Home New & Noteworthy About the LITA Dues Increase

July 6, 2004

Dear LITA Members:

The Library and Information Technology Association Board of Directors, after much deliberation over the course of several months, has determined that an increase in dues is required to continue to ensure the health and growth of LITA.  The Board has voted unanimously to implement a $15 increase in dues for both personal and organizational members effective September 1, 2004. There will be no increase for student members.

It has been ten years since the last increase in dues, and, as we all recognize, costs have risen throughout this decade. As projected, our FY2005 Budget would have a $12,000 deficit without the increase. We have reached a point where existing services and products would begin to suffer without additional support.

In addition, you, the members, have requested new services and products, and the Board and staff want to be able to respond to your good ideas.  Currently, we are not in a position to consider supporting even the initial development costs for anything new.  A strong and capable staff is essential to our future; the current staff structure is providing the maximum services possible.  Any additional staff support requires an ongoing budget commitment.

With this increase, the Board will consider ideas such as audio and video streaming, expansion of virtual membership, and further experimentation with electronic publication and communication.

We want you to know that the Board is committed to bringing you new products and services through a portion of this increase. We understand that this may be difficult for you, but we believe that this is essential to continue our organizational financial health.

Sincerely,

Thomas C. Wilson
LITA President