NMRLS 11th Annual Council of Members Meeting Highlights
Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen
Thursday, November 15, 2007

The NMRLS 2007 Annual Meeting was held at Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen this year. Attendees enjoyed a pleasant lunch followed by brief reports that included excerpts from the Annual Report and introduction of the FY2009 Plan of Service from Donna Beales (President) and Greg Pronevitz (Regional Administrator).

Please view a photo essay of the 11th Annual Council of Members at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nmrlsphotos/sets/72157603206928092/

After lunch, keynote speaker, Lane Glenn made a presentation on Appreciative Inquiry. Dr. Glenn is Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northern Essex Community College. Appreciative Inquiry (Ai) is a new way of leading positive change that can be rapid, sustainable, and transformative. It is a way of being and of seeing, a strengths-based approach to change, rather than a deficit-based approach. Its assumption is simple: Every human system-a department, a classroom, a library or an entire organization-has something that works right, something that gives it life when it is vital, effective, and successful. Ai begins by identifying this positive core and connecting to it in ways that heighten energy, sharpen vision, and inspire action for change. Ai can be used to build teams, conduct strategic planning, improve and enhance communication in organizations, find common ground, and create an appreciative, positive climate for change.

During the business meeting the membership approved Minutes of the 2006 Council of Members Meeting; accepted the Annual and Treasurer's Report; and approved the FY2009 Plan of Service and Budget; and unanimously elected the following slates of candidates:

Slate of Candidates for Two-year Terms

Name	Term Ends
Sidney Berger Phillips Library, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem	2009
John Callahan University of Massachusetts, Lowell	2009
Lori Hodgson Burlington Public Library	2009
Nadine Mitchell Lynn Public Library	2009

Slate of Officers for Two-year Terms

Name	Title	Term Ends
Phil Conti Lay Representative Carlisle	Treasurer	2009
Diane Giarrusso Boxford Town Libraries	Secretary	2009

Slate of Officers for Three-year Terms

Name	Title	Term Ends
Jeffrey Klapes Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield	VP/President elect President Past President	2010

L to R: Becky Herrmann, Sue Ellen Holmes, and Mary Rose Quinn

Donna Beales recognized outgoing Board members: Becky Herrmann (Director, Chelmsford Public Library), Ann Tomes (Beverly Hospital), Sue Ellen Holmes (Director, Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover), and Mary Rose Quinn (Former Director, Saugus Public Library and incoming Director, Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover). Donna also recognized outgoing Personnel Committee Chair Bonnie Strong (Director, Abbot Library, Marblehead).

A Bylaws revision was approved as follows:

Was:

Article 10 - Restrictions on Activities
Notwithstanding any other provisions of these bylaws, no director, officer, employee, agent, or any other representative of the corporation shall take any action or carry on any activity by or on behalf of the corporation not permitted to be taken by an organization exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, or any corresponding section of any future tax code.

Change to:

Article 10 - Restrictions on Activities and Conflicts of Interest

Section 10.1 Restrictions on Activities

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these bylaws, no director, officer, employee, agent, or any other representative of the corporation shall take any action or carry on any activity by or on behalf of the corporation not permitted to be taken by an organization exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, or any corresponding section of any future tax code.

Section 10.2 Conflicts of Interest

Whenever a director, officer, or Council member has a financial or personal interest in any matter coming before the Executive Board or Council of Members, the affected person shall a.) fully disclose the nature of the interest and b.) withdraw from discussion, lobbying, and voting on the matter. The minutes of meetings at which such votes are taken shall record such disclosure and abstention.