Bylaws
Article I. Name
The name of this organization shall be the Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA), a Division of the American Library Association (ALA).
Article II. Object
LAMA provides an organizational framework for encouraging the study of administrative theory, for improving the practice of administration in libraries, and for identifying and fostering administrative skills. Toward these ends LAMA is responsible for all elements of general administration which are common to more than one type of library. LAMA meets this responsibility in the following ways:
1. Study and review of activities assigned to LAMA with due regard for changing developments in these activities.
2. Initiating and overseeing activities and projects appropriate to LAMA, including activities involving bibliography, compilation, publication, study and review of professional literature within LAMA’s scope.
3. Synthesis of those activities of other ALA units which have a bearing upon the responsibilities or work of LAMA.
4. Representation and interpretation of library administrative activities in contacts outside the library profession.
5. Aiding the professional development of librarians engaged in administration and encouragement of their participation in appropriate type-of-library Divisions.
6. Planning and development of those programs of study and research in library administrative problems which are most needed by the profession.
Article III. Membership and Dues
Section 1. The members of LAMA shall be those ALA personal, organization, and life members who elect membership in this Division according to the provisions of the ALA Bylaws.
Section 2. Members of LAMA may become members of its Sections.
Section 3. Every personal member of LAMA has the right to vote, to hold any LAMA office, and/or to serve on LAMA committees; every personal member of a given Section has the right to vote, to hold any office in that Section, and/or to serve on Section committees.
Section 4. The amount of member dues shall be as determined by the LAMA Board with the approval of the LAMA membership by the established ALA voting procedure. Additional fees may be adopted by the Division on the recommendation of the LAMA Board and upon a vote of the membership.
Article IV. Meetings
Section 1. General meetings. Held, if needed, in connection with the Annual Conference of the ALA. Fifty members of LAMA shall constitute a quorum for a LAMA business meeting.
Section 2. Special meetings. Special meetings may be called at other times by the LAMA Board, and shall be called upon written request of the number of members equal to a quorum. At least thirty days notice shall be given for special meetings, and only business specified in the call shall be transacted.
Section 3. LAMA Board meetings. Meetings of the LAMA Board shall be held in connection with the Annual Conference of the ALA, the Midwinter Meeting, and at other times on call of the President.
Section 4. Section meetings. A Section may hold an annual business meeting in connection with the Annual Conference of the ALA. Other meetings may be called at times designated by the Section’s Executive Committee and shall be called by the Chair upon the written request of twenty members of the Section. At least thirty days notice shall be given and only business specified in the call shall be transacted. Twenty members of the Section shall constitute a quorum for Section business meetings.
Section 5. Membership votes. Votes by LAMA using established ALA procedures may be authorized by the President between meetings. In a membership vote a simple majority of those voting shall be required to carry.
Article V. Nominations and Elections
Section 1. Nominating Committees. The Vice-President/President-Elect shall appoint a committee of five to nominate candidates for Division offices. Insofar as possible, the Committee will represent the various groups within LAMA, different types of libraries, and various areas of the country. No member of the Board of Directors shall serve as a member of the Nominating Committee. Members of the Nominating Committee shall serve for one year and shall not be eligible for immediate reappointment.
Section 2. Nominations. The Nominating Committee shall present the names of two candidates for Vice-President/President-Elect, two candidates for Director-at-large, at intervals established by the LAMA by-laws, two candidates foir secretary and, at intervals established by ALA, two candidates for Division ALA Councilor. The Committee shall, as far as possible, represent the various groups and interests of LAMA in its slate of candidates. The Nominating Committee shall file its report with the LAMA Executive Director. The Executive Director shall arrange for publication and distribution of the official ballot in cooperation with ALA, following a schedule corresponding with that followed in the election of ALA officers.
Section 3. Additional nominations. Additional nominations may be made by petitions signed by not fewer than twenty-five members. Such nominations shall be filed with the Executive Director following a schedule corresponding with that followed in the election of ALA officers.
Section 4. Eligibility. No person may be nominated by the Committee or by petition who is not a member of LAMA and whose written consent has not been filed with the Nominating Committee.
