MAC Messages Number 86:
March/April 2001

I am taking a welcome break from explaining to faculty members and students about why they can no longer access Nature online to write this message. Most of you are familiar with controversy surrounding institutional access to Nature online, and if you are not, consider yourself lucky! Nature has given new meaning to the term "March madness!"

The MAC Executive Board met in Charlottesville on February 2, 2001 under sunny skies and mild temperatures. We were spared the blizzards and ice storms that have plagued last year's winter Board meeting in North Carolina and previous meetings here in Charlottesville. The Board decided to proceed with plans to conduct a needs assessment survey of MAC members and others in our region. Steve Squires is working with Information Studies students at the University of Maryland to design and conduct the survey. Stay tuned for more information on this important part of the Chapter's strategic planning initiative, and give your thoughtful consideration to the survey when it is distributed later this year.

The Board also approved the formation of an Annual Meeting Task Force that will examine all aspects of how the Chapter conducts its annual meetings. The task force will consider everything from site selection, the rising costs of meetings, and viable alternatives to the annual meeting process. Pat Hammond has agreed to Chair this task force, which will conduct its work and deliver a preliminary report to the Board at our September meeting.

Most of the MAC committees are in need of additional members, so I am asking all members who are not currently serving on a MAC committee to consider doing so. Descriptions of MAC committees can be found on the Chapter Website. If you would like to join a committee, please complete the appointment form that is located on the Chapter Website at: http://www.cbil.vcu.edu/mac/forms/committee_appointment.html

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