[Libs-Or] Decision about OLA Quarterly

[GINNANE Mary J]

Please excuse cross-posting...

Dear OLA members and recipients of the Oregon Library Association Quarterly (OLAQ),

I am communicating the OLA Board's decision to switch to an online OLAQ with the Winter 2009 issue.

The Summer 2009 online-only issue experiment went so well, and the savings were so substantial, that the Board did move forward with this significant decision at the August 24, 2009 Board meeting. Some financial background to add to your understanding is that OLA is concerned about our income in 2010 due to the siting of the PLA National Conference in Portland. OLA won't have a conference (just preconferences and a banquet) and won't have any income from exhibitors.

The summer survey of OLA members regarding this possible change had a 22% response rate. It revealed that 67.1% of the respondents browse an issue right away and read selected pieces. Sixty percent said it was not important to receive a print version of the OLAQ and 80% said that they'd be satisfied or very satisfied with an online-only OLAQ.

>From comments and suggestions we realize we have some work to do on the format and we received good recommendations to pursue. The online format has advantages of live linking to more information and color images/photos can be used.

The Fall 2009 issue of the OLAQ will still be a print issue, as well as being available as a PDF in the OLAQ Archive on the OLA website. Given the theme with historical content and photos, the Board considered it a "collector's item" and decided that a print version will serve best. You will be receiving that issue in the mail soon!

Thank you to the survey respondents and thank you to the membership for being willing to adapt to this change. I also thank Publications Chair, Diane Sotak, for working with us on the transition.

As we all adapt to this change, please continue to give us feedback about your experience with the online OLAQ. You can e-mail me in a reply to this message, or contact Diane Sotak at sotak at up.edu<mailto:sotak at up.edu> (or any OLA officer!)

Best wishes,
Mary Ginnane
Past-President, OLA