Hello All,
Perhaps this is a step I may regret, but allow me the indulgence of
adding to the commentary on the evolving structure of ARLIS/NA. I am
happy to see that we have such a healthy discussion of our structure
from the top down. It is often easier to look for a quick measure to
fix an immediate problem in an organization rather than search a
while longer for the myriad of causes that contribute to stagnation.
I am not a proponent of the theory that "less is more" at the top of
an organization. On the contrary, I believe that more voices add to
a better consensus, one that will satisfy most of the members. I
read with eagerness Eric's first suggestion that as an initial
streamlining of the ARLIS structure we might cut out the middle layer
of Regional Reps. I agree with that suggestion and here's why. The
regional reps are part of a structure that was based on the physical
and paper contact needed before this age of the "Virtual Association"
and email. It appears from all statements of regional reps that this
is a big financial strain on their budget for a few hours spent with
their chapters. It is no longer necessary to filter information to
the Board.
Many chapters are eager for more contact with the Executive Board and
for more input into decisions. At the same time, ARLIS/NA must have
more direct responsibility for the future of its chapters, given our
new affiliation agreements. The chapters are now invited to become
part of ARLIS/NA directly and what better way to welcome the chapters
in than to give them representation on the Executive Board of ARLIS/NA.
My suggestion is to open up the Board to more participation by
discontinuing the regional reps and inviting each of the chapter
chairs, as the representative (why elect another from my view, Ross),
to attend at least one of the two Board meetings year. I think at
the same time we could evaluate some of the Board positions as we are
evaluating the rest of the structure. For example:
Do we need a past president at Board meetings? (At present I am
myself a past president of the ARLIS DMV and I think they do not need
me still around.)
Could the presidency, instead be for 2 years to allow for continuity
of vision? One less person on the Board that way.
Do we still need both a Secretary and a Treasurer?
I hope that everything will be up for discussion in this canvas of
the members and we will not feel limited by space or numbers. And a
gracious good luck and thank you to those who are charged with
working this out.
lucie
Chair, Academic Library Division
Past Chair, ARLIS DC/MD/VA
Lucie Wall Stylianopoulos
Acting Head, Fiske Kimball Fine Arts Library
Collections & Instruction Librarian
Librarian for Art/Architectural History, Archaeology, and Drama
University of Virginia
Bayly Drive Box 400131
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4131
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