Apropos to Al’s contribution on procedure for SRRT resolutions, I also think that proposed resolutions ought to be shared in advance on Connect. As I see it, not only AC members but SRRT members-at-large should be able to offer input in a timely fashion. Then it is up to AC to make the final revisions, in consult with others when necessary.
As both Mark H. and have written, the idea that committees outside SRRT should have veto power over SRRT work _before_ members have even seen it doesn’t seem right.
I’ve worked on lots of ALA committees in the past (COL, Best Books for YAs, Nominating, etc etc.) I know it’s important to be nice and play well with others. But SRRT has _its_work and sometimes that work makes other ALA committees and leadership uncomfortable. That has often been our role. It’s not easy. But it’s the job of SRRT Councilor to represent SRRT viewpoint to Council. I don’t think that means that the SRRT councilor has to check all minutia and every vote she/he takes with Action Council. But with the issues that AC and members deem most important in our “lane” as _the_ Social Responsibilities Round Table in ALA, then yes. Resolutions are the expressions of those concerns. The duty is to involve and represent SRRT members and leadership first. Imho.
Ann Sparanese
Original Message:
Sent: 7/4/2025 9:10:00 AM
From: Al Kagan
Subject: RE: Draft SRRT Minutes from ALA Annual
There is one more correction for the minutes. At the top of page 2, at the beginning of the discussion on resolutions, it states that Mark R passed out suggested edits. Actually, it was me and I am happy to take the credit for doing that. Although I want to point out again, I was just the messenger, although part of the group that suggested the edits.
While I have the chance, let me also state for the record that normal practice for the Action Council over the years has been that draft resolutions have been shared early on, as soon as there was a viable draft, so that the Action Council could discuss. In those cases, where the resolution was not quite done, the practice has been for the Action Council to endorse in principle realizing that some small changes might be made. That practice has stood the test of time and I recommend going back to it for the future. Let me also be clear about the consequences of getting the resolutions early on and endorsing in principle. That means that the mover no longer owns the resolution, rather that the Action Council now owns it. That also means that the mover may not withdraw the resolution on their own. According to Robert's Rules, at that point a resolution can only be withdrawn with the consent of the body.
Original Message:
Sent: 7/3/2025 11:01:00 PM
From: April Sheppard
Subject: Draft SRRT Minutes from ALA Annual
All --
Below is the link to the draft minutes from the two SRRT Action Council business meetings at Annual (June 28 & 29).
I tried my best to keep the minutes clear and factual, but 8+ pages is a lot of minute taking! So be gentle!
Draft Minutes of 2025.06.28 & 2025.06.29 Action Council
If you find an error or typo, please let me know.
April
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April Sheppard She/They/Hers/Theirs
banhatenotbooks@gmail.com
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