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Membership FAQ

Institutional Memberships

Whose name should be listed as the designated representative on a library’s Institutional Membership?

This should be the person who have decision-making authority (e.g. a Chief Librarian, Library Director). The registration form also includes a field for the account manager. This will be the person who manages the account (e.g. renewals, payment, etc.)

Can the designated representative and the account manager be the same person?

Yes, if that makes the most sense for your library.

How do we change the name of the designated representative on our library’s Institutional Membership?

Please email the BCLA Office with the name and contact information of the new representative. The appointment of a new representative is deemed to revoke the appointment of the previous representative.

If my union wants to purchase a membership, should we choose an Institutional or Supporting Membership?

You should choose a Supporting Membership.

Individual Memberships

If I have an Individual Membership can I use it on behalf of my library, so we get a discount on listings posted the Partnership Job Board?

No, this discount is only available to current Institutional Members, as part of the Partnership agreement.

Can I hold an Individual membership and be the designate on my library’s Institutional Membership?

Yes.

Student and New Grad Memberships

Do Students get a discount?

Students who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to become a member at no cost. This membership lasts for one year and may be renewed if eligibility requirements continue to be met.

Do New Grads get a discount?

New Grads who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to become a member at no cost. This membership lasts for one year, after which New Grads are invited to renew with an Individual Membership.

Supporting Memberships

If my union wants to purchase a membership, should we choose an Institutional or Supporting Membership?

You should choose a Supporting Membership.

What is the difference between a Supporting Membership and an Enhanced Supporting Membership?

A Supporting Membership provides you with one (1) reduced rate registration for the annual BC Library Conference and an Enhanced Supporting Membership provides you with two (2) reduced rate registrations.

Membership and Voting Privileges

If I hold an Individual membership and am the designate on my library’s Institutional Membership, does that mean I can vote twice on Association business matters?

Yes, you will be voting once as yourself (as an Individual) and once on behalf of your library (Institutional Designate)

If I am the designate on my library’s Institutional Membership, can I let someone else vote for me?

Yes, all voting memberships (Individual, Institutional) have the option to complete a proxy form prior to a vote (e.g. AGM). This will allow another person to vote on your behalf, according to your instructions.

Membership and Attending Conference

If my library has an Institutional Membership, can I attend the BC Library Conference at a discounted rate?

An Institutional Membership allows for one (1) discounted registration for the designate (or assigned staff member). Any additional staff will need to join BCLA as Individual Members in order to receive the discounted rate for the BC Library Conference.

If I am the designate on my library’s Institutional Membership, can I let another staff person attend the BC Library Conference at a discounted rate?

Yes. The conference registration form provides a place to indicate that a staff person other than the designate is using the discounted registration. You may also contact the BCLA office ([email protected]).