee. No member of the Board of Directors shall serve on the Nominating Committee.
2. Terms of office. The Nominating Committee shall be appointed for a one-year term, to begin deliberations during the next Annual Conference after its appointment, ending with its final report to the membership, by the chair, and with the approval of the Board of Directors. Members of the Nominating Committee, upon expiration of their terms, shall not be eligible for immediate reappointment.
3. Duties. The Nominating Committee shall present at least two candidates for each office to be filled at the next election. It shall select the candidates in such manner as to assure as broad a representation as possible of different types and sizes of libraries, types of service, and of the geographic distribution of the membership. In the event that the Nominating Committee is unable to submit a full slate, the board shall be apprised prior to Midwinter Meeting. The Nominating Committee shall report nominations to the Executive Director, ALCTS, and the Executive Director, ALCTS, shall notify each member by mail of the nominations for elective office in the Association at such time as is prescribed by the Bylaws of the American Library Association.

Section 3. Elections.

1. Ballot. Elections shall be held by mail or electronic ballot in accordance with the current policy and procedure of the American Library Association and as is prescribed by the Bylaws of the American Library Association.
2. Election results. Candidates receiving a plurality of the votes cast shall be elected and shall be so reported at the next regular meeting and in an official publication of the Association. In case of a tie vote, the Election Committee of the American Library Association shall decide the election by lot.

Section 4. Extraordinary circumstances. If, for reasons beyond the control of the Association, no regular meeting is held in any one year, terms based on the date of the regular meetings shall be determined by the anniversary of the last regular meeting at which an election was reported, unless a different date is authorized by the American Library Association. The election results shall be mailed to each member.

Article VII. Officers

Section 1. Titles. The officers of this Association shall be the president, the president-elect who shall serve as vice-president, and the past-president.

Section 2. Duties. Except as otherwise provided in the bylaws, the duties of the officers shall be such as are specified in the parliamentary authority adopted by the Association.

1. President. In addition to the regular duties of this office, the president shall see that the bylaws are observed by the officers and members of the Board of Directors and that the orders of the Board of Directors and of the Association are carried out, shall recommend to the Board of Directors any action deemed to be in the interest of the Association. The president, working closely with the Executive Director shall submit an annual report to the Association and other reports as required to the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may assign to this office.
2. Vice-president. In addition to the regular duties of this office, the vice-president shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors may assign to the office.
3. Past-president. In addition to the regular duties of this office, the past-president shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors may assign to the office.

Section 3. Terms of office. All officers of the Board of Directors shall serve until the adjournment of the Annual Conference at which their successors are announced:

1. President. The president shall serve for one year and shall not be eligible for the office of president or president-elect for a period of at least one year following completion of service as immediate past president.
2. Vice-president. The president-elect shall serve for the first year after election as vice- president, the second year as president, and the third year as immediate past president. In case of a vacancy in the office of president, the vice-president shall succeed to that office and shall serve in that capacity until replaced in the normal succession by the president- elect.
3. Past-President shall serve for one year.

Article VIII. Board of Directors.

Section 1. Composition. The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers of the Association, the Division Councilor to the American Library Association Council, the chair of each section of the Association, the chair of the Council of Regional Groups, three directors-at-large, the chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, the chair of the Organization and Bylaws Committee, the chair of the Planning Committee, the editor of the ALCTS Newsletter Online, and the Executive Director, ALCTS.

Section 2. Voting members. The voting members of the Board shall be those elected by the membership and the chairs of the Budget and Finance Committee, the Organization and Bylaws Committee, and the Planning Committee. The editor of the ALCTS Newsletter Online and the Executive Director, ALCTS, shall not have the right to vote.

Section 3. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors shall consist of the president, vice-president (president-elect), past-president, the ALCTS councilor, and the Executive Director.

