SRRT (Social Responsibilities Round Table)

Dear all,

Please let me know if you have any corrections, additional info for the minutes below.  I've also attached a pdf if that's easier to read.  

Many thanks!

Elaine

SRRT AC Meeting via Zoom - 28 January 2026

DRAFT MINUTES

PRESENT: Al Kagan, Ann Sparanese, April Sheppard, Derek Wilmott Montoya, Don Michael, Elaine Harger, Hillary Pearson, Julie Winkelstein, K.C. Boyd, Karyn Pomerantz, Katharine Phenix, Kristina Shiroma, Laura Koltutsky, Lisa __?_ Mark Hudson, Mark Rosenzweig, Mike Marlin, Olivia Blake, Rachel Rosekind, Rory Litwin, Sarah Pritchard, Tara Brady, Tova __?_

Meeting called to order:  1:07pm Eastern time

1.  WELCOME - request for participants to identify selves, and other logistics

2.  AGENDA - Approval of the January 28, 2026 agenda MOTION: Tara moved, Mark R 2nds APPROVED

3.  PRIOR MINUTES - Approve minutes from November 26, 2025 meeting MOTION:  Tara moved, Rachel 2nds APPROVED  

4.  BUSINESS (2 min. per speaker; if you've spoken once, wait to speak again)

• Treasurer's Report:  Derek reported that 23% of SRRT's membership goal has been met, nothing that last year at this time we'd met 37%.   So this is a downward trend this year.  His report is appended to these minutes.  Discussion:  Olivia asks AC to not hesitate to make requests for budgets; there is a tight turnaround due to the needs of the ALA office.  Hillary explained that ALA is consolidating its budget for 2027, which is why there is a tight turnaround.  Please keep Hillary posted on funding needs, we want to have a budget determined for 2027 before 2027.
• Task forces, committees, liaisons, project/work groups reports:  Written reports are available.  Lisa reported at the meeting that there is no IFC report because IFC seems to have disconnected from ALAConnect.  She's reached out to IFC committee chair and ALA office for help but has not been able to connect. Hillary responded by saying there was a tech issues and she will see to it that Lisa is added back to IFC Connect.  Tara asked if liaisons have to reconnect to all committees every year.  Hillary replied that people can email her to be reconnected.  
• ALA Annual Conference 2026

• SRRT business meeting(s) - Olivia reported that there has been discussion about consolidating AC work into one meeting.  One reason is that there has been trouble getting people to attend the meetings.  Mark H., asked if the all-task force meeting will still happen.  Olivia replied that we could roll all-task force meeting into the timeslot for AC, so that it happens at end of AC's meeting.   Perhaps the 1st hour could be AC, 2nd half a meeting for task forces.  Mark H. noted that the all-task force on Friday before conference gets underway offers a way for everyone to connect.  Olivia, sounds like that a good, logical way to do that.  Elaine voiced support of Mark H's concern, noting that holding the all-task force and two AC meetings allowed discussion of ALA issues and resolution processes during the conference.  She also asked about hybrid meetings.  Olivia noted that much of such discussion now happens via virtual meetings prior to conference. She replied that hybrid meetings are required, but SRRT has always needed help making that happen.  April noted that at in-person meetings there are often updates, and said it would be good to have those electronically prior to AC meeting so we could focus on business that needs conversations at the in person meeting.  Olivia replied that was a helpful suggestion.  Tara added that a fully virtual meeting prior to conference is good, and said that the all-task force meeting on Friday often conflicts with travel and pre-conference activities.  Maybe SRRT should get an Owl to use and have someone get there prior to meeting to set up.  Olivia noticed in the chat that Hillary says access to an Owl is possible for $200 and that AC used at last year's sessions and it worked very well.  Could task force meetings be virtual, or happen in-person prior or after AC meeting?  We'll see what's possible and Derek will let us know if funds are available for an Owl.
• Outreach
• Chair's program - Rachel submitted a proposal for Monday June 29, a theme-based program on THE CALLING, a film about medical students with a panel  consisting of Dr. Alexandra Perez (in film), Asako Gladshow and            .  We should know in late Feb, early March, if the program is confirmed. 
• ALA 150th anniversary - Olivia reported that she and Rachel were alerted to correspondence to ALA Office concerning 150th anniversary.  Rachel read the letter from Sandy Berman saying that ALA should atone for its shameful past, and make $50000 in reparations.  Olivia noted seeing reactions on Zoom (hearts floating, thumbs up, etc).  Sarah reported that in her communications with Kathleen de la Peña McCook there have been considerable concerns that a consultant firm brought in by ALA was not working with Library History Round Table, and that a survey was poorly publicized. Some concern that the anniversary will be white-washed, but doesn't know what SRRT can do.  Al noted an effort to develop a timeline of major timelines, that he submitted various things to include, but never received any response.  Olivia asked if there are couple of folks willing to help.  Olivia, Elaine & Katharine offered.  Tara said she is not clear what role the consultants played, but it seemed that one consultant was for a capital campaign and another for developing a website.  She asked if Hillary could look into this and find out what the situation is.   On ALA's website there is a call for volunteers to help.  K.C. said that Amy Katzenberger could provide information about about the consultants ( Amy Katzenberger, Akatzenberger@ala.org, Director of Development).  Hillary added the suggestion to also include Melanie Welch in your email about 150th: Mwelch@ala.org (Associate Executive Director, Institutional Advancement, Programs, and Partnerships, Director, Public Programs Office).

