Government Information Round Table (GIRT)

Article I. 

Name

The name of this organization shall be the Government Information Round Table of the Wisconsin Library Association.

Article II.

Purpose

Section 1.

To promote awareness and use of government information.

Section 2.

To provide an opportunity for discussion and an exchange of ideas for persons interested in government information.

Section 3.

To promote legislation which ensures permanent public access to government information and strengthens government depository library programs.

Section 4.

To cooperate with the other sections, divisions, and round tables within the association and similar groups elsewhere in planning and implementing services to users.

Article III.

Membership

Section 1.

Membership in the Round Table shall be open to Wisconsin Library Association members.

Section 2.

Government Information Round Table members may attend meetings, participate in activities, vote, hold office, and receive mailings of the section.

Section 3.

Non-unit members interested in government information may attend Government Information Round Table meetings but may not vote or hold office.

Article IV.

Officers and Duties

Section 1.

B. The Chair shall make arrangements for the annual meetings, preside at meetings, appoint members to special committees, keep the financial records of the Round Table, and act as liaison to other WLA divisions and sections (except membership), and with ALA, GODORT, and MFLA.

C. The Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect shall assist the Chair, succeed the Chair in office, serve as Chair of the Planning and Nominating committees, and act as liaison to the WLA membership committee. The Vice-Chair shall also be responsible for preparing the section budget for the following year.

D. The Secretary shall record minutes of the meetings and keep the membership list of the Round Table. Records of the meetings shall be sent to the WLA Executive Director and the Wisconsin Library Association Newsletter Editor. The Secretary shall see that minutes of meetings are distributed to members of the board and to members of the Round Table.

Article V.

Committees

Section 1.

Planning Committee

A. Membership: The Planning Committee shall include the Executive Board Officers and three additional members elected for two-year terms with two elected one year, and one the next.

B. Duties: The Planning Committee is responsible for organizing and scheduling workshops and other special government information-related projects, as well as assisting the Round Table executive officers in the preparation of the annual WLA conference programs and/or Round Table meeting. It is also responsible for developing short- and long-range plans for the Government Information Round Table and presenting those plans to the executive officers following their election to office.

Article VI.

Nominations and Elections

Section 1.

At least 60 days prior to the annual meeting, the Chair shall appoint a nominating committee of three members to prepare a slate of officers and Planning Committee members for the coming year. The Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect shall head this committee. Consent of the candidates for office shall be secured before their names are presented.

Section 2.

Elections shall be held by mail ballot of the membership. Candidates receiving a simple majority shall be elected. New officers and Planning Committee members shall be announced at the Annual Meeting and in the Round Table's Newsletter. Officers and Planning Committee members will take office on the first day of the following calendar year.

Section 3.

The term of office for the Chair and Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect shall be one year. The term of office for the Secretary and Planning Committee members shall be for two years. Vacancies will be filled by appointment by the executive officers.

Article VII.

Meetings

Section 1.

Business Meetings  

A. The annual business meeting of the Round Table shall be held at the time and place of the annual conference of the Wisconsin Library Association.

B. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect.

C. Notices of special meetings shall be mailed at least 30 days before each meeting.

D. The members present shall constitute a quorum.

Section 2.

Program Meetings  

A. The annual program meeting of the Round Table may be held at the time and place of the annual conference of the Wisconsin Library Association.

B. Additional program meetings may be held at other times of the year. Registration fees may be charged for such meetings.

Article VIII.

Amendments to the Bylaws

Section 1.

Bylaws may be amended at any business meeting provided the Secretary has informed members of proposed changes at least 30 days prior to the meeting.

Section 2.

Amendments become effective when the have been approved by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.