LIS: Professional Associations

To understand professional associations, I think it is important to first understand what the words mean.  Merriam-Webster defines the word association as, "an organized group of people who have the same interest, job, etc." (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2014a) For the word professional, one of the many definitions outlines it as being “(1): characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2): exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace” (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2014b). Therefore, by incorporating both together, one can describe a professional association as a group of people with similar interests that is governed by a set of standards.

In my previous post on my personal goals and objections, I highlighted a few professional associations that I was interesting in joining on the student chapter level because they would help with bettering myself in my chosen profession. Each is different from the other and bring its own set of benefits.  Below, I have highlighted two: the American Library Association (ALA) and the Society of American Archivists (SAA).

American Library Association (ALA):

The ALA website is very helpful on providing information about this professional association.  Their mission “is to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all” (American Library Association, 2014). 

Per their website, a person can join as an individual, as a part of an organization, or as part of a corporation.  After joining, members enjoy the benefits of legislation advocacy, continuing education, the promotion of intellectual freedom, shared standards to help improve library service, a website with access to information, news, tools and services, networking, and focus/information on different types of libraries and library activities to name a few (American Library Association, 2014). You must sign up to become a member. More information can be found at http://www.ala.org/membership/how-to (American Library Association, 2014).

This ALA is very well known professional association in the LIS world.  They have a well-organized website and a large presence on Facebook with 28, 589 “likes” as of January 30, 2014 (American Library Association, 2014). Publications of theirs include but are not limited to the Ethical and Multicultural Information Exchange Bulletin, the Intellectual Freedom Report, and the Library History Newsletter (American Library Asssociation, 2014)

Society of American Archivists (SAA):

Much like the ALA website, the SAA website is very helpful in providing information on the organization. Their mission is to “promote the values and diversity of archives and archivists. [They] are the preeminent source of professional resources and the principal communication hub for American archivists” (About SAA, 2014). Their core values consist of the following:

·        “Advancing the public standing of archivists.

·        Ensuring the diversity of its membership and leaders, the profession, and the archival record.

·        Fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation across the association.

·        Providing an open, inclusive, and collaborative environment.

·        Providing excellent member service.

·        Social responsibility and the public good.

·        Transparency, accountability, integrity, and professionalism in conducting its activities.” (About SAA, 2014)

A person can join or renew a membership for 12 months for a nominal fee and enjoy number benefits.  These benefits include, but aren’t limited to receiving online access to American Archivists Online, a bi-monthly newsletter on current issues and topics in the field, discounts at various SAA sponsored bookstores and registration on continuing education workshops, and the ability to network with other professionals with similar interests around the country (Benefits of Membership, 2014).

Much like the ALA, the SAA have their own publications such as The American Archivist (The American Archivist, 2014) and Archival Outlook (Archival Outlook, 2014). The former is a journal and the latter is a newsletter.

There is a Facebook presence for WSU students to help provide information on what is happening with the student chapter (Society of American Archivists, WSU Student Chapter, 2014).  More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Societyofamericanarchivistswsu.

If you are interested in either organization, then I strongly hope you check out their websites.  I learned a lot by just researching them to write this post and it convinces me further too strongly consider joining myself.

Anyway, as always, thanks for reading.

Melissa

References

About SAA. (2014). Retrieved from Society of American Archivists: http://www2.archivists.org/about

American Library Association. (2014). Retrieved from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLibraryAssociation?ref=stream&hc_location=stream

American Library Association. (2014). About ALA. Retrieved from American Library Association: www.ala.org/aboutala/

American Library Association. (2014). How to Join or Renew Membership. Retrieved from American Library Assocition: http://www.ala.org/membership/how-to

American Library Association. (2014). The Value of Belonging to ALA. Retrieved from American Library Assoction: www.ala.org/membership/whyala/membtopten

American Library Asssociation. (2014). Round Table Publications. Retrieved from American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/tools/publications/rtpubs

Archival Outlook. (2014). Retrieved from Society of American Archivists: http://www2.archivists.org/archival-outlook

Benefits of Membership. (2014). Retrieved from Society of American Archivists: http://www2.archivists.org/membership

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (2014a). Retrieved from Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/association

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (2014b). Retrieved from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professional

Society of American Archivists, WSU Student Chapter. (2014). Retrieved from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Societyofamericanarchivistswsu

The American Archivist. (2014). Retrieved from Society of American Archivists: http://www2.archivists.org/american-archivist