At the Membership Meeting at the Denver Conference the Board announced plans for a membership dues increase. As the membership renewal period for 2009 approaches it is time to bring the new dues structure to the membership for a vote. Following our bylaws, changes to the dues schedule are determined by the board and then voted on by current
ARLIS/NA members. Changes are made if a majority of those voting approve the Board’s determination.
The ARLIS/NA Board proposes an increase in membership dues effective for 2009 memberships. There are a number of factors that call for a dues increase. Dues have not increased for nearly ten years, and as we all know costs have gone up in all areas including mailings, publications, management services and conference costs. The ARLIS/NA archives are now in good hands at the University of Illinois, but there will be significant costs involved in processing this material over the next three years.
We are confident that this dues increase will help to ensure the sustainability of ARLIS/NA and will allow us to continue programs such as internships, special funding for chapters and committees, the mentorship program and many other benefits of ARLIS/NA membership.
I would like to remind you that memberships run on a calendar year. If approved, the new membership dues structure will apply to membership renewals and new membership applications for the 2009 calendar year. On Tuesday, September 30, you will receive notification of an online ballot. We will be voting using one of the features available through MemberClicks. Please make sure that your member profile, especially your email address is correct and current in the online directory. To access your profile go to the ARLIS/NA homepage at www.arlisna.org and click on the “MEMBER LOG-IN” link in the top right corner. Once you are logged in, click on the link to “CHECK & UPDATE your profile information.”
The voting period will remain open until November 3rd, but I encourage you to vote as soon as possible.
Current Dues Structure
Student $45 (three year limit)
Retired/Unemployed $45
Individual $85
Institutional/Business Affiliate $145
Overseas $65
Proposed Dues Structure
Student $50 (three year limit)
Retired/Unemployed $60
Introductory $90 (new category with one year limit)
Individual $120
Institutional/Business Affiliate $190
Overseas $85
We feel that the increased dues are in line and in some cases still less than membership fees in comparable professional associations. We feel very strongly that membership in ARLIS/NA brings innumerable benefits, both tangible and intangible, and that the new dues structure continues to offer great value.
Please contact me directly if you have any questions.
Ken Soehner
President, ARLIS/NA
Kenneth Soehner
Arthur K. Watson Chief Librarian
Thomas J. Watson Library
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