• Program assessment report next steps. Programs that need to be reviewed for retention follow.  Programs evaluated by how they tie to revenue, equity goals, or mission-critical impact. - Hillary began by saying that decisions need not be made today, we just need to begin the conversation.  Olivia opened the discussion by asking what folks think. 

• SRRT Statements/Statements Archive (3.95) - Elaine voiced strong support for retention of SRRT archive.  Tova noted that she worked on resolutions and would check to see if statements are archived.  The minutes and newsletters are done something and maybe Cara at UIUC could also check in on statements.  Tara asked what is connection to alair [?] for SRRT, can there be a document pathfinder in alair?  Olivia, we can look into that, maybe pathfinder on SRRT website.  Al, resolutions are separate from "statements" and maybe there are a dozen.  Olivia noted we might have a variety of paths forward regarding archived and accessible documents.
• Social Media & Web Committee (4.2) No discussion occurred 
• Travel Grant Committee (4.35)/Travel Grant Award (4.35) - Tara asked if this work could be done through a central ALA office?  Olivia replied that might be possible. Hillary added that much of this work is being done in phases, there is a focus on awards, so there is an expectation of some level of centralization regarding awards.  Olivia we can keep all this in mind.
• Membership Committee (4.4) - Al said that SRRT needs a membership committee.  When one was active SRRT membership increased dramatically.  AC needs to recruit people who want to do membership work.  Olivia encouraged everyone to get friends and colleagues on board to recruit new members.  We need more people to revive this committee.  Maybe membership could combine with social media and web committees to make all of them more efficient.  Al noted that he has not seen any membership reports in quite a long time and asked if someone would send  him one.  He'd be willing to share SRRT member data.  Olivia noted that she wasn't aware that Al had continued to be willing to report, and also noted that she herself hasn't seen a member report in a while.  Hillary replied that no one had requested a report.  Olivia said that in the absence of a current membership chair she and Rachel will figure out how to get the report.
  
  For upcoming discussion and decision making, these four SRRT activities must be determined by the following criteria: 

Retained: Program is clearly aligned with new strategic plan and is a uniquely valuable program

Redesign or Merge: Program is similar in intent or audience across other units or more sustainable if merged with other SRRT initiatives

Recommend Sunset: Program has low alignment or duplication without distinct purpose.

