ALIA Far North Coast Regional Group (NSW)
Minutes of meeting held at Lismore base hospital library 19 July 2000
Present at meeting: Michael Wheeler, Leanne Goodwin, Cathie Nilon, Lainey Furness, Des Stewart, Denise Pittman, Glenda Kimmins, Louise Somerville, Robyn Murray, Janet Fletcher, Pauline Leeson and Marion Whitney.
Apologies: Judith Field, Martin Field, Alison Ransome and John Pinson.
Opening
Michael Wheeler opened the meeting in the absence of Narendra Anuj, our former President.
Resignation of president, Narendra Anuj
Marion Whitney asked that in the item 'ALIA Far North Coast Survey Report' that paragraph beginning 'Marion Whitney commented...' should be amended to conclude with the statement 'However, Marion stated that we should do all that we can to continue the existence of the Far North Coast Regional Group.'
It was also brought to the attention of the Secretary that Louise Sommerville had attended the last meeting but had not been included in the attendance. It was also noted that our guests, Stephen Coppins and Katherine Raper should be added to the list of those present.
The motion that these changes should be made to the minutes was proposed by Louise Sommerville and seconded by Marion Whitney was agreed unanimously.
General business
Closure of the Far North Coast Group
In the light of the results of the Member Survey there was a discussion about what could be done to improve attendance.
Lainey commented that if there was waning interest in the Far North Coast Group by members this was not reflected in the efforts by the executive to provide opportunities for the members to meet and to improve their professional skills. Lainey emphasised that any comment she was making on the possible future of the Group's existence was not necessarily that of any member of the Executive, but that she was passing on the information which was given by respondents to the Survey.
The comment was made and discussed that the meetings should be more casual and that there should be more social interaction. The meeting at the Northern Rivers hotel when the graduating Library Technicians farewelled Richard Hughes was given as an example of a successful Group activity.
As a way of improving communication amongst Group members, it was suggested that an email newsletter be distributed. Whilst members without email access may feel excluded it was felt that the benefits would outway the disadvantages. To help overcome this, the FNC Group could organize a 'buddy' system whereby any member without email facilities could be teamed up with a volunteer member who has email access, who would then forward a printed copy of any emailed information. An E-Discussion List was another suggestion for a means of communication.
Vote of thanks to Narendra Anuj
The meeting extended a vote of thanks to Narendra for his contribution as President. The Secretary to write to Narendra to advise him of the thanks expressed by the meeting.
Reappraisal Of Membership Survey
Marion Whitney suggested that a reappraisal of the Membership Survey should be undertaken to ensure that nothing has been missed in the responses that would assist in improving attendance at meetings. Lainey Furness offered the returns to Marion for reappraisal and stated that the returns were always available to members for analysis.
Membership Survey
Several members present at the meeting commented that Lainey Furness has done an excellent job of designing and analysing the Survey. Members at the meeting formally thanked Lainey for her work.
Library Technicians Workshop At Grafton
Louise Somerville advised that the proposed Library Technicians workshop at Grafton (refer to minutes of 13 April meeting) will be held on 12 August at Roches Family Hotel 85 Victoria Street Grafton.
There will be two sessions:
9:30 to 12:30 Job applications and Interview skills
1:30 to 4:30 Childrens Story telling and craft activities
Please telephone Louise Sommerville at 66251235 (b) or 66214318 (h) for more information.
Visit By Mairead Brown President Of ALIA
The ALIA President will be visiting regional groups later this year. The Secretary is to write to the President asking for the date of the visit to ensure members are aware of when this might be.
Next Meeting
The next meeting has been scheduled for early October and will be around a casual social event, meeting at a Lismore Hotel. Please watch your mail, email and the FNC e-Discussion List for details of date, time, place.
Meeting closed
The meeting closed at 7:00pm
Michael Wheeler, Secretary
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