On July 1, 2010, the AHA will flip the switch on a new association management system (AMS). The system will be the fourth such system the AHA has implemented (since record keeping first went digital in the late 1970s) in its continuing attempts to make its members services in particular as user friendly and efficient as possible.

Previous systems were by and large invisible to the membership, and were cumbersome as well (the current system, for instance, requires a rather complicated and inevitably slow process of weekly synchronization between the web site and the database). The new system, on the contrary, will allow direct member interaction via the web site in many crucial and time-sensitive areas. Members who join, renew, or wish to update their address or other member information can now interact directly with the AMS. The new system will also bring to the member services web pages long sought after features such as changeable passwords, real-time updates, and other member-related information. We expect, as well, that it will open the door to enhancing and customizing the web site for each individual member.

The implementation team, composed of key staff members from each department, as well as the AMS vendor’s staff, has been working on the transition since returning from the annual meeting, and is now gearing up to devote major attention to the project as it moves towards the “go live” day.

We hope for a seamless transition, but history suggests that there may be a few bumps in the digital road ahead. We request members to bear with us during this time. We will welcome feedback on the new system: about difficulties, if any, that are encountered, as well as suggestions about possible enhancements to the web site or to member services. While we can’t promise to implement every suggestion or immediately resolve every problem, we will give careful consideration to all feedback. Please contact us at feedback@historians.org.