I. NAME AND PURPOSE
A. The Iowa Commission of Libraries (hereafter referred to as the Commission) is established and operates in accordance with the Code of Iowa.
B. The Commission’s specific powers and duties are set forth in Chapter 8A.203 of the Code of Iowa.
II. MEMBERSHIP
A. The Commission shall consist of nine (9) members serving four-year terms, including an appointee of the Iowa Supreme Court, the Director of the Department of Administrative Services or the director’s designee, and seven appointees of the Governor.
B. In accordance with Chapter 69.15, Code of Iowa, a Commission member is considered to have submitted a resignation from the Commission if that person has missed three or more consecutive meetings or has attended fewer than half of the regular meetings within any twelve-month period starting on July 1 or January 1.
III. COMMISSION MEETINGS
A. The Commission shall conduct its meetings in accordance with Chapter 21 of the Code of Iowa (Iowa’s Open Meetings Law).
B. The Commission shall follow parliamentary procedures as outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order. These rules may be temporarily suspended by the Chairperson with a majority vote of Commission members in attendance.
C. The Commission shall hold regular meetings four times a year at a date and time determined by the Chairperson. Additional meetings may be scheduled as necessary. In accordance with Iowa Code 21.8, an option for hybrid or teleconference attendance will be offered, and members may attend or vote via teleconference.
D. The State Librarian shall distribute meeting materials (including the agenda) to Commission members at least seven (7) days before Commission meetings.
E. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson, the State Librarian, or any five Commission members, with at least twenty-four hours’ notice. Members may attend or vote via teleconference.
F. A quorum at any meeting shall consist of five Commission members.
G. The State Librarian or designee shall be present and participate in each Commission meeting.
H. The Commission shall record its proceedings as minutes and maintain those minutes in accordance with Chapter 22 of the Code of Iowa (Iowa Open Records Law).
I. In the event that a scheduled Commission meeting must be canceled, the Chairperson shall consult with the State Librarian to determine the necessity of the cancellation. Notice of cancellation shall be provided to Commission members and the public as soon as possible. Any business from a canceled meeting shall be rescheduled at the discretion of the Chairperson.
J. Members of the public are welcome to attend Commission meetings, except for those authorized by law to be conducted in closed session. A public comment period will be held at regularly scheduled meetings of the Commission. Individuals wishing to provide public comment must submit a request via an online form that is linked from the Commission webpage at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. The Commission will allow for up to 15 minutes total for public comment during a meeting. The Chairperson will set time limits for individual comments, generally not exceeding three (3) minutes per speaker, and establish guidelines for public participation. Individuals who do not get the chance to speak may submit written comments to the Commission.
IV. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
A. The officers of the Commission shall be the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The State Librarian shall designate a staff member to serve as Secretary. If the Secretary is absent, the State Librarian shall appoint a secretary pro tem.
B. Annual officer elections shall be conducted at the first regular meeting of each fiscal year (starting July 1) and elected officers shall assume their duties at the next meeting. A special election may take place upon the resignation or vacancy of an officer. The Chairperson shall serve for one year, after which the Vice-Chairperson shall assume the role of Chairperson and an election for a new Vice-Chairperson shall take place.
C. The Chairperson shall appoint committees as needed and/or recommended by the State Librarian or Commission members. Committees may include, but are not limited to: Bylaws committee, Nominating Committee, and LSTA Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee.
D. The Commission shall determine whether any standing committees are necessary.
E. All committees shall act in an advisory capacity and report their recommendations to the full Commission.
F. Commission members attending committee meetings may participate via teleconference.
V. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. The Commission shall provide advice and recommendations on administrative rules.
B. The Commission shall provide advice and guidance on State Library policies and library services.
C. The Commission shall engage with the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) five-year plan by:
- Offering input during the development process.
- Receiving progress updates during plan administration.
- Participating in the evaluation process as required by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
D. The Commission shall review annual LSTA survey feedback from public libraries to help determine federal funding priorities for the State Library.
E. The Commission shall participate in ongoing education regarding statewide programs and initiatives led by State Library staff.
F. The Commission may provide input to the Director of Administrative Services regarding the hiring and evaluation process for the State Librarian.
VI. AMENDMENTS
A. Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed at any regular meeting but become effective only after a favorable vote at a subsequent meeting. A two-thirds (â…”) vote of members present shall be required to approve.
B. Any bylaw provision may be temporarily suspended by a two-thirds (â…”) vote of members present at a meeting, provided it does not conflict with the Code of Iowa.
