The efforts of Illinois Heartland Library System are always made better and stronger when done in conjunction with member input. Therefore, we invite members to take a look at a proposed change to the IHLS Board bylaws:
This policy was reviewed in a first reading at the IHLS Board of Directors meeting on May 27, 2025. It is now open for Member Comment.
If you are a member of Illinois Heartland Library System, we encourage you to review the proposed policy and to share your thoughts in a formal comment. You must log in through L2 to access the comment form on this page.
Member comment is open now here on this page through 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025.
Comment Section
I have no concerns with the…
I have no concerns with the changes. Thank you to those involved in updating the document!
I have no concerns
Everything in the Bylaws looks good to me. Thank you to those involved in updating the document!
Could use some context - and greater clarity on what was changed
While I see nothing alarming or terribly concerning in this document, it is difficult to tell what exactly is being changed. Could a copy of this using something like MS Words revision marking mode be provided, that would show the old language that is being removed and the new language that is taking its place? It would also be helpful to have some context in terms of:
I'm not sure I have the information needed to know whether to support the changes proposed.
Clarification of existing policy versus recommended changes
A red line next to a section is not a good sign of what's changing. I agree with John that the text currently in the policy needs to be shown and then the changes shown rather than just seeing the changes. I'm not saying anything underhanded is happening but proper markings show procedure and proper procedure being followed.
Terms of Office on the Board and Executive Board
In section 5 Terms of office: There should be a term limit for the Board. No board member should serve more that six years either consecutively, or two three year terms. Bringing back people people to serve for a total of nine or 12 years is counterproductive. This has happened in the past. The Board should reflect current populations and positions so that the possibility of reverting back to what was does not occur and that moving forward does happen with new fresh leadership.
In section 8 the portion that says an Executive Board Member can only serve in the same office for two years, instead of saying they can only serve on Executive Board two years. With the way it is currently stated there is a possibility of a Board Member actually rotating offices and being on the Executive Board for four, or six years or more if section 5 above stays This has happened in the past. There are fifteen board members and the board should not be led by the same people in essence rotating positions on the Executive Board. Executive Board leadership needs to reflect the broad views of the members with fresh revolving leadership and not have the possibility of the Board getting stale by repeatedly having the same people in an Executive Board position.
Contextual information
Hello:
It read pretty standard. But I would have liked to know what changed from this revision from the previous version. It would have been nice to know and more productive. Overall, understandable and totally plausible.
Thank you for this work and all efforts.
Gwen Harrison, Director
Lincoln Library, Springfield's Public Library