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Greater New York Visual Resources Association Regional Chapter

Fall Business Meeting Notes

Friday, November 13, 2009, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The New York Public Library, room 227

Presiding: Sarah Goldstein, Chair

Notes: Jenni Rodda, Vice Chair

N.B.: The notes below follow the agenda items, in the order of discussion. Agenda subheadings are in italics.

The meeting was called to order by Sarah at 4:10 p.m.

1. Welcome and thank you to Susan Chute and the staff of the NYPL for hosting our fall meeting! Sarah reminded everyone present to please RENEW their VRA/NY memberships. Hard-copy renewal forms were made available at the meeting, and Sarah reported that a downloadable form is up on the VRA/NY web site.

2. Sarah read Barbara Treitel’s Treasurer/Membership report into the record. As of November 12, 2009, the Chapter has $1732.10 in our CitiBank savings account. Recent expenses included $50.00 in support of the New York Technical Services Libarians reception, and $250.00 to cover refreshments and a small donation to the NYPL for hosting our fall meeting. Membership renewals are very slow: although there are 30 paid memberships for 2009, only 4 people have so far renewed for 2010. Jenni reminded those present that the membership year ends December 31, and that our dues are still “cheap” at $15.00 annually.

3. Sarah reminded the membership that VRA/NY chose not to participate in VRA/national’s new bundled membership/bursary program. After renewed discussion, it was decided by consensus to review the program at the spring meeting, and to consult with our colleagues in the New England chapter who have chosen to participate in B&B. Given the low level of renewals so far, if the bundled membership program encourages local chapter membership in ways we have been unable to do ourselves, we will happily reconsider participating in the program.

4. Steven Kowalik, VRA Development Committee co-chair, explained that there would be no solicitation for Chapter funds in support of the national VRA conference, at the stipulation of Alan Kohl, VRA President. However, after some discussion, during which the membership was reminded that there will be a panel session at the VRA/Atlanta conference next spring made up exclusively of VRA/NY members, Johanna Baumann moved (seconded by Steven Kowalik) that VRA/NY make a $300.00 donation to the national conference. The motion passed by unanimous acclamation. Steven went on to volunteer to contact the VRA Board as to the avenue for making that gift, and if it can be done in specific to support the VRA/NY panel at the conference.

5. “After the Transition” is the title of the panel discussion to be held at VRA/Atlanta by VRA/NY members, which is a reprise and expansion on the Chapter program of last spring. Sarah announced that she has accepted a new position at Mt. Holyoke College, and would be leaving the Greater New York Chapter as a consequence; she may not be able to attend the Atlanta conference, and may not be able to give her paper on the panel. (Other panelists are Billy Kwan, Claire Dienes, Steven Kowalik, and Jenni Rodda.)

6. Spring meeting venue and program suggestions included a topic on how digital image use is tracked, perhaps hosted by the Metropolitan Museum (Billy Kwan suggested the topic at this past spring’s meeting). One of the MMA staff members present will consult with Andrew Gessner and report back to the membership. [In an e-mail exchange subsequent to the fall meeting, Stephanie Post reported that the Metropolitan Museum’s Image Library will be happy to host VRA/NY’s spring meeting. Details will be announced via the VRA/NY listserv as they are finalized.]

7. Under new business, Sarah reported that Jenni will step up to be Chair earlier than planned, due to her move to Massachusetts, and that VRA/NY will be seeking a new Vice Chair in the spring as a consequence. Jenni asked for volunteers; when none was forthcoming, Steven Kowalik made an impassioned plea for volunteers, reminding everyone that the workload as a Chapter officer is light, that it looks good on one’s resume, and that being a Chapter officer affords an opportunity to develop leadership skills.

Sarah also reported that Barbara Treitel has retired from her position at the Jewish Museum. [Sarah reported subsequent to the meeting that Barbara has graciously agreed to stay on as Secretary/Treasurer through the 2009 membership renewal cycle and into fall 2010. This will allow the Chapter to re-visit participation in the bundled membership and bursary program sponsored by VRA national over the course of the coming year.]

8. Johann Baumann moved that the meeting be adjourned at 4:50 p.m., a motion which carried unanimously.

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