SSIG Business Meeting
ALAO Annual Conference 2002 – Independence, OH
November 1, 2002

(There were fifteen individuals in attendance).

Kelly Shook (SSIG chair) called the meeting to order at 10:15am. She introduced herself and talked about her involvement in SSIG starting from her membership in Kent State University's library support staff group.

Kelly introduced John Burke (secretary/chair-elect). She then asked people to volunteer to run for secretary/chair-elect and gave an encouraging speech about what is expected of this position and that of chair.

Martha Kluth presented the updated Goals and Objectives of the SSIG. She noted that the Objectives are updated annually. The document demonstrates that the SSIG is an active group of people and tells exactly what we do as a group.

Kelly then called for a vote to approve the document (they were approved unanimously). She then asked attendees to sign up for SSIG committees: the web design committee, the awards committee, the issues and concerns committee, and the program planning committee.

Judy Orahood spoke about the new awards introduced by the SSIG: the Support Staff and Supporter of Support Staff Awards. Brian Hickam mentioned that the regional library systems of Ohio have offered a free workshop registration to winners of the awards (other prizes are in the works and will be announced).

Kelly spoke about our Spring Workshop plans. The plan is to try to hold workshops in the northern, central, and southern parts of the state. There will be a motivational speaker in the morning and then breakout sessions in the afternoon. The Program Planning Committee will keep everyone posted on developments.

Brian and John talked about the SSIG web site and asked for input from the group.

Doug Morrison spoke about the Ohio Library Support Staff Institute. He noted that the fee for 2003 may go up to $225 but no higher. Funds are still being solicited for the Institute and OHIONET is the new financial management agency. Doug expects that there will likely be some bicentennial related programming. The date of the next Institute is August 3-6, 2003.

Gaynelle Predmore talked about opportunities for people to serve within the SSIG. She noted the value of networking with other support staff members around the state. She asked for people to think of others they know who could join committees and/or make presentations at the ALAO Annual Conference or SSIG spring workshops and pre-conferences.

Kelly encouraged everyone to attend the other support staff-related sessions at the conference:

1. "Why We Do What We Do: Getting Involved Above & Beyond Your Job Description" – Mary Ayres, Doug Morrison, and Joy Ramos.
2. "Supporting Support Staff: Providing the Human Touch" – Gaynelle Predmore and Kelly Shook.
3. "The Ohio Support Staff Institute" – John Burke.

She also mentioned the Support Staff Presenter Grant that is available for support staff members who may not have funding available to travel to the conference and present.

Kelly moved to adjourn the meeting and Doug seconded the motion.