Updated as of April 18, 2014

Article I. Name

The name of this organization shall be the Bay Area Library and Information Network (BayNet)

Article II. Mission Statement

BayNet strengthens connections among all types of Bay Area libraries and information centers for communication, and cooperation.

Article III. Membership

  1. Categories of Membership:
    1. Personal: Any person who is interested in the objectives of BayNet.
    2. Honorary: A person who has made extraordinary contributions to librarianship or to BayNet is eligible for honorary membership upon endorsement by the Executive Board.
  2. Dues:
    1. Dues shall be determined by the Executive Board.
    2. Membership is effective upon payment of annual dues. The membership year is for twelve consecutive months, effective the month payment of dues is received. Membership rights are suspended for lapsed members until dues are paid. Dues are not refundable.
    3. Honorary members do not pay dues.
  3. Rights of Members:
    1. All Personal members have the right to vote in elections, to serve on the BayNet Board and on committees, and to receive specific publications as determined by the Executive Board.

Article IV. Executive Board

  1. Officers:
    The Officers of the organization shall be the President, the Vice President/President Elect, the Immediate Past President, the Treasurer, the Secretary and the following Representatives:

    1. Academic Libraries – 2 representatives
    2. Public Libraries – 2 representatives
    3. Special Libraries (For Profit) – 1 representative
    4. Special Libraries (Non Profit) – 1 representative
    5. At Large (school, academic special, or any other type) -1 representative
    6. School Libraries – 1 representative

    All Officers shall be elected by a vote of the membership at an annual election held in April or at the Annual Meeting.

  2. Prior to each election, a Nominating Committee, appointed by the Executive Board, will recommend a slate of candidates for all positions to be filled.
  3. Terms of Office:
    1. The Vice President/President-Elect shall serve the first year after election as Vice President.
    2. The Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected for a term of two (2) years.
    3. Representatives are elected to the Executive Board and serve for two (2) years after election.
    4. Representatives’ terms are staggered. One public library representative, one academic library representative, the special library (for profit) representative, the school library representative, and the Secretary will be elected in odd years. One public library representative, one academic library representative, the special library (non-profit) representative, the at-large representative, and the Treasurer will be elected in even years.
    5. Newly elected officers and members of the Executive Board assume office at the Annual Meeting. All officers and members of the Executive Board shall serve until the adjournment of the Annual Meeting, or if there is no annual meeting, until July 1 following the election of their successors.
  4. Vacancies:
    1. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the Vice President.
    2. A vacancy in the office of Vice President shall be filled by a special election.
    3. A vacancy of any Executive Board member other than President or Vice President shall be filled by appointment (made by the Executive Board).
  5. Duties of the President.
    The President shall be the chief officer ofBayNet and shall:

    1. Preside at and conduct membership meetings and meetings of the Executive Board.
    2. Appoint such committees or subcommittees as may be required by these bylaws, or as the President may deem necessary, subject to approval of the Executive Board.
    3. Act as liaison between BayNet and other library networks.
    4. Perform such other duties which are incident to the Office of President or as may be prescribed by the Executive Board.
    5. Deliver to the successor President all books and other property at the expiration of the term of office.
  6. Duties of the Vice President.
    The Vice President shall:

    1. Perform the duties of the President in the event of the President’s absence.
    2. Be the BayNet public relations liaison with other library, professional and community groups.
    3. Organize the Annual Meeting.
    4. Deliver to the successor Vice President all books and other property at the expiration of the term of office.
  7. Duties of the Treasurer.
    The Treasurer shall:

    1. Collect annual fees and other monies as required.
    2. Keep an account of all funds received and expended, and make disbursements as authorized by the Executive Board and approved by such officers as the Board may prescribe.
    3. Prepare and recommend an annual budget for Executive Board approval.
    4. Deliver to the successor Treasurer all books and other property at the expiration of the term of office.
  8. Duties of the Secretary.
    The Secretary shall:

    1. Attend all meetings of the Executive Board.
    2. Keep a record of proceedings of all Executive Board meetings and membership meetings.
    3. Deliver to the successor Secretary all books and other properties at the expiration of the term of office.
  9. Duties of Representatives
    The Representatives shall:

    1. Assist in the preparation of all meeting agendas.
    2. Contribute as called upon toward the accomplishment of the missions of the organization.
    3. Represent BayNet on committees of other regional library networks.

Article V. Meetings

  1. Membership
    1. The Executive Board meets at least every two (2) months beginning in July and conducts an annual membership meeting in the spring. Executive Board meetings are open to all BayNet members.
    2. The membership shall meet annually in the spring. The purpose of the meeting will be to transact any business which may come before the meeting, announce newly elected officers and present an educational program. The place and time of the meeting will be set by the Executive Board.
    3. The Executive Board may also, upon majority vote of the Board members, call any special meeting(s) it may deem necessary.
  2. Quorum.
    A quorum will consist of those members present.
  3. Powers.
    Voting members ofBayNet shall have the power to:

    1. Elect members of the Executive Board.
    2. Amend the Bylaws in accordance with Article VIII.
    3. Adopt the rules and agenda governing their meetings.
    4. Enact other measures as may be necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization and fulfill its mission statement.

Article VI. Programs of Cooperation

  1. The BayNet Executive Board will assess the needs and with the approval of the membership develop cooperative programs/committees. Examples of programs/ committees are:
    1. Newsletter
    2. Membership
    3. Events
    4. Social Media Coordinator
    5. Co-Publicist
    6. Archivist & Digital Records Manager
    7. Listserv Administrator
    8. Web Services Manager
  2. Programs/Committee Chairs will be solicited by the Board from among BayNet members and shall be ex-officio members of the Executive Board.

Article VII. Publications

The Executive Board shall authorize all BayNet publications. However, the Board is not responsible for individual statements or opinions expressed in BayNet publications (e.g., Newsletter, Web page).

Article VIII. Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by a simple majority of members voting following written notification of the proposed changes with text of the amendments. Ballots and notification can be by electronic means. Amendments may be proposed by the Executive Board or by a petition signed by twenty-five members. The petition shall be submitted to the secretary.

Article IX. Parliamentary Authority

Except as otherwise provided herein, the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised will govern the conduct of meetings.

Article X. Abolishment

  1. BayNet may be abolished by a simple majority vote of the membership following written notification by the Executive Board to all members with the text of the Statement of Abolishment.
  2. Upon abolishment, revenues will be used to cover outstanding debts and the Executive Board will dispose of the remainder in ways that will further library cooperation in the Bay Area.