BISG Opens Call for Nominations to its Board

The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has opened a call for nominations to its governing Board of Directors. Nominations are currently being accepted for seven two-year terms across four of BISG's six member categories.

A 14-member Board of Directors oversees BISG. Drawn from companies that are BISG members, Board members represent one of six industry segments (publisher, manufacturer, wholesaler/distributor, retailer, library, or industry service partner), with specific seats reserved for each segment.

Members of the Board serve two-year terms that may be renewed once. In 2017, the BISG Board adopted a formal statement of expectations. Those interested in serving on the BISG Board are asked to read the formal statement and acknowledge it as part of the nominating process.

Consistent with the Board's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, candidates who offer perspectives from under-represented groups, including but not limited to BIPOC, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+, are encouraged to apply. Candidates who can bring a diversity of thought and perspective that may have been developed in other industries are also invited to submit a nomination.

Any member in good standing is eligible to serve on the Board, with nominations reviewed by an ad hoc committee that consists of current members of BISG, including past members of the Board. The ad hoc committee will recommend a slate for consideration by voting members at the annual meeting, scheduled next for April 28, 2023. The proposed slate will be announced in March 2023.

Members may self-nominate; it is the most common way for nominations are received. If nominated by a third party, BISG will confirm interest before proceeding. In all cases, nominations involve completing an online survey that will remain open until close of business on December 15, 2022.

Two-year terms starting July 1, 2023 include seats in four of six segments:

• Three publisher seats
• One wholesaler/distributor seat
• One retailing seat
• Two industry service partner seats

Terms for several members of the current Board continue through June 2024. Those companies or organizations include Scholastic, Baker & Taylor, Firebrand, Elsevier, Versa Press, the National Information Standards Organization, and the Independent Book Publishers Association. Individuals who work for one of these organizations are asked to refrain from applying for a Board role this year. Your organization's current Board member can help identify other ways to become more involved with BISG in the coming year.

Questions about eligibility, service, the nominating process, or BISG in general can be directed to info@bisg.org.