Section 4. Vacancies. Vacancies in the elected membership of the Board of Directors shall be filled as follows:

1. President. If the offices of both president and vice-president become vacant within the same year, the Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members to act as president until a president is duly elected. At the next election two candidates shall be elected, one to take the office of president immediately and to serve for one year, the other to serve as vice-president (president-elect). If the vice-president (president-elect) resigns between the close of nominations and the adjournment of the Annual Conference, the president chosen in the previous election will remain president until after the midwinter meeting of the Association; following the midwinter meeting, the newly elected vice-president (president-elect) will assume responsibilities as president. If the previous president dies or otherwise does not choose to serve for this extended period, the vice-president (president-elect) will immediately assume responsibilities as president. If the president-elect dies between the close of nominations and the adjournment of the Annual Conference, the resulting situation shall be considered as a vacancy having occurred during the term for which the president- elect was elected.
2. Vice-president. If the office of vice-president becomes vacant, two candidates shall be elected at the next election, one to take the office of president immediately and to serve for one year, the other to serve as vice-president (president-elect). If the vacancy occurs between the close of nominations and the adjournment of the Annual Conference, the vacancy shall be considered as having occurred in the office of president in the following year.
3. Past-president. If the office of the past-president becomes vacant, the office remains vacant until the next past-president takes office.
4. Councilor to the American Library Association Council. If the office becomes vacant, the vacancy may be filled on an interim basis upon appointment by the ALCTS Executive Committee. The Association shall accredit its interim Councilor to the Secretary of the Council in advance of the first meeting after appointment. The interim Councilor shall serve as a voting member until the next regularly scheduled election or for a maximum of one year, by which time an election shall have been held to elect a successor.
5. Directors-at-large. If the office of a director-at-large becomes vacant, a director-at-large may be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve in the position until the next election.
6. General provisions. If the successful candidate (other than for the vice-president/president-elect) dies or withdraws between the close of nominations and the adjournment of the Annual Conference, the resulting situation shall be considered as a vacancy having occurred during the term for which that candidate was elected.

Section 5. Terms of office.

1. Directors-at-large shall serve for three years. They shall be elected for terms expiring in different years. Directors shall not be eligible for consecutive terms.
2. Councilor to the American Library Association Council. The Councilor shall serve for three years and may be re-elected for one additional three-year term.
3. Executive Director, ALCTS. The Executive Director, ALCTS, shall be appointed by the Executive Director of the American Library Association, with the concurrence of the Board of Directors of this Association, and shall serve at the pleasure of the ALA Executive Director.

Section 6. Officers. The officers of the Association shall ex-officio be the officers of the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Powers and duties. The Board of Directors shall have authority over the affairs of the Association during the period between meetings of the Association, provided however that none of its acts shall conflict with or modify any actions taken by the Association. The annual and any other budget requests shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall perform such other duties as are specified in these bylaws, and shall report upon its work at the regular meeting of the Association.

Section 8. Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet in conjunction with each regular meeting of the American Library Association. Special meetings may be called by the president, and shall be called upon the written request of a majority of the members of the Board. In addition, at the discretion of the president, the Executive Committee may meet to consider emergency measures, to make adjustments to the budget, and to carry out action based on previous Board action or preliminary to future Board action.

Section 9. Quorum. A majority of voting members shall constitute a quorum of the Board of Directors.

Section 10. Voting. Votes may be taken in person at meetings, by mail, or by electronic device, and all members shall be canvassed by the same method simultaneously. Votes that are not taken in person must be confirmed at the next Board meeting. The Board shall have the authority to set a time limit within which the votes of its members shall be recorded.

Section 11. Rules of order. The Board of Directors may adopt rules for the transaction of its business, provided they shall not conflict with the bylaws of the Association.

Section 12. Additional Duties of Members. Each member of the Board of Directors shall perform the duties attached to representative membership in the Board. In case of continued failure of a director to participate in the deliberations of the Board, the Board may, by vote of three-fourths of its members, declare the office of such director vacant.

1. The Councilor shall serve as the representative of the Association to the American Library Association Council in accordance with the Association Bylaws. The Councilor shall report to the Board of Directors of the Association on issues, which affect the Association.
2. Executive Director, ALCTS. In addition to the regular duties of this office, the Executive Director, ALCTS, shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors may assign the position.

Article IX. Committees

Section 1. Standing and annual committees.

