Library and Information Technology Association (LITA)
Executive/Budget Review Committee Meeting
Orlando, Florida
Friday, June 25, 2004

Minutes

Present: Tom Wilson, president, Colby Riggs, president-elect, Pat Ensor, past-president, Patrick Mullin, director, and Mary Taylor, executive director.  Absent:  Barbra Higginbotham

Tom Wilson called the meeting to order at 9:41.  The composition of the Executive Committee was added to the agenda (document number 2004ACEC-6-LITA Executive Committee: A Recommendation re: Make-Up).

It was moved and seconded that the 2004 Spring Executive Committee Meeting minutes (2004ACEC-1) be approved.  The motion was adopted.

Heard report from Tom Wilson updating the Committee on the 2004 LITA National Forum.  The Forum Committee is organizing sessions; there are nine sponsors for the Showcase; keynote speakers are still being confirmed.  Robert Rydell, professor of History at Montana State University, is an expert in world’s fairs and will talk about the “Louisiana Purchase Exposition” held in St. Louis in 1904.  The Committee chair intends to attend the Tuesday Board meeting to report more details. 

Reviewed the FY2004 Budget report.  Pat Ensor mentioned that the low revenues so far on regional institutes create the biggest disparity between where we were last year and where we are this year. However, she pointed out expenses were low, too, and that the RI schedule was heavier toward the end of the fiscal year, so this could change.

Discussed the dues increase proposal and reviewed the bulleted list (2004ACEC-7) that was prepared for all Board members to use in discussing the dues increase.  The list captures the reasons for the increase.  Pat Ensor suggested exploring the possibilities for streaming a single program, e.g. Top Tech Trends and/or the President’s Program at Annual Conference in Chicago next year.  Suggested possibly pulling together a small Task Force to work with the Office.

Considered the dues resolution (2004ACEC-4); considered and decided against the idea of breaking up the increase over 2 years.  Also, reviewed the FY2005 Draft Budget Request (2004ACEC-5).

Received LITA Cascading Goals report from Taylor for the Committee’s consideration during the Executive Director’s Annual Review in Executive Session.  Heard two announcements: 1) Pat Earnest is serving as a temporary special assistant to the ALA Executive Director to work on planning and evaluation, and 2) Tel Aviv Barbee is retiring after over 15 years of service to LITA.  Discussed draft Board resolution recognizing Tel Aviv’s contributions to LITA.

Discussed composition of the Executive Committee proposal wherein it was suggested the Councilor need not serve on the Executive Committee.  Appreciating the problems identified in the proposal, the Executive Committee decided to explore other ways to address the issues.  In fact, the Executive Committee would like to see more connection to ALA.  By not attending all meetings regularly, the Councilor's perspective and ability to know best how to represent LITA would be limited.  The role of Councilor is a two-way communication position responsible to stay on top of issues and to provide in advance summary information for the Board and Executive Committee.  Ideally, the Councilor would cull through the Council list, distill it, and share as appropriate.  Tom and Colby will draft guidelines for the Councilor position. The Executive Committee agreed that no Bylaws amendment to change the composition of the Committee now would be proposed to the membership.

Moved into Executive Session to conduct Executive Director Annual Review.

 
Fall Executive Committee Meeting in Chicago, October 22-23 (possibly 24), 2004