1. I think we first of all need to vote on whether or not this merger goes
ahead.

2. It is too early to consider what services we can provide for members. We
don't yet know what new skills and experience the new committee will have,
and we need to restructure and reorganise it before we can start talking
about what we offer. Otherwise, this will simply run into the sand. So set
up a new committee structure first, create areas of responsibility (see the
paper submitted to the virtual meeting and not discussed ­ I have also
attached it to this email).

3. As to new members, for a number of years I have written a letter to all
new members, asking for their email addresses, and including information
about the website, the journal, the group leaflet and latterly the journal
leaflet. I have also regularly suggested that the chair should include a
welcome message. This year I specifically asked if the chair would write to
new members and did not receive a reply.

Cilip Membership provides member lists online, downloadable from the
website, and will also try to filter the lists if there are special
requirements. What they cannot do is tell us who has left the group in any
particular year.

4. The question of the declining income of the journal is first of all a
matter for the editorial board, and it will be addressed. This is in line
with the constitution. The group itself is also constitutionally obliged to
support it if required.

5. A monthly newsletter will be a problem. It will be labour intensive. It
is always possible to post messages and information on the website, and
there is a regularly updated news column which can be used as an online
newsletter if required.

All of these things need more than a knee-jerk reaction but we are running
out of time. We need to get the committee structure right first.

Lyndon


> Dear All,
> While we are waiting for further details about the NW Group, I thought I
> would start the ball rolling by putting forward some thoughts and
> suggestions regarding the first part of the proposal.
> I also think that we should extend the discussion period for a further
> four weeks to allow people plenty of time to comment as this will allow
> for people who are on holiday (including catch-up time on return) and
> also people who are currently busy but could comment at some point over
> this period. We could then take a vote at the next meeting when all
> information put forward can be amalgamated and a vote taken.
> Best regards.
> Pauline
> 
> * The purpose and functions of the group in the light of
> developments in multimedia and digital information services
> 
> Why do people join CILIP or special groups?
> What do they get out of them and what are their
> expectations?
> Why join a group?  A tightly focused group like School
> Libraries or  Aerospace & Defence can discuss topics relevant to their
> area  This is a bit more difficult with such a wide ranging group as
> MMIT.
> We must decide who and what areas we are planning to
> target.
> 
> * The nature and extent of services provided to members
> 
>    This will depend on the merger going ahead as we all know that we
> need more committee members.  Their expertise and time available will
> then allow us to plan accordingly but here are a few pointers:
> 
> MMIT Journal
> Monthly newsletter   - online update?
> Annual conference
> Workshops
> Meetings/Visits  - if held in the day would people have
> problems getting time off work in these recessionary times?
> 
> * The loss of membership over the last 10 years, with the group
> losing  approximately 75% of its membership since 2000. It is likely
> that in 2010 the  number of members will fall below 2000 (current
> membership is 2134) unless action is taken over the next few months.
> 
> Not to state the obvious but the internet has changed
> things for a lot of people, libraries and organizations
> 
> See first point above (purpose & function of group)
> 
> Could new group members be sent a welcome note, a hard
> copy of the Journal + other MMIT info - some new members have contacted
> me this year as they have had no contact from group.  Is CILIP providing
> us with new member information?
> 
> 
> * The loss of income from Cilip
> Does anyone know if this is likely to be reduced
> further?
> 
> * The loss of income from the journal.
> What are the plans to improve the situation?
> 
> 
> 
> ____________________________________________________________
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