Constitution of the University of North Carolina chapter of the Special Libraries Association

I. Name
II. Affiliation
III. Purpose and Objectives
IV. Membership
V. Advisor
VI. Meetings and Activities
VII. Executive Council
VIII. Elections
IX. Funds
X. Ratification
XI. Amendments
XII. Parliamentary Procedure

ARTICLE I. Name
The name of this organization shall be "The University of North Carolina School of Information and Library Science Chapter of the Special Libraries Association" (hereinafter referred to as the SLA Chapter).

ARTICLE II. Affiliation
This organization is affiliated with the Special Libraries Association and is officially sponsored by the School of Information and Library Science.

ARTICLE III. Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this organization is to promote interest in and understanding of special libraries and to facilitate the exchange of ideas. A special library is one that serves a specific group of patrons in a discipline. Special libraries serve business, the arts, mathematics, the sciences, academics at all levels, government, the law, the special needs of the public, etc.

The objectives of the organization shall be to:

a.promote professionalism in all areas of librarianship with emphasis on special librarianship.

b.expose library students to the world of special libraries through field trips, lectures, discussions, internships and field experiences.

c.facilitate communication between faculty, university and other professional librarians and the students of the School of Information and Library Science on the subject of special libraries.

d.increase student awareness of the national Special Libraries Association and its many resources.

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ARTICLE IV. Membership
Section 1. Membership in the SLA Chapter shall be open to all registered students of the School of Information and Library Science (SILS) who are interested in special libraries without regard to race, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, age or veteran status.

Section 2. Any registered SILS student who is a dues-paying member of the national Special Libraries Association shall be considered a full member of the SLA Chapter.

ARTICLE V. Advisor
The SLA Chapter Advisor shall be a faculty member of the SILS and an active member of the national Special Libraries Association. The Advisor shall supply counseling, provide continuity of experience, and encourage interest in and support for the SLA Chapter. The Advisor shall act as a liaison for the SLA Chapter to the national Special Libraries Association and the North Carolina Chapter of the Special Libraries Association.

ARTICLE VI. Meetings and Activities
Section 1. The SLA Chapter membership shall meet on a regular basis during the academic year. Meeting location and time shall be posted on the SLA Bulletin Board at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. Quorum shall consist of members present.

Section 2. On a regular basis, the Executive Council will arrange and conduct field trips, discussions, lectures, internship placements, etc.; participation in which shall be open to all SLA members. At the discretion of the Executive Council, non-members may also participate.

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ARTICLE VII. Executive Council
Section 1. The members of the Executive Council shall consist of four officers.

a.President: The President's duties shall include, but not be limited to, coordinating meetings, representing the association before University officials and coordinating activities with the Information and Library Science Student Association (ILSSA), especially as regards duplication of effort and scheduling. Leads in the planning of field trips and activities, and must be willing to approach special librarians from the area to plan trips or talks. Interacts with the Student and Academic Relations Committee and the representatives of NC-SLA for special projects, awareness activities, publication efforts, etc. Takes care of Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to the National Chapter, and files forms with student government for organizational funding and recognition.

b.Vice-President: The Vice-President's duties shall include, but not be limited to, assisting the president, maintaining and encouraging faculty interest and maintaining contact with the national Special Libraries Association. Makes announcements for activities and helps coordinate logistical plans for activities. Responsible for maintaining the chapter website.

c.Secretary: The Secretary's duties shall include, but not be limited to, responsibility for minutes of Membership and Executive Committee meetings, forwarding an electronic copy of minutes to the faculty advisor within one week of each meeting, and correspondence (thank you notes, invitations, etc. to special librarians and speakers). Maintains the SLA Chapter bulletin board, and keeps accurate and current membership rosters. Keeps files in order, and assists with planning and ideas for trips/projects. Checks the SLA email account for correspondence.

d.Treasurer: The Treasurer's duties shall include, but not be limited to, managing finances and fund-raising. Records monetary transactions, keeps track of receipts and assists with planning and ideas for trips/projects.

Section 2. In the event of a vacancy within the Executive Council, it shall be filled by appointment within one month. Appointments shall be made by the remaining members of the Executive Council.

ARTICLE VIII. Elections
Section 1. The elective officers of the organization are the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The term of office shall be one calendar year.

Section 2. Elections of these officers shall take place in November of the year preceeding their terms of office. Nominees must be chosen from amongst the first year Master's candidates. Officers will be elected through a secret ballot, by a simple majority of all SLA Chapter members. This provision may be waived and the officers elected by a simple hand count, when so voted by the members present or in cases where the office is uncontested.

ARTICLE IX. Funds
All monies received from the Special Libraries Association, from fund-raising or otherwise, shall revert to a general fund. The treasurer shall be responsible for organizational funds and their disbursement. All payments from the general fund shall be handled by the treasurer.

ARTICLE X. Ratification
This constitution shall become effective when approved by a simple majority of members present at a meeting designated for that purpose.

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ARTICLE XI. Amendments
Section 1. The President shall initiate a review of these bylaws by committee every other year (in even-numbered years). The committee may be appointed from members and should be composed of at least three people. Said members will then communicate their findings to the chapter by written means and public posting. The President will then be responsible for calling a meeting of the chapter if amendments are recommended. Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by any officer.

Section 2.

a) Announcement of proposed changes shall be made at a regular meeting in oral form and be made available for review in written form. Voting shall take place at the next regular meeting following the introduction of a proposed amendment, no less than seven days hence. Members may submit written comments to officers or the faculty advisor during that time, either in person or electronically.

b) If no comment is made and no dissent raised, officers may forgo a regular meeting and initiate an electronic vote after the seven-day period. Announcement of exercise of this option shall be made after the seven-day period and the ballot held not less than three days after such announcement. The balloting period shall be seven days, and results shall be posted publicly on the eighth day.

Section 3. Voting on constitutional amendments shall be by hand count of those members present at the meeting or count of ballots from those members responding electronically as described in Section 2 of this article.

Section 4. An amendment shall be passed if in voting two-thirds of those voting favor adoption of said amendment.

ARTICLE XII. Parliamentary Procedure
The rules contained in the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order, except when inconsistent with this constitution and By-laws, shall govern the meetings of the SLA and the Executive Council.

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