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Enlightened Self Interest: Or, Ask What Your Association Can Do For You
by Margaret Law
There are many library associations that would like to have you as a member, and there are as many reasons to join as not to join. One of the questions that potential members ask is: what benefits will they receive in exchange for their membership fees. A magazine and reduced conference fees may seem insufficient payback for writing that yearly check.
Like many things in life, association membership tends to pay back what you put into it. Often, the real benefits are those generated by your own participation, rather than those advertised by the association as part of its membership package. There are three benefits of membership that are not well-advertised: becoming remarkably well informed, developing a network of colleagues, and building a better resume. Association participation also allows you to spread your wings at times when your job doesn't allow you that room.
Becoming Remarkably Well-Informed
As we work in an environment that changes and expands daily, we are bombarded with information about new resources, new legislation and new ways of doing business. We keep up in a variety of ways, but it is often through association membership that you can become part of the group "in the know." The major issues of both the evolving information community and traditional librarianship are dealt with at a committee level in library associations.
If you want to understand copyright, or service to the visually impaired, or emerging technologies, chances are that a library association near you will be doing work in that area. Members can absorb information from conference sessions or position papers. An even greater opportunity for learning is provided by joining a committee, being part of association research and discussion, and getting to know other people who are interested in the same area.
Getting involved in a committee is generally as easy as e-mailing the chair, or a committee member, and asking if there is a way that you can contribute to the committee's work. No one expects you to be an expert when you first join; they simply want you to agree to be an active participant.
Developing a Network Of Colleagues
The library community is becoming more fluid, with people moving from one job to another, and from one type of library to another. How do you prepare yourself for this kind of change? Through association participation, you meet people who have different kinds of jobs, and work in different kinds of libraries. They will become your first resource for finding out what's really going on.
Considering a job in another city? One of the people you have met or worked with through association business may have lived there, or know someone who works there. Inside information is only a phone call or e-mail away, and moving is often easier if you already know someone at your new place of employment.
Talking over thorny professional issues can also be easier with someone from a different workplace. Association involvement is one of the best ways to build up a network of people who understand and share your professional concerns, but are not involved in your specific situation. They can provide either objective advice or a sympathetic ear.
Building a Better Resume
Association participation is one answer to the old question, "How do I get a specific job without relevant experience?" Through association activities, you add experience to your resume that you may not be able to get with your current job. If, for example, all of the jobs you are looking at require budgetary experience, run for association treasurer. If you need supervisory experience, offer to be the volunteer coordinator at a conference. Public speaking experience comes from conference presentations -- or, if you're not quite ready for that, from convening sessions and introducing speakers.
Many job advertisements ask for leadership qualities and innovation, both of which can be hard to demonstrate on a resume. Being an association executive or being the chair of a committee both demonstrate leadership to potential employers. Other executive positions can be used to demonstrate skill development, and they present an opportunity to learn leadership skills. Innovative ideas may find a more receptive audience in a committee or interest group than in your workplace.
Getting Involved
I have often heard the comment that it is hard to break into the cabal of those already involved in an association. At the same time, every association that I have belonged to has had trouble getting people to volunteer for committees and conference responsibilities and getting sufficient candidates to hold an election. The first step of putting your name forward is the hardest. Once you are an active part of an association, however, opportunities will continue to present themselves.
Many library employers look for association activities as an indicator of commitment to the profession. While membership is the minimum level of participation, the more active you become, the more you benefit. Along with the good feeling that comes from knowing that you are contributing to your profession, you can also experience concrete benefits that will enhance your career.
Margaret Law is Associate Director of Libraries [Science, Technology and Health Sciences] at the University of Alberta, and is the incoming president of the Canadian Library Association.