Report: ARLIS/NA South Regional Representative Column

It was wonderful to see everyone at the recent chapter meeting in Dallas, October 25-28, 2007. Thanks to the organizational efforts of Gwen Dixie and Mark Pompelia, the meeting was a great mix of educational and culturally stimulating activities. We were also afforded time to address chapter business and reconnect with colleagues from around the state. I personally found the exhaustive tour of Fair Park exhilarating and look forward to visiting again during the State Fair of Texas in 2008 with a much deeper understanding of the history and evolution of the fairgrounds and the buildings comprising the complex. The Greek dinner hosted by Gwen was another highlight for me. Gwen’s hospitality, along with her colorful home, created the perfect environment to enjoy each other’s company. President Selene Hinojosa and Secretary Catherine Essinger ran the chapter’s business meeting with great efficiency and aplomb. Congratulations go to Vice President/President Elect Carla Ellard and a warm thanks to Craig Bunch who will be continuing as the chapter’s treasurer in 2008.

At the chapter’s meeting in Dallas, I mentioned several issues that will be up for a membership vote. They include Bylaws changes to reflect 1) the Society’s administrative restructuring, specifically the dissolution of Round Tables and the creation of Special Interest Groups, and the change from Regional Representatives to Functional Laisions, 2) a revised nominations process, 3) the addition of an introductory membership category, and 4) acceptance of votes cast electronically. The ballot is due to be mailed to the membership no later than mid-January 2008.

In the wake of chapters signing the ARLIS/NA Affiliation Agreement in 2006, chapter liability insurance is a topic of ongoing interest that was touched on during our most recent meeting in Dallas. Cate Cooney, who is the ARLIS/NA Northeast Regional Representative and also taking on the functional role of Chapters Coordinator during ARLIS/NA’s administrative ‘year-of-transition,’ has surveyed chapters about their respective approaches towards liability insurance. Cate sent a message to the chapter leaders in mid-November summarizing the results of her informal survey. Of the eleven chapters that responded, seven have decided not to get Director & Officer insurance for chapter heads. All seven of these chapters cited the high cost as the deciding factor. The other four chapters have not made a decision. Two chapters mentioned that they are investigating the issue.

As has been stated before, ARLIS/NA Headquarters investigated an umbrella insurance policy that chapters could benefit from. However, this type of insurance would run between $2500-$3000 per chapter, per year which is prohibitive and therefore will not be an option through ARLIS/NA. Each chapter, on a continuing basis, should focus on risk assessment weighing the pros and cons of pursuing insurance. ARLIS/NA Executive Director Elizabeth Clarke has stated that she will be available to field questions from chapters related to this topic.

MemberClicks implementation is still very much on the minds of the Executive Board. In making headway towards devising a solution to address this issue, a revised timeline projects a site launch in January 2008.

I look forward to seeing you at the Society’s annual conference in Denver, Colorado, May 1-5, 2008. Please take a moment to peruse the conference Web site and begin making your plans to attend.

Respectfully submitted by:
Elizabeth Schaub
ARLIS/NA South Regional Representative and Education Liaison