Computing Services Special Interest Section Bylaws
Current bylaws
Previous amendments:
2002-2003 |
1999-2000 |
Comments (2000) |
1997-1998 |
Comments (1997)
Comments (1997)
James Milles, Chair
June 12, 1997
These proposed amendments to the CS SIS Bylaws are the result of a process that began in July 1996, when the former Automation and Scientific Development SIS changed its name to Computing Services. The immediate need was simply to make the changes necessary to indicate the new name, but it soon became apparent that more extensive revisions were in order, both to reflect changes in the practice of the SIS and to bring the bylaws in conformity with those of AALL.
The amendments range from minor (not only changing the name, but correcting a few errors in numbering) to substantial. The following notes explain the changes and the reasoning behind them.
Article I.
The only change here is in the name of the SIS; Automation and Scientific Development (ASD) is changed to Computing Services (CS).
Article II.
The objects of the SIS are substantially different than in the current bylaws. Section 1 is taken directly from the AALL Model Bylaws. The new Section 2 reflects the role of the SIS in representing the growing number of computing services librarians and their emergence as a professional category. Sections 3 and 4 replace old Sections 2 through 5 (educating the membership, formulating and promoting standards) and more accurately describe the Section's actual function over the years. Old Section 6 ("to advise the Association of impending legislation") was deleted as this function is performed by other AALL committees. New Section 5 reflects the increasing interaction between librarian and non-librarian computing professionals.
Article III.
Added the second sentence ("Membership shall be renewable each year") in accordance with the AALL Model Bylaws.
Article IV.
Sections 1 and 2 are unchanged. Section 3 ("Other business, including amendments to the bylaws, shall be conducted at the business meeting") was deleted because it conflicts with the amended Article VII (below). The wording of new Section 3 (old Section 4) is slightly rephrased, from "no quorum is needed" to the more correct "a quorum shall consist of the members present at the meeting."
Article V.
The only change is the addition of the second and third sentences in Section 2, specifying the dates and procedures for mail balloting, in accordance with the AALL Model Bylaws.
Article VI.
Unchanged.
Article VII.
The current bylaws do not explicitly recognize the existence of an Executive Committee. This oversight is corrected in new Section 1.
Section 2 of the current bylaws provides that any special committee appointed by the Chair must be reviewed at the annual business meeting by the members who are present to determine if the committee may continue. No other SIS has such a requirement. (Only two Sections have restrictions close to this. The Online Bibliographic Services SIS requires that such committees be reviewed on an annual basis by the incoming Chair. The Technical Services SIS provides that special committees may be appointed anytime, but that standing committees may be authorized only at the annual business meeting.) This requirement, together with the provision in old Article VIII that amendments may be made only at the business meeting (not by mail ballot), seemed to vest too much control in those members who are able to attend the annual meeting, and to limit the Section's flexibility. The proposed amendment to Section 2 provides that the Executive Committee, or the membership of the Section, may create standing or special committees.
Article VIII.
As noted above, the current bylaws permit amendments only at the annual business meeting. Only the Legal History and Rare Books SIS imposes this restriction; all other Sections (and the Model Bylaws) permit amendments by mail ballot. Section 1 of the proposed amendment would permit amendments by either means. Section 2 provides that notice of any proposed amendments must be provided 30 days in advance.
Article IX.
AALL has replaced Roberts' Rules of Order with Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure. The amended Article IX does the same.