Section 5. Election. The election shall be held using established ALA procedures. A majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to constitute election. In case of a tie vote, the successful candidate shall be determined by lot.
Article VI. Board of Directors
Section 1. Organization. The LAMA Board of Directors shall consist of its President, Vice-President/President-Elect, immediate Past President, the Chairs of Sections, the Chair of the Council of LAMA Affiliates (COLA), the Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, two Directors-at-Large, and the LAMA Councilor to ALA Council elected by the Division. In addition, the Vice-Chairs/Chairs-Elect of Sections and COLA, the LAMA Executive Director, the editor and associate editor of Library Administration and Management, and the Chair of the Committee on Organization shall serve as ex officio members without vote. In the absence of a Section Chair, the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect shall function as a voting member of the LAMA Board. Duties and responsibilities of LAMA Division officers are delineated in LAMA policies and procedures.
Section 2. Governance. The LAMA Board shall manage LAMA affairs under the policies established by the ALA. The Board is empowered to establish such Sections, committees, and discussion groups as may be required to discharge properly the responsibilities assigned to LAMA. The President, Vice-President/President-Elect, immediate Past-President, Secretary, LAMA Councilor to the ALA Council, Budget and Finance Committee Chair, and LAMA Executive Director as non-voting, shall serve as the Executive Committee between Board meetings. The Executive Committee may remove an elected officer from office for cause after a hearing by a majority vote of the members of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may make decisions on matters which require action before the next Board meeting, have been specifically delegated to it by the Board, or constitute the administration of established policies and programs of the Board. The Executive Committee shall not take any action which conflicts in whole or in part with any previous action of the Board. The Executive Committee may formulate goals, priorities and action programs for recommendation to the Board, and may review and evaluate activities of LAMA and its units.
Section 3. Board votes. Votes using established ALA procedures may be authorized by the President between meetings. An affirmative majority of the voting membership of the Board shall be required to pass a motion.
Section 4. Quorum. A majority of the voting members of the LAMA Board constitute a quorum.
Article VII. Officers, Directors-at-Large, ALA Councilor, and Executive Director
Section 1. Officers. The LAMA officers shall be a President, a Vice-President/President-Elect, and a Secretary.
Section 2. Terms of office. The Vice-President/President-Elect shall be elected from the LAMA membership and shall serve for a one-year term as Vice-President/President-Elect, a one-year term as President or until a successor is elected and qualified, and a one-year term as immediate Past President. The Secretary shall serve a two-year term. The two Directors-at-Large shall be elected for staggered two-year terms. The ALA Councilor shall be elected for a term of office for the number of years specified in the ALA Bylaws for all councilors.
Section 3. Executive Director. There shall be a LAMA Executive Director appointed by the ALA Executive Director.
Article VIII. Committees and Division Representatives
Section 1. Establishment and discontinuance. The LAMA Board is empowered to establish and discontinue Division and Section committees.
Section 2. Standing committees.
A. There shall be a Committee on Organization which shall recommend to the Board the establishment and discontinuance of Division committees, Sections, and Section committees as LAMA needs may require. The Committee on Organization shall review names and charges of proposed Sections, Section committees, and Division committees and make recommendations to the Board.
B. There shall be a Budget and Finance Committee as a standing committee. It shall consist of five but no more than seven members and ex officio the LAMA President, Vice-President/President-Elect, and Executive Director.
C. The LAMA Board, upon recommendation of the Committee on Organization, may establish other standing committees to consider matters of the Division that require continuity of attention by members.
Section 3. Special committees. The LAMA Board may establish special committees. The life of a special committee shall be limited to two years unless the Board shall otherwise provide.
Section 4. Functions. Every Division committee shall have its functions specified in the minutes of the LAMA Board.
Section 5. Terms. The normal term for all Division committee members is two years except where the authorization of the committee specified a different term. A committee member may not serve more than two consecutive full terms on the same committee. Unless otherwise specified, terms will begin at the conclusion of the annual meeting.
