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Dear Colleagues,

Prompted by Maryly Snow's recent posting regarding the proposed dues
increase, I've had the opportunity to review the documents prepared for
consideration by the ARLIS/NA membership.  Maryly's information (and
the information sent along with the Bylaws amendments ballot) is correct:
The proposed rate for annual membership in the Business Affiliate
category is $105, not $135.  My earlier posting was erroneously based a
preliminary table that the Executive Board later revised.  (Note:  The
proposed dues table can be viewed on the ARLIS/NA Web Site in the
"News" section.)

The proposal follows the scheme of the present dues structure.  The
current rate of $100 for business affiliate membership is higher than all
but four of the individual membership category levels (above $60,000
annually); the proposed rate increase preserves that framework in 1999.
There are twelve other individual membership levels that range from $90
($55,000-$60,000 annually) to $50 (student).  Elimination of fees for
additional membership in Sections, Divisions, and Round Tables applies to
all individual membership categories.

The Executive Board believes that the rationale for approving the
proposed dues structure is a sound one, and that modest increases
across several categories are preferable to large increases in a select
few.  We also believe that it is consonant with the Strategic Plan's
objectives to "identify and forge links with other affinity groups" (III.B) and
to "improve communication among the membership and between groups
within the Society" (IV.C).

Roger C. Lawson
President
ARLIS/NA