1. Establishment. The Association may establish standing and annual committees to consider affairs of the Association that require continuous or repeated attention by members.
2. Composition. Unless otherwise provided for by these bylaws or by action of the Association, each standing and annual committee shall be composed of an odd number of not fewer than three members, each of whom shall be an active member in good standing of the Association.
3. Terms of office. Unless otherwise provided for by these bylaws or by action of the Association, members of standing committees shall be appointed for terms of two years, and may be appointed for a second term, but in no case shall a person serve on a committee for more than four consecutive years. The terms of approximately one-half the members shall expire each year. Members of annual committees shall be appointed for terms of one year.
4. Review. Each standing Association-level committee shall be reviewed on a regular schedule as per the ALCTS Committee and Discussion Group Review Schedule and concerning the committee's relevance and success in forwarding the mission and priorities of the Association.

Section 2. Special committees. Committees not authorized as standing or annual committees shall be special committees. Special committees may be authorized by the Association or by the Board of Directors. Each special committee shall continue in existence until its purpose is accomplished or it is discharged by the Association or by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Intersectional committees. Intersectional committees of sections within the Association and other intra-Association committees may be established as required by the groups concerned upon notification of the Organization and Bylaws Committee of the Association. Interdivisional committees and other committees formed with units that are outside the Association and that are within the Association may be established only as provided for in Article IX, Section 5, of the Bylaws of the American Library Association.

Section 4. Joint committees. The Association may recommend to the Committee on Organization of the American Library Association that joint committees, either standing or special, be established with other organizations when the functions of the proposed committee cannot appropriately be delegated to a single Association or section committee. Joint committees with organizations outside the American Library Association shall be established only as provided for in the Bylaws of the American Library Association. The Association may authorize representation of the Association in outside organizations with the approval of the American Library Association.

Section 5. Notification. The Executive Director, ALCTS, shall publish annually a complete list of existing committees, together with their functions and membership, for the information of the Association.

Section 6. Appointments. Unless otherwise provided for by these bylaws or by action of the Association, each committee member and representative shall be appointed by the vice-president (president-elect) or the president, under whose term of office as president the member shall commence this service and shall serve until the adjournment of the meeting at which the member's successor takes office. Vacancies on committees shall be filled by the president with the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Voting. Committee votes may be taken in person at meetings, by mail, or by electronic device, and all members shall be canvassed by the same method simultaneously. Votes that are not taken in person must be confirmed at the next meeting. Each committee shall have the authority to set a time limit within which the votes of its members shall be recorded.

Section 8. Reports. Unless otherwise specified in these bylaws, or in the act authorizing a committee, each committee shall report on its work at the regular meeting of the Association in the following manner:

Committees shall transmit their reports to the Executive Director, ALCTS, no later than thirty days after the regular meeting of the Association. Reports containing recommendations for action by the Association shall be presented at the regular meeting. If a copy of a report was distributed to the membership either before or at the beginning of the meeting, and unless a majority of the members present and voting demand a reading of the report, its presentation may be limited to a summary of the findings and a reading of the recommendations. Other reports shall be published in full or in summary or be transmitted otherwise to the membership not later than four months after the regular meeting. Such reports shall be cited, and their disposition announced, at the regular meeting.

Article X. Sections

Section 1. Establishment. Any group of fifty or more members of the Association or of the American Library Association whose special field of interest falls within the Association but is distinct from that of any existing section may be established as a section upon written petition, and upon approval by the Association. Members of a group in the American Library Association who are not members of the Association and who are newly affiliating with the Association must become members of the Association within three months after such affiliation or lose their membership in the section. The name of the section shall clearly indicate its field of activity.

