Professional Associations

Since last week's hot topic in LIS 2000 focused on "professional Associations," I though a short telling of my first experience with associations might be in order.

My first encounter with professional associations started with my joining of the American Anthropological Association (AAA). I guess since I was majoring in anthropology and possessed an interest in other cultures, which I still have, I thought that was the perfect association for me to join. During the eight years I was a member, I only attended two conferences and didn't present a paper or join a committee. Like most associations, it was a good opportunity for me to network and find a mentor. However, I just didn't participate in the various events and committees that would have enriched my experiences.

Like most encounters, you learn from them and move on. What I learn from my membership to AAA that I will apply to my pursuit as a librarian is not only join a professional assocation but become active. Yes, the journals that you receive are excellent but by participating you can develop professional relationships that last your entire career and beyond!

A few librarians in the National History division where I work are members of AAA. Here is a link if you're interested http://www.aaanet.org/