Reminder: Ballots for Dues Increase Proposal Due Sept. 30

For Immediate Release
September 19, 2002

Don't forget to vote by Sept. 30 regarding the Executive Board proposal to raise membership dues.

AALL Headquarters mailed the ballots on Aug. 30 to all voting members of the Association to decide whether to increase membership dues by $45. If approved by the membership, the dues increase would be phased in over three years. Dues would rise from the current annual amount of $145 to $160 in June 2003; to $175 in June 2004; and finally to $190 in June 2005.

The Executive Board approved the dues increase proposal in November 2001 to combat declining revenues and provide a more stable financial foundation for AALL. AALL membership dues are the steadiest and most predictable source of income, yet it currently generates only 22 percent of the Association's yearly revenue; in 1982, dues comprised 33 percent of AALL's income. About one-third of AALL's annual revenue -- almost $1 million a year -- is derived from vendors and other outside entities, but that income is not guaranteed each year. And in the current economic climate, it is not feasible to rely on the stock market to fund new initiatives, according to the Executive Board.

"Our dues revenue is shrinking as a percentage of overall revenues, yet it is the most reliable source of revenue on which we can depend," President Carol Avery Nicholson said. "This modest increase proposal will provide a stronger base of support for AALL and its members."

The ballots must be received at AALL Headquarters by Sept. 30. On Oct. 2, the results will be tabulated by the Chicago Association of Law Libraries and announced immediately thereafter.

For more information, please contact AALL Executive Director Susan E. Fox.