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A couple of comments about CILIP and London, if I may. From a personal perspective working in both Scotland and Plymouth and thus about as far away from London as can be managed, London is far more easily accessible than anywhere in the Centre of England. The rail fare to Birmingham (which is nearer than London) is over 25% more expensive and the journey takes longer. Public transport to the east of the country, other than London, is abysmal and driving to Loughborough, for example, was over 12 hours for the return journey. The cost of flights may have reduced, but certainly the air fare from Glasgow to New York was slightly lower than to Birmingham. I am sure that the Training Department is perfectly capable of speaking for itself, but it will put on courses in any part of the country if you can guarantee the numbers. Branches and Groups do deliver courses and conferences throughout the country and the flagship conference, Umbrella, has never been held in London. As someone who has described the organization as the Chartered Institute of London Information Professionals, I still feel that it is frequently too London-centric, but it has the highest proportion of members and is far more accessible than anywhere else in the country. -- Alasdair MacNaughtan City Librarian, Plymouth Library Services Tel: 01752-305901 Visit us on the web: www.plymouthlibraries.info ***The opinions expressed in this e-mail are personal and are not necessarily the views of Plymouth City Council***