Editorials MLA's BASIC PURPOSE A Guest Editorial
As might have been expected, the Board of Directors' decision to propose a dues increase for members of the Medical Library Association has resulted in the frequent inquiry, "What do I get as a member of MLA?" By the time this editorial is read, the precipitating factor will have been resolved, but for many, the question will remain. Responding to the question, as we must from time to time, is not always easy. Very often, what is of vital interest to one member is of little concern to another. Most members consider the Bulletin and the MLA News important membership benefits. Many institutional members rely heavily upon the MLA Exchange to help develop their collections, but others do not use it at all. A small, but increasing number of members participate in the newly available insurance programs. Impressive numbers of members have been attending annual meetings, and interest in MLA sponsored education courses and management institutes is increasing dramatically. But the point of this editorial is not to persuade anyone that Association membership is a "good deal." Undeniably, it is for some but for others, perhaps in particular the larger institutional members who rely less upon the exchange, membership may even be seen as a subsidy of the smaller library. Does this identify a problem that must be dealt with by the board? Should we accept as principle the notion that all members should benefit equally or nearly so from their membership? To answer this question in the affirmative would require changes in both the association's Articles of Incorporation and its not-for-profit
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status. For unlike many associations, MLA is not constituted to operate primarily in the direct interest of its members. To do so is a privilege reserved for organizations classified by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501 (c) 6 of its code. This section includes professional associations, trade unions, chambers of commerce, and other institutions whose purpose is to operate in the economic or social interest and defense of its members. Such organizations must be seen as self-interested, although not in a pejorative sense. In contrast, MLA operates under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Service's code. This is a category reserved for institutions of charitable or educational purpose and includes associations similar to MLA, as well as teaching institutions, private foundations, and other institutions which operate ultimately in the public interest. Certainly, none of this suggests that MLA should be operating contrary to the members' interests, or even that members should not receive direct benefits. But it does suggest and require that the main thrust of association activity be aimed at the broader interest of improving the state of the art and by this the well-being of the public. Not surprisingly, many members view MLA as a professional association. If it is indeed the common wish of members that the association function as such, then changes in our charter and IRS classification would be appropriate. The issue is not one involving notions of goodness, as both alternatives are equally respectable. Members should be aware of the differences, as well as the ramifications, of our current status. JOHN S. LoSASSO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bull. Med. Libr. Assoc. 63(4) Oct. 1975
As might have been expected, the Board of Directors' decision to propose a dues increase for members of the Medical Library Association has resulted in the frequent inquiry, "What do I get as a member of MLA?" By the time this editorial is read, the precipitating factor will have been resolved, but for many, the question will remain. Responding to the question, as we must from time to time, is not always easy. Very often, what is of vital interest to one member is of little concern to another. Most members consider the Bulletin and the MLA News important membership benefits. Many institutional members rely heavily upon the MLA Exchange to help develop their collections, but others do not use it at all. A small, but increasing number of members participate in the newly available insurance programs. Impressive numbers of members have been attending annual meetings, and interest in MLA sponsored education courses and management institutes is increasing dramatically. But the point of this editorial is not to persuade anyone that Association membership is a "good deal." Undeniably, it is for some but for others, perhaps in particular the larger institutional members who rely less upon the exchange, membership may even be seen as a subsidy of the smaller library. Does this identify a problem that must be dealt with by the board? Should we accept as principle the notion that all members should benefit equally or nearly so from their membership? To answer this question in the affirmative would require changes in both the association's Articles of Incorporation and its not-for-profit
422
status. For unlike many associations, MLA is not constituted to operate primarily in the direct interest of its members. To do so is a privilege reserved for organizations classified by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501 (c) 6 of its code. This section includes professional associations, trade unions, chambers of commerce, and other institutions whose purpose is to operate in the economic or social interest and defense of its members. Such organizations must be seen as self-interested, although not in a pejorative sense. In contrast, MLA operates under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Service's code. This is a category reserved for institutions of charitable or educational purpose and includes associations similar to MLA, as well as teaching institutions, private foundations, and other institutions which operate ultimately in the public interest. Certainly, none of this suggests that MLA should be operating contrary to the members' interests, or even that members should not receive direct benefits. But it does suggest and require that the main thrust of association activity be aimed at the broader interest of improving the state of the art and by this the well-being of the public. Not surprisingly, many members view MLA as a professional association. If it is indeed the common wish of members that the association function as such, then changes in our charter and IRS classification would be appropriate. The issue is not one involving notions of goodness, as both alternatives are equally respectable. Members should be aware of the differences, as well as the ramifications, of our current status. JOHN S. LoSASSO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bull. Med. Libr. Assoc. 63(4) Oct. 1975