Section 6. Appointing authority. The Vice-President/President-Elect shall appoint members and Chairs to fill vacancies or unexpired terms on all Division committees, who shall take office at the conclusion of the annual meeting when the Vice-President/President-Elect becomes President, except as otherwise specified in the LAMA Bylaws or as otherwise provided in the authorization of the committee. The Vice-President/President-Elect shall also have the authority, with the approval of the Executive Committee, to remove Division representatives or members of Division committees.
Section 7. Division representatives. The Vice-President/President-Elect shall appoint Division representatives on committees that embrace other organizations subject to the provisions of the ALA Bylaws.
Section 8. Liaisons.
A. Establishment and purpose. Liaison representation shall be established between LAMA, a LAMA Section, and/or Division or Section committees and task forces and other units of ALA, as well as between LAMA or a LAMA Section and other organizations and outside agencies, wherever such relationships are deemed desirable by the LAMA Board and, if appropriate, the Section Executive Committee. Liaisons will be established in accordance with policies described in the ALA Policy Manual.
B. Appointment authority. The LAMA President, Vice-President/President-Elect, Section Chair and/or Section Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect shall be responsible for recommending the establishment of liaison relationships for LAMA Board approval. They shall also be responsible for monitoring these relationships in cooperation with the appropriate authority of the other unit of ALA, other organization, or outside agency. Liaisons from LAMA to other organizations must be members of LAMA and, if appropriate, the Section making the appointment. Liaisons from LAMA shall be appointed by the Vice-President/President-Elect, and liaisons from LAMA Sections shall be appointed by the Section Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect. Liaisons to LAMA from other organizations shall not be required to be members of ALA, of LAMA, or of the Section.
C. Terms of appointment. Liaisons from LAMA to other organizations may be appointed for a two-year term and may succeed themselves only once. The LAMA President or Section Chair, in consultation with other members of the LAMA or Section Executive Committee, shall be responsible for regularly reviewing such appointments and for reviewing and evaluating liaison activity. Liaisons to LAMA from other organizations may be appointed for terms determined by the appointing body.
Article IX. Sections
Section 1. Establishment. Any group of twenty-five or more members of the Division, representing a field of activity distinct from existing Sections, may organize a Section upon recommendation of the Committee on Organization and with the approval of the LAMA Board. The name of the Section shall clearly indicate its field of activity. The ALA Handbook contains a list of current Sections and their charges.
Section 2. Relation to the Association.
A. Autonomy. Each Section shall, with approval of the LAMA Board, define its own function and shall manage its own affairs. Sections shall act in accordance with policies and practices established by the LAMA Board. Each Section shall have power to elect its own officers.
B. Representation on the LAMA Board. The presiding officer (Chair) of each Section shall be a voting member of the LAMA Board. The Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect of each Section serves on the Board without vote.
C. Committees and Discussion Groups. With the approval of the LAMA Board a Section may establish committees relating to its own affairs and may have discussion groups as specified in Article X Discussion Groups.
D. Jurisdiction. When conflicts of interest arise between Sections, the questions shall be referred to the Committee on Organization for recommendation to the LAMA Board for decision. Chairs of any two or more Sections who agree on a common project may, with the approval of the Board, establish an intersectional committee to carry on the project.
E. Finance. Each Section shall have responsibility for its own affairs including the expenditure of budgeted funds, as approved by the Board of Directors and with the approval of ALA.
Section 3. Nominations and Elections. Each Section shall make nominations for office and hold elections according to the LAMA Bylaws.
A. Nominating Committee. A committee of three members of the Section to nominate candidates from the membership of the Section for the offices of Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, Secretary and Members-at-Large shall be appointed by the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect. No member of the Section Executive Committee shall be appointed to the Nominating Committee. Members of the Nominating Committee shall serve for one year and shall not be eligible for immediate reappointment.
B. Nominations. The Nominating Committee shall present the names of two candidates for each office to be filled. The Nominating Committee shall file its report and written consent of nominees with the Section’s Chair and the LAMA Executive Director following a schedule corresponding with that followed in the election of ALA officers.
Section 4. Officers and Executive Committee.
