VTLS Users' Group

The VTLS Users' Group (VTLSUG) is a non-profit, international organization of institutions and individuals dedicated to promoting the common interests of all users of VTLS products and services. It was established in 1983 when 38 representatives from 11 VTLS libraries met at the American Library Association meeting in Los Angeles, California and agreed to organize a formal users' group. One year later, at another ALA meeting in Dallas, Texas, a larger group of users adopted a set of bylaws to officially create the organization. Over the years the bylaws have been amended to address the needs of membership.

The VTLSUG holds two meetings per year, one in North America and the other in Europe. They provide a mechanism for VTLS customers to interact with each other, as well as to hold discussions with VTLS representatives concerning present and future developments of their products. The VTLSUG web site serves as a tool for communicating to membership.

An important role of the VTLSUG is to foster ongoing interaction between VTLS customers and VTLS. To this end, an email discussion list has been created for online exchanges on topics of interest and importance. The VTLSUG executive committee serves as a liaison between membership and VTLS management, and standing committees lead the process of VTLS product enhancement. Members of the VTLS User's Group are encouraged to become involved with their organization.

What started as a relatively small group of VTLS customers in the United States has grown to include over 100 institutions from around the world. Partnerships with regional users' groups in Europe and Australia have increased the organization's membership and broadened its activities.