Rules

1. The Council for Finnish University Libraries

The Council for Finnish University Libraries is an assembly coordinating and developing cooperation in the network of Finnish university libraries. All university libraries and the National Library are represented in the Council.

2. The tasks of the Council

The tasks of the Council for Finnish University Libraries are to
- coordinate the operations of the university libraries network and advance cooperation between libraries
- enhance joint planning, develop ideas and initiatives for new development projects and coordinate joint projects
- observe changes in the operational environment and developments in the library and information services field
- make visible the libraries' operations and the impact of their joint services
- enhance communication and interaction within the network of university libraries
- enhance cooperation between central interest groups and the library network
- enhance international cooperation.

In order to perform these tasks, the Council
- makes initiatives and motions and produces surveys
- agrees on the initiation of joint projects
- appoints working groups.

3. The assembly and work methods of the Council

Each library is represented by the library director or an employee with an official authorisation from the director. The National Library Network Services and the National Repository Library are appointed as permanent expert members of the Council, and the University of Helsinki is represented by the Helsinki University Library. Changes in the assembly of the Council are decided in the Council meeting. The council may appoint regular or temporary expert members. The Council assembles at least twice a year. An invitation to the meeting will be sent at least a week prior to the meeting. The Council selects a chairperson and an executive committee from among its members for a two-year period.

4. The tasks of the chairperson

The tasks of the chairperson are to
- be responsible for the implementation of the strategy
- represent university libraries abiding by the guidelines of the Council for Finnish University Libraries strategy
- act as a chairperson in the meetings
- perform other actions necessary for the management of the Council.

The term of office for the chairperson is two years.

5. Executive committee

The tasks of the executive committee are
- to prepare the meetings of the Council
- to represent the Council in negotiations/discussions conducted with interest groups
- to appoint Council representatives when needed
- to make statements
- to organise seminars and training
- to appoint working groups
- to give information about the operations of the Council.

The executive committee consists of the chairperson and five members. The term of office for the executive committee is two years. A member may stay in the executive committee for two consecutive terms. The committee selects a vice-chairperson from among its members. The vice-chairperson acts, when needed, as a substitute for the chairperson. Experts may be called to the meetings. The executive committee has the authority to make decisions with a minimum of three members and the chairperson present. If a member of the executive committee has been unable to attend for longer than six months, the executive committee will be supplemented by the decision of the Council. An invitation to the meeting will be sent at least three working days prior to the meeting.

6. Planning Officer

The tasks of the planning officer are to
- coordinate the preparation of the issues for the meetings of the executive committee and the Council and act as secretary in the meetings
- prepare and execute the issues discussed in the executive committee and the Council
- give information about the operations of the executive committee and the Council
- support the operations of the cooperation networks.

7. Expenses

Each participant library is responsible for the expenses resulting from participation in the operations of the Council and the executive committee.

8. Validity

These rules will take effect on 23 March 2007.