WOMAN’S BOOK ASSOCI BOARD OF DIPECIORSMINUTES OF 1990 MEETING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENT……………………………………………………………….i-ii

INDEX ALPHABETICAL………………………………………………………….iii-iv

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION………………………………………………….1

1989 BOARD NINUTES……………………………………………………………….1

REPORT OF CHAPTER ACTIVITIES………………………………………………2-5

Binghamton chapter…………………………………2Boston chapter……………………………………….2Detroit chapter……………………………………….3Los Angeles chapter………………………………....3Nashville chapter…………………………………….4New York chapter……………………………………4San Francisco chapter………………………………..5Washington chapter………………………………….5

REPORT OF NATIONAL OFFICERS……………………………………….5-9, 25-26

President Report…………………………………..5-6Vice President Report……………………………….7Secretary Report…………………………………….7Treasurer’s Report………………………………...7-9Past President Report………………………………25

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS……………………………………………10-12

The Bookwoman…………………………………10-11Corresponding Membership………………………...11Education for Publishing………………………...11-12 Develop Committee……………………………..22-23Pannell Award…………………………………..23-241992 WNBA Award…………………………….24-25

OLD BUSINESS……………………………………………………………………12-14

Procedures Manual………………………………….12Publicity……………………………………………..12Archives……………………………………………..12

1990-1991 Budget…………………………………...13Potential New chapters………………………………13Suggested Name change……………………………..13

NEW BUSINESS……………………………………………………………………14-22

National Library Week………………………………14Chivas Regal Entrepreneurial Award………………..14Publishers Weekly……………………………………15Clairol Mentor Program for Women…………………15National Council of Women………………………….15Assistant Treasurer…………………………………...1675th anniversary…………………………………..16-21WNBA Headquarters Fee…………………………….21Nominating Committee/Election……………………..221991 Board Meeting…………………………………..251990 WNBA Award……………………………….25-26SLA Women’s Issues Caucus…………………………26WNBA Presidency…………………………………….26

INDEX, ALPHABETICAL

Archives…………………………………………………………….12

Assistant Treasurer………………………………………………….16

Binghamton chapter Report………………………………………….2

Board Meeting (1991)……………………………………………….25

Board Minutes………………………………………………………..1

The Bookwoman………………………………………………….10-11

Boston Chapter Report………………………………………………..2

Budget (1990-1991)………………………………………………….13

Chivas Regal Entrepreneurial Award………………………………..14

Clairol Mentor Program for Women…………………………………15

Corresponding Membership………………………………………….11

Detroit Chapter Report………………………………………………...3

Development Committee………………………………………….22-23

Education for Publishing (MEA)………………………………….11-12

Headquarters fee………………………………………………………21

Los Angeles Chapter Report……………………………………………3

Name Change (Suggested)…………………………………………….13

Nashville Chapter Report……………………………………………….4

National Council of Women…………………………………………...15

National Library Week…………………………………………………14

New Chapters, Potentia1……………………………………………….13

New York Chapter Report………………………………………………4

Nominating Committee…………………………………………………22

Pannell Award……………………………………………………….23-24

Past President Report……………………………………………………25

President Report………………………………………………………..5-6

Procedures Manua1……………………………………………………...12

Publicity………………………………………………………………….12

Publishers Weekly………………………………………………………..15

San Francisco chapter Report……………………………………………..5

Secretary Report…………………………………………………………..7

SLA Women’s Issues Caucus…………………………………………...26

75th Anniversary……………………………………………………..16-21

Treasurer Report………………………………………………………..7-9

Vice President Report…………………………………………………….7

Washington Chapter Report………………………………………………5

WNBA (1990) Award……………………………………………………25

WNBA (1992) Award………………………………………………...24-25

WNBA Presidency……………………………………………………….26

WOMEN’S NATIONAL BOOK ASSOCISIATIONNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECIORS MEETING

MINUTES OF MEETING JUNE 25-26, 1990

American Library Association, Chicago

Present:Marie Cantlon, WNBA President, Boston ChapterCarolyn T. Wilson, WNBA Vice President, Nashville ChapterSusan Trowbridge, 1989/90 Treasurer, Boston ChapterMargaret E. Auer, Secretary, Detroit ChapterPamela Banks, Past President, Boston ChapterSylvia Cross, Treasurer, Los Angeles ChapterSue MacLaurin, President, Los Angeles ChapterEdith Phillips Past President, Detroit ChapterDiane Ullius, President, Washington D.C. ChapterEtta Wilson, President, Nashville ChapterMay Wu, President, New York Chapter

Joining the meeting Tuesday afternoon, June 26 were:Ann H. Eastman, Chair, Pannell Award CommitteeSandra Paul, Chair, Development Committee Cathy Renstchler, Past President

Absent:Patti Breitman, WNBA President-elect, San Francisco ChapterMarilyn Abel, Chair, Publicity CommitteeHeather Delterio, Editor, The BookwomanJosephine Fang, President, Boston ChapterLou Carter Keay, 1989/90 SecretaryMary B. Levering, Chair, Membership CommitteeCarole McCollough, President, Detroit ChapterLillian Ruf, President, Binghamton ChapterSally Wecksler, UN/NGO Representative

I. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

The Monday, June 25, 1990 meeting was called to order at 9:15 a.m. by President Marie Cantlon who expressed her appreciation to the American Library Association for providing its conference room facility for the WNBA annual Board meeting.

Each member in attendance was asked to introduce herself giving her position within WNBA and chapter.

II. 1989 BOARD MINUTES

President Cantlon asked for any additions or amendments. The followingcorrection was made to the 1989 minutes:

Page 3 section titled Present: Spelling of name to be corrected to read: May Wu Page 7 section titled Corresponding Members, paragraph 2, change to read:

Cathy Rentschler presented copy for the corresponding members’ application form for approval by the Board, which will be given to Mary Levering for future use.

Two questions were raised: Page 9, section titled By-laws: Were the by-laws reviewed and reprinted or was

the procedures manual updated? Both activities still need to be completed. Page 10, section titled New chapters, paragraph 2: Was a new line item in the

budget for development of new chapters established? Money was allowed for development of new chapters but the outgoing treasurer should be asked whether it is in a separate line.

Motion: Moved by Diane Ullius, seconded by Pamela Banks “That the Minutes of the 1989 Board meeting be approved as corrected.” Motion approved.

III. REPORT OF CHAPTER ACTIVITY

President reports, treasurer reports and rosters from each chapter were made available to those present. (Copy of each report attached to official minutes.) President Cantlon requested that each representative summarize her chapter’s activities.

Binghamton Chapter: Cantlon reporting from chapter’s written report. Booth with books, household items and baked goods sold at 1989 Downtown

Binghamton July Fest Established Excellence in Writing Award Program on writing newsletters for our organizations Program on reviewing A Bright Shining Lie Members attended annual Women of Achievement Dinner sponsored by Status of

Women Council Holiday tea and silent auction, members donated books for local hospitals Four large-print books distributed to local hospitals Held local author luncheon Visited SUNY-Binghamton’s exhibit which featured antiquities from the

Sigmund Freud Museum, London

Boston Chapter: Pamela Banks, Past President, reporting. Program on censorship and book banning in America Program on how the emphasis on everything “high tech” has affected the book

world Toured the homes of two of New England’s literary giants Toured two local printing presses

Holiday tea. Speaker Robert Hale, Westwinds Bookshop. Chapter introduced chapter’s book bag

Program panel of people who have all worked in traditional publishing areas and have taken the skills they learned there and transferred them into new careers

Program with creator and curator of Boston University’s Special Collections Twentieth Century Archives

Program panel of local personalities discussing what they like to read Program titled “Making History Come Alive” Literary tour of Boston Program about language by vice president of Society for the Preservation of the

English language and Literature Chapter member Sukey Choi‘s first about her experience as a Korean child

reacting to the Japanese occupation of Korea, has been accepted for publication by Houghton Mifflin

Detroit Chapter: Edith Phillips, Past President, reporting. Written report will be forwarded to chapter presidents.

