1. Introduction

1.1 The Group shall be known as the "Library and Information Research Group", hereinafter referred to as the "Group".

1.2 Conduct of the affairs of the Group shall be governed by the provisions of this document, to be known as "The Constitution".

1.3 The Constitution may be altered only with the approval of a majority of those members attending and voting in person at a General Meeting of the Group.

1.4 A General Meeting shall be held at least once each calendar year. At least two week's notice of a General Meeting shall be sent to each member of the Group.

2. Ojectives

Definition
"Research" is taken to include any form of investigation into issues connected with libraries and information whether done on a full time or part time basis.

2.1 To encourage and secure the recognition and role of research and investigation in library and information work.

2.2 To develop and maintain links between practitioners and researchers in the library and information profession and outside.

2.3 To encourage the development of appropriate structures for carrying out research and investigation in library and information work.

2.4 To assist in the development of appropriate methodology and method in library and information work.

2.5 To represent the professional interest of those connected with research in library and information work.

2.6 To encourage adequate professional co-operation and liaison with other bodies having an active interest in library and information work.

2.7 To encourage the dissemination of research results. The Group will further these objectives by means of meetings of all kinds (workshops, symposia, conferences, etc.), publications, and by the encouragement of formal and informal contacts between the interested parties both nationally and internationally.

3. Membership

3.1 Membership shall be open to all individuals sympathetic to the objectives of the Group.

3.2 Membership includes the right to vote at General Meetings and to participate in the activities of the Group.

4. Committee

4.1 There shall be a Committee consisting of not more than thirteen members, elected by the membership as a whole, plus co-opted members.

4.2 Committee members shall be elected for two years at a time, half retiring annually.

4.3 The Committee may co-opt up to six additional members.

4.4 Casual vacancies of elected members may be filled by co-option.

4.5 The Committee may set up such working groups, as it seems fit, subject to the authority of the Committee and of the General Meeting.

4.6 The Committee shall be free to take decisions on behalf of the Group, subject always to the provisions of this Constitution and shall report annually to the General Meeting on it's work.

5. Officers

5.1 There shall be at least three officers: Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

5.2 The officers shall be elected for two years at a time by the Committee but shall retire after one year if not elected to membership of the Committee for the second year.

6. Relationships with other bodies

6.1 The Committee may not enter into relationships with other bodies which would diminish the Group's independence, without the approval of a General Meeting.

7. Finance

7.1 The Group's monies shall be deposited with a bank approved by the Committee.

7.2 The auditors shall be appointed annually by the Committee; they shall not be members of the Committee. Audited accounts shall be presented to a General Meeting.

7.3 Cheques shall be signed by the Treasurer and one other officer.

7.4 The Treasurer shall not seek to overdraw any of the Group's accounts without the approval of a majority of the Committee present and voting a t a Committee Meeting.

8. Publications

8.1 Unless an author has retained copyright, the copyright of all publications of the Groups shall be owned by the Group and all such publications shall state that ownership.

8.2 All publications shall bear a disclaimer absolving the Group from any responsibility for statements made in them.

(Approved unanimously by the Annual General Meeting 21.3.90)
Retyped at LMU 6/00