GLBT-RT

Congratulations to Nancy Silverrod, our incoming co-chair, and Tracy Netcoux, our incoming secretary!

Minutes:

Bibliographies – Everyone was in agreement that moving to the CDs is a good idea, for ecological as well as end-user satisfaction. Although we have yet to find funding, the cost of 400 read/ writable CDs and jewel cases shouldn’t be too much more than our current printing costs. Todd wanted to ensure that a link to the website is included on the jewel case, as well as on the .pdfs themselves, to point them towards updated versions. Bill will be writing up an update as to how the bibs themselves are progressing.

Mentoring – Amanda does not believe she has the time necessary to promote the mentoring initiative to the fullest extent. Andy has agreed to spearhead this project, and Amanda will offer support. Amanda will be getting him the Excel documents. Should they need an extra hand, Paul will recruit someone. Amanda and Andy will write some copy to promote the program, and Todd will make announcements on our various web presences. Paul will promote the project at the midwinter social, as well. Amanda will be getting us some numbers today.

We discussed whether the goal of the mentoring is general purpose, or specific goal achieving. It was generally thought that a general-purpose approach is best. On both forms is a “what do you want to teach/ learn” question, and Amanda said that gets a lot of weight when she’s making pairs, so as the pool of people increases, we should be able to accommodate both.

2.0 – Todd said that the MySpace and Facebook pages continue to acquire “friends”. The blog is still down, with no word as to when it’ll be operational again. A discussion on using the pages to promote the RT led to a discussion of what the purpose and the goals of the RT are. This discussion was set aside until later in the meeting, but it was agreed that until we have some clear direction, there is not much more we can do with our 2.0 initiatives.

Database – David reported that the database is at best an educated guess, as the data coming from ALA still isn’t 100% accurate. A small discussion was had as to whether we should approach under-represented groups to increase our diversity, or focus our marketing efforts towards what seems to be our core demographic, to increase our presence there. While both are important, we have neither the time nor money to pursue both options simultaneously. A tentative agreement was reached that we should market to our core group first, but we are still seeking people’s opinions.

Social – David reported that the social is coming along, and requested information regarding a sound system. It seems the place and most of the food have been donated. Anne Moore, Dale McNeill, and David have been doing excellent work. A discussion arose as to whether we should have a collection. We decided to hear from Dale regarding the budget before anything is decided. The question as to whether the social is still a membership responsibility also arose. Paul’s memory was spotty as to whether it had already moved to an ad hoc committee, or if that will happen after Annual. David mentioned that he had heard Steve Stratton might be a good man to approach regarding Annual’s social, and Andy will call him today to broach the subject.

Programming and Mission/ Vision statements – Paul had a list of possible programs for the programming committee, and encouraged others to browse through the database to see what struck them. He’ll be typing us his list and sending it out for comments today. When asked what the purpose and goals of the entire RT should be, it was agreed unanimously that that is a discussion for SC. Paul mentioned his unsuccessful attempts to get a formal mission statement adopted by the SC, but will broach the topic again at Midwinter. Everyone concurred that without a clear purpose and direction, acquiring and retaining members is much more difficult.

Committee membership – Paul asked whether his unilateral decision to remove committee members he believed were not contributing inadvertently damaged the dynamics of the group. Todd and David both replied that it had not. Please share your opinion on this matter with Paul.

Topics on the agenda, but were skipped due to time –

Midwinter meet-up: Who’s going, and what are your schedules? The only things I have right now are RT meetings and CLENE meetings, and none of those are at night. I really enjoyed having a couple beers with you all at Annual.

Other projects: If you have an idea that will attract new members, or help keep existing ones, please share it. Speaking up isn’t asking to be project leader! We need some new ideas, though, or to expand upon existing ones. Share your thoughts!

Successor: Bill is the only person who expressed an interest in the Chair position. However, he has an inordinate amount on his plate right now, and may not be able to accept. If anyone else has the desire to lead the membership committee, please let me know ASAP.

2007 ALA BALLOT CANDIDATES WHO ARE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF DIVERSITY COUNCIL
CONSTITUENT GROUPS [AILA, APALA, BCALA, CALA, GLBTRT, REFORMA, ASCLA
LSSPS]

* Trevor Dawes BCALA
* John DeSantis GLBT-RT
* Lois Dye AILA
* Loida Garcia-Febp REFORMA, APALA
* Marti Goddard ASCLAs LSSPS
* Allene F. Hayes BCALA
* Albie Johnson BCALA
* Andy Johnson GLBT-RT
* Allan M. Kleiman GLBT-RT
* Em Claire Knowles BCALA, APALA
* Carolyn Lowe-Garnes BCALA
* Dale McNeill GLBT-RT
* Cristina D. Ramirez REFORMA
* Melora Ranney Norman ASCLAs LSSPS
* James Rettig GLBT-RT
* Rob Ridinger GLBT-RT
* Elizabeth Ridler ASCLAs LSSPS
* K.R. Roberto GLBT-RT, REFORMA
* John Sandstrom GLBT-RT
* Jim Simonis GLBT-RT
* Glady Smiley Bell BCALA, APALA
* Manuel Urrizola APALA, GLBT-RT
* Yolanda Valentin REFORMA
* Lucie Wall Stylianopoulous AILA
* Carlette Washington Hoagland BCALA
* Thomas Weissinger BCALA
* Thomas T. Wilding GLBT-RT
* Liana Zhou CALA

Don't forget to vote--polls open March 15.

John Bradford
GLBTRT Newsletter