Larger proportion of membership are librarians but chapter does have some members who work in publishing or are booksellers; all programs are dinner meetings

Co-sponsored meeting with Michigan Association of Media in Education on library science program at Wayne State University

Tour of well-known used book dealer store and warehouse; book dealer evaluated member’s personal copy of an old book

Tour of Cranbrook house given by archivist Chapter newsletter is currently without an editor Collected and distributed books to center for abused women and children One year honorary membership given to speakers

Los Angeles Chapter: Sue MacLaurin, President, reporting. Membership remains steady at 147 members Program by local talk radio personality on juggling different professional interests

as well as private life as a wife and mother Program on writing for all media discussing author’s experiences as a journalist,

author, and writer for film and television Mystery night: Why Mess Around with Murder? with authors discussing their

writing techniques and the pleasure of murder and mayhem Annual dinner with program titled: “Words are Alive: Poetry and Prose as

Performing Art” with authors reading own essays and poetry Judy Lopez Memorial Award given to Gary Paulsen for The Winter Room which

was chosen as the best book for children 9-12 of 1989 The Lopez Foundation has asked the chapter to take over the administration of the

award. The proposal is under consideration and will be decided upon by the governing board in the coming year

Annual conference generated a profit of approximately $500 Chapter newsletter distributed nine times a year, September through June

Goals for the coming year include: continued growth in membership development of liaison with other book and publishing groups resolution of the Judy Lopez Award proposal establishment of an 1\dvisory Board

Nashville Chapter: Etta Wilson, President, reporting. Membership numbers 76 active plus 2 honorary life members, representing a 59%

increase over last year. Key factors leading to growth were chapter’s significant involvement in the Southern Festival of Books, a revised and expanded chapter newsletter, and a rousing presentation by a local columnist at the opening September meeting

Chapter members increasingly come from publishing, bookselling and writing segments of the industry which compliments the basic librarian membership

Monthly programs included presentation by member from book company, president of Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club, local poet, arid local authors

127 books collected for local Book’em Project Members contributed $70.00 to Children’s International Education Center at the

Nashville Public Library Committee finalized publication plans of a collection of children’s stories based

on Tennessee history Committee working with Tennessee Arts Commission to prepare, mail, and

tabulate a survey of Tennessee writers to determine their needs and level of interest in a statewide network for support

Initiated a program of book-related tours Annual dues increase approved

New York Chapter: May Wu, President, reporting. Program on authors reading from first novels Program on collecting and conservation of rare books Co-sponsored estate auction of jewelry and objets d’art with the National Council

of Women Program on Taking the Plunge: How to Go Freelance Co-sponsored panel discussion on multicultural literacy with Black Women in

Publishing Program by chapter members on Women in Publishing: Have We Come a Long

Way, Baby? Covering how women have made and are making contribution to publishing including training others and being role models

Program on reference books, what’s new and what’s revised Program on mergers and acquisitions: an irreversible trend or a cycle Chapter needs the develop programs which will attract younger members,

including “how to” programs Membership is at 121, with 94 renewals, renewal of members continues to be of

concern as is the spread of dues paid

Chapter has become more active with job referral service, sending a form to approximately 150 publishers and other trade firms asking for information on available jobs; information is sent out with program flyers and newsletters and, hopefully, distributing flyers will generate new members. National Board members asked that a copy of this form be sent to each chapter.

Chapter directory now includes a history of the chapter

San Francisco Chapter: Sylvia Cross reading chapter’s written report by Patti Breitman.

Program titled “Your Check is in the Mail, and Other Lies Publishing People Tell” included editor and author, former sales representative, editorial consultant and psychotherapist, and chapter president discussed the truth about what goes on between publishers and authors

Program panel addressing the upper end of childhood - young adults Using a restaurant owner, restaurant critic, and author provided program on the

shift in American eating habits from red meat to white meat to no meat and how we are what we eat

Program on marketing: getting books into bookstores and getting consumers to take them out of bookstores

Co-sponsored authors panel with the Marin Small Publishers Association Eleanor Touhey Smith Award was established by the Literacy Volunteers of

America, endowed by Kraft Cheese Foundation; annual award will be given to agency with the best adult literacy program

Washington D.C. Chapter: Diane Ullius reporting Membership ranges around 200 Program dealing with impression from Sandy Paul, leader of delegation of book

publishers who traveled to China in April, 1989 Program by rare book conservator at the Library of Congress Co-sponsored a career night with George Washington University Lecture on Jean-Paul Marat Program on what makes a bestseller Author’s program on her co-authorship of In Love and War Interview style program that paired an independent bookseller and an independent

publisher that discussed the particular issues and special problems and opportunities facing the independents

Co-sponsored with Washington Book Publishers a program on literary contracts Program on marketing the midlist Annual chapter business meeting, brunch, and book exchange at president’s house Production problem during this year hopefully will be eliminated with a new

editor for chapter newsletter being appointed

IV. REPORT OF NATIONAL OFFICERS

President Report: President Marie Cantlon reporting.

When I started to write the 1989 President’s report for the WNBA National Board Meeting, the report began with the sentence, “This has been a year of transition.” Then I looked at Cathy Rentschler’s report on her first year of the presidency and saw it began, “This has been a year of transition.” So I promptly dropped my opening sentence.

On later reflection it became clear to me that every new president could begin her report this way. And, in fact, if one thinks of transition as change, WNBA, and indeed all organizations, are in a constant state of transition. Sometimes we see change as growth, sometimes as crisis, but always it presents an opportunity.

WNBA’s ability to shift from a New York-centered group to a multi-chapter one is a source of our current strength. We see chapters such as Washington and Boston come close to demise and under new, enthusiastic leadership revive and flourish. Other chapters have less dramatic ebbs and flows, but as we have heard today from the presidents, vigorous membership growth characterizes many chapters.

The theme of my presidency was to increase communication among chapters, members, national, and other organizations. My first year failed to follow through on this promise. This year by reinstating the presidential newsletter and visiting the LA and Nashville chapters as well as the Southeastern Booksellers Convention in Atlanta, I have tried to reinforce WNBA’s presence as a national organization.

Working with WISP as cosponsors of programs at MLA and attending a presidents’ meeting at the National Council of Women in New York have been valuable interactions with other women’s organizations, learning about their achievements and problems.

The unknown, unsung, and time-consuming part of the WNBA presidency is the paperwork that must be attended to. Some items are as routine as passing on items of interest to The Bookwoman editor, some as pesky as filling out numerous requests for information listings, which, of course, are valuable to our organization’s visibility.

