THE STATUTES

Art. 1 The aim of the ICAU

1. to promote innovative bibliographic services and information exchange using computers and networks, among institutions that use ALEPH Integrated Information Library System software
2. to constitute a coordinative body for aspects of development policies in the application of the new information technology service to library and information services
3. to contribute to the diffusion of new information technologies in the ICAU members library systems
4. to enhance library services of the individual members by sharing information and resources
5. to establish procedures for searching and retrieving records and holdings data from each other's databases
6. to improve resource sharing among ICAU members by setting up procedures to request primary sources either in hard copy or in electronic format
7. to act as a resource centre for ALEPH users by collecting and disseminating information concerning usage of ALEPH in the member institutions such as new developments, problems, experiences, etc.
8. to coordinate and prioritize member's requests for development and documentation of ALEPH and support by the ALEPH producer
9. to be a platform for submitting proposals in cooperation with member organizations or with similar organizations outside the ICAU
10. to submit autonomously, or in cooperation with similar organizations projects to any national or international funding institution.

Art. 2 Membership

The status of the ICAU Member is given to the institution that has proclaimed in writing its acceptance of the Statutes, and of all valid Decisions and Regulations, and has paid the membership fee in due time.

The member institutions have the right to take part at the Board of Members meetings and all other meetings and seminars organized by the ICAU and to be informed about the meetings of the Steering committee and its actions.

The member institutions are obliged to reasonably support all activities that are decided by the Board of Members.

The natural right of ICAU members to enter any other groups, coalitions or consortia either inside or outside of the ICAU is in no way limited. In particular, it is recommended to form national or regional groups of ALEPH User Institutions in order to facilitate communication among the members.

Notice of withdraval from the ICAU should be given in writing to the Chair at least three months before the Annual Meeting in order to be valid from next January.
Comments

Art. 3 The organs of ICAU

1. the Board of Members
2. the Steering Committee
3. the Chair

Art. 4 The Board of Members

The Board of Members is the only body of the ICAU which decides on the aims of the ICAU and how to pursue them.

The Board of Members meets at least once a year.

At the Annual Meeting, the Board hears and approves or disapproves the Report of the Chair on the ICAU activities in the past year and on the ICAU finances.

At the Annual Meeting, the Board passes Decisions and Regulations of the activities pursuing the aims of the ICAU; among them must be Decisions as to

• the amount of the annual membership fee,
• the budget draft for the next year,
• the location of the next Annual Meeting,
• the activities to be performed by other bodies on behalf of ICAU,
• the main tasks of the ICAU to be pursued by the Steering Committee.

Art. 5 The Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is elected by the Board of Members for a two year term. There is no limit as to the number of terms a person can be elected. After the 1996 election, three members of the newly elected Steering Committee are chosen by lot, whose term is set to one year only. At subsequent meetings members will be elected to fill the number of vacant positions.
Comments

Art. 6 The Chair

The Chair represents the ICAU in actions and cooperations with other consortia and institutions. In case of any personal obstacle the ICAU can be externally represented by any other member of the Steering Committee.

The Chair organizes the necessary secretarial support.
Comments

Art. 7 Seat of ICAU

Art. 8 Funds

• the annual membership fee which is to cover ongoing expenses for secretarial support and to contribute to cover the costs of the annual meetings and costs related to joint actions, etc., as determined by the Board of Members,
• any financing that comes from national or international institutions that are collaborating with the ICAU to realize the goals and objectives of the ICAU,
• funds that come from any Consortium in which the ICAU participates,
• funds that come from private persons and private or public institutions with no restrictions and obligations as to their use,
• any other funds [i.e. with ties attached] that come from private persons and private or public institutions must be accepted by a majority of two thirds of all the ICAU members.

Art. 9 Dissolving of the ICAU

These Statutes succeed the Statements of 1993.