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NFAIS and ASIDIC Discuss Possible Merger

Since its inception in 1968, ASIDIC has served a diverse membership from the information industry. With meetings each spring and fall, ASIDIC has provided a venue where its members and friends could meet, share experiences, compare best practices, and discuss the future of the industry. But changes in the industry, the challenging economic environment for publishers and other members, and the emergence of new events and organizations have created a new landscape.

In April 2010, the ASIDIC Board of Directors announced that they believe it is time to recommend the dissolution of ASIDIC as an organization. However, in order to ensure that the ASIDIC mission and spirit be preserved, and that the current membership and remaining assets are placed with a like-minded organization that is committed to serving the needs of a diverse Information Community, the ASIDIC Board solicited expressions of interest regarding a potential merger.

On April 15, 2010, NFAIS submitted such a letter, followed by a formal proposal in May. NFAIS now reports that the ASIDIC Board has voted unanimously to accept its proposal and has put forth its recommendation to the ASIDIC membership. The ASIDIC Board will be holding information meetings with their members throughout June and will hold a formal email ballot at the end of the month. Many NFAIS member organizations are also members of ASIDIC.

According to NFAIS, the essence of the proposal is as follows:

• NFAIS members who paid their ASIDIC membership for 2010 will be given a pro-rated rebate.
• Other ASIDIC members in good standing will be granted NFAIS membership through June 30, 2011. At that time they will be given the option to continue NFAIS membership with a 3-year transition to full NFAIS dues.
• Any remaining ASIDIC assets will be used to attract conference speakers to NFAIS events that are in keeping with the mission and spirit of ASIDIC as requested by the ASIDIC Board.
• A member of an ASIDIC Member organization will be invited to serve as a non-voting NFAIS Board member from the close of the merger through June 30, 2011 to assist the NFAIS Board in ensuring a successful transition as well as ensuring the preservation of the ASIDIC spirit and mission within NFAIS.

NFAIS says it is honored that the ASIDIC Board believes that it will provide ASIDIC members with the best possible opportunity for continuing the spirit and tradition of ASIDIC that they have enjoyed.

Sources: NFAIS and ASIDIC