1995-96
Over the last year, the BPG board members have invested in the 21st century with the acquisition of a PowerBook computer and software for the BPG treasurer's use to facilitate the record keeping of our funds, and has also expanded computer capabilities for the publications committee which will enable them not only to continue to produce the extraordinary BPG Annual which you should all have recently received, but perhaps update and expand the Paper Conservation Catalog.
The Chair's time over the last year has been largely occupied with surveying BPG members on the restructuring of the dues and the use of the accumulated funds. The membership voted 191 to 34 for a dues reduction of $5 per member across the board. This will leave the BPG with a modest cushion for unanticipated and/or increased expenses, and still provide funds to respond to member needs and priorities.
The suggestions received from members regarding the use of the BPG accumulated funds are summarized on the enclosed sheet, and indicate a strong preference for the support of professional development, followed by support for publications.
At the annual meeting in Norfolk, members voted to allocate $10,000 of the accumulated funds to the Carolyn Horton Fund for professional development. Of the restricted funds administered by the FAIC, the Carolyn Horton Fund has been one of the smallest, totaling just $24,275. The Horton Fund guidelines specify that the award is to be used "in support of continuing education or training, including attendance at meetings, seminars, workshops and other events." The awards are available to "professional book and paper conservators who are members of the AIC's Book and Paper Specialty Group." The requests for Horton Fund support are reviewed each year by a three- member revolving panel of BPG members. We hope BPG members will take advantage of the support offered by the fund.
The majority of the suggestions received regarding publications focused on the continuation of the Paper Conservation Catalog. With the increased capabilities of the Publications Committee, including the ability to scan and reproduce photos from slides, the possibilities for updating and continuing the Paper Conservation Catalog are most attractive. BPG currently has $7,644.62 of the budget allocated to the Paper Conservation Catalog. Additional funds may be available through the AIC Publications Committee Kress grants.
The new dues structure will generate an additional $2,000 to $4,000 a year, depending on the number of members in any given year. These funds can be administered by the elected board of BPG each year, in order to allow the greatest flexibility in responding to the needs of the group.
My thanks to the BPG Board and BPG members for their patience and support over the last year, and my very best wishes to incoming Chair Walter Henry.
Mary Wood Lee