Library Association of Bangladesh

CONSTITUTION (LAB) English

1. The name of the Association shall be the Library Association of Bangladesh.
2. Dhaka shall be the Headquarter of the Association.
3 The calendar year (January-December) shall the Association’s official year.

4. Preliminaries:

4.1 Acts relating to the rules and regulations shall be applicable for the Library Association of Bangladesh.

4.2 In this clause, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context, shall be acceptable as it is.

4.2.a. Association means all activities of the Library Association of Bangladesh, on the Association established under this constitution.

4.2.b. Act means the Society/Association Registration Act, 1960.

4.2.c. Rules-regulations means the preparation of rules and acts as a bridge to making the various objectives of social development or reform in this regard.

4.2.d. Library and Information Science means the activities of library, documentation, services and works, information science, information technology, its uses and archival activities.

4.2.e. Library and Information Science means library science, documentation, information science, information technology and archives.

5. Standard of the Association:

5.1 Association shall be the national Association of the country in the field of library and information science of the country.

5.2 Association shall act as a non-profit, non-political and non-governmental organization.

5.3 Functions of the Association include education and training, research and shall involve in result of the research in the field library and information science.

5.4 Association shall act as a legal platform of the library and information science related organizations of the country.

5.5 Association shall act as an education provider in library and information science and as a government approved body for the library and information science professional of the country.

5.6 Association shall act as a government approved body for information dissemination, counseling and other activities relating to the profession.

6. Aims and Objectives of the Association:

6.1 Development and Promotion of library and information science related services.

6.2 Provision and promotion of facilities for training for librarianship and of research in library information science.

6.3 Promotion of library services and activities to the people of the in and outside the country.

6.3 Cooperation and work together with libraries, library organizations and with such Associations as may have similar aims and objects in and outside the country, in furtherance of the cause of service to the people in the field of librarianship.

6.4 Improvement of the status, efficiency and service conditions of library professionals and make them familiar in and outside the country.

6.5 Association shall monitor and evaluate the education, research and training relating to library and information science for the development and shall act as a controlling authority in the country.

7 . Monogram of the Association:

7.1 An open book shall be in the middle of a half circle.

7.2 Read in right hand and PARO in left hand shall be written.

7.3 Name of the Association including the year of establishment shall be written on up and below of the monogram.

8. Functions of the Association:

Formulation of rules and guidelines for administering the Association.

Establishing a congenial relationship government and the nation.

Supervise the training institutions involved in education and training on library and information science.

Providing professional education and training programs and awarding Certificate/Diploma/Degree.

Arranging necessary training programs for the development of the human resources in the profession.
Conducting research programs and publishing the reports, journals and professional books.

Arranging workshops, national and international seminars and meetings for the benefits and development of the professionals.

Holding responsibility as a consultant on request of the Government and other organizations.

Maintaining liaisons with the different organizations and similar Associations in and outside Bangladesh .

Creating greater awareness about the importance and use of libraries and needs of information as well as make the people habituated reading of books.

Arranging to award for the contribution in professional achievement as well as for the contribution in national development.

Monitoring and evaluating the standard of education, research and training relating to library and information science for the in the country.

Affirming the people access to information is a fundamental right of the citizen.

Establishing a comprehensive library and information systems and services that advance the social, economic, cultural and education development of the nation.

Providing technical advice and assistance in developing effective services.

Enabling its every member to achieve and maintain the highest professional standards.

Bargaining with the different agencies of the Government, NGOs, as well as academic institutions in regard to improve the status, salary of the professionals;

Improving the existing library services.

Implementing the Government policy organizing seminars, rally, and workshops.

Taking active part in improving literacy program and help Government and it’s agencies in developing and implementing plans and policies;

9. The Association shall have a General Body and a Council to manage its affairs.

10. The General Body-its Membership:

Subject to approval of the Council of the Association and in consideration of genuine and active interests in library professionalism, any one of the following categories of individuals and corporate bodies may be admitted to the membership of the Association in capacities mentioned herein under provided that such an individual or corporate body subscribes to the Association’s aims and objects and does not do anything prejudicial to them, overtly or covertly, nor participates in such action in any manner:

10.1. As a Patron

Subject to approval of the Council of the Association a person of distinction may be admitted to the membership of the Association. But s/he shall not have the right to cast vote.