As you undoubtedly know, a great deal of time, energy, and concern has been expended this year as we followed through on last year’s Board decision to give the 1990 WNBA Award to Barbara Bush for her contribution to literacy. Not until last week did we receive definite word that Mrs. Bush would not be at ALA where we had proposed making the presentation. Her staff realizes that the Award can be given at any time and place of her choosing. There is still a possibility that a modest presentation can be arranged in Washington in 1990. How strong or slim a possibility, only God and, perhaps, George knows.

In general the financial condition of WNBA is healthy, thanks in part to membership growth, in part to the raising of sustaining membership dues, and also to the splendid work of our outgoing Treasurer, Susan Trowbridge.

I would like to go on record as thanking Lou Keay for her prompt distribution of 1989 Board Minutes and for the many tasks she has performed for WNBA over these past two years.

Patti Breitman, who with Marilyn Abel represented WNBA at the recent Pannell Award presentation at ABA, sends regrets that she cannot attend because of illness. Unfortunately, it was too late to arrange a substitute representative from San Francisco. Binghamton also is not represented. But we have president and treasurer reports as well as rosters from both chapters.

There are two committee chairs that need to be appointed. Heather having produced six fine issues of The Bookwoman is stepping down. Mary Levering, Membership chair, has had her time preempted by her new position at the Library of Congress. We will miss Mary’s contribution and presence at the Board meetings, but trust she will be able to rejoin us sometime soon.

My two year presidency of WNBA has been a full and enriching one. I wish to thank everyone for the honor and for your assistance during my term in office. The WNBA future, both as the national and chapter levels, is in good hands. I will enjoy hearing about your experiences of the past year and to planning for our 75th anniversary in 1992.

Vice President Report:

With the absence of Vice President Patti Breitman no report was given.

Secretary Report: Lou Keay report read into the record by Margaret Auer. (Copy of report attached to official minutes.)

During the past year the Secretary’s activities included: Preparation and revision of minutes of the last Board meeting for president’s

signature Preparation of packets of chapter reports for those Board members not in

attendance at 1989 Board meeting Reprinting of the brochure Distributing of the new letterhead Responding to thirty-five (35) letters of inquiry directed to WNBA Attended meeting with the President, Past President and Advisory Committee to

brainstorm ideas for the 75th Anniversary and the direction of the organization Met with President to discuss broader WNBA involvement in the Judy Lopez

Memorial Award for children’s books Attended WNBA reception at the ABA in Las Vegas Recommendation: Brochures should be reviewed and updated before reprinting Recommendation: Stationary design could be reconsidered so typography would

be more attractive Budget should not exceed the secretary’s allocation for the past year

Treasurer Report: Susan Trowbridge reporting.

Three documents were distributed: Women’s National Book Association,Inc. Audited Annual Report; Revenues, Expenses, and Cash Position: FiscalYear 1990; and, Comparison of Key Revenue and Expense Items Years Ended May31, 1983-90. (Copy of each document attached to official minutes.) TheTreasurer commented on each document.

Audited Annual Report

Page 1: The net revenue last year was over $4,000 while income over expenses shows only $1,700. Differences in the net revenues is partially due to President actually using her 1990 budgeted allocation. Revenues are somewhat flat even though revenues show $2,000 more income in 1989 than 1988. Difference is due to WNBA Award ceremony allocation being taken out for 1990. Similarly, the expense accounts appear to be flat once ceremony allocation is removed.

Membership renewals are evening out when looked at as a whole, however closer review shows sustaining membership income rising but chapter and corresponding memberships income declining.

Seventieth anniversary expenses are no longer affecting the budget.Page 2: Balance as of May 31, 1990 is higher than the May 31, 1989 figure but

does not represent as high an increase as the previous year.Page 3: There are two new sustaining members, both through chapter incentive

program: Greenwood Publishing Group came through the N.Y. Chapter and Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency came through the San Francisco Chapter (document reads the LA chapter in error). Each chapter received one-half of the first year’s sustaining payment by the organization they enrolled.

Five sustaining memberships did not renew: Franklin Watts, Book of the Month, Harcourt Brace, Professional Book Distributors, and Random House.

P.H. Glatfelter’s payment of 1989 and 1990 dues during this budget year makes the bottom line income somewhat overstated.

Page 4: Chapter membership is down a little. National numbers may differ from chapter numbers because national numbers are for April 1, 1989 through March 31, 1990.

Page 5: Pannell Award fund. Pannell budget is different from WNBA year.

Revenues, Expenses, and Cash Position: Fiscal Year 1990 Document shows timing of revenues and expenses over four quarters of the year and compares what we thought would be our revenues and expenses against actual revenues and expenses.

Page 1: For example, comparing FY ‘90 column against far right column, it shows that the target revenues in each of the membership categories is below what was anticipated. Sustaining income has been going up while Corresponding Memberships have been going down steadily over the years.

Page 2: Cost of Events. Category has very little activity.Page 2: Officers’ Expenses. Indicates that even though the President’s expenses

were over budget, all the other offices were under expended and therefore, on the whole, the officer expenses were flat. The expenditures in this area are reflective of whether the officers are self-employed and require reimbursements or whether they have jobs where their company can absorb some of the expenses.

Page 2: Committee/Chair Expenses. Attention should be drawn to four areas where significant money was not spent. Development was for funding-raising and increase in Sustaining Members and the funds not being spent reflect the fact that we did not get new Sustaining Members, except the two that originated in chapters. Long-range planning did not occur so no money was spent. New Chapters activity did not result in establishing any new chapter. Even though publicity was designated as a priority at the last Board meeting, not much was spent.

Page 2: Bookwoman is under budget but expenses from latest issue are not reflected. Brochures were not reprinted. Stationery was printed for free.

Page 3. Shows history of closing balances.Page 4. This is the Pannell account which needs the fourth quarter expenses

incorporated.Page 5. Shows WNBA revenues and expenses from 1983 to 1990. It shows that

the association is increasing its cash position each year.The 70th Anniversary celebration did not greatly impact on the budget except

possibly getting WNBA new members.Looking at membership dollars shows sustaining members continue to fluctuate

even though dues were raised. Chapter members fluctuated in the early 80’s but have remained somewhat stable since 1986. Corresponding members were on an uptrend until 1986 but have continually decreased since.

Bookwoman expenses were somewhat stable until 1989 when they doubled probably due to increase in the number of pages and not being able to get it printed at cost. It is time for an analysis of The Bookwoman costs to take place.

Publicity funds were not spent because there has not been a big event to publicize and the chapters have not called on the publicity chair for help where she would bill the organization.

Page 6: Pannell Trust Fund is not in good shape. The closing balance continues to decrease and the revenues being generated continue to decrease. The October crash is reflected in the 1988 numbers but the decline continued with the 1989 income.

Two years ago the award expenses increased when the decision was made to give two $1,500 awards plus $500 apiece for art piece and to increase the administrator fee.

It was suggested that the administrator fee be reviewed and consideration given to whether the position should be a WNBA chairperson position and be treated as any other volunteer committee chair assignment of the Board.

The expenses for administrating the award should not be approaching the amount of the awards given and since this is a well-established award the awardees should not be penalized by receiving a smaller monetary award. It would seem that the administrative costs could be reduced since much of the publicity mechanism has been established and the calendar for getting the information into the newsletter is in place. Similarly, although the jury members are not paid, the jury expenses could be reduced. The awardees get enormous free recognition from getting the award, but this is not a reason to reduce the amount they receive. A further discussion of this problem will take place during Tuesday’s meeting when the Pannell chair is present.

