Every professional has the option to belong to various organizations which directly relate to their career choice. The school librarian is no different from any other profession in the respect that there are various organizations all of which appeal to different aspects of their profession. Three such organizations for the librarian are the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians, and the Alabama School Library Association. The benefits of becoming a member in one, or all, of these associations can far outweigh the costs of maintaining an active membership. Many people wonder why there are so many professional organizations, and claim they are not worth the expense, however, Membership in of at
…show more content…
• A subscription to Knowledge Quest
• Subscriptions to AASLForum
• KQ Express, AASL's monthly e-newsletter
• 10% off AASL and ALA publications
The Alabama School Library Association is the Alabama state affiliate of the AASL and is also associated with AEA. The purposes and objectives of the Alabama School Library Association are:
• to promote the effective use of instructional media.
• to keep educators adequately informed about media services and materials.
• to recruit personnel and to encourage and promote professional growth.
• to serve as an organization to coordinate research on evaluation in the use of instructional media.
• to plan and conduct long range programs for the development and improvement of instructional media in general, and to cooperate with other organizations and agencies whose interests and purposes are similar to this organization.
• to provide a framework for members to meet on state level as well as the district level (http://www.alasla.org)
A regular membership to the Alabama School Library Association is $25 per year. This membership includes:
• Newsletters and Web Site
• Membership Directory
• Annual conference and …show more content…
There is a vast amount of knowledge that these organizations have to offer. Many times members in these associations receive opportunities to attend seminars, lectures, and courses. Joining one, or several, of these organizations will broaden one’s knowledge. The more information you have the more likely your ability to be ahead of the competition. Even better is the fact that many associations have a page dedicated to job listings which are only available to members. Joining a professional association provides opportunities for you to make connections with others on a local or larger level. Creating professional relationships provides individuals with support as each is able to understand and help the other in reaching personal goals. Associations sponsor numerous events throughout the year that allow you to connect with your peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee. Taking the opportunity to develop your skills as a leader is essential for personal and professional
• A subscription to Knowledge Quest
• Subscriptions to AASLForum
• KQ Express, AASL's monthly e-newsletter
• 10% off AASL and ALA publications
The Alabama School Library Association is the Alabama state affiliate of the AASL and is also associated with AEA. The purposes and objectives of the Alabama School Library Association are:
• to promote the effective use of instructional media.
• to keep educators adequately informed about media services and materials.
• to recruit personnel and to encourage and promote professional growth.
• to serve as an organization to coordinate research on evaluation in the use of instructional media.
• to plan and conduct long range programs for the development and improvement of instructional media in general, and to cooperate with other organizations and agencies whose interests and purposes are similar to this organization.
• to provide a framework for members to meet on state level as well as the district level (http://www.alasla.org)
A regular membership to the Alabama School Library Association is $25 per year. This membership includes:
• Newsletters and Web Site
• Membership Directory
• Annual conference and …show more content…
There is a vast amount of knowledge that these organizations have to offer. Many times members in these associations receive opportunities to attend seminars, lectures, and courses. Joining one, or several, of these organizations will broaden one’s knowledge. The more information you have the more likely your ability to be ahead of the competition. Even better is the fact that many associations have a page dedicated to job listings which are only available to members. Joining a professional association provides opportunities for you to make connections with others on a local or larger level. Creating professional relationships provides individuals with support as each is able to understand and help the other in reaching personal goals. Associations sponsor numerous events throughout the year that allow you to connect with your peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee. Taking the opportunity to develop your skills as a leader is essential for personal and professional