Resolution on Member Access to American Library Association Council Transcripts
Here is the text for a resolution that will be presented at Annual Conference. You will notice some editing. The text is taken from a wiki and so has already started the typical process of editing that goes on up to the point we vote.
A short history of the topic: There is a strong desire from the councilors that council actions be as transparent and inclusive as possible. Given current budget restraints as well as time conflicts, there are many members who do not have an opportunity to view the council live. This is one effort in that direction. As obvious as some of this may seem, there are budgetary impacts for some of the proposed methods of addressing this goal, which make it a more difficult process, overall, than would be supposed. It has also been suggested, but no resolution yet offered, to do live podcasts/videocasts of the council sessions. Definitely a move in the right direction.
I am in favor of the end goal. Depending on how this one plays out, I will generally support any transparency we can accomplish.
Whereas, members of the American Library Association have expressed the need to understand more fully decisions made by the ALA Council, and
Whereas, not all members of the American Library Association can attend the Annual and Midwinter Conferences, and
Whereas, not all conference attendees at e American Library Association Conferences can attend the ALA Council meetings,
Therefore, be it resolved that the ALA Web Advisory Committee requests that the ALA Council staff post Council transcripts to a members-only page on the ALA web site, and
Therefore, Be it further resolved that this resolution shall be implemented on the ALA web site as soon as the ALA Executive Director deems it feasible by the next meeting of the association within 3 months of the adjournment of the Council meeting in which it is passed.