Strengthening IPLA: A New Form for A New Function

Since early summer, the IPLA Board and its Core Planning Team have been working to reinvigorate and reorganize IPLA so that it can better address the needs of the public library community.

Through a series of small group, large group, and town hall formats, IPLA leaders have learned much about the changes that its members want to see.  A three-year strategic plan, an organized way to make those changes, was presented and approved at the IPLA annual meeting 2009.

Significant changes include:

• New language regarding IPLA’s Purpose and Philosophy which aligns the IPLA’s new mission, vision, and values (Articles II and III)
• An expanded Board system (more board members and the annual organization of statewide work groups) to improve representation and involve more members in IPLA work. (Article VI)
• A new, more transparent nominating process which includes the members’ election of a majority of Nominating Committee members (Article VIII)
• The ability to use electronic rather than ‘print’ notification of proposed amendments (Article X)

As required by current bylaws, proposed bylaw changes must be published in a special edition of Focus at least 30 days in advance of a membership vote.  Accordingly, we anticipate a special edition of Focus to be released by mid October and we are making plans to call a special membership meeting of IPLA on December 2, 2009 at the:

Hancock County Public Library
900 W. McKenzie Rd.
Greenfield, IN  46140
Phone:  317-462-5141 (main)

At this meeting the revised Bylaws will be voted upon by the IPLA membership and a new board elected immediately in accordance with the new provisions. 

Thank you for your time and consideration in these and all matters affecting public libraries in our state!

Ginny Nilles, President-Elect and Planning Chair