IBLN By-Laws

• Provide an opportunity of Black Librarians to exchange and share ideas
• Collaborate on library-related projects
• Promote professional development activities
• Sponsor scholarship initiatives
• Serve as a network for the sharing of information between librarians and para-professionals throughout the state of Indiana
• Establish channels of communication between Black Librarians and para-professionals statewide
  

1. Membership shall include:
   1. Librarians and other library employees, and retirees
   2. Students enrolled in library and information studies programs.
   3. Library commissioners, trustees and Friends of Libraries.
   4. Individuals who support the mission of IBLN.
2. Dues:
   1. Dues shall be due and assessed annually by July 1st at a rate that allows the IBLN to be financially independent and responsible for its own operations.
3. Voting Privileges
   1. Only those persons who have paid dues for the current year shall be in good standing.
   2. Members in good standing shall have voting privileges.
   3. Memberships may be established without voting privileges.
      

1. A statewide General Membership Meeting shall be held annually.
2. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern meetings.

1. The Executive Committee and officers of the IBLN shall consist of:
   1. President
   2. Vice-President/President elect
   3. Secretary
   4. Treasurer
   5. Membership Chair
      
      *The Immediate Past President shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee with non-voting privileges unless the need arises for a tiebreaker vote.
      

2. Elections and tenure of officers
   1. The term of office shall be one year. All officers may serve more than one year.
   2. Officers shall be elected from a slate provided by a Nominating Committee that is appointed by the Vice President/President elect.
   3. The election of officers shall be by secret ballot. Lot shall break tie votes.
   4. The Executive Committee shall assist the President in organizational duties and responsibilities.
      

1. The President shall:
   1. Be responsible for general leadership of the IBLN, which includes the following specific tasks: Presiding at Executive Committee Meetings and General Membership Meetings; preparing agendas; appointing committee chairpersons; and serving as the spokesperson for the IBLN.
   2. Support and lead initiatives for the purposes and objectives of the IBLN as stated in this document.
   3. Implement those decisions and actions passed by majority vote of the membership and/or the Executive Committee.
   4. Assume responsibility for keeping the membership informed of events and actions supported by or related to the IBLN purpose and mission.
   5. Transfer past records to the succeeding President within 30 days after leaving office.
2. The Vice-President/President-Elect shall:
   1. Perform all duties of the President in the absence or disability of that officer.
   2. Represent the President, when requested, in the affairs of the IBLN.
   3. Assist the President in carrying out the duties of that office.
   4. Appoint a Nominating Committee that will present a slate of candidates for the IBLN annual election. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Nominating Committee
   5. Transfer past records to the succeeding vice-president within 30 days after leaving office.
   6. Serve a one-year term as Vice-President, followed by a one-year term as President.
3. The Secretary shall:
   1. Be responsible for recording and reporting the minutes of the meetings of the Executive Committee and general membership; maintaining records, performing like duties.
   2. Keep an official copy of the Bylaws and other official documents (non-financial) of the IBLN.
   3. Send notices of meetings and copies of the minutes to the appropriate persons, and ballots as required to the total membership.
   4. Assist the President and Vice-President, when requested, in their duties.
   5. Transfer past records to the succeeding secretary within 30 days after leaving office.
4. The Treasurer shall:
   1. Be responsible for all fiscal matters and handling financial transactions of the IBLN.
   2. Maintain financial records, which includes preparing and presenting an annual budget for the organization to the Executive Committee for approval.
   3. Prepare a record list of the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and others contact information of all officers and members of the IBLN.
   4. Transfer past records to the succeeding treasurer within 30 days after leaving office.
5. The Immediate Past President shall:
   1. In the two-years following his/her presidency serve as a member of the Executive Board with all the responsibilities and rights accruing thereto.
   2. Act as a consultant and resource person to the President and Vice-President in matters appropriate to their offices.
   3. Serve as appointed by the President an ex-officio member on committees.
      

1. Proposals. Amendments to the Bylaws may be proposed by the Executive Committee, by any standing committee, or by petition of a minimum of ten members of the IBLN. Proposals shall be submitted to the President. The President shall schedule a vote on the proposal by the Executive Committee no later than six months after he or she receives the proposal. If the amendment is approved by a majority of the Executive Committee, the President shall submit it for vote by the IBLN membership.
2. Procedures. IBLN members shall vote on a proposed amendment to the Bylaws after it has been approved by a majority of the Executive Committee. Written notice of the text of the amendment shall be provided to members at least one month before consideration by membership vote.
3. Voting. A simple majority of the members present and voting at a meeting or casting ballots by mail vote shall carry a proposed amendment.
4. Adoption. If not otherwise specified, a proposed amendment becomes effective as soon as it has been approved as described above.