Library Assembly and Shared Governance

The Library Assembly provides an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and administrators to participate in shared governance. The primary function of the Library Assembly is to advise the Dean of the Libraries and the Library Executive Council (LEC) on any matter or concern, including but not limited to, policies, services, programs, development of the learning organization, strategic planning, professional development, mentoring, faculty evaluation, and salary recommendations (subject to the limitations imposed by laws or superseding University documents). This broad charge brings virtually all library policy matters within the purview of the Assembly. Advisory to the Dean and LEC, the Assembly may pass recommendations on a wide range of issues, and it has the right to a prompt response from the Dean and LEC as to the disposition of any recommendations it makes. 

The Library Assembly is a unicameral governance body composed of voting representatives from all sectors of the library community. All faculty members with an appointment of at least 50% and emeritus faculty have one vote each. Representation from exempt, non-exempt, and graduate assistant staff is elected and proportional to 10% of the population of each employment group. (see the Plan of Organization, for more detail).

The Assembly operates through a structured committee system. The Assembly Advisory Council is made up of the Assembly Officers (Chair, Past Chair, Incoming Chair, Secretary, and Parliamentarian), the chairs of each standing committee, and elected representatives from the exempt and non-exempt staff. An issue or proposal is first discussed in the Library Assembly Advisory Council, then it may be sent to a committee for discussion, review and report. Committees report back their findings and/or recommendations to the Advisory Council who may place it on the agenda of the full Assembly for debate, amendment, or approval as appropriate. Special Committees may be appointed jointly by the Assembly and the administration. 

The Assembly plays an integral role in the Libraries' decision-making process. Service in the Assembly affords the opportunity for a wide range of members of the library community to participate in and learn about the governance of the University and the Libraries in particular.

Specific details about the operation of the Assembly may be found in the Plan of Organization. For information about pending issues, committee chairs, the agenda for committees, how to submit a proposal, and how to become involved in library governance, contact Heidi Hanson, 2009-2010 Assembly Chair at 405-9338 or hhanson.

Inquiries about the work of the Assembly can be made to the Assembly Advisory Council reflector lib-laadvis@umd.edu

Assembly reflector: lib-assembly@umd.edu