Running head: LIS ASSOCIATION REPORT

LIS Association Report

Elise Aiello
University of South Florida

LIS ASSOCIATION REPORT

2

Library and information sciences is an extremely dynamic field

that is continually evolving and growing. Advances in technology have
brought about changes in library functions and have created new and
increasingly diverse needs of library patrons. With the increased
availability and digitalization of information, library and information
professionals now more than ever have to ensure patrons that they can
keep up with the changes. Many people are unaware that libraries can
meet these needs, and have a misguided belief that libraries are
simply just storehouses for books. For the current and future library
professional, advocacy will be key in ensuring relevance. Library
associations play critical roles in the efficacy of library functions as
they promote advocacy, unity, and education. This report will discuss
two major library associations: The American Library Association (ALA)
and the Special Libraries Association (SLA).
The American Library Association seemed to me to be a very
important association to research, as it is the oldest and largest library
association in the world, with members in academic, public, school,
government, and special libraries (Frequently Answered Questions,
2012). The American Library Associations 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 (FAQ,

LIS ASSOCIATION REPORT

3
2012). According to its official website, ALA has over 60,000 members,
with members in the United States, Canada, and over 115 other
countries (FAQ, 2012). ALA has eleven divisions that focus on specific
types of library services.
The ALA is an inclusive organization, and grants membership to
libraries, librarians, library support staff, library trustees, library
vendorsto anyone who supports librarianship, including library
patrons, supporters, and Friends! (FAQ, 2012). There are different
types of membership: personal, organizational, and corporate.
Membership dues and fees vary among different levels of membership
in each category. For instance, a regular personal member fee is $65
for the first year, $98 for the second year, and $130 for the third year
or later. There is a special discounted rate of $46 per year for NonSalaried, Unemployed, Retired, and Library Support Staff members.
The student fee is $33.
The benefits of membership in the ALA are manifold. Being a part
of an organization of over 60,000 LIS professionals ensures plentiful
networking opportunities. Members also have access to professional
development opportunities and job postings. Organizational and
corporate benefits include discounts on professional development
programs, increased publicity and advocacy, and access to the latest
news and trends in the field (Member Benefits, 2012).

LIS ASSOCIATION REPORT

4
The ALAs major activities include the promotion of intellectual
freedom, the equity of access to information and 21st century literacy
and works for its members by offering conferences, continuing
education, certifications, and employment services (What ALA Does,
2012). ALA has several notable initiatives, such as Banned Books
Week, National Library Week, and National Library Card Sign-Up Month
that promote library advocacy and generates support (What ALA
Does, 2012).

The Special Libraries Association (SLA) is the global organization

for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners
and its mission is to promote and strengthen its members through
learning, advocacy and networking initiatives (Vision, Mission,
2009). In other words, SLA membership is largely comprised of
information professionals that work in special or non-traditional library
settings.
Like the ALA, the SLA provides networking opportunities and
offers many professional development programs. SLAs professional
development programs are impressive, as they include Webinars, Click
U Courses, and the Innovation Lab, which is a program that allows one
to experiment with new technologies (Member Benefits,2009).
Membership also includes access to the Virtual INFO-EXPO Center,

LIS ASSOCIATION REPORT

5
which is a resource to make contact with existing and prospective
business partners, as well as exclusive access to Information Outlook,
which is SLAs magazine (Member Benefits,2009).
Memberships range from $35 to $165 depending on income
level. Other benefits of membership include Career and personal
Development as well as Money-saving resources. Career and personal
development benefits include access to special job listings, career
coaching, and other resources, as well as opportunities for scholarships
and grants. Money saving resources include discounts to conference
and relevant publications, discounts on office supplies and even
discounts on higher education (Dues Q&A, 2009).
I am seriously considering both of these organizations. I am
definitely going to join ALA, because it will keep me connected to all
the news and developments that are happening in the field. There are
also two divisions of the ALA, the Young Adult Library Services
Association (YALSA) and the Association for Library Service to Children
(ALSC), that I am very interested in being a part of. I work for the Youth
Services department at my library, so I would benefit greatly from the
news and resources made available by these resources.
SLA also seems to be another great resource. The benefits of
membership are certainly enticing. The only thing that makes me
reticent is that the website hasnt been updated in awhile, and in an
information field, it seems like that is something that should be

LIS ASSOCIATION REPORT

6
constantly updated. Nonetheless, membership would provide
networking opportunities, so I will consider membership.
Library associations are essential to the growth and development
of our field. By providing plentiful opportunities for advocacy,
networking, education, and enrichment, library associations ensure
that library and information professionals will work as effectively as
possible in their field.

References
Dues q&a. (2009). Retrieved September 26, 2012, from
http://www.sla.org/content/membership/duesqa.cfm.
Frequently answered questions. (2012). Retrieved September 26, 2012
from

LIS ASSOCIATION REPORT

7