Last I reviewed ( a couple years ago?) Michigan law allows remote participation in meetings via unspecified technology. It explicitly does not allow proxy participation (i.e. sending someone else in your stead), which is what some of our Board wanted. I think it is good to look at the law and you could either mimic the language or write your Bylaw to allow for remote participation by whatever technological means the Board (or chair of a group) specifies for a meeting. You could specifically state Skype but I like to leave it generic so that if Google Hang Outs or some other technology becomes what your Board prefers you do not have to go back and change the Bylaws again. I can try and track down the law again if you want. I just went online. -Steve Steven K. Bowers Executive Director Detroit Area Library Network ALA Councilor for the Michigan Library Association MLA Board of Directors, President Elect www.dalnet.org<http://www.dalnet.org> "DALNET is a community of libraries working together to provide access to information for research, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning opportunities." ________________________________ From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Amanda Yearling <ayearling@threeriverslibrary.org> Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2017 6:28 PM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Skype for board meetings bylaws Greetings, My Director and I are looking into possible Library Board Bylaws that discuss the usage of Skype for library board meetings. We have board members that want to use Skype to participate in meetings when they can’t physically be there. Does anyone have an example of their bylaws that allow Skype as a means of participating in board meetings? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Amanda Yearling Assistant Director/ Head of Adult and Teen Services Three Rivers Public Library ayearling@threeriverslibrary.org 269-273-8666

Hello Amanda: I came across this piece on electronic participation and I thought it might be useful: http://www.clarkhill.com/alerts/open-meetings-act-update-informal-meetings-r... And the Open Meetings Act Handbook (which is referred to in the info above): https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ag/OMA_handbook_287134_7.pdf However, as mentioned earlier,it is always good to consult your attorney when drafting new policy. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions! Sincerely, Clare ________________________________ From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Amanda Yearling <ayearling@threeriverslibrary.org> Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2017 6:28:01 PM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Skype for board meetings bylaws Greetings, My Director and I are looking into possible Library Board Bylaws that discuss the usage of Skype for library board meetings. We have board members that want to use Skype to participate in meetings when they can’t physically be there. Does anyone have an example of their bylaws that allow Skype as a means of participating in board meetings? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Amanda Yearling Assistant Director/ Head of Adult and Teen Services Three Rivers Public Library ayearling@threeriverslibrary.org 269-273-8666