10.2. As a Donor Member

Subject to approval of the Council of the Association and in consideration of genuine and active interests in libraries, any individual or corporate body may be admitted as a Donor Member donating Tk. 25,000.00 at a time to the Association.

10.3. As a Fellow Member

Subject to approval of the Council of the Association any person of the profession in consideration of his/her noteworthy contributions to the profession, work of the Association or to the development of libraries and/or promotion of librarianship in the country having a minimum Master in Library and Information Science with 10 years professional experiences and at 5 articles published in a reputed research journal may awarded a Fellow Membership.

10.4. As a Life Member

Any professional having a minimum Post-Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Science from any recognized university and a sub-professional having a certificate degree from any institution affiliating with LAB with 5 years job experiences paying Tk.1000.00 (One Thousand) at a time can become a Life Member of LAB in any time.

10.5. As an Institutional Member

If it is a library or educational institution akin to it or contributes towards development library or any citizen of the Country having a Post-graduate Diploma and Master Degree in Library and Information Science may become an Institutional Member paying Tk. 5000.00 (Five Thousand) only at a time. The Institution shall have to submit a similar constitution for approval of the LAB. No program shall be taken without prior approval of the LAB.

10.6. As an Associate member

Any distinguished person of Bangladesh or of any country outside Bangladesh who has already had an active participation in the activities of the Association and will probably further its cause in future and has a Master in Library and Information Science with 5 years experiences may become an Associate Member of LAB.

10.7. As a General Member.

Any citizen of the country if s/he has a Certificate Degree with 5 years experiences or Master Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science may become a General Member of LAB paying Tk. 200.00 (Two Hundred) at a time.

Usually Yearly fee Tk. 200.00 shall have to deposit on the first day of January. A member shall lose his/her membership without any prior notice if a member fails to pay his/her yearly fee Tk. 200.00 within 31 March of the next year. However any member can renew his/her membership clearing fees/dues as per rules permitted. A member shall lose his/her membership if fails to pay fees/dues before the voter list is finalized.

11. Duties and Powers of the Members

Participation in General Meeting and casting votes.

Participation in election in any portfolio as a competitor.

Propose for the general membership of the Association.

Availing of publications including other services of the Association on lower price subject to approval of the Council.

Participation in all activities including seminars and symposiums at national level.

The General Body- its powers and duties:

The powers and duties of the General Body shall be as follows:

To elect the Council of the Association.

To determine the broad policy of the Association, to exercise general control over its working and to give decisions on all matters referred to them.

To change or revise or extend, under extraordinary circumstances, any rules/term of the Council.

To dissolve the Council, under extraordinary circumstances which, in their view, have rendered the Council inoperative beyond redemption or because, in their view, the Council has acted prejudicially to the interest of the Association, and, in the event of such dissolution, to take all necessary steps for the election of a new Council and for the interim conduct of the affairs of the Association.

Any Clause or Sub-Clause of the Constitution, in their view, in relation to revising the constitution to take necessary step for revising or omitting.

Administration and Official activities:

The Director and the patrons are the authority of the Association shall be approved by the Council.

If any position of the Council has become vacant due to cause of death or resignation or any extraordinary reasons shall fill the vacant position up appointing the next contestant with the approval of the Council.

The Council shall has right to delegate responsibilities to execute its various activities for betterment or smooth running of the Association.

The Council: its composition:

The Council of the Association shall consist of the following to be elected by the General Body from among its members, who have been or were practicing librarians or library professionals:

14.1. President Position 1

14.2. Vice President Position 3

14.3. General Secretary Position 1

14.4. Treasurer Position 1

14.5. Joint General Secretary Position 1

14.6. Organizing Secretary Position 1

14.7. Researches and Publication Secretary Position 1

14.8. Women Affairs Secretary Position 1

14.9. Councilors (5 from Central and 6 from Divisions) Position 11

Tenure of the Council is 3 (Three) years. Year shall start from January. The Council shall execute its powers subject to the relevant provisions of Constitution and in consonance with the aims and objectives of the Association as vested on the members of the Council.

