Steering Committee and Subcommittees
The purpose of the Friends of Wellesley College Library is to support the Wellesley College Library, encompassing the Clapp, Art, Music, and Astronomy libraries, a vital resource of the College.
The Steering Committee, which meets at least twice per year, implements the programs of the Friends, and consists of the officers, constituted as follows:
- Two Co-chairs (an alumna and the College Librarian or his/her designee)
- Treasurer
- Committee Chairs
- At large members, who serve on the various committees
The current Committees and their designated tasks are:
Communications | Membership | Nominating
Programs | Student Support | Treasurer
Commuications
The Communications Committee consists of two sub-committees: the Publications Committee, responsible for publishing the semi-annual Friends' Newsletter and the Electronic Access Committee, responsible for the Friends' webpage, Facebook pages, and any additional Friends' social media pages. The Newsletter reports on new developments at the library, and activities and purchases sponsored by FOL. The Communications Committee will work with Library staff and all Committees to keep the Friends’ communications tools up-to-date. The Friends welcomes comments on how we can best use social media to inform and involve members who use social media as a primary source of information.
Membership
The Membership Committee designs membership strategy to attract new members. Works with Resources to keep Membership records current and to analyze the membership base. Works with Electronic Access to develop ways to spur Membership. Makes regular reports to the Board and seeks Board approval for major new initiatives. Prepares committee budget and authorizes expenditures.
Nominating
Meets to select new Officers, if needed, in consultation with the Friends Co-Chairs. Evaluates the personnel needs of Steering Committee and seeks new members with interest and time for volunteer service to Friends of the Library. Presents new names to the Steering Committee for approval and contacts candidates to answer questions, provide explanatory materials about the Friends, and explains the Subcommittee responsibilities. Gives names of new Steering Committee members to Co-Chair to contact over the summer with meeting dates and Committee assignment preferences.
Programs
The Program Committee coordinates programs for the Friends of the Library. We sponsor these programs to increase the awareness, support, and visibility of the Library on the campus and the surrounding communities. Speakers in the recent past have included book collectors and dealers, alumnae authors and Wellesley faculty. The Committee also sponsors occasional meetings in other cities featuring the Special Collections Librarian, Ruth Rogers. An annual workshop in the Book Arts Laboratory is also sponsored.
Student Support
The Student Involvement Committee's purpose is to develop a relationship between Friends of the Library and current Wellesley students. From study breaks that provided snacks and good cheer to weary students toiling away in the libraries before exams to hosting a reception before Commencement in honor of graduating seniors who worked in the libraries, committee volunteers explore new ways to increase recognition of Friends of the Library on campus. The future holds many possibilities for student involvement. Representatives from this group serve on the Student Library Research Award Selection Committee
Treasurer
Oversees the Friends finances in collaboration with the College financial officers. Presents an annual budget and regular financial statements to the Committee.