TABLE OF CONTENTS

Meetings & Minutes

Attending: Mario Ascencio (George Mason University), Maria Elena Burguera  (Montgomery County Public Library), Katherine Faulkner (University of Maryland), Laura Maldonado Hastert (George Washington University), Ana Rita Puertas-Meyers (Montgomery County Public Library), María Elena Niño (D.C. Public Libraries), Betty Valdés (Montgomery County Public Library)

I. Welcome and Introductions

Mario showed the gavel and letter opener that is passed down to the Reforma National president. They are both from Spain.

Mario spoke about some of the goals of Reforma National:

• Online membership forms (including paying membership dues electronically). Juan Carlos Rodriguez, from Cal State, Sacramento, is helping with this.

• The Chapter Representative might propose that the president of Reforma National should have a two year term

• There is a renewed interest in the Translation Committee. The committee should provide guidance and assistance to libraries which are trying to conduct outreach activities.

• Reforma should strengthen other association contacts.
  • ALA - Margaret Carty
  • DCLA - Jennifer Nutefall
  • There is going to be a DCLA/Reforma collaborative event about resume writing in October
  • IPRC
  • National Council of La Raza
  • MLA - Rich Gannon (University of Maryland alumnus)
  • Catholic University has expressed an interest in continuing to have collaborative events. The new dean is an alumna of the University of Maryland
  • We should look for ways to reach out to high school aged students to encourage the use of libraries and becoming librarians.
• Reforma should consider
  • establishing a more permanent business office location
  • grant writing

II. Elections

The nominees ran unopposed. Laura Maldonado Hastert made a motion that the nominees be accepted and Mario seconded the motion.

• Betty Valdés - President

• Lucia Acin-Andion - Vice-President

• Michelle Hinjosa Melencio - Secretary

• AnaRita Puertas-Meyers - Treasurer

III. Statements by the new officers

• Check writing privileges need to be changed

,
• Deadline: No later than the second week of September
• The brochure about our chapter needs to be revised and reprinted.

• Our chapter would like to suggest that a congratulatory letter should be sent from Reforma National to the employer of each of the newly elected chapter presidents. This will reinforce the fact that being active in Reforma is a very important and worthwhile form of professional development.

IV. Selecting a day and time to hold chapter meetings

The first meeting is very tentatively set for Wednesday, Sep. 19, 2007, from 3 - 5 p.m. This is contingent on the availability of a meeting room, as well as the secretary and the treasurer.

UPDATE: The meeting will be September 26th, from 3-5pm at the New Rockville Public Library. For directions to the library, please check: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Libraries/branchinfo/ro.asp    If you have any items you would like added to the agenda, please email the new REFORMA DC President at: Betty.Valdes@montgomerycountymd.gov

The current membership list should be reviewed to determine where active members work and possible rotate the business meetings to accommodate the people in different locations.

V. Comments? Questions? Concerns?

• Reforma might consider passing a resolution stating that we do not approve of measures that would infringe upon library services to non-citizens.

• Sunday, September 30th, is the Fiesta de D.C. on Mt. Pleasant St. The D.C. Public Library will be there. Volunteers are welcome! Please get in touch with Maria Elena Niño if you are interested.

• This is a proposed overview of annual chapter activities. This schedule is open for discussion. It is not meant to be restrictive; it is only a guide:

The chapter participates in four events annually. Two events are in the spring and are usually planned at the national level; we simply volunteer to help where we are needed. The chapter, itself, hosts two events in the fall, one of which is annual and the other is bi-annual.

 

- Dia de los Niños. Late April.

- National Library Legislative Day. Late June, around the time the ALA annual conference.

- The Washington, D.C./Baltimore Area Reforma Invited Speaker Series. Past programs have been about the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress; Latinos in Library Administration; and improving the quality of translation in Spanish language outreach material. Late September.

- Piñata de Recursos. (Bi-annual) A nationally recognized review of library outreach material that encourages the Spanish speaking community to use information resources. Late October or early November.

 

We also participate in local events of interest as necessary. For example, many of our members have volunteered with Teatro de la Luna, and special events at branches of the various public library systems.

VI. Adjournment