The Council: its powers and duties:

To draw up programs, to undertake projects and to execute decisions of the General Body;

To frame rules of procedure for itself and the General Body subject to the approval of the General Body in the latter case;

To frame bye-laws under the provisions of the constitution subject to the approval of the General Body, and to make regulations in order to put into full effect the provisions of the constitution and the bye-laws;

To arrange proper custody of funds, their accounting and audit and circulation of audited accounts to members;

To convene sessions of the General Body and the Council when due and necessary;

To arrange election of the successor Council when due and fill through cooption casual vacancies on the Council;

To appoint committees and sub-committees for specific purposes;

To encourage and guide in formation of library associations outside Dhaka and to facilitate them in accordance with terms of affiliation or to disaffiliate them in the case of contravention;
To obtain for the association affiliation of such regional or international associations as may be of benefit to association;

To run a Library Training Institute and to conduct various research and academic course or courses on library and information Science and to organize training programs in library and information Science;

To publish professional journal(s), books, newsletter and to undertake other useful publications on a regular basis;

To organize seminars, symposia, discussions, receptions, etc. of professional importance in addition to hold general meetings of the Association;

To own, hold, administer and invest property, to institute necessary and appropriate legal action on behalf of the Association and to contest any legal action against it as and when necessary;

To allocate duties and responsibilities to the Councilors of the Council and all other official staff of the Association;

To take disciplinary action against derelict members of the General Body for their any unethical act. The Council shall also take disciplinary action against derelict elected members of the Council for their any unethical activities if necessary;

The Council shall appoint any person or renowned audit firm out of the members of the Association for auditing its accounts;

To take such other actions as may be necessary for the fulfillment of the objects of the Association.

Officials of the Association: Their powers and responsibilities:

The President of the Association shall act as a chief executive.

16.1. Followings are the powers and responsibilities of the President:

To administer the Council and the Association under the provision of the Constitution.

To preside over all meetings including General and Council meetings.

To speak out as a spokesman of the Association.

To declare the rules and regulation prepared by the Council as per Clause No. 12 for making them effective.

To take any necessary steps for the development and sake of interest of the Association.

Followings are the powers and responsibilities of the Vice President:

There shall be 3 (Three) Vice President. The status of the Vice Presidents will be vested through general election by voting.

To attend the Council meetings and to hold the responsibilities in absence of the President.

To take any necessary steps for the sake of interest of the Association.

The General Secretary shall execute Followings are the powers and responsibilities of the General Secretary:

General Secretary shall act on provision of the Council. Followings are the powers and responsibilities of the General Secretary:

To communicate all events of the Council as well as of the Association and shall maintain all records and act as a custodian.

To convene the regular meetings of the Association, Council and any others meetings and to prepare the meeting minutes within 7 (seven) days and distribute among the members of the Council accordingly.

To read out the meeting minutes in meeting of the Council.

To prepare and maintain the list of the members.

To maintain the regular activities of the office and maintain the records of all activities and correspondences properly.

To supervise and look after the duties and activities of the officers and staff of the Association.

To convene and prepare agenda for the General and Council meetings in consultation with and approval of the President.

To cooperate for executing the decisions of the meetings of the Board Library Education and other sub-committees which formed by the Council of the Association. Also to keep in touch in this regard and to manage the works attributed.

To prepare, publish and circulate annual reports, audit and accounts reports and to place the audited reports before the Annual General Meeting of the Association.

To be spent upto an amounting to Tk. 5000.00 in any case of emergency without prior approval of the Council. But shall have to be submitted before the meeting of the Council next.

To be spent additional any amount as required with the prior approval of the Council. But shall have to submit before the meeting of the General Body for approval.

Treasurer

Followings are the powers and responsibilities of the Treasurer:

Shall be the In-Charge of Fund and responsible for maintenance of Accounts of the Association.

Shall be responsible for collecting money from subscriptions and selling of publications of the Association.

Shall be responsible to look after the fund that no amount exceeding Tk 5000.00 (Five Thousand) shall be spent without the prior approval of the Council.

Shall be responsible to maintain an account of receipts and advances made to the General Secretary and an account of actual expenditure made on the basis of vouchers.

The Treasurer shall place a statement of funds before the Council at interval of not more than six months and an audited account at the end of each year.

The Treasurer shall not keep more than Tk. 1000.00 (One Thousand) as imprest money.

Shall take necessary steps to make the various activities as resolved success for the interest of the Association.

Shall make payment of bills and vouchers with approval of the General Secretary.

Joint Secretary

Followings are the powers and responsibilities of the Joint Secretary:

Shall cooperate to make the all activities success taken by the General Secretary.

Shall hold the responsibilities in absence of the General Secretary.

