A candle in the wind or a beacon for the future? Professional associations - facing an uncertain future?

摘要

The current uncertainty among information professionals over jobs, qualifications and future prospects has caused some loss of faith in their professional associations' ability or willingness to do anything to halt the downward trends, or to respond to their members' needs for visible and persuasive championship. Perhaps these traditional bodies need to be replaced with active and positive alternatives - but how, where and with what? An analysis of successes and failures focusing particularly on the associations important to those working in business, industry and consultancy organizations might help to clarify the way ahead.