What has been my experience with professional organizations? Mixed would be a good word.
I’m currently a member of the Nebraska Library Association and its Information Technology and Access Round Table (of which I’m the current past-president). Because of this (oh, and because of the previously mentioned problem of not being able to say “no”) I’m also one of the key folks running this year’s state conference. Overall my experience with NLA has been a good one. I think it has been so, in part, because the group is small enough to be effective. Granted we’re pretty spread out here in Nebraska, but the overall structure of the organization can only get so complicated.
ALA on the other hand I view as some sort of behemoth that needs to decide what its purpose is and then actually provide some sort of tangible benefit to its members. That may sound a bit harsh but I’ll spare you the stories. Maybe it’s because I’m not your traditional librarian but I just don’t get anything out of being an ALA member. The last time I went to ALA annual I went because it was in Toronto and I love that city. (SARS anyone?) I haven’t gone since because I get way more out of the CIL and IL conferences than I ever have from an ALA shindig. That all being said I know many people who have decided to change ALA from the inside and I wish them luck. I suppose that if they can’t do it, no one can.
The bottom line, you’re going to get as much out of a professional organization as you put into it. Find one that’s right for you, get to know the people, then if you think it’s the right group for you, volunteer. I know there’s something that needs to be done.