To convene the meeting of the sub-committees as constituted by the Council to supervise the activities of such sub-committees.

Shall perform any other duties vested on by the General Secretary or by the Council.

Shall make the various activities success for the interest of the Association.

Organizing Secretary

Followings are the powers and responsibilities of the Organizing Secretary:

Shall collect members among the professionals.

Shall give reminder to the members for clearing up their dues in time and keep in touch with the members regularly.

Shall prepare the members list and make it update.

Shall organize relief works to mitigate natural disasters under social activities, arrange cultural programs, book fairs including celebrating various national and international days and other social activities in a befitting manner.

Shall make the various activities success for the interest of the Association as well as country and the nation.

Research and Publication Secretary

Followings are the powers and responsibilities of the Research and Publication Secretary:

Shall prepare all sorts of advertisement and Press Releases and responsible to send the same to the print media. Shall also responsible to publish all publications of the Association and arrange for circulation properly. Shall be responsible to publish and circulate the activities of the Association in the various media as well.

Shall ensure the posting of all sorts of issued letters, reports, etc. to the members and to relevant offices and organizations.

Women Affairs Secretary

Followings are the powers and responsibilities of the Women Affairs Secretary:

Shall be responsible to look after the matters relating to interests of the women members of the Association and necessary steps shall be taken in effective. Shall speak in favor of the women members in various offices as well as stand beside them if there any extraordinary situation shall prevail and Hands shall open for the development of the professionals at any time.

Councilors

Shall present in the meetings of the Council and to draw up formative decisions and to cooperate and to make decisions in order to put into full effect the activities of the Association for the fullest betterment.

Shall hold the responsibility as a Member, Member Secretary of Chairman of the different Sub-Committees as made decisions by the Council.

Divisional Councilors shall hold the responsibility as a principal representative of Association at different Divisional or District level institute which was established with the permission of Central Association. Under no circumstances the holding of examination and any other activities shall consider as lawful without the approval of the principal representative.

General Body and Meetings of the Council

Shall convene a meeting of the Council at least once in a month.

General Secretary shall convene the meetings of the Council and General Body in consultation with the President. If General Secretary fails to convene such a meeting in any case President himself shall call a meeting either at any time on his own initiative notify all the members.

At a meeting of the Council, at least one third members shall constitute a quorum.

In the event of the absence of the President from a meeting of the Council, the members present, any of the senior Vice President shall preside over the meeting.

In the event of the absence of the President and all Vice President from a meeting of the Council, the members present, any of the senior Councilor shall preside over the meeting.

Membership shall be treated as cancelled if any Council member remains absent consecutively three times from the meeting of the Council. But a prior show cause notice shall have to serve that ‘why shall not consider his/her membership as cancelled’ before cancellation of membership.

Election of the Council

President-1, Vice President-3, General Secretary-1, Treasurer-1, Joint General Secretary-1, Organizing Secretary-1, Researches and Publication Secretary-1, Women Affairs Secretary-1 and Councilors (6 from Divisions and 5 from Central)-11shall be elected by direct voting from the General Members. Those who are intended to be elected as President, General Secretary, and Treasurer shall have to reside in the area of Dhaka Mega City (City Corporation Electoral Area). And accordingly shall have to ensure that he/she has been residing at a same address which is enlisted in the voter list for last two years.

All the members of the General Body shall be eligible to vote in the election subject to the condition that members from whom annual subscriptions is due must have cleared their subscriptions on or before the due date announced in the election program.

The LAB Council shall be constituted in a meeting of the General Body through direct secret ballot. The term of Office of the Council shall be from January-December for three years. The Council Shall approved a three person’s panel from which one person shall be appointed as Election Officer on priority basis. The Election Officer shall appoint necessary electoral staff for conducting the Election effectively. The elective shall be conducted in a meeting of the General Body through direct secret ballot by the members in centrally or through direct secret ballot by the members in the Divisional Cities on a same day. The Election Schedule shall be prepared and circulate by joint signature of the Election Officer and General Secretary within the time frame.

If Elected Council fails to have a successor council election in time in any extraordinary circumstances before their term, in that event the tenure period shall be extended calling a meeting of the General Body within not more than one month having an approval of the members as the case may be and shall arrange to hold election. If elected Council wastage their time unnecessary shall summon general members to a general meeting and shall have to arrange an election in presence of one fifth of the members. This election shall be conducted by the LAB Council approved Election Officer.