The sections shall be as follows:

1. Acquisitions Section: The object of this section is to contribute to library service and librarianship through encouragement, promotion of, and responsibility for those activities of the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services of the American Library Association relating to the acquisition of all formats of information resources through purchase, lease and other access methods, in all types of institutions.
2. Cataloging and Classification Section: The object of this section shall be to contribute to library service and librarianship through encouragement, promotion of, and responsibility for those activities of the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services of the American Library Association relating to the cataloging and classification of library materials in all types of institutions.
3. Collection Management and Development Section: The object of this section is to contribute to library service and librarianship through encouragement, promotion of, and responsibility for those activities of the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services of the American Library Association relating to collection management and development, selection, and evaluation of library materials in all types of institutions.
4. Preservation and Reformatting Section: The object of this section shall be to contribute to library service and librarianship through encouragement, promotion of, and responsibility for those activities of the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services of the American Library Association relating to the preservation and reformatting of library materials in all types of institutions, and to provide leadership in the application of new technologies to assure continued access to library collections.
5. Serials Section: The object of this section is to contribute to library service and librarianship through the distribution of information concerning serials literature by reports and free discussion at general meetings and through publication; to encourage specialized training for librarians in the field of serials; and to coordinate the activities within the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services and within the American Library Association with respect to serials.

Section 2. Membership. Any member of the Association may affiliate with as many sections as desired, and shall enjoy all privileges of membership in each section joined. The designation by a member of this Association, on the American Library Association membership form, of any section as a section to which the member wishes to belong, shall be considered as election to membership in that section by such member. Dues paid to the American Library Association shall constitute the dues of members. The date of payment of dues to the American Library Association shall be considered the date of payment of dues to this section.

Section 3. Rights and privileges. Only personal members of the section shall have the right to vote, to hold office, and to serve on committees in that section.

Section 4. Relation to the Association.

1. Autonomy. Each section shall define its own functions, subject to the approval of the Association, and shall manage its own affairs, provided, however, that no section shall adopt bylaws or other rules for the transaction of its business which are inconsistent with those of the Association, or engage in any activity in conflict with the program of the Association.
2. Representation on the Board of Directors. The chair of each section shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors of the Association. If the chair of a section is unable to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, ALCTS, shall be notified promptly, and the chair-elect of that section shall become a voting member of the Board of Directors for that meeting. If the chair-elect of the section is unable to attend a Board of Directors meeting as a substitute voting member for the chair of the section, that chair and the Executive Director, ALCTS, shall be notified promptly; under these circumstances the section chair may designate a substitute voting member from the governing body of that section.
3. Jurisdiction. The Organization and Bylaws Committee shall decide conflicts between sections and rule upon the jurisdiction of each section, subject to the approval of the Association.
4. Finance. Each section may receive funding made on the basis of need as approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Meetings. Sections may hold meetings subject to the following conditions:

1. Annual meetings. The meeting of the section shall be held at the time and place of the regular meeting of the Association.
2. Special meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Committee and shall be called by the chair upon the written request of twenty-five members of the section. At least thirty days' notice shall be given and only business specified in the call shall be transacted.
3. Quorum. Twenty-five members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6. Nominations and Elections. Each section shall make nominations for office and hold elections according to the Bylaws of the Association and the following provisions:

1. Nominations. Each section shall appoint a Nominating Committee which shall present candidates for the positions of vice-chair (chair-elect), secretary, and member(s)-at-large of the Executive Committee. Other nominations for these offices may be submitted in writing by any ten members and shall be filed with the chair of the section and with the Executive Director, ALCTS. Any such nomination shall be included on the official ballot. No candidate shall be presented whose written consent has not been filed with the Executive Director, ALCTS. No candidate shall be presented who at the time of the nomination is not a personal member in good standing.
2. Nominating Committee.
   1. Composition. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three members-at-large of the section, no one of whom shall be a member of the Executive Committee; one member shall be appointed chair.
   2. Terms of office. The Nominating Committee shall be appointed for a one-year term, to begin deliberations during the next annual conference after its appointment, ending with its final report to the membership, by the vice-chair (chair-elect) under whose term of office as chair its final report will be made, and with approval of the Executive Committee. Members of the Nominating Committee, upon expiration of their terms, shall not be eligible for immediate reappointment.
   3. Duties. The duties of the Nominating Committee shall be those specified in the Bylaws of the Association. In addition, the Nominating Committee shall report nominations to the chairperson of the section and to the Executive Director, ALCTS simultaneously.

