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.

Security for Rural Librarians

At the recent Association for Rural and Small Libraries conference, Dr. Steve Albrecht presented on security and staying safe when help may be far away.

Here are some takeaways from that presentation.

General ideas:

• Use security incident reports to build your case for policy changes and security improvements.
• Talk your way out of confrontations (or out of the building).
• Make bold safety decisions when you must.
• Ask law enforcement (local or county PD, highway patrol) to drop in or drive by periodically.

Working alone:

• Create a twice daily 'check-in call' protocol. Whether it is a family member, friend, or the business owner across the street, check in around the same time every day.
• Install a camera system that can be monitored offsite.
• Install a panic alarm that rings to an alarm company.
• Get permission to carry pepper spray on you, not just nearby.
• Talk to your "phantom co-worker".
• Have an escape plan: park your car near the exit door; create a "robbery pack" (fake keys, wallet, purse, old cell phone).
• Create a safe room where you can lock or barricade the door until help arrives.
• Leave! You are more important than the books or equipment.

Working with one or more colleagues:

• Develop code words or phrases that mean: call police, leave the building, come help me now.
• Talk about how to handle the most challenging patrons. Maybe the patron responds better to one staff person over another.
• Discuss when a permanent ban may be necessary.
• Create better sightlines, eliminate blind spots, do walkarounds.

Talking to officials:

• Use national cases and incidents to support need for change.
• Make your case to local civic and community groups, library board and Friends groups, businesses.
• Keep the focus on the employees by discussing staff morale, employee retention, increased liability, worker's comp etc.

Albrecht recommends that library staff, board members, Friends groups view the California State University Active Shooter Safety Training YouTube video (8 minutes)

Book resources:

The gift of fear: survival signals that protect us from violence, by Gavin de Becker

Library Security: Better Communication, Safer Facilities, by David Albrecht