I just saw this in the February issue of Computers in Libraries. (Heights Library has a subscription and the Febrary issue just got to me.) I find it very intriguing. I would *love* to see this happen for the American Library Association.
"The Special Libraries Association (SLA) added a new dues tier for members with incomes lof less than $18,000 per year. Designed to assist members in the global economic crisis, the new tier requires those with lower incomes to pay only $35 annually for a full membership, as opposed to the $160 fee for those making $35,000 or more and $99 for those making less than $35,000 and more than or equal to $18,000. Those who fall into the sub-$18,000 category will still have access to all of the SLA's members-only services, including professional development, the SLA Career Center, and networking opportunities. According to the organization, the new tier makes SLA membership affordable for those working in any economy as well as students, unemployed and part-time workers, and those who are retired."
-Computers in Libraries, News Desk, Bill Greenwood, Feb. 2009, p. 30
This issue has been brought before Council often and it has been referred to other committees multiple times. It is unclear if/when this issue will ever be revisited by Council and/or the ALA Executive Board. During these trying times, I would like to ALA try to reach out to its members. Those that are unable to pay are disenfranchised by a system that is inflexible and rigid. If ALA were to move to a tiered model, we would have these members in our ranks, enabling them to take advantage of the services ALA membership provides. How can we reach out to these members and keep them in the fold?
I'll investigate creating a resolution to bring before Council at Annual. Maybe even nudge Keith Michael Fiels, Executive Director. We need to do whatever we can to help our members stay, not letting them fall away.
Friday, May 8, 2009
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