DC/SLA Board Meeting Minutes – September 29, 2003 (October Meeting)

CALL TO ORDER
Susan Fifer Canby called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm at the National Geographic Society.

AGENDA
Sheryl Rosenthal made the motion to accept the agenda and was seconded by Joan Gervino. The motion passed.

MINUTES
Ann Caputo made the motion to accept the minutes; Sheryl Rosenthal seconded and the motion passed.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Susan Fifer Canby reported on an article in the local paper The Current that featured an article on the SLA Headquarters building and recent difficulties concerning replacement windows. John Latham reported that SLA has received an offer on the building and that SLA is looking at a building in Old Town Alexandria on Patrick Street.

Susan also distributed an update roster.

Professional Development Minute: Centered on understanding the Chapter Budget. Questions were raised about how much should be kept in reserve. SLA Headquarters requires a minimum of one half the yearly operating budget be kept in reserve. Barbara Folensbee-Moore questioned why such a large amount when member dues are meant to be spent on programs. Susan will check with SLA about the reserve requirements. Further discussion of the budget raised these additional points: --Chapter has more money than in the past, due to drop in newsletter costs and increased membership --strategic plan should help to determine how to allocate and spend funds --donations from vendors and ad revenue fluctuates

Susan also noted a card from Kitty Scott commending DC-SLA programs and also expressing some regret concerning the headquarters building.

PRESIDENT ELECT
Sheryl Rosenthal reviewed changes in the calendar. She also reported that the Spy Museum program was very well organized and had a large turnout. Sheryl also reported on various Dine-Arounds. She also noted that the two networking events that were cancelled due to Hurricane Isabel were rescheduled into a single event on October 17. Sheryl also noted the Copyright session on October 22. Sheryl also announced that Jill Konieczko will take over as Membership Chair. Cynthia Kahn will continue to coordinate the Book Club.

Hospitality Committee
Barbara Folensbee-Moore reported that an announcement about the New Members Reception has been posted to the Web site. A tour of the City Museum Library will be available for a limited number.

TREASURER'S REPORT
Susan Fifer Canby asked for clarification on the savings, SLA pooled fund and operating accounts. Erin Clougherty explained what information is contained on the Cash Flow Report, Net Worth Report and Budget. A further discussion was held as to how the numbers correspond to each other on the Cash Flow Report and Budget. Erin advised that it was sometimes difficult to track payments associated with an event when the prices were in the same month. She encouraged the hospitality and program chair to set discrete prices. Erin also reviewed SLA headquarter requirements for financial reporting. The draft of the 2004 budget would be reviewed at the next meeting.

DIRECTORS' REPORTS
Joan Gervino distributed a draft of a mission statement and strategies. Joan made a motion to accept the document and post it to the Web site and discussion list. Alphonse Vin seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Joan also asked the Board to take the draft questionnaire on Survey Monkey and report to her any comments and particularly how long it takes to complete.

Alphonse Vinh reported that he will be meeting with Jill Konieczko and Cynthia Kahn to strategize and to ease the transition. Alphonse also reported on the SLA recruitment campaign. Alphonse also reported on the revival of the Catholic University student chapter.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Chapter Notes
Cynthia reported that it is necessary to purchase new software.

Website Susan Fifer Canby reported for Cassandra Shieh that she still needs photos of Board Members and Committee chairs.

John Latham reported that they will be setting up a Career Competencies and Employment portal. He is currently accepting ideas and suggestions.

Ann Caputo reported that the Chapter’s 50th Anniversary was in 1990 and is working on

Young Professionals/Mentoring
Cassandra Harper reported that the are working with Alphonse Vinh to plan a campaign.

Outreach
Kenlee Ray reported that she and Nancy Wynn have been working at the Sousa Library. Kenlee also discussed the various supermarket rewards programs.

Bach Consort—

OLD BUSINESS

Directory
Eileen Deegan reported that directory should show up in about 2 weeks. The committee has worked very hard and met all the deadlines. Eileen will write up an announcement for the list and have order forms available at the New Members Reception. The fate of an electronic directory is in doubt. A question about legal assistance was raised and if available from SLA headquarters.

NEW BUSINESS

Victor Monti will be working with the Military Librarians as liaison to the Board.

Ann Caputo reported on her trip to Nashville to look at Opryland Hotel—she called it “stunning”.

Susan Fifer Canby reported that there have been no new requests for consulting services, but that the committee is working on current requests.

The Executive Committee will meet before the Holiday Party from 5:30-6:00 pm.

Adjournment
Susan Fournier made the motion for adjournment at 7:30, Joan Gervino seconded and the motion passed.

Submitted by:
Susan R. Fournier
Recording Secretary