Section 7. Officers. The officers of each section shall be a chair, a chair-elect who shall serve as vice-chair, and a secretary, according to the following provisions:

1. Duties. Except as otherwise provided in the bylaws, the duties of the officers shall be such as are specified in the parliamentary authority adopted by the division, and such other duties as may be approved by the Executive Committee.
2. Terms of office. All officers shall serve until the adjournment of the annual conference at which their successors are announced.
   1. Chair. The chair shall serve for one year and one year as immediate past chair, and shall not be eligible for the office of chair or chair-elect for a period of at least one year following completion of service as immediate past chair.
   2. Vice-chair. The vice-chair shall serve for the first year after election as vice-chair and the second year as chair.
   3. Secretary. The secretary shall serve for three years.

Section 8. Executive Committee. Each section shall be governed by an Executive Committee consisting of the officers of the section, the immediate past chair of the section, and three (3) members-at-large. Sections with membership above 2000 as of May 1 of each year may have five (5) members-at-large.

1. Ex-officio members. The Executive Director, ALCTS and the chair of the committee generally responsible for section policy recommendations shall be ex-officio members of the Executive Committee, without the right to vote.
2. Vacancies. Vacancies in the elected membership of the Executive Committee shall be filled as follows:
   1. Chair. In case of a vacancy in the office of chair, the vice-chair shall succeed to the office of chair and shall serve in that capacity until replaced in the normal succession by the vice-chair. If the offices of both chair and vice-chair become vacant within the same year, the Executive Committee shall appoint one of its members to act as chair until a chair is duly elected. At the next election two candidates shall be elected, one to take the office of chair immediately and to serve for one year, the other to serve as vice-chair (chair-elect).
   2. Vice-chair. If the office of vice-chair becomes vacant, two candidates shall be elected at the next election, one to take the office of chair immediately and to serve for one year, the other to serve as vice-chair (chair-elect). If the vacancy occurs between the close of nomination and the adjournment of the annual conference, the vacancy shall be considered as having occurred in the office of chair in the following year.
   3. Secretary and members-at-large of the Executive Committee. If the office of secretary or a member-at-large becomes vacant, a secretary or member-at-large, as the case may be, shall be appointed by the Executive Committee to serve until a replacement is elected at the next election to complete the unexpired term.
   4. General provisions. If the successful candidate for an elective office dies or withdraws between the close of nominations and the adjournment of the annual conference, the resulting situation shall be considered as a vacancy having occurred during the term for which that candidate was elected.
3. Terms of office. Members-at-large of the Executive Committee shall serve for three (3) years. They shall be elected for terms expiring in different years, or in case of more than three members-at-large, so that the terms of no more than two shall expire each year. They shall serve until the adjournment of the annual conference at which their successors are announced.
4. Powers and duties. The Executive Committee shall have authority over the affairs of the section during the period between meetings of the section, provided however that none of its acts shall conflict with or modify any actions taken by the section. The Executive Committee shall perform such other duties as are specified in these bylaws, and shall report upon its work at the regular meeting of the section.
5. Meetings. The Executive Committee shall meet in conjunction with each regular meeting of the section. Special meetings may be called by the chair and shall be called upon the written request of a majority of the members of the Committee.
6. Quorum. A majority of voting members shall constitute a quorum of the Executive Committee.
7. Voting. Votes may be taken in person at meetings, by mail, or by electronic device, and all members shall be canvassed by the same method simultaneously. Votes that are not taken in person must be confirmed at the next meeting. Each Executive Committee shall have the authority to set a time limit within which the votes of its members shall be recorded.

Section 9. Outside Organizations. Representation of the section in organizations outside the Association may be authorized by the section with the approval of the Association and the American Library Association.

