PNLA Quarterly, Vol. 62 No.3 Spring 1998

From the Editor
Professional Associations: What They Can Do For YOU

Kamm (1997) reports on a brief survey designed to determine criteria for joining library associations. Based on responses to this survey, more respondents belong to their state or regional organizations than belong to ALA; and many belong to more than one organization. When asked what factors influenced their decisions to join, three main reasons were selected: opportunity to network with colleagues, opportunity to make a contribution to the profession, and the quality of meetings or conferences. Also high on the list were the quality of publications and the cost of dues. Those respondents who were not members of a professional organization were asked why they did not join. Cost of dues, employer not paying dues, and employer not giving time to attend meetings were the main reasons given. Approximately 50% of the respondents had decreased or dropped membership in associations and sited cost of dues as the major reason.

Among the conclusions, Kamm discusses the responsibilities of employers and individuals in recognizing the values of association participation. More cogent to this discussion is Kamm's discussion of the need for organizations to be responsive to their members. She recommends that associations offer financial support to committee members for attendance and encourage electronic participation when possible.

Frank (1997) focuses on the positive differences in a librarian's job or career as a result of active participation in professional associations. He discusses four main sources of positive contributions to career development. First, professional associations are relevant sources of information. Practical and current information is shared at conferences through formal programs, discussions groups, interest groups, and informal gatherings. Committee membership provides valuable experiences with the synthesis of data, planning, and implementation of recommendations. Vendors and exhibitors provide another source of information. Members have the opportunity to contribute to the dissemination of information as well as to learn from it.

Second, professional associations contribute to the development of effective leadership. Frank stresses the interdependence of leadership, administration, management, and supervision all of which are strengthened by the opportunity to develop these skills through active service in professional organizations.

Third, opportunities for research and publication are possible through professional associations and contribute significantly to professional development. Poster sessions, conference presentations, and calls for papers to association publications provide a variety of avenues for contributing to dissemination of information and strengthening individual development as well.

Skills needed for effective communication are facilitated by active participation in associations. By communicating with individuals and groups and through exposure to different perspectives, individuals develop their ability to communicate effectively on the job.

Frank contends that these benefits nurture a sense of professional community that is extremely important to the profession. In conclusion, he encourages associations to remain flexible and states that to be relevant in the future, associations must focus on change and renewal.

These discussions are an appropriate focus for this issue of the PNLA Quarterly that includes an array of discussion papers on particular aspects of the role of the Pacific Northwest Library Association and their value to PNLA members.

The winter issue of the Quarterly included an invitation from Gordon L. Ray, PNLA President, to all members to "join us in the 'Process of Renewal.'" The discussion papers included in this issue are presented as the beginning of an open dialogue in which PNLA hopes to address the changing needs of its membership.

Review the papers, consider the calendar of activities, note the plans underway for the August conference. Change and renewal, feedback and dialogue, participation and commitment will fuel the PNLA of the future.

Frank, Donald G. 1997. Activity in professional associations: the positive difference in a librarian's career. Library Trends 46(2):307-319.

Kamm, Sue. 1997. To join or not to join: how librarians make membership decisions about their associations. Library Trends 47(2):295-306.

by Sue Samson, Humanities Librarian, Mansfield Library, The University of Montana, and Editor, PNLA Quarterly.