Library Council of Washington: About the LCW

The mission of the Library Council of Washington is to promote access to library service and information resources for all people of Washington state. To meet this commitment, the council's membership represents the broadest possible range of library community interests.

Roles of the Library Council of Washington:

1. Serve as an advocate and a catalyst for developing and implementing statewide library programs that will improve service to all people in Washington through libraries;
2. Provide a forum for the library community to discuss issues of concern; individual members keep their constituents abreast of the council's progress and regularly request their input;
3. Advise the State Librarian and the Office of the Secretary of State on statewide areas of need in library service, and on library development in Washington state;
4. Encourage and support cooperation among libraries of all types throughout the state;
5. Assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of statewide library development plans and long range Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) plans;
6. Advise the State Librarian and Office of the Secretary of State on the use of federal funds;
7. Pursue opportunities for collaboration with other agencies and community partners who share similar interests with libraries; and
8. Advocate on behalf of Washington libraries in collaboration with other organizations.

Article 1 - Mission

The State Library: Connecting Washington through the power of libraries

The State Library builds prosperous and informed communities by providing access to information, technology, and professional support. The mission of the Library Council of Washington (LCW) is to support this mission by promoting access to library services and information resources for all Washingtonians. The LCW advises the State Librarian and the Office of the Secretary of State on areas of need in library service. To meet this commitment, the LCW's membership endeavors to represent the broadest possible range of library community interests.

Article 2 - Membership

Appointment

The State Librarian and the Secretary of State appoint thirteen members as authorized by WAC 304-12-030.

Members

Members represent libraries, communities, and constituencies as specifically outlined by LCW. These can include types of libraries, populations represented, or services provided.

• Members serve three-year terms. Each term of office begins on January 1 after appointment.
• A second three-year term can be served with the consent of the State Librarian. No person can serve more than two, full, consecutive terms.
• The State Librarian appoints a member to fill any vacancy for the remainder of that term. An individual serving at least one year of an unexpired term is considered to have served a full term.
• The LCW may recommend that the State Librarian and the Secretary of State appoint a replacement for any member whose absences impair effective participation.

LCW members serve without compensation; however, they can be reimbursed for expenses for meetings and approved business of the LCW, in accordance with the provisions of Washington State Travel regulations.

Ex-Officio Members of the LCW

The Washington State Librarian and the Dean of the Information School at the University of Washington are ex-officio members of LCW. These members, or their designees, may attend and participate in all matters of the LCW, but do not have the right to vote.

Article 3 - Officers

The LCW elects a Chair and a Vice-Chair from its membership at the last meeting of the year.

• The Chair of the LCW presides at all meetings of LCW, appoints all committees, and performs all other duties necessary for the fulfillment of the objectives and decisions of the LCW.
• The Vice-Chair presides in the absence of the Chair and fulfills the duties of the Chair in the Chair's absence, inability to serve, or removal from office.
• The Officers elected serve one year or until their successors are elected.

Article 4- Meetings

Schedule

Regular meetings of the LCW may be held quarterly, or as requested by the State Librarian. The date, time and location follow the laws of the State of Washington for open meetings.

Special Meetings, Emergency Meetings, and Study Sessions

Special meetings, emergency meetings and study sessions can be scheduled as needed.

Quorum

Seven members constitute a quorum. LCW members participating in any meeting by teleconference, videoconference, or other electronic means are considered present for the purpose of determining a quorum or for voting. A majority of those present are needed to take action on any item coming before the LCW. A representative from Washington State Library will make meeting notes to provide a record.

Article 5 - Committees

The Chair or State Librarian may appoint standing or special committees as needed.

Article 6 - Amendments

These bylaws may be revised or amended at any regular or special meeting of the LCW with an affirmative vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) or more of the members present, in person or by proxy, with the provision that the LCW receive copies of the proposed changes at least one (1) week prior to the meeting.

Originally adopted on 1/5/1999. Amended 7/20/1999, 9/5/2002, 9/21/2010.