As we face uncertain times and distance learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and a massive migration to a new LSP, the LACUNY Executive Council has decided to postpone LACUNY Officer elections this year.  Leadership continuity of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Urban Library Journal Editors, stand to keep us well on-track in a very significant period of unprecedented change. Not only would this provide steady leadership when needed, but would allow for a more fluid, robust and democratic election come Spring 2021. We are following a model recently established by the Council of Chief Librarians, a body that has decided to proceed with a retention of current officers in the name of stability and much needed continuity for one additional cycle of service. We believe the wisdom of this proposal situates us at our best.

This leadership continuity will become official at the May 2020 meeting. The LACUNY Executive Council, in conjunction with the Constitution and By-laws Committee, has created an amendment that would allow for continuity of leadership should an emergency, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, arise that a general election would not be applicable. This amendment would stand in preparation for another crisis, should it ever come again. 

Furthermore, an amendment has been approved for the continuation of the Jay Bernstein award to be in effect for future academic years. Instead of a monetary prize, the recipient of this award will have their LACUNY membership fee waived for that academic year. Moreover, their registration fee for that academic year’s LACUNY Institute would be waived. Additionally, the LACUNY Travel Grants have been given a one-year extension, allowing recipients to use travel grant funds for conferences in fall 2020 or in 2021, when we hope conferences resume. 

We hope you all have been safe and healthy during an unprecedented time. Should you have any questions please feel free to email the LACUNY Officers.