Just a reminder that all business meetings at ARLIS are open including
the Executive Board Pre-conference and Post-conference meetings.
The agenda for the Preconference Executive Board meeting is posted on the
AWS at:
http://www.arlisna.org/020320agenda.htm
I am reposting Margaret & Deborah's excellent email that explains the
workings of committees below:
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Committees form the spine of the organizational structure of both
ARLIS/NA and VRA; this is where much of the on going, interesting, and
fulfilling work of each organization is accomplished. In each case,
committees are established by the executive board of the respective
organization as either a standing or ad hoc committee and given a
specific charge or goal to accomplish. A quick look at the committee
structure of each organization reveals considerable over lap in the
issues that committees address. For instance each organization has
committees that deal with travel awards, writing awards, distinguished
service awards, finances, publications, legal issues, professional
development, etc. This is yet another area in which we have much in
common and can develop and strengthen partnerships.
A bonus of our joint meeting in St. Louis is the opportunity for
committees in each organization to network with their counterparts in the
other. For instance, the ARLIS/NA Public Policy and the VRA Intellectual
Property Rights committees will hold a joint meeting as will the VRA Data
Standards committee and the ARLIS/NA Cataloging Advisory Committee. Some
committees are scheduled to meet at the same time to allow them to spend
a portion of the allotted meeting time together. In other cases, the
meetings are held a different times to encourage members of the
committees in both organizations to attend both.
How can I find out what happens in committee meetings? Can I get
involved? Will my contributions be welcomed even if I am a new member of
ARLIS/NA or VRA? All ARLIS/NA meetings are open, and every joint
conference attendee is invited to attend any ARLIS/NA meeting. While VRA
committee meetings aren’t officially open, committee chairs often welcome
visitors. If you decide to investigate a VRA committee, please introduce
yourself to the chair to make sure that your attendance is appropriate.
Both organizations solicit self-nominations as a way of recruiting new
committee members who will be truly committed. If you are interested in
the work of a specific committee and would like to participate, please
offer your services; if you are selected, be prepared to work hard for
your chosen cause. Committee membership is an excellent way for you to
contribute to and make a difference in your professional organization. It
is also personally very rewarding!
So, next week in St. Louis, why don’t you investigate some committees?
Who knows, you might discover a perfect place where you will make a real
difference. And, yes, if you are a new member of ARLIS/NA, VRA or both
organizations, your participation is important and will be valued. If you
are a veteran member of committees in one organization, you might want to
check out a counterpart in the other.
We both look forward to seeing you next week in St. Louis.
Deborah Ultan ([log in to unmask])
Margaret Webster [log in to unmask])
ARLIS/NA ~ VRA 2002 Program Co-Chairs
Margaret N. Webster
Visual Resources Facility
College of Architecture, Art & Planning
B-56 Sibley Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3300
Email: [log in to unmask]
http://www.aapvrf.cornell.edu
