Involvement in professional organizations may benefit you in many ways. Your involvement could connect you with colleagues beyond your workplace, allow you to present your ideas, offer opportunities to serve as a volunteer or run for an elected leadership position, and much more. While the multitude of professional organizations might seem daunting, getting involved doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process.
Begin by identifying an organization(s) in your area of interest from the list of organizations or investigate other options. This is not an exhaustive list.
Sometimes it is better to start with smaller, local organizations (ex: ALAO, OVGTSL), since organizations with thousands of members may leave you feeling lost in the shuffle. A smaller setting may allow you to make more meaningful contributions sooner. Smaller, local organizations also usually have lower membership costs.
A good place to start learning about a professional organization is its website. Most of these websites have an “about” page, so you can see if the organization really matches what you are seeking.
If you know someone at the Miami University Libraries or elsewhere who is active in an organization that seems appealing, reach out to them for guidance/suggestions.
If the cost of participation in an organization’s professional development opportunities is a challenge, there may be scholarships or funding available from the organization and/or the Miami University Libraries.
With many organizations now using virtual options — for conferences and other events, committee meetings, and more — you may not have to seek travel funding or venture to far-off locations in order to participate in an organization.
Great Ways to Get Involved in ALA