Section 10. Other Committees. Sections may establish Committees under the following conditions:

1. Establishment. The section may establish standing and annual committees to consider affairs of the section which require continuous or repeated attention by the members.
2. Composition. Unless otherwise provided for by these bylaws or by action of the section, each standing and annual committee shall be composed of an odd number of not less than three (3) members, each of whom shall be an member in good standing of the section.
3. Notification. The secretary shall inform the Executive Director, ALCTS, annually of the establishment and functions, or discontinuance, of all committees of the section.
4. Appointments. Unless otherwise provided for by these bylaws or by action of the section, each committee member and representative shall be appointed, with the approval of the Executive Committee, by the vice-chair (chair-elect), or the chair of the section, under whose term of office as chair the member shall commence service and shall serve until the adjournment of the meeting at which the member's successor is appointed. Vacancies on committees shall be filled by the chair of the section with the approval of the Executive Committee.
5. Reports. Unless otherwise specified in these bylaws, or in the act authorizing a committee, each committee shall report on its work at least once annually. Copies of the report shall be transmitted to the chairperson of the section and to the Executive Director, ALCTS at least 30 days following the regular meeting of the section.
6. Discontinuance. Each committee shall continue in existence until its usefulness has ceased when it shall be dissolved by action of the Executive Committee.

Section 11. Interest Groups.

1. Establishment. Any group of members of the section with a common interest that falls within the responsibility of the section, may petition to form an Interest Group, subject to approval by the Executive Committee. The written petition shall include the purpose of the group and the requirements for membership, if any, and the signature of ten (or more) members in good standing of the section.
2. Membership. Membership shall be open to members of the section who are interested in the purpose of the group and who fulfill the requirements for membership, if any, in the group.
3. Officers. Each group shall elect a chair annually, and may elect other officers as required to carry out the business of the group. The chair shall coordinate the overall activities of the group, shall preside at meetings and shall be responsible for reporting group activities to the Executive Committee.
4. Discontinuance. Interest Groups must petition the Executive Committee, or other designated body, for renewal on a regular basis. The Executive Committee, or other designated body, shall either approve the continuation of the Interest Group or recommend that the group be discontinued.

Section 12. Discussion Groups.

Sections may establish Discussion Groups under the following conditions:

1. Establishment. Any group of ten or more members of the section interested in discussing common problems which fall within the object of the section may form a discussion group upon written petition from the group, and upon approval of the Executive Committee. The petition shall include the purpose of the group and the requirements for membership, if any. The Executive Committee may designate a section standing committee to which the discussion group shall report.
2. Notification. The secretary shall inform the Executive Director, ALCTS, annually of the establishment and functions, or discontinuance, of all discussion groups of the section.
3. Membership. Membership shall be open to members of the section who are interested in the purpose of the group and who fulfill the requirements for membership in the group.
4. Officers. Each group shall elect a chair annually. The chair may be an ex-officio member of the standing committee with which the discussion group may be affiliated. In addition to the regular duties of the office, the chair shall see that a group's activities are limited to discussion of common problems within the purpose of the group, that the group engages in no activity in conflict with the program of the section, and that the section bylaws are observed by the group.
5. Discontinuance. Each group shall continue in existence until its usefulness has ceased at which point it shall be dissolved by action of the Executive Committee.

Section 13. Discontinuance. The ALCTS Organization and Bylaws Committee shall recommend that a section be dissolved when, in its opinion, the usefulness of that section has ceased. If the recommendation is adopted by the Association, the section shall be dissolved.

Article XI. Regional Groups

Section 1. Composition. The Council of Regional Groups (CRG) is composed of the chair, the vice-chair/chair-elect, the past chair, the secretary, and the chairs, or substitute delegates of the state and regional groups affiliated with ALCTS (the Association).

Section 2. Purpose. The Council of Regional Groups serves as a means for information exchange between the Association and the regional groups and among the constituent groups. The CRG also encourages activities of the groups and considers common problems affecting their work.

Section 3. Affiliation. Any regional group with ten or more members, which has a focus of activity within the field of library collections and technical services, may be affiliated with the Association upon written petition from the group, submission of the group's bylaws, and approval by a majority vote of the ALCTS Board. The bylaws and activities of the petitioning group shall be consistent with those of the Association.

Section 4. Discontinuance. The ALCTS Organization and Bylaws Committee may recommend that the affiliation of a regional group be terminated when the group has become inactive or its purpose becomes inconsistent with that of the Association. If the recommendation is adopted by the Association, the affiliation of the regional group with the Association shall be discontinued.

