The GAIT Board meeting was held February 3, 2007, 10:00 am at Clayton State University.

Officers, Board of Directors, Committee chairs, and At large Representatives present were: Lea Ann Kelley, Michelle Lenderman, Ann Grantham, Dianne Dees, Chris Stadler, Gordon Baker, Ginny Harrell, and Tom Beggs.

President Lea Ann Kelley called the meeting to order. The treasurer's report was given by Ann Grantham. The current balance on hand in the checking account as of February 2, 2007 is $21,770.26 with total assets of $41,570.06. A copy of the complete report is attached. A new check request form was provided to the board. (Copy attached.) The financial report was approved and accepted as given.

The Committee reports were given.

Awards: GAIT scholarship form will be posted by Awards committee.

Publications: GAIT Connection has been sent for publication on Web. (Copy on file.)

Student Media Festival : A meeting is scheduled for February 6 and the International Media Festival Committee will also be meeting. There is a need to decide how to include new technologies such as podcasts in the Media Festival. The turnout for last year's festival was very good and the judges were also commended by Michelle Lenderman. Gordon Baker stated the certificates and seals will be ordered and also mentioned there is a need for boxes (copy paper boxes) to use for the judging materials. The State Student Media Festival will be April 27, 2007.

Leadership: The Leadership committee is responsible for the 2008 new officer nominations. Tom Beggs reminded the board that, according to the bylaws, Michelle Lenderman will be the chair for the Leadership committee.

Media Specialist of the Year : There was discussion regarding the joint responsibility of GAIT and GLMA in the selection of the MSOY.

Government/ Legislative: Library Day will be February 13, 2007.

Higher Education: Gordon Baker suggested that universities with library media programs be provided with information and invitations to join GAIT.

Membership: Ginny Harrell reported there are currently 150 members in GAIT, a decrease from the 180 members of last year. She also indicated an increase of non-media related members. She expressed concern about the lower membership numbers.

Old Business:

With the committee reports completed, President Lea Ann Kelley, opened the floor with a discussion of the GAIT Web page as old business. The discussion of the Web page included suggestions for current updates, the commitment to pay for the webmaster services, and the possibility of board management of specific areas of the webpage to expedite updating information. Other items discussed in regard to the Web page included providing a link to the GAIT listserv and the domain name was renewed (17.95 per month). Ginny Harrell made the motion to request Chris Stadler to develop a proposal for organizing and updating the webpage, the motion was seconded by Michelle Lenderman. The motion was approved by the board.

New Business:

Gordon Baker presented a suggestion from Mary Jean Sloan (Goen-Sloan Scholarship) that the scholarship be increased to reflect the financial resources of the organization. Following a discussion of the suggestion, Gordon Baker made a motion that the Goen-Sloan Scholarship be increased to provide two (2) scholarships of $2000.00 each. The motion was seconded by Tom Beggs and the motion received unanimous approval from the board.

Lea Ann Kelley stated she would inform the NECC chairperson that GAIT would be available to assist with the conference.

There was also some discussion about GAIT being a presence at regional and district media conferences.

Ginny Harrell introduced a recommendation for a new GAIT mini grant (see attached copy). There was discussion about some changes to the proposal. Tom Beggs made a motion for a new mini grant, the GAIT Technology Mini Grant to consist of a maximum of $2000.00 which could be awarded in full or in part to one or more applicants. The motion was seconded by Ginny Harrell and approved by the board. The information for the grant will be sent to the Awards Committee.

Ginny Harrell suggested that the board needs to be active on the GAIT listserv. Library Day is scheduled for February 13, 2007 . At present there are 236 people registered to attend. The theme or slogan for the day is “Libraries build communities”. Participants will be wearing hard hats. There was also a discussion about the possibility of everyone wearing red (Valentine's Day) and to have on name tags to aid legislators in recognizing attendees from their districts.

Following the meeting, board members were treated to sandwiches from Lenny's Subs, provided by Gordon Baker. Thank you, Gordon, for a great lunch and the hospitality of the Clayton State University Library.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Dianne Dees

Secretary