Posting this on behalf of Patricia Glass Schuman
Some thoughts on what I think is a dangerous and undemocratic proposal
As ALA President and Treasurer I spent more than 8 years on the Exec Board. This change will increase the workload of the Board tremendously ( Re hearing and acting on committee reports, planning and budget etc) and require many more meetings - a tremendous personal time and institutional fiscal cost.
Also -in terms of representation when was the last time a Library Trustee or Friend was on the Board?
Is there any kind of transition plan? In a time of fiscal difficulties do we know the real financial implications?
Does this plan really make either body more representative? Do we have a current analysis that justifies cutting out Council members elected at large? These are usually elected by thousands of members, while votes for division and round table councilors are in the hundreds. I suspect the same is true of Chapters.
What is this change actually accomplishing except to put power in the hands of fewer people?
Patricia Glass Schuman
Past ALA Treasurer
Past ALA President
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Sara Dallas
Director
Southern Adirondack Library System
She/Her/Hers
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