Special Interest Groups - Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ELUNA Special Interest Group?

An ELUNA Special Interest Group (commonly known as a SIG) is a group of individuals from Ex Libris sites who have a common focused interest in an Ex Libris product or module, who represent a type of library, who use specific tools with an Ex Libris product or who use Ex Libris products in a particular way or for a particular purpose.

The Purpose of a SIG

SIGs may have a variety of goals including:

• To allow users in a particular realm to share ideas, discuss issues, air concerns and give or get input.
• To offer and discuss product enhancement statements.

How are Special Interest Groups Formed?

New SIGs will evolve when there is demand from the User Group. This demand may arise when there is a new product, a new module, a library type that wishes to be heard, a new tool that comes into use with Ex Libris products, or when an existing SIG gets too large. Conversely, a SIG may become less active or may disband completely.

There is no formal procedure regarding the organization of Special Interest Groups. The groups operate informally, without a constitution or bylaws. However, you should think about the following areas if you would like to start the process of organizing a SIG:

1. Does the Special Interest Group work with one or multiple Ex Libris products?

A SIG can fall under the umbrella of a single product or multiple products. If your Group is a multiple-product group, make sure you include that in your description to the ELUNA Steering Committee.

2. Group Leadership

Each SIG will select its own leaders. The ELUNA bylaws require each Group to appoint a Chair who will serve as a Liaison to the ELUNA Steering Committee.

The Chair's name and email address will be listed on the ELUNA website. Chairs are required to annually submit a one paragraph description of the group's activities.

The ELUNA Steering Committee shall seek the advice of Special Interest Group Chairs on issues of concern to particular Special Interest Groups. The Chair in turn will seek the advice of the SIG membership.

3. Does the Group want an ELUNA mailing listserv?

Each SIG has the option of creating its own mailing list under the ELUNA listservs. This is optional.

4. Membership Information
When you submit your annual paragraph to the Steering Committee, please report a general estimate of member numbers and information about any meetings of the SIG.

What are Examples of ELUNA Activities that would involve a Special Interest Group?

Members of Special Interest Groups are strongly encouraged to participate in all activities of ELUNA. Special Interest Groups typically meet at the annual Users Group Meeting and/or other Association meetings. ELUNA conference organizers will endeavor to provide meeting space for any SIG that wishes it during the annual conference. Special Interest Groups may develop sessions of interest for their members and others at the ELUNA conference, coordinating their work with overall conference planning done by the ELUNA Steering Committee. Special Interest Groups may also wish to brainstorm ideas for enhancements.

SIG Communication

Each year the ELUNA Steering Committee will appoint a SIG Liaison. This person will serve as the contact for all questions and issues concerning SIGs. The current SIG Liaison is: Laura Guy (lguymines.edu).

If you form a new Special Interest Group, or wish to disband an existing group, the Chair should send all pertinent information to the aforementioned SIG Liaison.