• Action Council election cycle, nominations, etc. - Olivia reported that nominations for upcoming ALA elections have closed, and for SRRT only one nomination in new balloting system:  Derek is running again for treasurer.  No one was nominated for coordinator-elect or secretary.   Tara asked if Rachel as coordinator-elect will take over as coordinator.  Olivia answered no.  Are there any thoughts on how to proceed?  Al asked if this is an opportunity for write-in candidates.  Elaine expressed willingness to continue as sec'y for 2nd year in her AC term.  Tara said that in the case of vacancies, ALA units usually recruit someone as a write-in.  She noted that SRRT would still need to recruit for coordinator, adding that it's good to have more than one candidate, and important to spread the word about write-in candidates.  Olivia asked if anyone was up for seeking candidates?  Tara said she'd be willing.  Olivia, do you want help?  Tara, not necessary, only if someone really wants to.  Mark H. happy to run as write-in for Action Council.  Olivia, are you willing to run as coordinator?  Mark H., not now, maybe next year.  
• Action item: Resolution Opposing U.S. Military Intervention in Venezuela and Iran - Olivia noted that the meeting had only 10 minutes remaining.  She asked if we need a special meeting? 

• MOTION  Mark R. moved to extend meeting by 10 minutes, ___ 2nds.  VOTE was three yes, three no, one abstain. Tara noted that a motion to change to agenda requires ⅔ vote.  DEFEATED
• MOTION  Don moved, Tara 2nds motion for a special meeting to discuss write-in candidates.  APPROVED.   
• MOTION Al moved, Elaine 2nds to include resolutions at special meeting.  Discussion followed and devolved into chaos.  Olivia and Rachel will figure out a way to discuss both the election vacancies and resolutions at a special meeting.   

Meeting adjourned at 2:28 Eastern.

* SRRT Action Council 2025-2026 - Upcoming Bi-Monthly Meetings

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 2 PM Atlantic / 1 PM Eastern / 12 PM Central / 11 AM Mountain / 10 AM Pacific

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 2 PM Atlantic / 1 PM Eastern / 12 PM Central / 11 AM Mountain / 10 AM Pacific

ALA Annual Conference 2026 - day(s)/time(s) TBD

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Elaine Harger, 3 February 2026

------------------------------
Elaine Harger
Librarian (retired)
She/Her/Hers,we/all
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 2/3/2026 2:27:00 PM
From: Elaine Harger
Subject: DRAFT minutes to SRRT-AC meeting last week

Dear all,

Please let me know if you have any corrections, additional info for the minutes below.  I've also attached a pdf if that's easier to read.  

Many thanks!

Elaine

SRRT AC Meeting via Zoom - 28 January 2026

DRAFT MINUTES

PRESENT: Al Kagan, Ann Sparanese, April Sheppard, Derek Wilmott Montoya, Don Michael, Elaine Harger, Hillary Pearson, Julie Winkelstein, K.C. Boyd, Karyn Pomerantz, Katharine Phenix, Kristina Shiroma, Laura Koltutsky, Lisa __?_ Mark Hudson, Mark Rosenzweig, Mike Marlin, Olivia Blake, Rachel Rosekind, Rory Litwin, Sarah Pritchard, Tara Brady, Tova __?_

Meeting called to order:  1:07pm Eastern time

1.  WELCOME - request for participants to identify selves, and other logistics

2.  AGENDA - Approval of the January 28, 2026 agenda MOTION: Tara moved, Mark R 2nds APPROVED

3.  PRIOR MINUTES - Approve minutes from November 26, 2025 meeting MOTION:  Tara moved, Rachel 2nds APPROVED  

4.  BUSINESS (2 min. per speaker; if you've spoken once, wait to speak again)

• Treasurer's Report:  Derek reported that 23% of SRRT's membership goal has been met, nothing that last year at this time we'd met 37%.   So this is a downward trend this year.  His report is appended to these minutes.  Discussion:  Olivia asks AC to not hesitate to make requests for budgets; there is a tight turnaround due to the needs of the ALA office.  Hillary explained that ALA is consolidating its budget for 2027, which is why there is a tight turnaround.  Please keep Hillary posted on funding needs, we want to have a budget determined for 2027 before 2027.
• Task forces, committees, liaisons, project/work groups reports:  Written reports are available.  Lisa reported at the meeting that there is no IFC report because IFC seems to have disconnected from ALAConnect.  She's reached out to IFC committee chair and ALA office for help but has not been able to connect. Hillary responded by saying there was a tech issues and she will see to it that Lisa is added back to IFC Connect.  Tara asked if liaisons have to reconnect to all committees every year.  Hillary replied that people can email her to be reconnected.  
• ALA Annual Conference 2026