President commented that budgets are guesses based on past experiences and the WNBA organization has come from a very shaky financial position to one where it is in a position to make the wisest use of its funds. The WNBA brochure needs to be revised before being reprinted and President Cantlon volunteered to make the revisions.

In the absence of the Past President, the Past President’s report was moved to Tuesday’s meeting.

V. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Bookwoman: Heather Dalterio report read into record by Diane Ullius. (Copy of report attached to official minutes.)

A summary of the report is found in the following statements: In the past year three issues of The Bookwoman with a fourth due out shortly,

have been produced. Suggestion: That the editorial and production tasks be split between two people.

The ideal would be to have both volunteers in the same city, but may not be necessary with fax machines.

Suggestion: The editorial person would be responsible for soliciting and gathering articles, profiles, and chapter news items, photographs, etc. and determining that all necessary items are included in each issue. The editorial person would also be responsible for the final proofreading and copyediting of the boards.

Past President has compiled a schedule of items to be run in future issues. Suggestion: The production person would handle the layout and design of each

issue, and after approval from the editor would then see it through the printing process. This person would also be responsible for shipping it directly to the mail house for distribution.

Mailing labels remain a bit of a problem. Recommend that each chapter reporter send the labels along to the editor at the same time that they send the chapter news items for the month. This would help prevent the inevitable lag time after the publication is produced.

Most chapters have their own newsletters which often run stories and items that may be of interest to the rest of WNBA newsletter editors should be encouraged to send along such items.

Thanks to many people who have helped make my experience as editor infinitely easier and more enjoyable - President Cantlon who was always available and patient, chapter correspondents who faithfully contributed items for each issue, chapter presidents who directed me to the proper chapter members, and all writers who have contributed articles.

Several problems with the newsletter were identified. There seems to be a problem with the newsletter even being received by some of the chapters. The time between the notice and when information must be sent to the editor, including labels, is very short and should be reconsidered. The publication itself does not stay on schedule. People renewing or joining during the year makes it in to have the labels sent by the chapter at the very last minute and not as early as when the news information is sent by chapter. If the chapters have sent the mailing labels and then did not receive the newsletter there must be a problem with the mailing house. Better proofreading to correct misspellings, typographical errors, and inaccurate quotations is needed. Chapters need to respond to requests in a more timely manner. The newsletter publishes a time schedule for publication of the newsletter.

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:20pm and reconvened at 2: l5pm.

The Bookwoman discussion continued. President Cantlon will ask editor for a copy of each issue of The Bookwoman published this year and when they were distributed in order to try to determine where the mailing problem is occurring. In addition, the editor will be asked why all Corresponding members are not receiving the newsletter.

Incoming President Patti Breitman will determine who will be appointed as the newsletter editor and whether the responsibilities will be divided between two individuals. It was suggested that, if two people are appointed, the production person should be someone who has that as her real job responsibilities in a publishing company. In addition, if several people are to work on the newsletter one person must be designated as being in charge.

Discussion of the Lucile Micheels Pannell Award and Sustaining Memberships was moved the Tuesday’s meeting.

Corresponding Membership: Carolyn Wilson reporting.

Corresponding membership is down. There appears to be loyalty among those members who move from membership in a chapter to corresponding membership but there is no significant attachment from those who just join as a corresponding member. There does not appear to be an incentive to join as a corresponding member and WNBA needs to somehow have each of these people connected to a particular chapter. It was noted that the corresponding membership form does allow the individual to select a chapter affiliation.

Corresponding membership applications are sent to the national office. Each new corresponding member received from the acting committee chair a personal letter, a copy of the 70th anniversary book, and a copy of The Bookwoman.

The chapter presidents requested that copies of the Corresponding Membership application form be sent to them. Auer agreed to forward the form.

An analysis should be completed to determine what chapters carry corresponding memberships and whether members are close enough to a given chapter to take advantage of the chapter’s newsletter or activities. This analysis should be completed by the WNBA Membership chair.

Education for Publishing (MLA): Marie Cantlon reporting.

Women in Scholarly Publishing and WNBA receive a great deal of visibility in this cooperative effort. The 1989 program on Making Book: Getting Your Manuscript Accepted, and Working with Your Publisher had over 300 scholars in attendance at the MLA. The 1990 program is Grants in the 90 s: Who Gets Them and How with particular emphasis on women. The NEH, The Rockefeller Foundation, American Society of Learned Societies, etc. will be panelists. This is a good way to keep WNBA name and affiliation with valuable people in the book community.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

Procedures Manual

Sylvia Cross agreed to review the procedures manual and WNBA rules. Unless there are activities that have developed in new areas or procedures have been changed requiring rewording there really is no need for revisions. However, the national board minutes from 1983 forward must be reviewed for any changes to be incorporated into the manual and into the By-laws. President Cantlon agreed to review the board minutes by August 1, 1990 and forward any changes to Cross.

The manual should include only those procedures that apply to the national WNBA with only a few chapter policy samples in the back portion to aid chapters in writing their policies. The manual is on the headquarters computer and can be easily updated. Bylaws will have to be typeset, printed, and redistributed.

Procedures for national which are in the formative stages, e.g. new mailing procedures, new definition of responsibilities for editor of The Bookwoman etc. should be thought through before inclusion in the manual.

Manuals are needed by C. Wilson, S. MacLaurin, E. Wilson, M. Wu, J. Fang, D. Ullius, and M. Auer. Sandy Paul will mail copy to these board members.

Publicity: Marie Cantlon reporting.

It is an ongoing question as to how to get publicity for the national organization. The 75th anniversary provides an opportunity for this. The Treasurer should discuss with President Breitman her estimates of the budget needs in this area for any specific project she has in mind.

Free publicity can be accomplished by writing letters to the editor on issue. Having someone who likes to write letters and can quickly respond to an issue in the name of WNBA would be very beneficial. Diane Ullius will contact President Breitman about exploring with Marian Norby of the Washington, D.C. chapter her interest in being a WNBA responder.

Chapters could use public service announcements and program announcements could be sent to PW as a way to make the WNBA name more visible.

Archives: Marie Cantlon reporting.

Chapter and officer documents should be sorted, labeled, and sent to WNBA Archives at Columbia. (Further information on this subject can be found in Past President’s remarks at the Tuesday meeting.)

1990-1991 Budget: Sylvia Cross reporting.

In hopes of getting a better response, the new Treasurer will be reviewing what forms have previously been sent to chapters and board officers in order to simplify the information requested. For new board members it is difficult to estimate expense needs; however with the audited statement, a history of the budget activity of a particular office can be referenced. Budget planning forms will be sent in the near future.

The new Treasurer complimented the outgoing Treasurer, Susan Trowbridge on how well organized the financial documents were.

Checking accounts have been opened in LA for both the general fund and Pannell, which include enough working capital to make reimbursements immediately. “Open CD’s”, which can have money added to or money taken from without paying a penalty, have been opened. The general CD has about $22,000 and the Pannell has about $7,000.

President Cantlon quoted from a letter received from Sandy Paul, SKP Associates, requesting that the $30.00 per month payment by WNBA to SKP Associates be raised to $40.00 per month. The services they cover include providing a mailing address and telephone, opening and forwarding mail to appropriate individuals, answering general telephone inquiries, sending out national brochures or referring calls to the appropriate parties.

