Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and TransgenderedHealth Science Librarians
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgendered
The meeting was convened on Sunday, 7 May 1995, at 4:00 p.m. at the Washington Hilton, in Washington DC. Approximately 50 people were present.
Jerry Perry distributed copies of the meeting agenda.
Kate asked for additions to the agenda. Jean Sullivant announced that
the SIG would need to start considering program ideas immediately for the
1996 Annual Meeting (see item 4 of these minutes: 1996 Program). There
were no other additions.
Position Statement Vote: Bill Karnoscak reported that 29 SIG members
voted in favour with one abstention.
Chapter Council Update on Meeting Site Policy: Tom Flemming gave an
update on the status of our request that Chapter Council advise the
leadership of chapters to comply with MLA Board Policy regarding meeting
site selection. Tom reported that the request was brought to Council, and
that Council referred the request to Chapter Council Representatives for
consideration by chapter executives. [Note: All SIG members should feel
free to promote adoption of this policy by communicating with their
chapter leadership.]
Treasury: Peter Jones reported on the establishment of a SIG Treasury
and announced that our balance before the meeting was $218.06. SIG's may
not collect dues, but may accept donations. Peter explained the need to
have money on hand for Annual Meeting activities, and explained that the
money is kept in a bank savings account requiring two signatures (his and
Jerry's) for withdrawals.
Bill Karnoscak gave a report as Newsletter Editor and announced his
willingness to turn the duty over to a new volunteer. He reported that
the newsletter is easy to compile and distribute, and that SIG members
have felt, in the past and should continue to feel, free to contribute
text. Bill also maintains the membership directory of the SIG; he asked
those present who were not already members to leave their name and contact
information with him.
Jerry acknowledged several SIG members for taking active leadership
roles during the past year and suggested it was time for new volunteers to
assume leadership roles. He suggested the formation of two teams of
volunteers to work on policy questions and outreach initiatives, including
Annual Meeting programming. Jerry also said he and Kate were ready to
turn over the Co-chair leadership of the SIG.
SIG members discussed the question of need for formal teams and
leadership roles. An alternative vision of people stepping forward as
needed was suggested. Jean Sullivant suggested that the SIG still needs
designated persons in leadership roles to keep the group moving forward,
continuously.
Kate and Jerry voiced concerns over ensuring that volunteers would be
available for the tasks at hand, particularly for programming. Kate called
for volunteers to Chair the Program Teams for the 1996 and 1997 Annual
Meetings. Jean Sullivant agreed to serve for 1996, and Denis Gaffney
volunteered to work with her. Tamara Turner accepted for 1997.
Kate called for volunteers to work on policy issues, and Mitch Walters
and Jerry volunteered. Kate then called for volunteers for outreach
initiatives, and Tony Gibbons, Peter Jones and Bill Karnoscak agreed to
help. Tom Flemming said he would volunteer to serve in any capacity. Bill
Karnoscak said he would relinquish the Newsletter Editor position to Tom
if he was willing, and Tom accepted.
Kate and Jerry called for volunteers for Co-chairs and
described what the roles entail. Tom Flemming
suggested a process for SIG members to nominate a male
and a female Co-chair. Those in attendance were
asked to submit on a piece of paper the names of two
nominees. The names were collected by Peter Jones and
passed to Jerry. Kate and Jerry will tabulate the
results of the nomination process and ask the top
vote-getters to serve.
Suggestions for Future Initiatives: During the discussion on
leadership roles, Mark Taylor made a number of suggestions and comments to
the effect that the SIG needs to take every opportunity to raise funds.
At his suggestion, the silver tray (which had been holding a water jug on
the table) was passed to receive contributions from those present. A
total of $ 223.00 was collected at the meeting, bringing the Treasury to a
total of $ 416.00 (after meeting expenses) by later report of the
Treasurer.
Mark Taylor also suggested that the LGBHSL should cultivate liaisons
with other Sections and SIGs of MLA, and hold social events in conjunction
with the MLA Annual Meeting.
Jerry described the difficulties he and Bill Karnoscak experienced in
organizing the social event at the meeting in Washington, DC, and
recognized the help received from Terry Tobias who came to our rescue.
Mark Taylor suggested also that the SIG consider the economic issues
faced by LesBiGay librarians. He also recommended that the group consider
an oral history project tracing the LesBiGay history of the Association.
Henry Lemkau and Tamara Turner volunteered to assist him with that
project.
1996 Program: The Program Team for 1996 will need to submit, early in
June, preliminary information on our 1996 program, and the SIG will need
to seek co-sponsorship from an MLA Section. Denis Gaffney and Jean
Sullivant will coordinate the effort toward meeting this deadline.
Kate and Jerry distributed "Certificates of Recognition" to SIG members
for their contributions during the year:
Jerry announced that the social sponsored by the SIG would be held on
Monday night, at 6:30 p.m., at Herb's Restaurant.
There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30
p.m.
(Minutes compiled jointly by Kate Benning and Jerry Perry,
and distributed by Tom Flemming.)
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