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SAIL Charter

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be Serving Adults In Libraries, also known as SAIL.

Article II: Relationship

This organization is an Interest Group of the Washington Library Association, as authorized by the Washington Library Association Bylaws. (Article XIII, Section 3.)

Article III. Purpose

The primary purpose of SAIL is to support librarians by:

  • Promoting programming for adults in libraries

  • Encouraging professional collaboration & networking

  • Conducting continuing education programs for library staff, particularly, but not exclusively, in the areas of reference and technology training and tools

Article IV. Membership

Any member of Washington Library Association may become a member of SAIL. Payment of dues is provided for according to the Washington Library Association Bylaws.

Article V. Officers and Steering Committee

  1. Section 1. The officers of SAIL shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair,  Past-Chair, Communications/Secretary, and up to two (2) Board members at large.

  2. Section 2. The Vice-Chair shall serve as incoming Chair and Treasurer. Board members at large shall represent the interests of reference, technology, adult programming and/or readers advisory.

  3. Section 3. The Steering Committee of SAIL shall consist of the officers as named above and other positions appointed by the chair and approved by a majority of officers.

  4. Section 4. The Chair, or their designee, shall serve as the SAIL representative to the Washington Library Association Board of Directors.

  5. Section 5. Ad-hoc committees shall be appointed by the Steering Committee as needed.

  6. Section 6. Officers shall serve a one-year term, and may be re-elected, serving a total of no more than four (4) consecutive years in one position.

Article VI. Nominations and Elections

  1. Section 1. A Nominating Committee, appointed by the Steering Committee, shall submit a list of nominees for the positions in Article V, to members present at an IG Meeting, or by electronic ballot in the month of March so that all officers will be in place by April of each year. Additional nomination(s) may be made on the electronic ballot.

  2. Section 2. Election Process: A ballot shall be sent to the membership or an election may be held at the annual business meeting or voting can be done electronically. A simple majority of members voting shall be sufficient to elect the officers. If election shall take place by ballot, ballots shall be sent to all SAIL members and allow 21 days to return said ballot and will include directions for members to vote using means as directed and approved by the SAIL Steering Committee. If election shall take place at the annual business meeting, notice of the slate to be voted on at the election must be sent out 30 days in advance of the election.

Article VII. Meetings

  1. Section 1. An annual business meeting shall be held in conjunction with the annual conference of the Washington Library Association, or at an IG Meeting. A simple majority of members present will be sufficient to implement decisions made at the annual meeting.

  2. Section 2. Meetings of the Steering Committee shall be scheduled as needed and may include online, telephone, or face-to-face meetings. Steering Committee meetings shall be open to any SAIL member who wishes to attend.

  3. Section 3. The Interest Group will hold a minimum of four membership and/or steering committee meetings during the elective year. Members are encouraged to attend all meetings.

Article VIII. Vacancies.

  1. Section 1. In the event of a vacancy in the Chair position, the Vice-Chair shall become the Chair. All other vacancies in Steering Committee offices shall be filled by the Chair with the approval of the SAIL Steering Committee. Officers appointed to fill vacancies shall serve until the next regular election.

  2. Section 2. Vacancies in any ad-hoc committees shall be filled by the Chair with the approval of the Steering Committee.

Article IX. Amendments

Any additions or amendments to the charter shall be submitted to the membership through a ballot or vote at the annual business meeting. Ballots will include directions for members to vote using means as directed and approved by the SAIL Steering Committee. A simple majority of the votes shall be sufficient to amend the charter.

Revised October 13, 2015 and subject to membership approval.