CAUT | ACPPU
Canadian Association of University Teachers
CAUT Policies
Policy Statement on Library Councils
An integral part of post-secondary educational institution governance is the Library Council which is comprised of all academic librarians, including administrators. Through this collegial council, librarians participate fully in library governance and are charged with making recommendations on library planning, policy, and operating procedures.1. Mandate
1.1
The Library Council shall be mandated as a planning and policy-making body, not merely as an information-sharing committee. Discussion at the council shall include any issue which has an impact on the librarians, the library, or the post-secondary educational institution as a whole.
1.2
The mandate and structure of the Library Council shall be negotiated and defined in the collective agreement.
1.3
In accordance with its mandate the Library Council submits recommendations to the chief librarian, the senate library committee, the senate, the office to whom the library reports, or any other post-secondary educational institution body as appropriate.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
2.1
While not limited to the following, Library Councils shall consider and vote on issues and policies affecting librarians and the library, including:
• library policy;
• future directions of library service and operation;
• library budget proposals, prior to submission to senior administration;
• new positions;
• recommendations regarding the acquisitions budget;
• membership on other committees.
2.2
The Library Council shall review regularly the mission, goals, objectives, and priorities of the library. The council shall be charged with their implementation and periodic updating.
The Library Council shall seek input from all its constituents when discussing library services.
3. Composition or Membership
3.1
The Library Council shall include all academic librarians, who shall meet as peers.
3.2
The Library Council must provide for the effective participation of all academic librarians.
3.3
The chief librarian shall be an ex-officio member of the council, sitting as a peer with other librarians.
3.4
Representatives from other constituencies shall be determined by individual Library Councils.
3.5
Academic librarians shall constitute a majority of voting members of the Library Council.
4. Operating Procedures
4.1
Library Councils shall establish procedures to elect a chair from the council membership. The term of this position shall be defined.
4.2
Library Councils shall elect a secretary from their membership to take official minutes. The term of this position shall be defined.
4.3
While Library Councils are intended to operate as collegial committees, they shall follow rules of order parallel to those of Senate or Faculty Council.
4.4
Library Councils shall meet at least once in each academic term.
4.5
The chair shall complete an annual report of the Library Council’s activities, to be forwarded to the Library Council members, the chief librarian, the senate library committee, the senate, and the office to whom the library reports.
Approved by the CAUT Council, May 2008.
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