professionally speaking…

Considering LIS professional associations has been an interesting assignment; it has not just provided another great view into the significant scope of professional librarianship – this assignment has also provided me with some clarity of vision around my own professional interests and goals (more on this in my next post!)  Generally speaking, the vast network of library and information professionals around the globe is somewhat astounding – as are some of the specific areas addressed by these professional associations.  In addition to what I might have expected – from geographically based associations to professional networks focused on specific library services and settings such as law, medicine, archives, k-12 schools, theology, music, academic research and much more – I was surprised to see such areas as agricultural information and addictions, and I am intrigued by associations such as Information for Social Change, which is concerned with justice and ethics in the LIS context, from an international perspective.

But on to my own interests and goals…  Because I am currently keeping my professional sights on both public libraries and academic libraries, it makes some sense that I might want to connect with the Public Library Association (PLA) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), both of which are divisions of the American Library Association (ALA).  Indeed not only do I remain interested in the possibility of serving in either setting; I am also interested in ways that public libraries and academic libraries might come together in partnership, to serve the wider communities of which they are a part.  So participating in PLA and ACRL might be a great way to bridge those interests and professional possibilities.

However, I actually find myself more drawn to the ALA, and also to the Illinois Library Association (ILA), as I am a resident of Chicago and intend to begin my library career in the Chicago metropolitan area. Both of these associations cast a wide net, in terms of the facets of librarianship and library leadership that they serve, promote and address, including public, academic, school and special libraries; adults, children and teens; practical matters for improving upon public and technical service; professional development; advocacy and activism; issues and trends; and more.  With such a broad community of libraries and librarians networked together and bridging professional interests, it’s easy to stay informed about matters that cut across many different practice settings, while also keeping abreast of what is important in one’s own area of practice.

The ALA was, in fact, integral to my decision to finally take the plunge and pursue an MLIS.  As I started to consider a possible new professional path, I found myself returning to the ALA website again and again, poking around to see what’s current in the world of libraries and downloading copies of American Libraries Magazine to read while riding the train to and from work.  I especially recall reading the May/June 2012 issue last summer: I “met” the new Chicago Public Library Commissioner and got to know a bit about him and his vision for CPL, and I read about the new trend towards community reference in public libraries – and I knew I was finally hooked!  The more recent features that focus on community engagement in the January/February 2013 issue – for instance via “maker spaces” and library services for struggling homeowners – continue to fuel my interest and energy around the ways libraries can creatively contribute to their communities.

I haven’t yet pursued a student ALA membership, but I intend to do so in advance of this summer’s annual conference in Chicago.  (Seriously, I have no excuse to not attend this year – it’s right here at home!)  Discounts for publications, conferences and continuing education resources are all, of course, a welcome benefit – but more significant is the access to resources for professional development, networking and advocacy, which will enhance the work that I’m engaged in even now, at the very beginning of my time at SLIS.  When I am ready to dive in even deeper, I anticipate that I’ll seek to join in the work of one of the Round Tables; the Social Responsibilities Round Table is of particular interest, with work that focuses on addressing inequities and working for the common good.

The ILA offers similar opportunities for shared work on behalf of libraries and librarianship.  As with the ALA, as I pursue student membership and continue to grow into this profession, I may seek to work on one of the ILA committees, such as the Advocacy Committee, or the Public Policy Committee.  In the meantime, I will welcome the opportunity to participate in workshops and conferences, to network with colleagues and mentors not just in the city but throughout the state, to stay abreast of legislative issues that affect libraries throughout Illinois, and to learn about innovations and endeavors that are taking place at a variety of libraries – from the smallest of small towns to major universities, and everywhere in between.  I have enjoyed getting to know the ILA via their own bi-monthly magazine, the ILA Reporter.  As I’ve flipped through some of their recent issues, it’s been inspiring to see some great renovations and building projects at libraries across the state (February 2013), to learn about the great work of volunteers at one of the major suburban libraries, and to note the initiatives and action agenda that the Public Policy Committee is engaged in on behalf of libraries throughout the state (December 2012).

I look forward to joining both of these professional associations as my first semester at SLIS rounds out, and I’m grateful for such wide-reaching networks to tap into across the state and nation-wide, as I embark upon this new professional adventure!

References:

2013 ILA Action Agenda (2012, December).  ILA Reporter, Vol. 30 (6), 14.

2013 Public Policy Initiatives (2012, December).  ILA Reporter, Vol. 30 (6), 12.

Galston, Huber, Johnson, Long (2012, May/June).  Community Reference: Making Libraries Indispensable in a New Way.  American Libraries Magazine, Vol. 43 (5/6), 46-50.

Good, Travis (2013, January/February).  Manufacturing Makerspaces.  American Libraries Magazine, Vol. 44 (1/2), 44-49.

Koray, Deniz (2013, January/February).  Libraries Help Homeowners Fight Foreclosure.  American Libraries Magazine, Vol. 44 (1/2), 56-59.

Medsker, Caryl (2012, December). Volunteers: Adding Value on Both Sides.  ILA Reporter, Vol. 30 (6), 4-7.

Newsmaker: Brian Bannon (2012, May/June). American Libraries Magazine, Vol. 43 (5/6), 36.