Activity in professional associations: the positive difference in a librarian's career.(The Role of Professional Associations)

INTRODUCTION

When a graduate student completes the formal coursework and requirements

for the master's degree in library and information studies, he

or she is simply not aware of the value of professional associations. The

student has listened to comments about professional associations, but the

comments are more theoretical than meaningful. Context and perspective

are missing.

When the librarian assumes the responsibilities of his or her first

professional position, the realities of professional associations are still

somewhat mysterious. What is a professional association? Is it necessary

to become involved? If so, in what associations and at what levels since

there are local, state, regional, national, and international associations?

These are some of the questions entry-level librarians ask. The author of

this article started in an academic library in which participation was optional.

Soon, he realized that the degree and necessity of participation

varied from one library to another. Like other entry-level librarians, he

was confused.

Participating in the activities of professional associations can contribute

positively to a librarian's professional development. Active participation

is likely to facilitate professional success in one's job and career.

This article discusses the impact of participation. As the literature

of professional associations is not extensive, several focus groups were

also conducted by this author to provide additional information and perspective.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AS RELEVANT SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Information professionals need relevant information to be effective

in their positions. In her article on the role of professional associations,

Virgo (1991) states that associations are a "body of people who collectively

have a tremendous wealth of experiences to draw upon in a common

field" (p. 189). This collection of experiences underscores the value

of professional associations for the librarian.

The librarian's expertise and experiences are initially influenced by

the professional associations that participate in the accreditation of

graduate schools. The curricula and core competencies of the various schools

of library and information studies are influenced and monitored by professional

associations, most obviously the American Library Association

(ALA). Academic courses studied by graduate students are shaped by a

professional association. Before librarians assume their first professional

position, they have been influenced significantly by associations such as

ALA (Curry, 1992).

Practical up-to-date information is readily available and openly shared

at conferences conducted or sponsored by professional associations.

Formal programs, for example, provide numerous opportunities to obtain

information. Participants or speakers with special expertise are recruited

to discuss issues and provide various perspectives. A speaker or

panel of experts will not only provide information but also stimulate the

creation of ideas. Good speakers challenge the audience, providing opportunities

for positive discussions in which information is shared and

ideas are generated.

In addition to formal programs at conferences, discussion groups

and other less formal options, such as interest groups, are ideal forums

for information sharing. At the American Library Association conferences,

for example, the discussion group has become an essential vehicle

for the stimulation of ideas on current topics. Examples of discussion

groups include the Middle Management Discussion Group and the Interlibrary

Loan Discussion Group. Interest group examples include the Geographic

Information Systems Interest Group and the Internet Resources

Interest Group. These are special opportunities to learn and to keep up

to date on issues, patterns, and trends in librarianship. Members of the

focus groups emphasized the importance of the informality in discussion

and interest groups, indicating that informal conditions facilitate learning

and idea stimulation (Frank, 1997).

Active participation on committees in professional associations is a

particularly effective option for obtaining relevant information. Librarians

occasionally de-emphasize or deride the value of committees in libraries

and in professional associations. It is popular to do so, especially

in the relatively large associations such as ALA or the Special Libraries

Association (SLA). Most professionals realize, nonetheless, that committees

are important, and that effectively run committees are fundamental

to the success of the associations. Committees and task forces have specific

charges or responsibilities. Those who participate become familiar

with the committee's responsibilities as well as the rationale for the

existence of the committee. They also become involved in the collection and

synthesis of data or information, in various planning processes, and in

the implementation of recommendations. These are valuable experiences.

Becoming familiar and experienced with collegial processes in

professional associations contributes to success "at home" in libraries.

Working effectively in groups to examine issues critically and to attain a

positive consensus in decisions is a collegial skill that is valued in

libraries. Members of the focus groups reiterated the utility of these skills

(Frank, 1997).

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