WVLA Nominating Committee
Report for 2006
Members: Barbara Winters (Chair), Celene Seymour and Judy Gunsaulis
Activities:
The following individuals were nominated for office and the slate was submitted for publication and sent to the Elections Committee.
Slate for 2007 Officer
1st
VP and President Elect: Olivia
Bravo,
2nd Vice President: Barbara LaGodna, WVU
Christine
Lewis,
Celene
Seymour,
Challenges:
It was very difficult to get WVLA members to run for office. At least seven people who were asked declined to run for office. The slate is not as diverse as it should be because many librarians in smaller academic, public and school libraries do not have the time or support to take on these responsibilities. The committee was unable to identify a second member to run for 1st VP/President Elect.
Suggestion:
A greater effort should be made to encourage nominations and members to volunteer to run for office. For example, each WVLA division should identify at least one member who is willing to run for state office.
One suggestion should be considered which may encourage members to run for office. WLVA should hire part-time office support. When new officers are elected, this staff could provide the needed continuity. He or she would be able to answer questions and take care of routine secretarial duties, such as sending out mailings, communicating between committees and providing information to the newsletter publisher. They could also work with the treasurer regarding expenses, payments and income. Effective office support would take some of the burden from officers, provide more efficient management, and encourage more librarians, especially those in smaller libraries, to run for office.
Submitted by: Celene Seymour
Sept. 22, 2006