Section 5. Finance. CRG may expend funds for activities of an affiliated regional group or groups upon the authorization of the ALCTS Board and with the approval of ALA.

Section 6. Nominations and Elections. CRG shall make nominations for office and hold elections according to the Bylaws of the Association and the following provisions:

1. Nominations. CRG shall appoint a Nominating Committee, which shall present candidates for the positions of vice-chair (chair-elect) and secretary of the Executive Committee. Other nominations for these offices may be submitted in writing by any ten members and shall be filed with the chair of the section and with the Executive Director, ALCTS. Any such nomination shall be included on the official ballot. No candidate shall be presented whose written consent has not been filed with the Executive Director, ALCTS. No candidate shall be presented who at the time of the nomination is not an Association member in good standing.
2. Nominating Committee.
   1. Composition. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three members-at-large, no one of whom shall be a member of the Executive Committee; one member shall be appointed chair.
   2. Terms of office. The Nominating Committee shall be appointed for a one-year term, to begin deliberations during the next annual conference after its appointment, ending with its final report to the ALCTS Board of Directors, by the chair, and with approval of the Executive Committee. Members of the Nominating Committee, upon expiration of their terms, shall not be eligible for immediate reappointment.
   3. Duties. The duties of the Nominating Committee shall be those specified in the Bylaws of the Association. In addition, the Nominating Committee shall report nominations to the chair of CRG and to the Executive Director, ALCTS simultaneously.
3. Section 7. Officers.
   1. The Executive Committee of the CRG consists of the chair, vice-chair/chair-elect, the past-chair, and the secretary. The vice-chair/chair-elect and the secretary are elected by the membership of ALCTS. The term of office of the vice-chair/chair-elect is one year in that capacity, followed by one year as chair and one year as past-chair. The term of office of the secretary is two years.
   2. Duties:
      1. Chair. The chair serves as a voting member of the ALCTS Board of Directors. He or she establishes and maintains communication channels between the various groups and the Association; informs group members of ALCTS services; arranges for meetings; plans meeting programs and other activities; oversees the preparation of the CRG Newsletter and information packets; represents CRG on ALCTS committees as necessary; appoints other CRG representatives to ALCTS committees in consultation with the vice-chair; solicits papers for group meetings and division publications. The chair reports CRG activities to the Association Board of Directors at its regular meetings, and appoints such committees as may be deemed necessary to carry out the work of the CRG. The chair encourages each group to keep on file with the chair and the Executive Director, ALCTS copies of its constitution, bylaws, minutes, and directory of officers. He or she encourages groups to set aside a portion of each meeting for distributing ALA membership information.
      2. Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect. The vice-chair leads CRG meetings in the absence of the chair, participates in the appointment of CRG representatives to ALCTS committees, represents CRG on ALCTS committees, as necessary, and performs other duties as assigned by the chair.
      3. Past Chair. The past chair assists with the scheduling of meetings, represents CRG on ALCTS committees as necessary, and performs other duties as assigned by the chair.
      4. Secretary. The secretary records and distributes the minutes of CRG meetings, maintains the roster of member groups, prepares the CRG Newsletter and information packets under the direction of the chair, represents CRG on ALCTS committees, as necessary, and performs other duties as assigned by the chair.
   3. Vacancies
      1. Chair. In case of a vacancy in the office of chair, the vice-chair shall succeed to the office of chair and shall serve in that capacity until replaced in the normal succession by the vice-chair. If the offices of both chair and vice-chair become vacant within the same year, the Executive Committee shall appoint one of its members to act as chair until a chair is duly elected. At the next election two candidates shall be elected, one to take the office of chair immediately and to serve for one year, the other to serve as vice-chair (chair-elect).
      2. Vice-chair. If the office of vice-chair becomes vacant, two candidates shall be elected at the next election, one to take the office of chair immediately and to serve for one year, the other to serve as vice-chair (chair-elect). If the vacancy occurs between the close of nomination and the adjournment of the annual conference, the vacancy shall be considered as having occurred in the office of chair in the following year.
      3. Secretary. If the office of secretary becomes vacant, a secretary shall be appointed by the Executive Committee to serve until a replacement is elected at the next election to complete the unexpired term.

