LIBRARY ASSOCIATION MULTIMEDIA GROUP & IT GROUP

Annual Report 1998

In 1997, wheels were set in motion for the merger of the Multimedia and Information Technology Groups of the Library Association. By 1998, these wheels were going at full speed, with the Groups finally reaching their destination on 14 January 1999.

Propelled by the overwhelming support of both Group's membership, 1998 was largely devoted to the processes of merger. After much fine tuning, the proposed Rules of the joint Group were unanimously accepted at a Special General Meeting on 11 December 1998. The LAMIT (Library Association Multimedia Information and Technology Group) Committee correspondingly has been reviewed, with two sub-groups already formed to tackle event management and the development of the Group Web site.

Another long-planned development concerns the Group journals. "AVL: multimedia information" and "IT's news" became "MmIT: multimedia information and technology". To increase coverage, maintain standards, cut production costs and take the journal into the 21st Century, "MmIT" has been made available electronically. A sister publication, "LAMIT news", provides a hard-copy newsletter, whilst "MmIT" was offered free on the Internet to all Group members from the beginning of 1999. (Paper-based copies remain available to Group members at cost price.)

One final success demands special mention. Both the Chair of the Multimedia and the IT Group received a LA Royal Charter Centenary Medal at the end of 1998. This really is an equal partnership!!

ANTONY BREWERTON HON SECRETARY, LAMIT