Guidelines for Resolution Submissions
Interim Procedure for 2008

Any AALL entity or member may submit a resolution concerning substantive matters for consideration by the membership. Matters presented by entities or individuals are typically stated in resolution form, but may also be in the form of a motion without the "whereas" preamble. A list of existing resolutions may be found at http://aallnet.org/about/policy.asp.

Resolution Defined

A resolution is a call for action on a subject of great importance, expressed in formal language. It is designed to provide a democratic, orderly process for bringing issues to the attention of the membership. It serves to establish or make known the position of the Association on matters of significance for law librarians, law librarianship and law libraries.

Types of Resolutions:

1. Substantive
   
   
   1. Sets forth or requests a new policy or position or change in Association policy or position.
      
      
   2. Requests action of the AALL Executive Board or other entities for change in programs or goals.
      
      
   3. Declares a position on significant law library matters.
      
      
   4. Supports or takes issue with actions of other organizations that involve or relate to law librarianship.
      
      
2. Courtesy
   
   
   1. Honors a person, group or entity that has made an important contribution to AALL or law librarianship.
      
      
3. Commemorative
   
   
   1. Commemorates an important person or event.
      
      

Writing a Resolution

All resolutions should be composed using these guidelines:

1. The resolution shall be related to the purpose of AALL as stated in the Bylaws, Article II. http://aallnet.org/about/bylaws.asp
   
   
2. The resolution should address only one topic or issue.
   
   
3. The resolution should be complete, so that when adopted it becomes a clear and formal expression of the Association.
   
   
4. The intent, objective or goals of the resolution should be clear to all. The resolution should make clear whether it concerns a general AALL policy or a call for a specific action.
   
   
5. If the resolution calls for a specific action or program, a timetable should be made clear and be included.
   
   
6. If the resolution has financial implications for the Association, an estimate of costs should be included.
   
   
7. Each resolution must be submitted by a voting member of the Association and must indicate the initiating individual or entity.

Submitting or Presenting a Resolution

All resolutions shall be submitted, in writing, using the online form on AALLNET at http://aallnet.org/about/resolution_form.asp.

1. After a resolution is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Executive Committee as to format, content, relevance and scope.
   
   
2. If the resolution is submitted at least 30 days prior to the AALL General Business Meeting, it will be forwarded to the AALL Secretary for placement on the AALL General Business Meeting agenda.
   
   
3. Resolutions submitted after the 30 day deadline, but at least 24 hours before the time of the AALL General Business Meeting will be reproduced for distribution at the business meeting, and forwarded to the AALL Secretary for addition to the agenda.
   
   
4. Courtesy or commemorative resolutions may be presented from the floor at the AALL General Business Meeting and do not need to be written or submitted ahead of time. Such resolutions can be approved by voice vote or applause.
   
   
5. A representative of the submitting member or entity must be present at the AALL General Business Meeting to move (present) the resolution. The resolution must be seconded by a separate voting member in attendance at the AALL General Business Meeting in order to proceed to discussion and a possible vote.

Following discussion of the resolution (other than a courtesy or commemorative) at the AALL General Business Meeting, the President, as presiding officer, will give members present at the meeting the opportunity to vote to take the resolution forward to the entire AALL membership for a final vote via AALLNET after the Annual Meeting. Resolutions that are forwarded to the entire AALL membership for a vote will be announced by the President in the August e-newsletter. The announcement will include a link to the text of the resolution and any materials submitted in support or opposition, as well as the dates for a short-term online discussion (in which members can sign up to participate), and the dates for electronic balloting to approve or reject the resolution, (to be conducted within a short time thereafter).