MLA Planning 

Dues Increase Proposal FAQ

March 15, 2004

Below are responses to some frequently asked questions about a dues increase. As the Online Forum addresses issues, questions and answers will be added to this FAQ.

Why does MLA need a dues increase?

The MLA Board of Directors is asking members to invest in the association's priorities, which are vital to the profession's future, through a dues increase.

What is the process for the proposed dues increase?

At the MLA Board of Directors' meeting in February 2004, the board voted to recommend a dues increase to the membership that would be phased in over two years, 2005 and 2006. The board decided to bring the issue to the membership on an online forum and at the MLA '04 annual meeting in Washington, DC, for discussion and a potential vote. Between now and May 3, members may participate in the online forum to learn about the dues increase proposal and raise questions. At the annual meeting, members, the board, and other association leaders will discuss the increase proposal at an Open Forum to be held Monday, May 24, from 2:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m. At the MLA Business Session on Tuesday, May 25, at 9:00 a.m., MLA's President and Treasurer plan to present a dues increase motion to members.

What is the history of MLA dues increases?

Dues changes for each level of membership went into effect January 1 of the year shown.

*In 1994, a revenue neutral adjustment was made to support new individual categories.

Institutional Dues
Prior to 1976, institutional dues consisted of a single price for all institutions. In 1976, a graduated pricing structure was put in place based on the number of serial subscriptions that a library receives.

In 2001, a revenue neutral adjustment was made to support the new institutional dues structure based on library budget amounts.

Would the salary level for reduced dues for members with salaries under $24,000 change?

Yes, it is proposed that the salary range increase to $30,000. The higher amount will enable more entry-level and part-time members to qualify for discounted dues.

What will happen if the dues increase does not pass?

In 2004, the board would need to consider proposing reductions in programs would take affect in 2004 and 2005.

How do MLA dues compare with other organizations?

How has the purchasing power of dues been affected by inflation?

Based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), $135 had less buying power in 2003 than it did in 2000: what cost $135 in 2000 now would cost more than $144.25. This inflation calculation is based on the average Consumer Price Index change for the given calendar years. The data represents changes in prices of all goods and services purchased for consumption by urban households. This index value has been calculated every year since 1913. For 2003, the December 2003 monthly index value was used.

How much more revenue would the proposed dues increase generate?

The increase would generate about $61,000 in 2005 and $122,000 in 2006 based on 2003 membership numbers.