WLA Task Force on Technology Utilization
Topic Paper
Background
An extensive review of the use of technology by associations would be very broad and beyond the scope of this research assignment. Consequently, this research task has been limited to web-based services offered by other associations to their members.
Many, if not most, state and regional library associations maintain web sites. State and regional library association web sites typically include the following types of information:
Himmel & Wilson Library Consultants provide links to 56 state and regional library associations on their site (http://www.execpc.com/himmel/associations.html). From a cursory review of a number of these sits, it does not appear that library associations generally offer additional web-based services to their members. However, it is not uncommon for state and regional associations to establish and maintain email discussion lists for their full membership or subgroups of their membership.
The Internet Public Library (IPL) has attempted to compile a comprehensive directory of associations with web sites. "The IPL Associations on the Net (AON) is a collection of over 2000 Internet sites providing information about a wide variety of professional and trade associations, cultural and art organizations, political parties and advocacy groups, labor unions, academic societies, and research institutions. Abstracts summarizing information about the association and its site are provided (http://www.ipl.org/ref/AON/)."
Many associations' web sites are similar to those of library associations, i.e., they provide basic information about the association and its activities. However, some associations do offer additional web services to members. Unfortunately, it is usually not possible to explore these services because access to them is restricted to members.
One organization that is attempting to expand its web-based services is the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). The ASPA Online Community (http://www.memberconnections.com/olc/pub/APA/) is a "members only" site that provides additional features including:
A more extensive review of association web sites would be likely to discover a number of other web-based services being made available to association members.
What do you need to use it?
An advantage of offering web-based services to members is that members only need an Internet connection and a web browser to use them. However, to provide extensive web offerings, WLA would need to consider 1) acquiring it's owns web server and high speed Internet connection or 2) contracting with a web service provider.
How much does it cost?
The cost to members would be minimal. The cost to WLA would be dependent upon the type and volume of services offered. There could be significant infrastructure and telecommunications costs associated with extensive development of the WLA web site.
Concerns
The labor required to maintain a "richer" web site would be considerable. It is unlikely that volunteers could maintain an enhanced WLA site, resulting in additional staffing or contractual costs for the association.
How would it benefit WLA?
Enhancements to the WLA web site are likely to well received by the membership. The more useful features that are offered to members, the more they will value their WLA membership. This could result in additional members joining the association, or it could result in a willingness of members to pay higher dues.
A significant benefit to WLA would be the increased communications possibilities. For example, chat rooms or message boards could make it easier for members to conduct association business.
Links:
ASPA Online Community
http://www.memberconnections.com/olc/pub/APA/
Himmel & Wilson Library Consultants, State and Regional Library Associations
http://www.execpc.com/himmel/associations.html
Internet Public Library, Associations on the Net
http://www.ipl.org/ref/AON/