Further discussion on this issue was deferred to Tuesday’s meeting when Sandy Paul would be present.

Potential New Chapters: Marie Cantlon reporting.

President Cantlon went to Atlanta and found much enthusiasm for starting a WNBA chapter but so far no one has been identified who has the time to take on the responsibility of organizing the first meeting. She indicated a more realistic strategy must be found, beyond just visiting the city, to follow up on these visits. Possibly a new national membership chair could take on this responsibility.

Suggested Name change: Marie Cantlon reporting.

A new member of WNBA, Joe Hansen, has asked the organization to consider changing the name to something less gender specific.

Responses to a survey of the national membership conducted over five years ago asking a question on what does WNBA really stand for indicated there was not any single answer. The answers differed depending on the respondent’s chapter. There was no succinct definition of what one would get from WNBA membership especially if it were a man joining. As a result of the survey, it was decided to profile WNBA to determine what was the WNBA image, what WNBA really stood for, what members wanted to get out of the organization, what areas needed more concentration, and did the current name really reflect what the organization was all about. The survey showed that while the organization had a pleasant image, the name really did not give any concrete information on the organization, and, in fact, gave some inaccurate information, such as, there were only women members. The membership agreed that a name change could be made if the new name accurately reflected the organization’s purpose. From this investigation came the four descriptive purpose phrases that are in the WNBA brochure but no name change.

It was noted that each of the WNBA purposes is to promote, advance and develop the position of women in book-related fields and if the name women were removed the identity would be lost, it would become any other book organization. Is it time again to review chapter activities as to whether their programming is really advancing women in the book world? Are the WNBA goals and objective being met? WNBA has generalized goals and each chapter, because they are so different, finds the best way to carry out the goals. As an example, the Boston chapter has defined its purpose as “an umbrella

organization of WNBA that brings together women and men who work together with and value words.” Nashville has adopted using “the celebration of the written word.”

With the world of publishing so different today, it was noted that the problem of the title may not be “women” but may be “book.”

WNBA is an organization for women to promote women in the book-related fields and since men have not truly taken on the mentoring of women in publishing, one of the strengths of the organization, is our concern for one another. In an ideal world it would not be necessary to have a Women’s National Book Association, in the world in which we live it does seem to be necessary to put an extra effort into promoting women’s contributions to books, women’s opportunities in books, and it seems important to call ourselves the Women’s National Book Association.

President Cantlon will write Joe Hansen restating the goals of the organization and indicating that the organization is happy to have men who support these goals but the name will remain.

President Cantlon suggested that over the next couple of years the organization look for a name substitution which does reflect its membersip emphasis, and purpose and use the 75th Anniversary celebration to announce any change if a consensus can be reached.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

National Library Week: Marie Cantlon reporting.

National Library Week will be April 14-20, 1991 and the theme will be “Kids Who Read Succeed,” or simply “Read-Succeed.” Chapters should try to tie in this theme with their activities and encourage literacy at an early age. Chapters could look at co-sponsored programs with their state libraries.

Chivas Regal Entrepreneurial Award: Marie Cantlon reporting.

Chivas Regal is searching for candidates for the 1990 award. The business service award honors business leaders who have made an exceptional effort in the public service sector. Representing a new breed of concerned business people, entrepreneurs are successful business men and women who apply their highly developed business skills to addressing the present social, economic and cultural issues facing our nation. Because of WNBAs involvement in the business community it was asked to distribute the award application.

Publishers Weekly: Marie Cantlon reporting.

Publishers Weekly is offering a 45% discount for the first year to any new subscriber who is a member of WNBA. There are a thousand advertising flyers available to be mailed with The Bookwoman. If additional copies are needed, photocopies could be used. The flyer could also be used by chapters as an inducement to get new members for WNBA, or members who have not renewed, or mailed as a service being offered by WNBA with a letter of welcome after joining.

At the Tuesday afternoon meeting Sandy Paul indicated, it would be extremely costly to mail the flyer with The Bookwoman. Therefore, an appropriate number of flyers plus ten percent will be mailed from headquarters to each chapter for distribution.

Clairol Mentor Program for Women: Marie Cantlon reporting.

The third annual Clairol program is seeking to honor well-known, successful women in a variety of career fields. The goals is to encourage a mentor relationship. WNBA chapters are asked to submit potential candidates by Oct. 1.

National Council of Women: Marie Cantlon reporting.

National Council of Women called a meeting in New York of women’s organizations for the purpose of discussing starting a women’s interracial coalition to promote racial harmony through each organization. An advisory committee has been established which will review the ideas suggested for organizations to incorporate into their overall work.

Each organization has been asked to take racial harmony as a theme over the next two years and incorporate the theme into their programming. Programming for Black History Month (February) could be considered. Getting children’s books into the hands of inner city children would be a program for promoting racial harmony and bringing children and books together.

Chapters could become more closely connected with literacy and state literacy board activities where adults go into schools on a given day to read to children. Chapters could make contacts with well-known individuals or authors and offer to arrange readings by them for and within libraries.

The Book’em program, cosponsored by Waldenbooks, sells books at a large discount to organizations willing to purchase and distribute books to homes and schools which would not otherwise have access to reading materials. Members could be asked to purchase a book for distribution. If a chapter wishes to participate in this activity contact should be made with a variety of bookstores.

WNBA needs to report to the National Council of Women any activities our chapters will be doing in this area.

Meeting adjourned at 4:25pm.

Tuesday June 26, 1990WNBA Board meeting

The Tuesday, June 26, 1990 meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by President Marie Cantlon.

Assistant Treasurer

When the new Treasurer was approached to run for the office, she indicated that there was the possibility of her having to relocate during the year. In order to have

continuity and timely writing of checks, it might be necessary to have a backup person who could fulfill the treasurer’s responsibilities for a short period of time. Although the relocation will not be taking place, the Treasurer requested permission to deputize someone in her chapter whose name could be put on the bank cards and who would have signature authority during an emergency period. For example, the Treasurer recommended that Sue MacLaurin, president of the Los Angeles chapter and past treasurer of the chapter be designated.

Motion: Moved by Pamela Banks, seconded by Carolyn Wilson “That if it becomes necessary to have an assistant treasurer fill in for the current treasurer during a temporary period that would meet with Board approval.” Motion approved.

75th Anniversary

President Cantlon read into the record a letter from Patti Breitman concerning the 75th Anniversary celebration.

“The San Francisco board and I are very enthusiastic about creating a list of 75 books that made a difference: whether by women, for women, about women, or even better, just 75 books that shaped lives and made a difference. The advantages of developing a list are many:

1. It will generate lots of publicity. That an organization that was founded a year before women got to vote - has compiled a list of 75 of the most important books ever published... THAT is newsworthy. Women’s magazines and literary magazines will want to run stories about WNBA along with the list or portions of it. Publishers of any of the books still in print can affix stickers to their books, and generate further publicity for us by announcing in ads and press releases that their book was chosen.

2. It will involve every member of WNBA from every chapter. Members will be encouraged to nominate books. When the committee narrows the list to 150 or so, members can vote for the final 75.