A. The officers of each Section shall be Chair, Vice-Chair/Chair-elect, Secretary, immediate Past Chair, and two Members-at-Large. Duties of the officers shall be those delineated in LAMA policies and procedures.
B. The Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect shall be elected from the membership of the Section and shall serve a one-year term as Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, a one-year term as Chair or until a successor is elected and qualified, and a one-year term as immediate Past Chair or until a successor is elected and qualified. The Secretary shall be elected from the membership of the Section in alternate years and shall serve for two years or until a successor is elected and qualified. The two Members-at-Large shall be elected from the membership of the Section for two-year terms each in alternate years. They may succeed themselves only one.
C. The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of the Section as voting members. The Chairs of standing and ad-hoc committees and discussion groups as well as formally established liaisons shall be ex officio, non-voting members.
D. The Executive Committee shall have general oversight and direction of the Section. It shall make all decisions pertaining to the Section between annual and other meetings. It shall review and accept or reject all projects and budget requests of the Section as a whole and of its committees and make recommendations to the LAMA Board.
E. A majority of the Executive Committee of the Section shall constitute a quorum for Executive Committee meetings. In the absence of a quorum, or if an emergency makes a vote necessary before a meeting can be held, the Chair may authorize a vote using established ALA procedures. A majority of all votes so cast, but no less than two, shall be required to pass a motion.
F. Vacancies. Vacancies in the elected membership of the Executive Committee shall be filled as follows:
a. Chair. Any vacancy in the term of office of the Chair of the Section shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect. This shall not prevent the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect from serving a full term as Chair.
b. Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect. When a vacancy occurs in the office of Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, the LAMA Executive Committee, in consultation with the Section Executive Committee, shall appoint a Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect.
c. Secretary and Member(s)-at-Large. When vacancies occur in the offices of Secretary or Member(s)-at-Large, the Section Chair shall appoint a Secretary or Member(s)-at-Large to serve until the next regular election.
Section 5. Liaisons. Article VIII, Section 8 of these Bylaws covers the duties and responsibilities of Section liaisons.
Section 6. Committees. Sections may establish committees under the following conditions:
A. Establishment and Discontinuance. The Section Executive Committee may establish and discontinue committees with the approval of the LAMA Committee on Organization and the LAMA Board. The Section Executive Committee shall determine whether they are standing or ad hoc committees, define their functions, and enter them in the minutes of the Section Executive Committee. A joint committee may be established with another organization with the approval of the Committee on Organization, the LAMA Board, and ALA Council.
B. Appointments. The Section Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect shall appoint the members and Chairs of committees who shall take office at the conclusion of the annual conference when the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect becomes Chair. Such appointments shall recognize the policies regarding multiple committee and officer memberships of ALA and LAMA. The Section Chair shall also have the authority with the approval of the Section Executive Committee to remove members of the committees.
C. Vacancies. Vacancies among the members of the committees that occur after the commencement of committee member’s terms shall be filled by the Section Chair.
D. Terms. Persons appointed to standing committees shall be appointed for staggered two-year terms, renewable once for a total continuous term of no more than four years. Persons appointed to special committees shall be appointed for one-year terms, renewable twice for a total continuous term of three years.
Section 7. Task Forces. Sections may appoint task forces for a specific purpose and a specific duration.
Section 8. Discontinuance. The LAMA Board, after recommendation of the Committee on Organization, may discontinue a Section when in the opinion of the Board or of the membership of the Section the usefulness of that Section has ceased.
Article X. Interest Groups
Section 1. Establishment. Any group of members of the Division with a common interest that falls within the responsibilities of the Division, may petition to form an interest group which may be set up within the Division or one of its Sections, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Organization and approval of the LAMA Board, and also of the Section's Executive Committee if the group is to be placed within a Section. The petition shall provide a function statement, the requirements for membership, if any, and the signature of fifteen (or more) members in good standing of the Division.
Section 2. Membership. Membership shall be open to members of the Division who are interested in the purpose of the group and who fulfill the requirements for membership, if any.
