E-Publishing Offers Dues Discount

CAS members who opt to receive certain documents in electronic format can receive a discount on membership dues. Members were given the savings option on their 1999-2000 dues invoices, mailed in October. The CAS Board of Directors decided at their September meeting to implement the program, which offers a reduction in dues for those members who choose to receive the CAS Forum and Discussion Paper Program books in electronic form instead of the traditionally printed books.

CAS members choosing the electronic publishing option will receive an e-mail alerting them that the material is available through the CAS Web Site.

In developing the program, the Committee on Online Services (COOS) pointed to various initiatives such as discontinuing the Membership Information Update and CAS Bibliographies, and establishing the CAS Membership E-mail Distribution List. These initiatives realized a significant reduction in expense as a result of electronic delivery.

Increased usage of the CAS Web Site shows that many CAS members have encouraged and welcomed electronic delivery of information. In addition, results of the 1999 Research Survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 (86%) respondents would like to access the results of CAS research through the CAS Web Site.

Because it is not likely to be universally accepted and requires that virtually all members have reasonable access to the Internet, electroninc publishing will not completly take the place of traditionally printed books. At this time, COOS favors giving members a choice for the method of information delivery.

The CAS Executive Council recommended assessing the program annually to determine if other CAS publications should be included and if the dues discount is appropriate.