Cross posted to Law-lib and private-lawlib.
I am chairing an ALLUNY board meeting tomorrow (6/17) where we will be
discussing the proposed AALL dues increase. I know there will be a lot
of discussion about this subject...only 50% or so of ALLUNY members are
also AALL members. Many have to pay their own dues , have no employer
support, and have often asked "why should I belong to AALL since I
cannot afford to attend the conferences?" In other words, what will
AALL do for me in my work situation as it stands presently?
My concern is that while it was nice to see the proposal on the 'Net,
the information has not been widely disseminated to smaller firms,
courts, special libraries that do not have access yet. And , since the
newsletter, which will have the proposal in the June issue, historically
arrives several days into the month following the date of publication, I
am afraid that those members of AALL who are traveling to Seattle for
early meetings and institutes and the like, will not see the language,
may not attend the business meeting, and will not be properly informed.
Then, won't we lose members when they are no longer able to afford the
higher dues? I know several law librarians who are electing to belong
to SLA only (with their newly formed legal division) because of this
dues issue. Even with the proposed dues increase for SLA for 1995, it
will still be cheaper to belong to SLA and one may still attend AALL at
membership rates (as a courtesy). So where are we coming out ahead?
Shall we start a discussion about this issue? If you would like to
respond to me privately with the feelings and thoughts of your
chapters/members, please feel free.
Kathie Sullivan
ny000916@mail.nyser.net
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