3. It calls attention to books. We often get lost in events and causes that are secondary to our purpose. We are here to promote women in publishing. What better way than to honor women writers and women of stature than to add them to our list?! Helen Keller’s autobiography will be one that I nominate. Other members will, no doubt, include other women whose books have made a difference in our lives.

4. It is easy! Every one of us is spread too thin, taking on more causes and more assignments every day than most people tackle in a year. The members of WNBA are busy people. A few thoughtful moments to concentrate on books that have played an important role in our lives would be a welcome distraction from work and volunteer commitments. People would enjoy both the process and the results.

Of course I am eager to hear other suggestions for our 75th anniversary. I would like to encourage everyone to consider those four factors (simplicity, publicity for WNBA advancing women in the book world, involving every chapter and every member) when making suggestions.”

The letter is not meant to be the final decision; the planning committee certainly welcomes additional suggestions for the celebration.

Some suggestions and comments by Board members included:A writing contest. Open to WNBA members or everyone, award would be $75.00,

or $7,500. Or, collect 75 pieces of writing from WNBA members to be printed in an inexpensive loose-leaf format.

Whatever the celebration, it should be an outreach program rather than self-gratification or a publication that drains the organization’s financial or human resources for something that is only important to WNBA members.

From a public relations position it is more important to promote books and it would have more interest than promoting 75 individuals.

Consideration should be given to including more than women authors to the celebration but add women editors and women publishers.

The Breitman proposal is very sound but does need same clarification. There is great advantage to simplicity and involvement of a large number of people.

The Washington chapter has discussed a salary survey to assess the position of women in book-related businesses. The survey results would be used to strengthen women’s positions and would be a way of celebrating the Association’s anniversary.

It is imperative for the chapters to be involved, both with selection and publicity.The Board should develop the broad parameters for the celebration but

determining the specifics should be in the hands of the committee. For example, the celebration should be in a different direction from 70th, it should be outreach that involves all the chapters, it should provide good public relations possibilities, and it should not take too much time.

Each chapter could raise $7,500 or some sum of money to be donated to a literacy program and the donation could be made publicly. The organization as a whole raised $75,000. Or a local chapter raises $750 with a public donation which draws attention to WNBA. Each chapter member collects $75.00 toward single cause or program dealing with books. The raising of money is a reachable goal.

The goal should be to get as much publicity for WNBA as possible but activities should also be related to books. A few major, concise, and achievable projects or goals should be determined for implementation.

Teach 75 people to read. There is a time commitment (training, 4-5 hours/week, travel time) to get into the literacy program. What happens the following year? Numbers could be split among the chapters.

Since reading is fundamental, even if books may be out of fashion, money raised could be given to Reading is Fundamental organization to bring children and books together.

Chapter could do 75 reading sessions over a year for adults or for children. If the chapter is large enough it could do 75 reading programs in libraries in one day. Readings could be from the 75 selected titles

Chapters could go together to purchase one set of the 75 books to donate to a library. Out-of-print books could be photocopied and bound. Publishers would be asked to donate any of the in-print titles. Each chapter could purchase the 75 titles and donate them to their city library or other agency (e.g. school, shelters).

Get bookstores to feature some of the 75 titles each month. Have publishers affix gold stickers. Have libraries feature these 75 books.

Each chapter could establish its own 75 book list.Seventy-five short, key selections from these 75 books and an introduction

prepared as to why the titles made the list could be published.Get celebrities or local authors to participate in readings or other promotions.Readings will carry on the theme beyond the actual selection of the titles.Have extra large bookmark made with one sentence annotations or just list the

titles.Seventy-five certificates of appreciation given to women within the chapters who

have made a difference (mentor, influenced our position in the book fields). This may dilute attention to the books selected and is too similar to the 70th anniversary celebration.

Selecting 75 books by women authors comes more naturally out of WNBA women’s experiences and would provide a better chance for public relations interest.

Titles might be selected by categories (e.g., women’s issues, world affairs, environment, ecology, fiction, human rights, spiritual experience, medical or science issues, world peace, multi-cultural experience) so there is a good cross section.

There should not be any geographical limits. But a committee may not enough familiarity with books that touch on multicultural literacy, or may not have enough familiarity with books outside the Western Europe or America and we may put ourselves in a slightly bad position by purporting to talk about the whole world and not really covering it successfully. Books that have been translated and are readily available would indicate that they are well-known and not just western world.

Could approach B. Dalton and Waldenbooks to ask how they would plan on treating or publicizing these books in support of the literacy program and select the bookstore with the best program. Also use the librarians in WNBA to publicize these titles within their cities. Independent bookstores should not be shut out of this process.

Establish a committee of one person from each chapter and two members on the national board to work out the criteria and process details. The committee should have an initial all day session and then work through correspondence.

For publicity, contact the chapters Relations Committee of the American Library Association requesting they send out the list of the 75 titles selected to each of the state library associations asking that the associations publish the information in each state newsletter.

Should the announcement be in October which is the 75th anniversary of WNBA’S founding or during National Women’s History Month which is March? Better to pick a place and time where the announcement would have the greatest impact.

Although there will be a national kickoff, each chapter will need to determine the times and various activities it wishes to work on.

Process for selecting 75 titles: 1) chapters solicit titles from their members 2) all recommended titles should be submitted 3) announcement for soliciting titles and parameters can be made through The Bookwoman or a letter to each chapter president, or through each chapter newsletter, or distributed at chapter meetings.

There should be no limit on when the books were published.Suggested timetable includes a year of planning and a year of implementation.

Should the titles focus on books by women authors, or is it books that have shaped women’s lives, or is it woman authors that have shaped the world? The 75 titles should not be about books that have shaped women’s lives but books by women authors that have made an impact, or made a contribution, or made a difference on the world. This would be quite appropriate for WNBA.

The focus should be on books by women that have enlarged the human experience.

In considering each title a questionnaire needs to be developed by the national committee that answers how does title meet this criteria, does it meet the next criteria, etc. The forms would be forwarded to the chapters and they would be told that each submitted title must be accompanied by a completed form.

Books that make a difference in women’s lives written by women would generate more publicity and visibility for women authors.

Books that have made a difference in world growth and culture growth would be less self-serving and would be of greater interest but would also broaden selections and lose focus on women.

Few books reviewed in the literature are by women authors, a greater proportion are by men. Focus on books by women authors that have made a difference to the whole world would include the global view and still have a specificity and visibility.

In attempting to reach a consensus on a recommended theme a short brainstorming session was held that included possible themes and ideas that could be used to publicize the event. For example, the theme should be three or four words but the publicity could use many of the phrases suggested, such as: these books are diamonds, they sparkle, they bring to the mind the many facets of human existence or human condition. Books have endured, like diamonds.

Wording and/or the considered were: “75 books by women that:” expand human experience; enlarge human experience; make a difference; expand human awareness; broaden human horizons; improve the world; diamonds (75th anniversary), including shape, hardness, beauty, sharpness, enduring character; books that open the door to human awareness.

Other possible wording considered was: shaping human or world events; books that sparkle; books that open doors; books that open minds; new developments; books that will last; books of enduring value; awareness of conditions or aspects of human existence; open doorway and the shape of a diamond; books to go to bed with; books are a girl ‘s best friend.

President Cantlon will ask Marilyn Abel her reaction to the proposed themes. If tough-minded journalists and newspaper people are going to react to the theme it must be catchy, focused, and interesting. If it’s too general or vague it will not get any attention.

