91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳

The process of incorporation began at the September 2017 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ AGM where members unanimously supported the resolution that 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ take the necessary steps to become an incorporated association. This included drafting a new constitution, a process that began in mid-2018. After consultations with 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ members the new constitution was approved at a Special General Meeting on 8th February 2019, along with approval for the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ office team to lodge the application for incorporation. 

This is a significant milestone in the history of 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳, reflecting the growth and maturity of 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ as an internationally recognised national representative body in the higher education sector. 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ has existed as a national organisation since the first officially recorded meeting of Australian university librarians in 1928, later formalised with the formation of the Committee of Australian University Librarians in 1965. In 1992 the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ was established as an unincorporated association in recognition of 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳’s desire to be an active and influential advocacy organisation.

What does incorporation mean for 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳?

On the surface not much will change. Incorporation is part of 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳’s continuous development as a national representative body that applies  in its management and operations. Incorporation means that 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ now exists as a legal entity with its own rights and obligations separate from its directors and members. This provides 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ directors and members with a range of protections, and reduces the risk of personal or institutional liability.

The most noticeable changes are that:

• 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ is now officially the Council of Australian University librarians (incorporated) or 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ inc. but can continue to be referred to as the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ (91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳).
• 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳'s membership now officially recognises CONZUL members. Members of CONZUL are eligible for Associate Membership of 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ under the new Constitution.
• The Executive Committee will be known as the Board, the President as Chair and the Deputy President as Deputy Chair.