Friday, September 10, 2021

WISCONSIN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Minutes

Friday, September 10, 2021

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Virtual: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/392669629

Mission Statement: WLA engages, inspires and advocates for library workers and supporters to improve and promote library services for the people of Wisconsin.

Present: Desiree Bongers, Katharine Clark, Jennifer Cook, Michael Doylen, Kristina Gomez, Sherry Machones, Kathy Michaelis, Gina Rae, Nyama Reed, Tracy Vreeke, Laura Sauser, Tom Klement.

Excused: Linda Jerome, Kris Turner.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order and a quorum was established at 10:02 a.m. by President Machones.

Consent Agenda

The consent agenda, which contained the minutes of the 8/6/2021 meetings and the current agenda, was accepted on a motion by Rae, seconded by Vreeke. Passed on a unanimous board vote.

Finance Report – Tom Klement

July 2021 Monthly Financial Report
- Behind on dues, hoping to catch up by Fall Conference.
- Goal is to eventually have 2,000 members; currently at approximately 1,450.
- Investigated conference cancellation policies and there are too many exclusions to make it worthwhile

President’s Report – Sherry Machones

WLA Fall Conference – Desiree Bongers
- 84 programs accepted, with presenter agreements currently being submitted. Program information will be out by the end of the month.
- 26 booths sold, $1,500 in sponsorships received (in addition to WLAF and NFLS, plus two in-kind donations) and $825 in ads sold.
- 58 registrants, at least 44 paid.
- WLA Board Retreat Project List
  - Kristina will help Laura with social media and marketing.
  - Nyama and Kathy will review the membership rate for Friend and Trustee Boards and suggest ways to publicize it.
  - Sherry will assist Laura with a virtual conference workgroup.
  - Laura discussed the need to connect with members on a regular basis, such as a weekly newsletter; Tracy suggested an annual virtual fundraiser.
  - Membership – market to new hires; reach out to SRLAAW; membership campaigns; Nyama will assist with developing a plan.

Executive Director Report – Laura Sauser

Report
- Would like to provide webinars for members, as a small cost, targeting special and academic library staff.
- Working on partnerships, including Covering Wisconsin, Alliant Energy, and PBS.
- LDI being planned for 2022.

ALA Councilor’s Report – Kristina Gomez