A consensus was reached that: books selected will be by woman authors a working phrase for the theme of the program would be “75 books by

women: that enlarge human experience, or that expand human awareness, or that expand human experience.”

the selection process will have chapter members nominating books and a national committee making the final determination

all types of books will be considered e.g., children and adult no geographic or publication date limitation should be used the program plan would be approved by the Board a proposed timeframe could be:

president establishes committee within 6 weeks of 1990 Board meeting By Nov. 15, 1990 criteria, submission of title form, theme, information,

and process approved by Board Immediately after Nov. 15 mailing goes out to chapters announcing

program, theme, and time frame for submission of titles Sometime between Jan 15 and March 1, 1991 chapter recommendations

are returned to committee Committee meets and makes final selections by May 1, 1991 Board receives and approves selections and implementation plan at 1991

annual board meeting, late May-early June ‘91 Immediately following ‘91 Board meeting, final titles and ideas for

programming are sent to chapters; Board determines place and time of formal announcement

Between Nov. ‘90 and ‘91 Board meeting committee or publicity person prepares public relations releases

Immediately following ‘91 Board meeting, or between solicitations from chapters and final approval, bookstore are contacted for support, publishers for donations of titles

Immediately following ‘91 Board meeting contacts are made with chapter Relations Committee of American Library Association, American Booksellers Association, etc. for dissemination of list

2-3 months following ‘91 Board meeting bookmark is designed arid distributed

chapters plan and carry on 75th anniversary celebration programs during 1992

It is recommended to President Breitman that the committee be comprised of one representative from each chapter, that the chairperson be an officer of the Board, preferably the Vice-President, and an advisor to the committee from within WNBA but not a member of the committee. (Cantlon could recommend potential candidates for the advisor appointment.)

Sue MacLaurin and Margaret Auer agreed to draft the title submission form for the committee chairperson.

The program plan should not have any major financial impact on this year’s budget, unless the committee is to meet then there would be travel expenses. The committee chair and/or chapter representatives who are part of the Board should give thought to potential expenses. Thought should be given to a line in the budget to cover dissemination of information and any other needed expenses.

It is further recommended that the 75th anniversary committee consider:

disseminating a list of the 75 selected titles to bookstores requesting publishers put a gold seal on selected titles designing bookmark with the 75 titles for distribution among the chapters

Chapters could consider the following activities: each chapter donate a set of the 75 books to a needy library or other

agency each chapter have a read-a-thon from the 75 books to be held in libraries

for both adults and children

Although the theme is just a few words, many of the words, phrases, and ideas developed during the brainstorming session can be used as part of a publicity campaign and/or incorporated in write-ups.

At this point the Board requested that Action Minutes be prepared for appropriate members of the Board.

The meeting adjourned at 12:35pm. and reconvened at 1:00pm.

The Board returned to those items on the agenda passed over during Monday’s meeting due to the appropriate chairperson or officer in charge of the program not being present.

WNBA Headquarters Fee

SKP Associates serves as the WNBA headquarters office. SKP receives mail addressed to WNBA national which includes—junk mail, applications for corresponding membership, inquiries (e.g., individual wants to apply for Pannell Award or WNBA Award, individual wants to know how to open a bookstore), and all listings in directories. The office also opens and forwards all mail except that addressed to Bookwoman which gets forwarded to editor and answers telephone calls and forwards as appropriate. In addition, SKP maintains mailing lists for sustaining members, corresponding members, chapter officers, and boards.

The Secretary is the repository for national stationery and brochures. Secretary should maintain numerous response form letters so that the person who writes gets the appropriate response. Sandy Paul agreed to work with Secretary to develop the appropriate letters. Former secretary Keay should be contacted for any form letters she has developed.

It has been suggested that since the payment to SKP Associates has not been raised since 1983 that the base fee be increased from $30.00 to $40.00 per month.

Moved by Sylvia Cross, seconded by Diane Ullius that the base fee paid to SKP Associates be increased to $40.00 per month. Motion approved.

Nominating Committee: Pamela Banks reporting.

The nominating committee, consisting of Edith Phillips from Detroit, Patti Breitman from San Francisco, and Pamela Banks (chairperson) from Boston, began working at the end of September by dividing up the responsibility of contacting each chapter to get nominations. The committee also used names recommended by members of the national board. The committee was looking for candidates who knew the organization well, who had experience on a chapter board, who cared about WNBA, who were accomplished outside the WNBA organization, and lastly, the committee looked for geographic representation.

A double slate was considered and was met with enthusiasm by local chapters, however, after three very strong candidates had agreed to run (not knowing whether there would be a double slate or a single slate), the committee decided only a single slate was needed.

The candidates selected were Carolyn Wilson from Nashville chapter for Vice President, Margaret Auer from Detroit chapter for Secretary, and Sylvia Cross from Los Angeles chapter for Treasurer.

Thanks were expressed to Edith Phillips for mailing out the 900 ballots.Two hundred fifty (250) ballots voting in favor of the nominated Board officer

Candidates were received. One ballot with a write-in candidate was also received.

Deve1opment Committee: Sandra Paul reporting.

There has not been any feedback from the chapters on their activities relative to the concept of increasing sustaining memberships, that is, the first year the proceeds are split 50-50 between national and the chapter for getting a new sustaining member. The program was to enhance the sustaining membership income while giving the chapters an incentive to strengthen their treasuries.

President Cantlon followed up on the current sustaining members while the Development Committee chair was able to get one new member. (It was noted that the San Francisco chapter also obtained a new sustaining member.)

This incentive program has not been successful during this first year. Should the program be extended another year to give the chapters an opportunity to understand it and make some effort in the area, or should it be discontinued?

Chapters may have made an announcement about the incentive program, but the presidents have not had time to do any follow-up. If this is to remain as a program for the chapters, and it came at the request of the chapters, it may be necessary to have a particular individual, like a vice president, appointed with this responsibility in the chapter. If the program continues to be unsuccessful, than the organization will have to return to soliciting sustaining members being only a national responsibility.

Chapter presidents received pro forma letters that could be used the solicit memberships and information obtained from current sustaining members who answered the question why they are sustaining members.

Since there are many new chapter presidents, a request was made that the pro forma letters and the sustaining member responses be forwarded to each of the 1990-91 chapter presidents. Sandy agreed to mail the information again.

Sustaining members who did not renew gave no reason for dropping their membership. Sandy indicated that she would contact Random House in an attempt to get their decision reversed.

The question was asked whether incoming President Breitman was familiar with the contact and follow-up letters that are required to get sustaining members to renew. President Cantlon and Sandy agreed to talk to her about the subject, including time frame.

It was agreed that the sustaining memberships solicitation by chapter incentive program be continued for another year at which time it will be re evaluated at the next annual Board meeting.

Pannell Award: Ann Eastman reporting. (Copy of report attached to official minutes.)

This is the second year in which two Pannell Awards were given at the American Booksellers Association Children’s Book Breakfast. One was given to Clifford F. Wobi, Rabbitt Hill Children’s Bookstore, Hewlett, New York and the second award was given to Ann La Pietra, The Kids’ Place, Marshall, Michigan. Gwynne Spencer of Trespassers William Bookstore in Albuquerque, New Mexico, received a special commendation for the program of getting New Mexico bookseller to make a $100 contribution available to teachers to purchase children’s books for their students.

