Council Resolutions

[monika antonelli <monikaantonelli@yahoo.com>]

Dear Colleagues,

 

Below you will find the guidelines for preparing Council resolutions.  Remember this information only applies to resolutions that will presented through Council and not be coming through a committee.

 

I am also attaching to this email a blank resolution form and an example resolution.  Feel free to contact me or the other Resolution Committee members if have any questions.  The Resolutions Committee members for 2007/2008 are: Patricia M. Hogan,  Peter McDonald, William D. Paullin, Elizabeth Ann Ridler, Wyma Jane Rogers, Michelle Cloonan,  David Easterbrook, Robert P. Holley, Erlene Bishop Killeen, and Jo Ann Pinder.

 

I applaud the resolution discussions that have already taken place.  Bringing resolutions up in advance helps us to use our Council Face-to-Face time more efficiently.  If you are planning to present a resolution at Annual I encourage you to get prior input from your peers.

 

See you at Annual,

 

Monika Antonelli

ALA Councilor at Large

Resolutions Chair

 

5.3 Council Resolutions: Guidelines for Preparation of Resolutions to Council

The following guidelines are addressed to individuals and units preparing resolutions to come before Council:

1. A resolution should be complete so that, upon passage, it becomes a clear and formal _expression_ of the opinion or will of the assembly.
2. Resolutions, including memorials, tributes, and testimonials, must show the initiating unit, mover, and seconder. Local telephone numbers must be given for movers and seconders. Committee resolutions need no second.
3. The resolution should address only one topic or issue.
4. The terms used in a resolution should be readily understandable or have specific definition.
5. The intent, objective, or goal of the resolution should be clear to all. The resolution form should state whether the resolution sets forth a general policy, an ALA viewpoint, or a specific call for action.
6. All ALA position statements shall set forth their relationship to libraries and library service.
7. If the resolution calls for a specific action or course of action in certain circumstances, the resolution should specify the resources needed to carry out the directive.
8. If the resolution calls for specific action or program with a timetable, the timetable shall be clear and achievable.
9. If the resolution is addressed to or refers to a specific group or groups, it shall name the group or groups in the "resolved" clause.
10. The mover of a resolution shall state on the resolution form whether the resolution amends or creates policy and shall identify the policy being changed and/or indicate the portion of the resolution to be cited as policy. If a policy set forth conflicts with another policy, provision to resolve the conflict shall be made.
11. All resolutions must be submitted by either a voting member of Council or an ALA Committee chair; memorial resolutions, tributes, and testimonials may be exempted from this guideline.
12. The rules of Council require submission of resolutions 24 hours prior to presentation to Council to allow time for reproduction and distribution.*
13. No resolution, except those from ALA committees, which has not been submitted to the Council Committee on Resolutions may be accepted for inclusion on the agenda until so reviewed.
14. A Council resolution which has fiscal implications must be submitted to the Executive Director 24 hours before it is to be voted on so that BARC can provide fiscal information as required in 5.2.*
15. Memorial resolutions, tributes, and testimonials will be presented to Council at the beginning of the last session of Council at each Midwinter Meeting, and to the Membership at the beginning of the last Membership Meeting at each Annual Conference:
    1. If copies are to be sent to other parties, the maker of the resolution shall provide names and addresses.
    2. All memorial resolutions, tributes, and testimonials should be seconded.
    3. Presiding officer will read the names of persons/organizations recognized by a formal resolution; the names will be displayed on the screen and copies of each resolution will be available at the information table.
    4. American Libraries will carry an annual "memorial page" listing those members who have died since the preparation of the previous Conference Program.
16. Council members may submit a resolution or resolutions prior to the Annual Conference of Midwinter Council meetings by communicating the resolution to the chair of the Council Committee on Resolutions through electronic mail or other means of information transfer.

Attachment: ALA RESOLUTION FORM.doc
Description: 2063505869-ALA RESOLUTION FORM.doc

Attachment: ALA RESOLUTION FORM example.doc
Description: 1561247224-ALA RESOLUTION FORM example.doc