Library Associations – What’s in it for me? Part 2 (New Librarian)

From the desk of Cheyenne Chontos, Library Technology Coordinator…

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 newly minted librarian. Read Part 1 of this post series to read the perspective of an 'seasoned' librarian.

Cheyenne: When I started my MLS program in 2019, I was not working in a library, and I did not feel as connected with the library world as my classmates who worked in libraries seemed to be. My advisor suggested that I join the South Dakota Library Association and the American Library Association, and I have been a member ever since! I loved that the library associations offered an opportunity to network and be a part of the library community that I felt like I was missing. When I started at the State Library, I also joined the Mountain Plains Library Association, and they have also been incredibly welcoming and have offered great networking opportunities. The professional publications from the ALA and the newsletter from SDLA and MPLA also keep me connected and up-to-date on everything going on in the library world.

I am grateful not only for those networking and community opportunities but also for the continuing education opportunities these associations offered. I attended ALA Virtual in 2020 and 2021, and both offered incredible speakers and exciting topics to explore. I was also grateful that the conferences were offered at discounted rates for members – a win-win! As Brenda mentioned, the upfront costs can seem intimidating, but the benefits of joining library associations are immeasurable.

Library Associations – What’s in it for me? Part 1 (Experienced Librarian)

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.