From the desk of Brenda Hemmelman, Interim State Librarian…
South Dakota library staff have many choices if looking for a library association to join:
- SD Library Association https://www.sdlibraryassociation.org/
- Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) https://mpla.us/ - 12 state regional library association of which SD is a member
- Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) https://www.arsl.org/
Not to mention larger associations like
- PLA https://www.ala.org/pla/
- ALA https://www.ala.org/
- ACRL https://www.ala.org/acrl/, etc.
Libraries, as a general rule, will not pay dues for staff who want to join an association. Staff members then have to decide if it is worth it to join. Here is the perspective from a 'seasoned' librarian. Come back next week to read the perspective of a newly minted librarian.
Brenda: When I got my first library job, I did not have my MLS. Getting my masters was a goal and I had heard that there were grants available from SDLA and MPLA, so I joined in 1993 and 1994, respectively. I've been a member of both associations ever since. I did receive grants for my MLS, but I found more advantages too. I chose to not just be a paying member, but to get involved. I volunteered for committees. I served as a paid staff member of SDLA. I ran for different offices for MPLA. Through my involvement, I made connections and I have found over the years that those connections are invaluable. I have library friends from many different states that I can call upon for advice or a cup of coffee if I am in their area. Conferences also became an important event to connect and to learn. Sometimes I had to pay my own way, especially if the conference was out-of-state.
Getting involved is the key to making your membership dues more than just an obligation. Associations also need to evolve. Aside from a conference, what else do they offer? Grants, scholarships, leadership opportunities, professional development, membership chats? Do your research, but do think seriously about joining. When my dues notice comes, sometimes I cringe, but then I remind myself that I often spend $10 or more a week on Starbucks or Scooters and that puts things in perspective for me.