An overview of Marmot’s history, mission, and vision.
Table of Contents
The most important thing to learn, when being introduced to Marmot Library Network, is that Marmot is a non-profit consortium, not a for-profit vendor. It was founded by Western Slope library directors for academic, public, and school libraries. Marmot’s sole reason for existence is to help libraries accomplish together what no one library could do alone, and every financial decision is guided by a goal of returning value to Marmot member libraries.
Marmot staff are entrusted with day-to-day operations of Marmot’s services, long-term visioning of future library needs, and innovative projects that bring value to the collective and the individual libraries that make up the collective.
The first meeting of the “Western Slope Networking Committee” took place on April 16, 1985 in the Board Room of the Mesa County Public Library. The group’s original purpose was to create a network located on the Western Slope with access to a shared cataloging system.
Marmot was incorporated as a non-profit organization in August 1990. Marmot is governed by the Marmot Council, which is responsible for electing representatives to the Marmot Executive Board. The Marmot Executive Board is responsible for several critical functions:
Electing the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer of the Board;
Employing the Executive Director, as provided by the Bylaws;
Recommending amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws;
Approving Marmot’s annual budget;
Approving all contracts that include expenditures of $50,000 or more annually,
Approving the membership fee structure and all contracts with members and associate members of the Corporation;
Approving the Employee Handbook;
Approving the Marmot’s financial, investment and other policies;
Designating four persons as authorized signatories on corporate accounts, such persons being the President, Treasurer, Executive Director and one employee of Marmot, and establishment of the requirements regarding handling of the corporate accounts and execution of the corporate checks and other financial documents; and
Performing such other duties as are necessary for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation.
The member-driven Marmot community is highly successful by continuously fostering shared resources, trust, and expertise.
The Marmot consortium’s mission is to make relevant, data-informed decisions that add value to the consortium and members.
Collaboration
Excellence
Innovation
Responsive Service