• SRRT business meeting(s) - Olivia reported that there has been discussion about consolidating AC work into one meeting.  One reason is that there has been trouble getting people to attend the meetings.  Mark H., asked if the all-task force meeting will still happen.  Olivia replied that we could roll all-task force meeting into the timeslot for AC, so that it happens at end of AC's meeting.   Perhaps the 1st hour could be AC, 2nd half a meeting for task forces.  Mark H. noted that the all-task force on Friday before conference gets underway offers a way for everyone to connect.  Olivia, sounds like that a good, logical way to do that.  Elaine voiced support of Mark H's concern, noting that holding the all-task force and two AC meetings allowed discussion of ALA issues and resolution processes during the conference.  She also asked about hybrid meetings.  Olivia noted that much of such discussion now happens via virtual meetings prior to conference. She replied that hybrid meetings are required, but SRRT has always needed help making that happen.  April noted that at in-person meetings there are often updates, and said it would be good to have those electronically prior to AC meeting so we could focus on business that needs conversations at the in person meeting.  Olivia replied that was a helpful suggestion.  Tara added that a fully virtual meeting prior to conference is good, and said that the all-task force meeting on Friday often conflicts with travel and pre-conference activities.  Maybe SRRT should get an Owl to use and have someone get there prior to meeting to set up.  Olivia noticed in the chat that Hillary says access to an Owl is possible for $200 and that AC used at last year's sessions and it worked very well.  Could task force meetings be virtual, or happen in-person prior or after AC meeting?  We'll see what's possible and Derek will let us know if funds are available for an Owl.
• Outreach
• Chair's program - Rachel submitted a proposal for Monday June 29, a theme-based program on THE CALLING, a film about medical students with a panel  consisting of Dr. Alexandra Perez (in film), Asako Gladshow and            .  We should know in late Feb, early March, if the program is confirmed. 
• ALA 150th anniversary - Olivia reported that she and Rachel were alerted to correspondence to ALA Office concerning 150th anniversary.  Rachel read the letter from Sandy Berman saying that ALA should atone for its shameful past, and make $50000 in reparations.  Olivia noted seeing reactions on Zoom (hearts floating, thumbs up, etc).  Sarah reported that in her communications with Kathleen de la Peña McCook there have been considerable concerns that a consultant firm brought in by ALA was not working with Library History Round Table, and that a survey was poorly publicized. Some concern that the anniversary will be white-washed, but doesn't know what SRRT can do.  Al noted an effort to develop a timeline of major timelines, that he submitted various things to include, but never received any response.  Olivia asked if there are couple of folks willing to help.  Olivia, Elaine & Katharine offered.  Tara said she is not clear what role the consultants played, but it seemed that one consultant was for a capital campaign and another for developing a website.  She asked if Hillary could look into this and find out what the situation is.   On ALA's website there is a call for volunteers to help.  K.C. said that Amy Katzenberger could provide information about about the consultants ( Amy Katzenberger, Akatzenberger@ala.org, Director of Development).  Hillary added the suggestion to also include Melanie Welch in your email about 150th: Mwelch@ala.org (Associate Executive Director, Institutional Advancement, Programs, and Partnerships, Director, Public Programs Office).

• Program assessment report next steps. Programs that need to be reviewed for retention follow.  Programs evaluated by how they tie to revenue, equity goals, or mission-critical impact. - Hillary began by saying that decisions need not be made today, we just need to begin the conversation.  Olivia opened the discussion by asking what folks think. 