Section 3. Officers. Each group shall elect a chair annually, and may elect other officers as required to carry out the business of the group. The chair shall coordinate the overall activities of the group , shall preside at meetings and shall be responsible for reporting the group's activities to the Board.
Section 4. Renewal. Renewal petitions for interest groups shall be submitted to the Committee on Organization every three years and be re-approved by the Board. In the event a petition is not resubmitted, the Committee on Organization shall recommend to the Board that the interest group be dissolved.
Article XI. Discussion Groups
Section 1. Establishment. Any group of fifteen of more members of LAMA may petition to organize a discussion group which may be set up within the Division or one of its Sections upon recommendation of the Committee on Organization and approval of the LAMA Board, and also of the Section's Executive Committee if the group is to placed within a Section.
Section 2. Discontinuence. The LAMA Board, after recommendation of the Committee on Organization, may discontinue a discussion group when in the opinion of the Board or the discussion group its usefulness has ceased. In the case of a discussion group within a Section, the recommendation of the Section's Executive Committee shall be obtained.
Section 3. Functions. Discussion groups provide opportunity for the informal interchange of ideas and information and for consideration of topics within the group's purview. Each discussion group shall have its purpose specified in the minutes of the LAMA Board.
Section 4. Governance. Each group shall elect a Chair at the ALA Annual Conference to arrange and conduct subsequent discussion meetings. The Chair shall insure that the group's activities are limited to discussion of topics within the group's purview. The Chair may appoint a steering committee as may be needed to assist in the group's activities.
Section 5. Membership. The discussion group shall consist of those Division members who participate in the activities of the discussion group. Only LAMA members shall be eligible to stand for election to Chair and to be appointed to committees.
Section 6. Reports. Discussion group Chairs shall report annually in writing to the LAMA Board about the major activities planned and completed by their discussion group.
Article XII. LAMA Affiliates
Section 1. LAMA Affiliates.
A. A LAMA Affiliate is composed of at least 10 members at the state/regional level who submit a petition, a roster of officers, and a constitution or bylaws statement for approval by the LAMA Board. The bylaws and activities of the petitioning group shall be consistent with the LAMA Bylaws. Upon approval by the Board, the LAMA Affiliate becomes a member of the Council of LAMA Affiliates.
B. LAMA Affiliates are organized to:
a. Support interest in library administration and management by offering programs, workshops, and other continuing education activities for members;
b. Build positive relationships between the state/regional membership and LAMA at the national level;
c. Develop other purposes that meet state/regional needs and that support the overall goals and purposes of LAMA.
C. LAMA Affiliates approved by the LAMA Board at the ALA Annual Conference, 1993, are recognized as Charter LAMA Affiliates.
D. LAMA Affiliates are to keep copies of their constitutions, bylaws, minutes, and directories of officers on file with the LAMA President and Executive Director.
Section 2. Council of LAMA Affiliates (COLA).
A. Composition. COLA is composed of two representatives, at least one of whom is a personal member of LAMA, from each LAMA Affiliate whose petition has been approved by the LAMA Board.
B. Purpose. COLA shall:
a. Provide a network for the exchange of information on activities and issues related to library administration and management;
b. Promote leadership opportunities for LAMA members, in addition to the existing track of committee appointments and elected positions within the LAMA Division structure;
c. Facilitate two-way communication between membership at the state/regional level and the LAMA Board.
d. Local Affiliates may develop other purposes that meet state/regional needs and that support the overall goals and purposes of LAMA.
Section 3. Relationship between COLA and its Affiliates.
A. COLA supports LAMA Affiliate activities by assisting with information and advice relevant to the Affiliates’ programs; by considering problems common to, or affecting the work of state/regional groups; and, by recommending to the LAMA Board such actions as deemed to be in the interest of the Affiliates.
Section 4. Finance. COLA may expend funds for activities of an Affiliate(s) upon the authorization of the LAMA Board following established ALA procedures.
Section 5. Officers.
A. The COLA Executive Committee consists of the Chair, Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, the immediate Past Chair, and the Secretary. The Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect and the Secretary are elected by COLA. The term of office of the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect is one year in that capacity, followed by one year as Chair and one year as Past Chair. The term of office of the Secretary is two years. COLA officers shall be elected from the COLA representatives.
