Bylaws

(Adopted April 25. 1983)

(Revised March 3, 2004)

(Revised July 9, 2009)

(Revised June 13, 2011)

Article I

Name.

The name of this organization shall be "The Friends of the Northern Illinois University Libraries”.

Article II

Purpose.

The purpose of the Friends of the Northern Illinois University Libraries shall be to support and promote the acquisition, maintenance, and use of the University Libraries' resources, in all formats, and to enhance the public's appreciation of the Libraries and of intellectual pursuits. This may involve bringing to the Libraries funds for special needs beyond the reach of the Libraries' budget, encouraging gifts of library materials, and cooperating with the Libraries and the Libraries Advisory Committee in the development of the resources of the Libraries.

Article III

Membership.

Any person, business firm, or other organization interested in the objects of the Friends of the N.I.U. Libraries may become a member on application duly approved, or on invitation by the Executive Committee.

Article IV

Membership.

1. The Executive Committee establishes levels for membership dues and establishes levels of donation for recognition.
2. Honorary memberships may be awarded in recognition of significant contributions or services to the University Libraries as determined by the Executive Committee.

Article V

Officers and Committees.

1. In addition to the President, the officers of the Friends shall be the Vice-President/Program Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, each of whom shall be elected for one year terms by majority vote of the members present at the annual meeting.  Officers may succeed themselves.
2. There shall be an Executive Committee consisting of the above officers, the immediate past President, the Dean of the University Libraries, and not less than six and no more than ten members at large each to be elected for a term of three years by a majority of the members present at the annual meeting. One third of the members at large shall be elected each year. Also, at that time, a member shall be elected to complete the remaining term of a member at large who served less than three years.

The Executive Committee shall have the power to conduct the affairs of the Friends at times other than the annual meeting, including the filling of vacancies until the next annual meeting. Seven members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum. 

The President shall act as the chairperson of the Executive Committee, and he or she shall appoint additional committees as directed by the Friends or by the Executive Committee. The Dean of the University Libraries, or the Dean’s designee, shall be a member, ex officio, of all committees.

Article VI

Meetings.

The meetings of the Friends shall consist of an annual business meeting to be held at such time and place as shall be determined by the President, and other such meetings as the Executive Committee shall determine. Adequate notice, by mail, of fourteen days having been given, members present shall constitute a quorum sufficient for the transaction of business at any annual meeting.

Article VII

Amendments.

Changes in bylaws must first be approved by the Executive Committee and finalized by a two-thirds vote of those present at the annual meeting of the Friends of NIU Libraries. Notice of such proposed amendments shall have been mailed to all members at least ten days prior to the annual meeting.