OSME Members' Survey - preliminary results 
The response to the survey was extremely encouraging with 317 
questionnaires returned, 37% of members. To date, analysis has been 
restricted to calculating percentage responses to each of the main 
questions. The more detailed and time-consuming appraisal of the 
anecdotal information is still underway. Below is a summary of the more 
interesting results. 
1. Geographical spread of responses: 
Of the questionnaires completed, 58.0% are from Britain, 24.9% from 
Europe, 2.6% from Middle East nationals, 6.4% from expatriates 
resident in the region and 8.1% from elsewhere. 
2. Membership items most valued or enjoyed: 
For virtually all members, receiving Sandgrouse and the Bulletin is 
the greatest asset of membership, followed by the knowledge that 
they are supporting bird conservation in the region. 
3. Availability of the membership list: 
Ninety percent of the members are in favour of this being made 
available to other members to improve communication. The task of 
amending our records to exclude those members who expressly wish 
not to have their names and addresses circulated is currently underway. 
4. Quality of OSME publications: 
Ninety-seven percent of members are more than satisfied by our 
publications. This is a credit to the editors and production team of the 
two publications. However, the Society is not complacent and 
suggestions made for improving the Bulletin and Sandgrouse are also 
being considered. 
5. Merging oi Sandgrouse Sknd ihe Bulletin: 
Here members are almost equally divided, though the majority (56%) 
are against a merger. A variety of factors, especially printing and 
distribution costs, need to be taken into account before any changes 
in OSME's publications can be made. Council will bear members' 
views in mind when it comes to making a decision. 
6. OSME's activities: 
Members clearly feel that, of the activities listed, OSME's strengths 
are in disseminating information, carrying out ornithological studies 
and promoting conservation. When it comes to greater involvement, 
the view appears to be that the Society should focus on educating 
people in ihe region about conservation, birds and habitats, and 
increasing lobbying activities. These views will all be considered 
when Council meets to discuss the future plans for OSME in October. 
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