• SRRT Statements/Statements Archive (3.95) - Elaine voiced strong support for retention of SRRT archive.  Tova noted that she worked on resolutions and would check to see if statements are archived.  The minutes and newsletters are done something and maybe Cara at UIUC could also check in on statements.  Tara asked what is connection to alair [?] for SRRT, can there be a document pathfinder in alair?  Olivia, we can look into that, maybe pathfinder on SRRT website.  Al, resolutions are separate from "statements" and maybe there are a dozen.  Olivia noted we might have a variety of paths forward regarding archived and accessible documents.
• Social Media & Web Committee (4.2) No discussion occurred 
• Travel Grant Committee (4.35)/Travel Grant Award (4.35) - Tara asked if this work could be done through a central ALA office?  Olivia replied that might be possible. Hillary added that much of this work is being done in phases, there is a focus on awards, so there is an expectation of some level of centralization regarding awards.  Olivia we can keep all this in mind.
• Membership Committee (4.4) - Al said that SRRT needs a membership committee.  When one was active SRRT membership increased dramatically.  AC needs to recruit people who want to do membership work.  Olivia encouraged everyone to get friends and colleagues on board to recruit new members.  We need more people to revive this committee.  Maybe membership could combine with social media and web committees to make all of them more efficient.  Al noted that he has not seen any membership reports in quite a long time and asked if someone would send  him one.  He'd be willing to share SRRT member data.  Olivia noted that she wasn't aware that Al had continued to be willing to report, and also noted that she herself hasn't seen a member report in a while.  Hillary replied that no one had requested a report.  Olivia said that in the absence of a current membership chair she and Rachel will figure out how to get the report.
  
  For upcoming discussion and decision making, these four SRRT activities must be determined by the following criteria: 

Retained: Program is clearly aligned with new strategic plan and is a uniquely valuable program

Redesign or Merge: Program is similar in intent or audience across other units or more sustainable if merged with other SRRT initiatives

Recommend Sunset: Program has low alignment or duplication without distinct purpose.

• Action Council election cycle, nominations, etc. - Olivia reported that nominations for upcoming ALA elections have closed, and for SRRT only one nomination in new balloting system:  Derek is running again for treasurer.  No one was nominated for coordinator-elect or secretary.   Tara asked if Rachel as coordinator-elect will take over as coordinator.  Olivia answered no.  Are there any thoughts on how to proceed?  Al asked if this is an opportunity for write-in candidates.  Elaine expressed willingness to continue as sec'y for 2nd year in her AC term.  Tara said that in the case of vacancies, ALA units usually recruit someone as a write-in.  She noted that SRRT would still need to recruit for coordinator, adding that it's good to have more than one candidate, and important to spread the word about write-in candidates.  Olivia asked if anyone was up for seeking candidates?  Tara said she'd be willing.  Olivia, do you want help?  Tara, not necessary, only if someone really wants to.  Mark H. happy to run as write-in for Action Council.  Olivia, are you willing to run as coordinator?  Mark H., not now, maybe next year.  
• Action item: Resolution Opposing U.S. Military Intervention in Venezuela and Iran - Olivia noted that the meeting had only 10 minutes remaining.  She asked if we need a special meeting? 

• MOTION  Mark R. moved to extend meeting by 10 minutes, ___ 2nds.  VOTE was three yes, three no, one abstain. Tara noted that a motion to change to agenda requires ⅔ vote.  DEFEATED
• MOTION  Don moved, Tara 2nds motion for a special meeting to discuss write-in candidates.  APPROVED.   
• MOTION Al moved, Elaine 2nds to include resolutions at special meeting.  Discussion followed and devolved into chaos.  Olivia and Rachel will figure out a way to discuss both the election vacancies and resolutions at a special meeting.   

Meeting adjourned at 2:28 Eastern.

* SRRT Action Council 2025-2026 - Upcoming Bi-Monthly Meetings

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 2 PM Atlantic / 1 PM Eastern / 12 PM Central / 11 AM Mountain / 10 AM Pacific

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 2 PM Atlantic / 1 PM Eastern / 12 PM Central / 11 AM Mountain / 10 AM Pacific

ALA Annual Conference 2026 - day(s)/time(s) TBD

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Elaine Harger, 3 February 2026

------------------------------
Elaine Harger
Librarian (retired)
She/Her/Hers,we/all
------------------------------