LOCAL AREA LIBRARY GROUPS/CHAPTERS

1. The purposes of local area chapters shall include:
   1. Promotion of Montana Library Association membership, involvement, and activities among as many interested persons as possible.
   2. Provision of a channel of communication for Montana Library Association members to and from the Board of Directors.
   3. Provision of continuing education activities at the local/area level.
2. Membership in local/area chapters may include persons who are not members of the Association.
3. The officers of a local/area chapter shall be chair, a Secretary, and any other officers provided for in the Bylaws of the local/area chapter. At least one officer shall be a member of the Montana Library Association and act as a liaison between the local/area chapter and the Association. The Bylaws of the local/area chapter shall provide for the succession of officers in the case of death, resignation, incapacity or unwillingness to serve.
4. If dues are assessed by a local/area chapter, the local/area chapter shall maintain a dues schedule separate from that of the Association's dues structure.
5. A local/area chapter shall submit to the Board of Directors an annual report of membership and activities at the same time as other official reports are due for inclusion in the annual report.
6. A local/area chapter shall not make public statements that conflict with the official position of the Montana Library Association.
7. The Board of Directors may withdraw its recognition of a local/area chapter which fails to abide by the foregoing guidelines. Upon a majority vote of its members, a local/area chapter may elect to discontinue its affiliation with the Montana Library Association.