PNLA REPRESENTATIVE
JOB DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

DATE:  6/11/03

NAME:  Jan Zauha

TITLE: PNLA Representative

MISSION STATEMENT:  

Association Representatives (to PNLA, MPLA, and ALA) ensure that Montana's libraries and librarians are vital and respected components of national and regional library associations. They enlarge and share the resources and concerns of the state, improving the quality of Montana library services and collections through their interaction. They support professional development of Montana librarians through exploration and promotion of regional and national opportunities. They enhance the stature of Montana libraries and librarians by communicating local information and achievements to regional and national bodies. They help develop association leaders by promoting programs and professional development opportunities.

The mission of the PNLA Representative is specifically to serve as the representative of MLA to PNLA and form a liaison to interpret the wishes and policies of MLA to PNLA and PNLA to MLA.

GOALS: 

• Keep abreast of PNLA board and conference activities and communicate them regularly to the MLA board and membership.
• Track MLA activities and communicate them regularly to the PNLA board and membership. 
• Advise PNLA on matters of interest to MLA. 
• Advocate for PNLA committee appointments from the Montana membership. 
• Serve as PNLA membership point person for Montana MLA/PNLA members.

OBJECTIVES: 

• Attend all PNLA board meetings and the annual conference of PNLA. 
• Report orally to MLA membership at MLA Annual Conference. 
• Submit reports on activities occurring within the state at all meetings of the PNLA board. 
• Attend all MLA board meetings and the MLA Annual Conference. 
• Provide PNLA membership information at MLA Annual Conference through an exhibit booth and membership drawings as appropriate. 
• Submit reports on activities occurring within PNLA at all meetings of the MLA Board. 
• Submit an annual report to the PNLA Secretary and the MLA President to be included in the reports at the PNLA and MLA annual conferences.  For PNLA, give one copy to the Secretary, one to the PNLA Quarterly editor, and one to the conference chair. 
• Vote on issues at PNLA and MLA board meetings. 
• Write columns on Montana library and MLA news for each issue of PNLA Quarterly. 
• Write columns on PNLA news for each issue of MLA Focus. 
• Subscribe to and monitor PNLA-L and Wired MT discussion lists.

TIMELINE:  

Summer 

• Attend MLA Board meeting (July or August) 
• Attend PNLA Conference (May or August) 
• Submit August Focus column (late July) 
• Submit budget request to MLA Executive Director (by June 15) 

Fall 

• Attend PNLA Board meeting (late September or August) 
• Attend MLA Board meeting (November) 
• Submit October Focus column (late September) 
• Submit December Focus column (late November)

Winter 

• Submit February Focus column (late January) 
• Attend PNLA Board meeting (February) 
• Attend MLA Board meeting (January or February)

Spring 

• Submit April Focus column (late March) 
• Attend MLA Conference (April) and Conference Board meetings

JOB DESCRIPTION:  MLA active member; PNLA member; able to travel; willing to communicate issues orally and in writing at regular, frequent intervals.

COMMITTEE ROSTER: N/A

BUDGET:  

Request funding from MLA for: 

• PNLA conference attendance (registration, travel expenses, per diem) 
• PNLA Board meeting (one, PNLA pays other board meeting expenses)

Request funding from PNLA for: 

PNLA Board meeting (one)

HISTORY: 

In 1938 the 1st joint MLA/PNLA Conference was held in Glacier National Park.

Past PNLA Representatives have included:

2002-2004 Jan Zauha
2000 - 2002 Jan Zauha 
1998 - 2000 Barry Brown 
1996 - 1998 Gloria Langstaff 
1994 - 1996 Bette Ammon 
1992 - 1994 John Thomas

PROBLEM AREAS:  

MLA is a member of two regional library associations, MPLA and PNLA. As a result, PNLA membership in Montana is not robust. This position is always challenged to attract new Montana participation in PNLA and it is therefore even more important for the PNLA Representative to communicate frequently and thoroughly with the MLA membership and board.

[ Home ] [ Up ]