The MCLS Board of Directors held their quarterly meeting on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at the MCLS offices in Indianapolis.

During the May meeting, the Board discussed options for the Indianapolis building. The Board noted that the rental listing for the Indiana building has been in place for 18 months without success and that, in light of the staff reductions due to expiration of our service contract with PALNI and the cost of maintaining the current building, it would be prudent to sell the building and look for an Indiana location for MCLS staff that is more efficient and cost-effective. MCLS has begun negotiations with a member library about use of space. The Board approved a Motion that the building be sold, subject to approval of the membership. Because the by-laws stipulate that only the membership can authorize the sale of real estate, the Board expects to call a special membership meeting in July. Exact date and time will be sent to MCLS members.

The Board also considered a letter from the Indiana State Library demanding the removal of the Indiana State Librarian from the MCLS Board. The Board decided to take the State Librarian off the list of current Board members immediately and to ask MCLS’ attorney to notify the State Library. Because removal from the Board requires a change in the by-laws, the Board voted to recommend to the membership that the by-laws be amended to remove the Indiana State Librarian. The membership will be asked to approve the by-laws amendment at the special meeting in July.

Remaining MCLS meeting dates and locations for 2011 are:
Board Meeting, August 17, 2011, Lansing, MI
Annual Membership Meeting, October 6, 2011, Lansing, MI
Board Retreat, November 3-4, 2011, New Buffalo, MI

Minutes of the MCLS Board meetings are posted on the MCLS Board web page after approval at the following meeting.

For a list of current MCLS Board members, see MCLS 2011 Board of Directors (pdf)