----------------------------Original message----------------------------

Dear Members:

Part of the Executive Board's responsibility is to ensure the efficient and
effective management of the Society. For the past five years ARLIS/NA has
employed Olson Management Group, Inc. (OMG) of Raleigh, NC as our
management service provider.  OMG was the second firm used by ARLIS/NA;
prior to that we employed a member Executive Director who utilized a
management firm as support.  As many of you are aware, ARLIS/NA
renegotiates its management fee with OMG every year to take effect at the
beginning of our fiscal year.  The negotiation involves the kind and level
of services provided as well as, of course, the management fee.

It has been five years since the entire range of the Society's management
options had been thoroughly reviewed.  The Executive Board, after much
thought and  discussion, has decided to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP)
in order to determine what new services might be available to us to move
the Society into the new century. The RFP will be sent to a selected group
of professional management providers and individuals.  We expect to gather
information and evaluate proposals in time to make a decision following the
annual conference in Vancouver.  This timetable will ensure that if
transition is necessary, it can be accomplished by June 30 without
jeopardizing the Society's operations.

The opportunity to review management options coincides well with changes
occurring at OMG itself.  You may recall that last spring it was announced
that Mike Olson, founder and owner of OMG, had accepted a most prestigious
position as President of the American Society of Association Executives.
He decided to sell OMG (which will keep its name) and the new owners will
be determined by the end of September.  Mr. Ralph Marlatt has assumed the
responsibilities as CEO and is working closely with the Board to assure
continuity of service and satisfaction.  At present the Board and OMG have
agreed to continue its relationship through June 30, 1999, and possibly
beyond that.

Penney DePas, CAE, our Executive Director for five years, is in high demand
at OMG.  Her senior level of experience and expertise is critically
important with some newer clients of OMG. We have therefore agreed to
change Executive Directors. The Executive Board greatly appreciates
Penney's devoted service to ARLIS/NA and we wish her every success with her
new challenges.

Starting October 1, 1998, Ms. Ashley Prather will serve as the new ARLIS/NA
Executive Director.  The rest of OMG's fine ARLIS/NA staff, including Ms.
Cheryl Weisz, Conference Manager, will remain the same.  Access to the
staff will also remain the same (telephone, fax, email, etc.)  ARLIS/NA
will be Ashley's only Executive Director responsibility, although she will
retain other responsibilities to other OMG clients.  We anticipate a very
smooth transition.

The Board will be working diligently throughout the next few months to
guarantee that the review of OMG and the RFP process is thorough,
thoughtful, and in the best interest of the Society and its membership.  I
welcome any comments.

Mary Graham
President, ARLIS/NA


Mary Graham
Head, Library Division
Arizona State Museum
University of Arizona
Tucson,  AZ  85721-0026
520/621-4695
520/621-2976 fax