Note: In May 2021, the Consortium of MnPALS Libraries approved the adoption of a new governance model. The following information is a draft that will be proposed to the MnPALS Consortium Board in September 2021.
Consortium of MnPALS Libraries
Purpose
The Consortium of MnPALS Libraries facilitates reliable and cost-efficient access to library resources for the benefit of their user communities. The consortium uses a common integrated automated system that addresses the needs of all participating libraries.
Organization
The Consortium of MnPALS Libraries (the Consortium) is a self-supporting organization. Members pay fees according to a funding formula, developed with input from the Consortium’s Executive Committee. The Executive Director of PALS is responsible for the PALS budget and works with Minnesota State’s System Director for Student Success Technologies to make financial decisions. The Executive Director of PALS has decision-making authority in the assignment of PALS staff resources.
Membership
The Consortium includes all Minnesota State libraries as well as some private college and university libraries, state government libraries, school libraries, and special libraries. Membership in the Consortium requires that a library be a member of both Minitex and OCLC, load their bibliographic records in the MnPALS catalog, allow all Consortium members to search their collections, and agree to participate in interlibrary loan with the other Consortium members.
Meetings
Members of the Consortium have the opportunity to meet once a year for a spring event organized with the help of the PALS office. Additional in person meetings can be scheduled as needed.
PALS
Purpose
PALS provides automated library services and additional services in support of online learning to all Consortium libraries, benefiting their staff and patrons.
Organization
PALS is an acronym for Project for Automated Library Services. Initiated at Mankato State University in 1978, PALS is now a program of Minnesota State’s Academic and Student Affairs Division. Minnesota State is ultimately responsible for the operations of PALS.
Membership
Members of the PALS staff are state employees, and the Executive Director of PALS reports to the System Director of Student Success Technologies at Minnesota State.
Responsibilities
PALS personnel provide support and training for the shared ILS and other products. Personnel also work with consortium members to schedule and facilitate events and meetings as necessary, including the fall and spring consortium-wide events.
Library Leadership Group
Purpose
The Library Leadership Group provides an assembly of the heads of all consortium libraries, Minitex, and Minnesota State.
Representation
- One representative per member library who works in a leadership role: Dean, Director, Coordiantor, or designee.
- Ex officio members:
- PALS Executive Director
- Minitex Director
- Minnesota State System Director for Student Success Technologies
Member Roles & Responsibilities
- Serve as designated representatives for any voting matters requiring one vote per institution
- Long range planning for the Consortium
- Contract approval (i.e., Integrated Library System)
Meetings
A minimum of one meeting per year to review Consortium activities and to provide focus and direction for the MnPALS Consortium Board.
MnPALS Consortium Board
Purpose
Taking into consideration staffing, budgets, types of patrons served, student population, geographic location, the Board will represent the Consortium membership to:
- Establish and advance the mission, vision and strategic priorities of the consortium
- Provide input and recommendations to the PALS office
- Approve and review the formation and charges of policy groups and task forces
- Create, review, and/or approve consortium-wide policy
- Build and maintain communication in the consortium
Representation
- 4 representatives for 2-year libraries (limit of one person per institution)
- 4 representatives for 4-year libraries (limit of one person per institution)
- 2 representatives for state and special libraries (limit of one person per institution)
- 1 policy group representative per policy group (currently: ILL, Circulation, Network Zone/Cataloging)
- Ex Officio members:
- PALS Executive Director
- PALS Support and Training Specialist
Board Terms
- 2-year terms, with a maximum of 4 consecutive years
- Elections occur at the spring gathering
- Terms begin September 1
*For the first year of Board elections, use staggered terms of 1 and 2 years
Board Positions
- The Board selects a chair at the first fall meeting
- Chair serves one year
- Chair rotates among library types
Member Roles & Responsibilities
- Board representatives: represent and communicate with their constituency groups
- Board chair: Sets agenda and chairs meetings
Meetings & Events
The Board will hold a minimum of two meetings per year
- Meeting schedule for the year will be finalized by the Board at the first fall meeting
- Meetings can be held as long as a simple majority of Board members is present in order to advance the work of the Board
- A voting quorum is a two-thirds majority of Board members
- The Board will work with PALS to organize membership meetings and events
- Meeting minutes will be taken by a PALS staff member
Consortium Engagement Opportunities
Policy Groups
Current policy groups are Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, and Network Zone/Cataloging. Additional policy groups can be created with Board approval.
Purpose
To create and review consortium-wide policies
Representation
- Any employee of a MnPALS member library is eligible to serve on a Policy Group
- Consists of a minimum of 1 member each (2 year, 4 year, and state/special, if applicable)
- One member of each policy group will serve on the Board to represent policy group interests
- Policy groups will have at least one formal PALS staff liaison
Member Roles & Responsibilities
- Represent library type in creation and review of policies
Meetings & Events
- As needed
Task Forces
Purpose
Task Forces conduct defined investigations that further the mission or clarify operations of the consortium. The Board establishes Task Forces.
Representation
- Any employee of a MnPALS member library is eligible to serve on a Task Force
- Varies by need; may be determined in charge
- No formal liaisons from Board or PALS staff are required, but they may be appointed as needed
- Task Forces are not represented on the Board
Member Roles & Responsibilities
- As determined by charge
- Report back to the Board as required/requested
Interest Groups
Purpose
Established for communication and exploration focusing on areas of common interest, which may be a product, subject specialty, or topic. Any member of a MnPALS library can form an Interest Group.
- Any employee of a MnPALS member library is eligible to participate in an Interest Group
- PALS staff are welcome to participate, but not required
Member Roles & Responsibilities
- Report to the Board if needed
Meetings & Events
- As needed
Proposed: 9/16/2021 | Adopted: TBD
