Dear colleagues,
When I think about $120.00 a year, it's only $10.00 a month, and for me that translates into 4 cups of café-au-lait a month. When I put it that way the dues seem very reasonably priced!
FYI, I personally would not wish to include chapter dues as part of the annual ARLIS/NA dues, since I like the current system where chapters have their own funds for projects and activities (and the ability to set their dues).
We can all read our executive board and committee reports on the society website, and unless I'm mistaken, we are not currently experiencing a growth in membership size. Thus, we probably cannot anticipate additional revenues from increased numbers of members. We have had dedicated treasurers, development committee members, finance committee members, and membership committee members serving our society over the years and have benefited from the generous financial support of our donors, sponsors, vendors, friends, and members. But my understanding is that ARLIS/NA is not exactly flush with funds and sometimes has a tough time balancing the books (and the annual conference income can be quite important). I realize that these may be uncertain financial times for many of us (making the timing of our vote unfortunate, perhaps), but I would not be surprised to hear that the Society will face a reduction in interest income on its deposits this year. Perhaps it would help some of our members if budget summaries were posted on the website? And perhaps if members saw the society's bottom line, those able to would be more inclined to join the Society Circle? After all, this is our professional organization and if we want to see it thrive, we are the ones to make it so...
Best wishes,
Janine Henri
Architecture, Design, and Digital Services Librarian
UCLA Arts Library
1400 Public Affairs Building
Box 951392
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1392
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office: 310-206-4587
fax: 310-825-1303
-----Original Message-----
From: ART LIBRARIES SOCIETY DISCUSSION LIST [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Evans, Jon
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 7:49 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [ARLIS-L] ARLIS/NA membership vote on membership dues increase
Dear all,
I believe that the Society had a tiered membership scale several years
ago. However, if I recall correctly it was decided that the issue of
determining membership levels based upon salary levels infringed on
privacy rights and therefore was discontinued. That said, I'm not sure
how other organizations get around this or if their legal teams are not
as concerned about such issues.
More to the point, I agree that an increase to $120 USD for those that
are on the lower end of the pay scale is not insignificant. However, if
one takes into account inflation over a ten year period then the value
of a membership based on 1998 dollars would make it approximately $114
USD (see the Consumer Price Index calculator at the Bureau of Labor
Statistics site: http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm).
This seems to be very close to that proposed and in my mind is well
worth the value for ARLIS/NA membership given the increasing financial
commitments that Ken outlined.
Regards,
Jon
Jon Evans
Reference Librarian
Hirsch Library
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
P.O Box 6826
Houston, TX 77265-6826
p: 713-639-7393
fax: 713-639-7795
www.mfah.org/library
-----Original Message-----
From: ART LIBRARIES SOCIETY DISCUSSION LIST [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Eric Wolf
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 5:26 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [ARLIS-L] ARLIS/NA membership vote on membership dues
increase
The American Association of Museums also has different membership fees
based on a graduated salary scale.
A good move in my opinion.
Eric M. Wolf
Director of the Library
New York School of Interior Design
170 East 70th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 472-1500 x216
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________________________________
From: ART LIBRARIES SOCIETY DISCUSSION LIST on behalf of Marilyn
Carbonell
Sent: Mon 9/29/2008 5:36 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [ARLIS-L] ARLIS/NA membership vote on membership dues
increase
Many state library associations, such as the Missouri Library
Association, offer full membership based on a graduated or tiered rate
according to annual salary. The scaled dues structure encourages new
members and retaining members. Just curious whether this approach was
discussed by the committee.
Thanks.
Marilyn Carbonell, M.A., M.A.
Head, Library Services
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
Office - 816.751.1381
Fax - 816.751.0498
Email - [log in to unmask]
Web - www.nelson-atkins.org
-----Original Message-----
From: ART LIBRARIES SOCIETY DISCUSSION LIST [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Alison Huftalen
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 3:20 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [ARLIS-L] ARLIS/NA membership vote on membership dues
increase
While I cannot disagree with Jeffrey's assessment, there still remains
one difficulty in my eyes. Current dues and and an increase make it
incredibly difficult for those on a lower payscale to become (and
remain) members. There are societies whose membership structure takes
this into account and has a lower dues option for non-salaried
librarians and support staff (who make under a given amount). Our
current structure (nor the proposed) does not provide an easy option for
librarians and staff in these categories. Though I do notice that in
Rachel's overview of the dues from 1998 and 2004 there is a (50K+) under
individual, not sure where that derives from. While I believe current
members will stay members and pay the $120, the current structure may
continue to hinder new and underemployed librarians and staff who do
want to support and be involved but may not find it economically
feasible.
Alison L. Huftalen
Catalog Librarian
Art Reference Library
Toledo Museum of Art
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419.254.5771 x7386
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__________________________________________________________________
Mail submissions to [log in to unmask]
For information about joining ARLIS/NA see:
http://www.arlisna.org/join.html
Send administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc)
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ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance:
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