Section 8. Meetings. The CRG meets at the time and place of the Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting of the American Library Association. Special meetings may be called by the chair upon the written request of a majority of its members.

Article XII. Interest Groups

1. Establishment. Any group of members of the Association with a common interest that falls within the Association but is not within the responsibility of a single section, may petition to form an Interest Group, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. The written petition shall include the purpose of the group and the requirements for membership, if any, and the signature of ten (or more) members in good standing of the Association. Interest Groups may join with one or more other ALA units to form a joint Interest Group with approval of the Board of Directors.
2. Membership. Membership shall be open to members of the Association who are interested in the purpose of the group and who fulfill the requirements for membership, if any, in the group.
3. Officers. Each group shall elect a chair annually, and may elect other officers as required to carry out the business of the group. The chair shall coordinate the overall activities of the group, shall preside at meetings and shall be responsible for reporting group activities to the Board of Directors.
4. Discontinuance. Interest Groups must petition the Organization and Bylaws Committee for renewal on a regular basis. The Organization and Bylaws Committee shall either approve the continuation of the Interest Group or recommend to the Board that the group be discontinued.

Article XIII. Discussion Groups

Section 1. Establishment. Any group of ten or more members interested in discussing common problems which fall within the object of the Association, but which are not within the responsibility of a single section, may form a discussion group upon written petition from the group, and upon approval by the Board of Directors. The petition shall include the purpose of the group and the requirements for membership, if any.

Section 2. Membership. Membership shall be open to members of the Association who are interested in the purpose of the group and who fulfill the requirements for membership in the group.

Section 3. Officers. Each group shall elect a chair annually. In addition to the regular duties of the office, the chair shall see that the group's activities are limited to discussion of common problems within the purpose of the group, that the group engages in no activity in conflict with the program of the Association or its sections, and that the Association bylaws are observed by the group.

Section 4. Discontinuance. The ALCTS Organization and Bylaws Committee shall recommend that a discussion group be dissolved when the usefulness of that group has ceased. If the recommendation is adopted by the Board of Directors, the group shall be dissolved.

Article XIV. Publications

Section 1. Authorization; official journal. Publications may be authorized by the Board of Directors subject to the approval of the membership and of the Executive Board of the American Library Association. The Board of Directors shall determine the policy and manner of their distribution, and exercise financial control over them. The Association's journal shall be Library Resources & Technical Services.

Section 2. Editors. The editors of the ALCTS publications shall each be appointed by the Board of Directors for a term to be determined by the Board and renewable at its discretion.

Article XV. Notice by Mail

Publication of notices in the journal of the Association or of the American Library Association shall be considered sufficient to fulfill the requirement of notice by mail.

Article XVI. Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the latest edition of whichever parliamentary authority has been designated by the American Library Association shall govern the Association in all cases to which it can be applied and in which it is not inconsistent with these bylaws or special rules of order of the Association, or with the Constitution and Bylaws of the American Library Association. .

Article XVII. Amendments to Bylaws

Section 1. Proposals. Amendments to the bylaws may be proposed by the Board of Directors, or in writing to the Board of Directors, by any Association committee, by the governing body of any section of the Association, or by petition signed by ten members of the Association. All proposed amendments or new bylaws shall become effective when they have been approved by a majority of the members of the Board present, followed by ratification by the members of the Association by a vote by mail or electronic device of a majority of the members of the Association voting.

Section 2. Notice. The Board, on approving a proposed amendment, shall fix the time for the beginning and closing of the balloting, and the date when the proposed amendment or new bylaw will take effect. At least one month's written notice shall be given of the text of the amendment or new bylaw to the Association. The proposed amendment shall be mailed to each member of the Association.

Section 3. Voting. The bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of those members voting on an amendment.

Section 4. Adoption. An amendment shall become effective at the end of the annual conference after adoption, unless otherwise provided.

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Last Revised: December 13, 2006
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