I’m still not quite sure how to become more involved with ALA and I’m actually on a couple of committees. I totally missed the deadline for volunteering last year and I try to keep track of that….I don’t think ALA communication is clear much of the time and there are *way* too many channels for it. I’ve mostly tried to get involved because I want to learn more about the profession and so on, but it often seems like not a lot happens as a result of being involved. I don’t know if that’s clear – it seems like a lot of the work that goes on within ALA has little impact on anything. That may just be my perception, though, since I am still fairly new to the profession and organization. Overall, it feels like it’s hard to have a voice, even though I am able to participate in some of the conferences….I don’t know what I could or should be doing at them.

As for regional activities, my local chapter is not terribly active and we don’t have a local conference.

My student membership is almost up–and I do not think I will be continuing because it is so expensive and the benefits to me are almost nil. Like I said–I feel like a 2nd class member whose voice won’t get heard, or really taken seriously because I cannot afford to travel to the conferences.

I think virtual participation is great, but I also think it should not be so expensive. I can’t remember what the price was for the last virtual conference, but it was prohibitively expensive for me.

I really like connect and think that this is the direction ALA should be heading. I actually think ALA can learn much from Web Junction. Providing an infrastructure for communication was the beginning, now ALA needs to add content, classes, webinars, and more for free (to members). That would be a draw. I see many librarians out there building their careers, but do not see much collaboration on how we can better our profession and make information available for people who need it.

LITA–I’ve been in LITA for two years now and do not find it worthwhile.

The SRRT is alright–unless you are RADICAL and criticize Israel–then you are labeled an anti-semite.

I’m considering putting my efforts in with the Progressive Librarians Guild.

I do not say these things lightly–I have been trying to get involved with ALA for two years and have had little success because of financial reasons–now tell me how a Librarian Organization prohibit members who cannot afford to travel to REALLY participate.

So, I think decreasing the cost of membership, decreasing the cost of conference attendance–virtual and in reality, provide FREE classes and certificates of competency in training to members.

Create a local chapter network that holds mini-conferences, creates videos and will have a speakers bureau. This will help members get more involved and enable them to participate.

Maybe have a regional ALA meeting during annual and midwinter that teleconferences with the conferences–letting members participate a low cost. You could even have town hall like meetings with regions participating in interviewing presidential candidates, participating in committee, and also just networking. By having the librarians at a mini-conference, the teleconference could be provided at a lowered cost to all participants–instead of each one paying separately–I bet ALA could swing something like this.

Ha–we do have regional chapters–I had no idea OLA was our chapter! ALA needs to do a better job conveying structure to members.

Oregon Library Association

I think I could just join OLA–why should I join ALA too?

So, I find it interesting that I am a member of both OLA and ALA and had no idea that OLA was the local chapter. I thought it was independent. I should have investigated that further. I will pursue this avenue.

Anyway, I wanted to convey my frustration at the economic barrier of participation in ALA and, in my point of view detrimental effect of this on the diversity of voices who are heard and who can FULLY participate. I appreciate your work, the work of ALA and most of all the people involved in this great organization. I just feel that it should really give some serious thought to the costs of participation. I mean–is ALA shooting itself in the foot by not bringing in more voices in times when innovation is so sought after? I think so. I know I could have contributed much more if I had more money.

Thank you for your work and efforts my friends!

Max Macias

One of the hard things about participating in ALA for me is that I do it mostly for me, and my work is very supportive because they want to see me grow professionally. But I am torn, because I know that ALA (in conferences, committees, and as an organization) has little to offer the organization that I work for. I work for a hybrid museum, archive, and library – but at some point I might have to make a choice between what I want for me and what is for the good of the organization. Currently I draw from what I can in people’s presentations and papers, and use it creatively in our environment, but I know most people in our community don’t even bother with ALA because it doesn’t seem like ALA makes much effort to reach out to them either.

- ALA has given me so many opportunities and $$ over the years. I’ve added it up and I’ve gotten more the $10,000 in scholarships and travel grants. In November, I am going to Guadalajara for the second time through the FIL Free Pass program . So I can’t really complain about $200

- I support ALA’s advocacy efforts. I think that the Washington Office does a great job of representing our profession, especially on issues of intellectual freedom.

- I actually enjoy ALA conferences. Although I think we should probably move to just one conference a year, I really enjoy my time at both conferences. I agree that the programs can be hit or miss, but I always get something from the vast exhibits. To me, the most valuable part of being active at conferences has been getting to know my colleagues from across the nation. Working with all these people has inspired me and taught me a lot about librarianship. And of course I always have a great time in any city when hoards of librarians invade.

- I view reading the professional literature as a bonus to all the other perks of membership, but I have to agree that I do get too much stuff from all the associations

Earlier this year, I was asked to run for ALA Council. I was VERY reluctant and actually took several months to decide. In the end, I decided to go ahead and do it because my involvement in ALA has been so beneficial.

I appreciate where you are coming from as far as focus, that is important. But, you are wasting your time, unless you are working your way up the guts of the beast to someday be the brain. I doubt very many “Young Librarians” will even see the blog, let alone respond. There are far too few that have landed library jobs.

I’m lucky. I got in a few years ago so I have the experience. I have a wide range of skills that increases my organizational value, and my employer is assisting with my tuition.

I wish you all the best in your project.

Generationaly, I’m cusper, right between the boomers and the Gen xers. This certianly colors my following comments. I really like being involved in ALA for two main reasons. #1) It’s our national library association – and supports our fighting the good fight. #2) connections with librarians of all ages in all types of libraries all over this country and around the world. But, my involvement has been contingent on institutional funding for my participation (as a member and on committees etc.)

Any ideas you might have regarding this would be great to hear.

Thanks for commenting.

We understand that there are many people such as yourself who are embarking on a second career or enhancing a previous one by earning an MLS.

Because of the bureaucratic beast that ALA is, we needed a scope within which to concentrate our work. Please continue to give us feedback despite the “young” part of this group. You might be interested to read our group charge to better understand this issue. It is available here: http://connect.ala.org/node/79921

Thanks for commenting. We do appreciate your feedback.