The term Office of the Council shall be three years, the third year corresponding the official year ending 31 st December in any case. Should the Elected Council fails to have a successor council election in time, in that event the members resident in the headquarter constituency shall be called by the General Secretary of the Council, then function officio.

All persons who are or had been active members of the library profession and have also been members of the Association for at least three consecutive years are eligible for election to the Council provided that their loyalty to the Association and devotion to professional ethics have always been unquestioned and provided further that they cleared their dues, if any.

Any member shall eligible to contest twice for a distinct position only exceptional for the Councilor. Office bear means a member holding or elected for a distinct position.

A member shall not eligible to contest those membership has withheld or cancelled by the Association.

Monetary and other Transactions

The income of the Association and its property shall be utilized solely for the attainment of the objects of the Association and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly as profit in the shape of dividend, bonus, etc. to or be appropriated by any members of the Association.

Provided that nothing herein shall prevent the payment in good faith or remuneration to any officers or servants of the Association or to any member thereof or to any other person in return for any service actually rendered to the Association.

Provided further that no member of the General Body or Council of the Association shall be appointed to any salaried of the Association or any office paid by fees and that no remuneration shall be given to any member of the General Body or Council except honorarium for any course or training management.

The funds of the Association shall be kept in a public account titled as ‘‘General Fund, Library Association of Bangladesh’’ in a scheduled bank at Dhaka selected by the Council. Funds of the Association including interest, Training Courses Fund, etc. shall also be kept in the same Account.

The President, the Secretary and Treasurer shall be the joint signatories of the General Fund and Including General Secretary any two shall jointly operate the account in an exceptional case. The Council shall decide the operators of other funds.

Sources of Funds

To achieve the aims and objectives of the Association shall accept all sorts of resources and shall be utilized as directions herein of Societies Registration Act.
Shall accept donations from home and abroad as directions herein of Societies Registration Act.
The Association shall received grants in aids from worthy persons or organizations herein under by lateral agreement.
Shall make provision for generation of fund through lottery with the permission appropriate authority.

Amendment of the Constitution

The full Council or at least 500 members shall propose to amend or revise the Constitution. Amended new rules shall be adopted by adding or revising or canceling the existing rules.

The matter of amendment shall be produced as proposal before the Council and shall be reached to the General Secretary at least 15 days ahead of Council meeting.

LAB Council shall delegate power to sub-committee for making amendment. The Chairman of the sub-committee shall submit the amended constitution to the General Secretary within the stipulated time. General Secretary shall sent the amended Constitution to all members of the Council 15 days ahead to Council meeting. Unanimously accepted amended Constitution henceforth shall be distributed by post using same words desirable to the general members allowing 15 days time. Shall be submitted before the General meeting for final approval inserting the recommendations from the general members if there is any. The Constitution shall be amended with the approval of two third members’ presence in the General Meeting.

Professional Ethics and Disciplinary Action

The members of the Association shall take such decisions that uphold the reputation of the Association. The members of the Association shall order their conduct so as to uphold the dignity of the professionals. Any alleged breach of this by any member, or any member involves in activity adverse to the interest of the Association, when brought before the Council, shall be investigated by the Council with due notice to the member concerned. The matter shall be submitted before the Council if the charge or allegation is proved. And written report and verbal interview shall be sought from that member for argument to be maintained with the unanimous decision of the LAB Council. If the Council considers the charge or allegation proved beyond doubt, action such as expulsion from the Association shall be taken against the offending member. Executions of final decision in such a case, his/her membership shall be suspended temporarily.

General Body shall have reserve the rights to exemption or execution of its decisions have already been taken in the meeting of the General Body.

Resignation

Any member may resign in a written communication to the General Secretary of the Association or in the case of the General Secretary himself, to the President of the Association who shall put it up before the Council for action. The resignation if accepted shall take effect from the date of receipt of its communication or from such other date as the Council at its discretion may fix.

If the President resigns himself, the General Secretary, in this case, shall distribute among the members of the Council and the next Council shall take effect at its discretion.

The revised constitution along with bye-laws frame under its provisions and the decisions made, both adopted in the annual meeting of the Association shall come into effect and shall replace its earlier constitution known as the constitution of the Bye-Laws of Library Association of Bangladesh.

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