B. Duties of the Chair. The Chair serves as a voting member of the LAMA Board; organizes, convenes and presides at COLA meetings; makes recommendations to the LAMA Board to establish and dissolve committees within COLA; makes recommendations to the LAMA Board to add new Affiliates; establishes and maintains communication channels between the Affiliates and LAMA; informs Affiliates of LAMA services; appoints COLA representatives to LAMA committees in consultation with the Vice-Chair; and solicits papers for group meetings and LAMA publications. The Chair reports on COLA activities to the LAMA Board at its regular meetings.
C. Duties of the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect. The Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect serves as an ex officio member of the LAMA Board; leads COLA meetings in the absence of the Chair; serves as liaison to the Chapter Relations Committee; and performs other duties as assigned by the Chair.
D. Duties of the Immediate Past Chair. The immediate Past Chair assists with the scheduling of meetings and performs other duties as assigned by the Chair.
E. Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary records and distributes the minutes of COLA meetings, maintains the roster of Affiliates, prepares information packets under the direction of the Chair and performs other duties as assigned by the Chair.
Section 6. Meetings. COLA shall meet at the time and place of the ALA Annual Conference and the Midwinter Meeting. Special meetings may be called by the Chair upon the written request of a majority of its members. Meetings shall be held in accordance with established ALA policy.
Section 7. Discontinuance. COLA may recommend to the LAMA Board the removal of affiliate status when an Affiliate has become inactive or its purpose becomes inconsistent with that of LAMA.
Article XIII. Vacancies
Section 1. President. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the Vice-President/President-Elect. This shall not prevent the Vice-President/President-Elect from serving a full term as President.
Section 2. Vice-President/President-Elect. The Executive Committee shall arrange for the election of Vice-President/President-Elect when a vacancy occurs.
Section 3. President and Vice-President/President-Elect. If vacancies occur in the offices of both President and Vice-President/President-Elect, the LAMA Board shall elect one of their number as President until an election by the membership has been held.
Section 4. Immediate Past President. If a vacancy occurs in the office of immediate Past President, it shall remain vacant.
Section 5. Secretary, Director-at-Large and ALA Councilor. Until the next election, the President shall make an appointment if a vacancy occurs in either of these offices.
Section 6. Section vacancies. Vacancies in Section offices shall be filled as provided in Article IX, Section 4.F. of these Bylaws.
Section 7. Discussion group vacancies. The Chair of the Section shall make an appointment if a vacancy occurs in a discussion group organized within a Section. The President shall make an appointment if a vacancy occurs in the Chair of a Division discussion group.
Section 8. COLA vacancies. A vacancy in the office of COLA Chair shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect. This shall not prevent the Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect from serving a full term as Chair. The COLA Chair shall make an appointment if a vacancy occurs in the office of Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect or Secretary.
Section 7. Committee and Liaison Vacancies. Vacancies may be filled by the original appointing authority.
Article XIV. Guiding Rules
Section 1. The latest edition of the parliamentary authority designated by ALA shall govern LAMA in all cases in which it can be applied and in which it is not inconsistent with the LAMA Bylaws or the ALA Constitution and Bylaws.
Article XV. Bylaws Adoption and Changes
Section 1. Adoption and amendments. Bylaws may be adopted and amended by a two-thirds majority of members voting, either attending any business meeting of the Division at which a quorum is present, or casting ballots in a vote using established ALA procedures.
Section 2. Notice of adoption and amendment. Before any proposed adoption or amendment may be submitted for vote it should have the written recommendation of the LAMA Committee on Organization and the approval of the LAMA Board, or it must have originated by written petition of not less than twenty-five members. In either case, notice of the new text, with a report from the LAMA Board, must have been given to the membership not less than one month before a vote is taken.
Adopted June 11, 1960.
Revised: August 31, 1962; July 6, 1965; July 14, 1966; July 3, 1970; June 28, 1972; July 21, 1977; June 24, 1979; June 1984; June 1989; June 1992; June 1996; June 2002; June 2005