Article I: Preamble.

The Americas Regional Council (ARC) Framework exists to guide the initial establishment of the ARC, its purpose, governance structure, and operating procedures. It is expected that this Framework will become a set of By-laws for the ARC within two years from its initial formation. It arises from the framework documents of OCLC and the OCLC Global Council, including: Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of OCLC (“the Code”), Membership and Governance Protocols for the Global Council (“the Protocols”), and OCLC Global Council Bylaws (“the Bylaws”). The ARC fully endorses OCLC’s principles of inclusivity, welcoming and encouraging participation from the broad range of individuals who are part of our member institutions.