Each winner received a check for $1,500 and a piece of art by Barbara Cooney for which we paid $500 a piece. There were 15 submissions. Bob Hale, the jury chair, who has presided at the children’s book breakfast and Allan Marshall, Director of Professional Development and Education for ABA and who has worked with WNBA, are leaving their positions. All the scrapbook submissions are still going to ABA, and WNBA is being assured that Bernie Rath is supportive of the program. In early July, Eastman will write ABA’s new Director of Professional Development to explain how vital the project is to ABA and how important it is to the whole enterprise.

As an example, the Association for Library Service to children of ALA and Econo-Clad is launching an award, with criteria that are identical to the WNBA award, recognizing outstanding programs to bring children and literature together. With the establishment of this American Library Association award, it would not be a good for WNBA to be put in the position of giving a similar award even though the Pannell Award has a long history with another cooperating library association. It is important therefore, that WNBA continue its relationship with ABA and the new ABA director support the program.

WNBA tables at the Children’s Breakfast are available. Chapter members who are attending the ABA program should be notified that tables can be reserved. Sandy should be notified as to the number of WNBA people from each chapter who will be attending the breakfast in order to reserve tables.

Thank you letters should be sent to Bob Hale and Allan Marshall in the near future. Ann will take on this responsibility.

It was noted that at the Board’s direction two years ago two Pannell Awards of $2,000 each were to be given annually. With the increase in expenses and the decrease in the trust fund income the fund is decreasing. There was concern that the income should not continue going down since the stock market has recuperated after the Oct. ‘88 crash. Ann will contact the administrator of the fund to inquire about the investments.

The chair was asked to respond to the 1989 treasurer’s suggestion that the administrator’s fee be reduced. The chair responded that the administrator more than earns the fee. The work is constant with phone calls, mail, and work at the time of the ABA conference, including the shipment of scrapbooks. When questions come up, the administrator is the first one people turn to. Her fee was just raised last year.

WNBA previously did not pay for the art work, so this has become an added expense. There is the possibility of giving only one award or the award could be only $1,000. The decision to reduce the amount of the award would have to be made at this 1990 Board meeting for implementation in 1992 because the information for 1991 is already in place.

WNBA must not allow the administration expenses to reach the level of, or become greater than, what is given to the awardees. WNBA needs to look for ways to get less expensive or find not cost facilities for jury meetings. The point is the organization should look at all administrative costs before considering reducing the amount of the award.

There should be a review of all expenditures during this fiscal year to determine well in advance of ABA and in advance of the jury selections whether a change in the award should be made. The check from the trust fund is mailed directly to the Treasurer. The chairperson must have a decision on the award no later than early March, 1991. If there is a continuation of the downward curve in income, the Board will need to determine whether two or one award should be given in ‘92.

If the trust fund income were given early enough, WNBA could reinvest money in CD’s. Ann will request a monthly check be cut and how, generally, the investments are made, that is, one type of stock or a diversity of stock or stock and bonds, money market funds, etc.. Ann and Sylvia will review the Pannell income and budget.

1992 WNBA Award

The last three candidates selected have been done without following established criteria or procedures.

It was suggested that rather than have individuals nominated and have a wholly WNBA group evaluate the candidates, there should be an intermediary step of a jury, to consist of two representatives of sustaining membership and one WNBA person who would then create a list of 3 to 5 people, one of whom might receive the award.

A modification was suggested to the original proposal that instead of going back to a jury to select three candidates, who may in fact say they do not want to run, that the procedure return to the Board with two representatives of sustaining membership organizations meeting in special session so that the process has the expertise of both the Board and sustaining membership.

The procedure of soliciting recommendations from the membership would be continued through The Bookwoman. The nominators need to be told that they must provide all the justification that a jury requires.

With so many other subjects being considered at the national Board meeting, the agenda tends to be rushed and determining the WNBA award winner may not receive sufficient attention or the kind of consideration it deserves. Some other time might be more appropriate.

Members of the Board are already scheduled to attend the national meeting so they could convene a day earlier to concentrate on the WNBA Award. The meeting would be with the sustaining members and the number of candidates could be reduced to three to five individuals. All members would have one vote as to the selection of the final three to five candidates. The Board would and should make the final decision on the award winner.

Moved by Sandra Paul, seconded by Pamela Banks “That the WNBA procedures be modified to read that a jury for the WNBA Award consist of the national board (elected officers and chapter presidents) with two objective and knowledgeable representatives of sustaining members appointed by the President in consultation with the Awards chairperson.” Motion approved.

Sandra agreed to correct the procedure statement and send a copy to appropriate individuals. Sylvia will review the Bylaws to be sure there is no conflict with this change in policy.

Past President Report: Cathy Renstchler reporting.

The Past President’s primary responsibilities during the past year consisted of writing the article for the ALA yearbook and coordinating the ALA breakfast. There were a number of the breakfast announcement flyers returned, mostly corresponding members, due to bad addresses. Cathy will send the information to Sandy who will correct the addresses.

The Past President reminded the Board that 1989 documents should be sent to the archives at Columbia University. The correct shipping address is found in the 1989 Board minutes. Each chapter is responsible for assigning someone the archive responsibility. The national procedures manual outlines what type of documents should be sent to Columbia. It was recommended that the materials be organized by categories, e.g., minutes, newsletters, publicity items, program flyers, etc. and in chronological order starting with the beginning of the program year. Do not staple or use paper clips on materials.

The potential loss of the Columbia Library School will have no impact on the university’s retaining WNBA’s archival records.

1991 Board Meeting

The 1991 annual Board meeting will be held in New York prior to the ABA. President Breitman will determine the particular dates. The ABA breakfast will be June 1.

The 1990 WNBA Award

Mrs. Bush’s office has not yet determined when and where Mrs. Bush will accept the WNBA award.

WNBA should have either a tea or cocktail reception that the Washington chapter could help organize at a location other than the White House or the White House might receive a small delegation from WNBA.

Ann Eastman agreed to contact John Coles for advice and council. Sandy Paul will talk with Carol Neimeyer. These two individuals could be asked to suggest a gift, either personal or a donation to a literacy program. Contact could also be made with Julie Cooke of the White House staff. WNBA should follow the advice of these individuals.

The Award certificate should be prepared immediately.

SLA Women’s Issues Caucus: Cathy Renstchler reporting.

The Special Libraries Association Women’s Issues Caucus is interested in developing contact with WNBA which Cathy would be willing to facilitate. SLA, at its conference program in 1991, is putting on a book and author luncheon and would like suggestions of prominent women authors or male authors writing on appropriate women’s issues who live in the southwest. If any member of the Board is aware of any authors just mail the suggestions to Cathy and she will forward them to SLA. The deadline for submission is Sept. 15.

WNBA Presidency

In the absence of the incoming President, President Cantlon turned over the gavel of the Presidency to Vice President Carolyn Wilson. President Cantlon stated that the WNBA is well-served with the new officers and Board.

As the first official act of the new Board and officers and as an expression of the Board’s appreciation for two wonderful years, outgoing President Cantlon was presented with a gift book, History of Opera.

Moved by Sardra Paul, seconded by Marie Cantlon “That the meeting be adjourned.” Motion approved at 2:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret E. Auer, Secretary

ApprovedMarie Cantlon, President