IALL Survey Report

Monika Dressler, University of Michigan

In the past year I have undertaken the following preparatory tasks:

• Exploration of options
• Sketch of ideas for draft survey and database (with development of possible questions and prototype of survey)
• Identification of issues for IALL to consider
• Outline for action plan.

Alpha testing by interested members of the Board and Council will commence no later than September 1, 2000. Beta testing will be conducted in September/October, with 10-15 volunteers recruited via LLTI. Target distribution of the invitation to participate in the final survey will occur in November 2000, with results collected through January 2001. Presentation of survey data will be proposed as a session at IALL 2001.

We recognize the advantage of maintaining the results in a searchable database, as well as the desirability of comparative analyses with prior surveys. However, the paramount concern is that a useful survey be implemented, with a minimum goal of a snapshot profile of the profession.

The committee will place security of the survey tool and confidentiality of sensitive personal information as its highest priorities.

We suggest that IALL offer and fund the following incentives to survey respondents, in a drawing entered after completing the survey:

• two renewal memberships for existing members
• two new IALL memberships to non members
• Grand Prize: one IALL 2001 registration