Round Table on Women's Issues

Minutes on the meeting held at the 66th IFLA General Conference

August 16, 2000

Leena gave a summary of actions from the meeting on August 12, 2000.

There was a discussion on becoming a section. Marta Terry said we have a good track record and that we should become a section. Monica Ertel reported on her conversation with Wanda Dole, the Roundtable's Professional Board representative. Wanda indicated that this Roundtable did not have a good track record regarding submitting reports on time. She did indicate that the Roundtable had good programs with strong attendance but that the Professional Board paid attention to reports being turned in on time as well. She suggested that the Roundtable spend the next year getting our procedural processes in place and then apply to become a section once we have shown that we can meet deadlines. Our chances of success will be higher if we use this approach. This was discussed with the group and we agreed to pursue this avenue of action. It was noted that someone needed to attend the Coordinating Board meeting on Friday to represent the Roundtable and Monica Ertel agreed to be the Women's Issues Roundtable representative.

Sandra Parker reported on her research project which is a pilot survey on the status of women attending IFLA. She felt that it was also relevant to look at the status of men attending IFLA as well so that there would be comparative data. Monica Ertel was asked to take the proposal to the CB on Friday. [note: the proposal asked for 2,500 NGL and the CB tentatively approved 1,000 NLG but it must go before the PB in November for final approval.] Sandra noted that she would also have the survey translated into different languages. Marta Terry offered to do the Spanish translation.

It was noted that the Roundtable must improve the Call for Papers process. The Secretary puts out the call for papers and it should go on IFLAnet. Monica will check on deadlines. It was noted that a potential topic could be "Information Needs of Women." The overall conference theme is "Libraries and Librarians Making a Difference in the Information Age." One suggestion was to have a program celebrating the Women's Issues 10 year anniversary with a look back at what has been accomplished as well as a look ahead. It was suggested that Chrisine Deschamps might be a good speaker. Other suggestions for program ideas should be sent to Leena or Monica.

Financial reports are due to Wanda Dole on October 1, 2000.

The meeting ended at 3:20pm.

Respectfully submitted by Monica Ertel