Abstract
At the time of the study (October, 1983), there were 99 member libraries in the JMLA. Membership categories consisted of the following: regular (82), university associate (4), non-university associate (12) and collaborating (1). Only regular members have voting rights at the general meetings where JMLA's fundamental policies and activities are decided. The 12 non-university associate members conducted a survey of attitudes toward granting voting rights to associate members. Of the 87 remaining members, 62 (71.3%) responded. The general consensus based on our data is as follows: 1) Voting rights should be discussed within the context of the JMLA rules and category system. 2) A balance between members' rights and duties has been a long-standing principle of the JMLA, and this balance should be considered in finding a solution. 3) The present voting rights system is not ideal, and its improvement requires a reorganization of the overall structure of the JMLA.
