American Library Association (ALA)

Graduate School of Library and Information Science

University of Illinois at Urbana – ChampaignStudent Chapter Presentation

February 24, 2011Lorelle R. Swader, MLS, MA, CAE

Director – ALA Office for Human Resource Development & Recruitment (HRDR)

Today’s Presentation………

Introduction Overview of Professional Associations Library Associations ALA Overview & Structure HRDR Overview & Resources Networking Opportunities Conference Overview Student Resources Q & A

Speaker’s Background

BA - (Speech Communication) & MLS – Indiana University

MA – (Communications & Training) Governors State University

Career Path – Academic, Law, Special and Public Libraries

ALAHRDR

What are associations??? “In general, an association is a group of

persons banded together for a specific purpose.” They are organizations that people voluntarily join because they want to work together on a common cause or interest.

How do they benefit their members????? Education / professional development Information, research, statistics Standards, codes of ethics, certification Forum (face to face or virtual) to discuss

common problems and solutions Service / mission oriented – volunteerism and

community service Provide a community, network, “home”,

identity, participation

What are the major library associations? State groups – Illinois Library Association

(ILA) Specialty national groups – (AALL, MLA, SLA

and ALA) International groups - IFLA Ethnic groups – (BCALA, REFORMA, CALA,

APALA and AILA) Organizational groups – (ULC and ARL) Others – (SAA, Beta Phi Mu)

ALA Overview

Founded in 1876 Over 60,000 Members Washington Office Allied Professional Association (ALA-

APA)

MissionThe Mission of the American Library

Association is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

Vision

ALA is the leading advocate for:The value of libraries and librarians in

connecting people to recorded knowledge in all forms.

The public's right to a free and open information society.

Key Action Areas Which Serve as Guiding Principles

Diversity Equitable Access to Information and Library

Services Intellectual Freedom Literacy Education & Lifelong Learning Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession Organizational Excellence

The Association represents all types if libraries and members

AcademicPublicSchool (K-12)SpecialState

LibrariansSupport StaffTrusteesFriendsPublishersAuthors Institutions

ALA Structure

11 Divisions 19 Round Tables 16 Offices 57 Chapters 28 Affiliates

ALA DivisionsType of Library ACRL – Academic PLA – Public AASL – School ASCLA – Specialized

and Cooperative Agencies

Type of Function ALSC – Children Ser. YALSA – Young Adults LLAMA – Management LITA – Technology RUSA – Reference Ser. ALCTS – Technical

Services ALTAFF – Trustees,

Advocates, Friends & Foundations

ALA Round Tables 19 Additional membership Groups For individuals in the same field of study, but

NOT represented in a Division

Some of the Specialties Represented: Social Responsibilities, Intellectual Freedom, International Relations, Government Documents, Library Instruction, Research, History, Retired Members and Support Staff.

HRDR Mission FocusEducation and professional

development Recruitment of a diverse workforce Human Resource Management

HRDR ResourcesCareer Development Programs ALA Scholarship ProgramALA JobLIST Placement CenterEmerging Leaders Program

Midwinter MeetingMid-year Business Meeting of the

Association’s officers and leadersOccurs in January or FebruarySome “pre” institutes and workshops,

but minimal continuing educationAttendance is about 10,000 to 15,000

Annual ConferenceProfessional Development Offerings Occurs in June or JulyWorld’s Largest Library ExhibitsAwards and RecognitionSpecial Events Inauguration of New Officers Attendance is about 20,000 to 28,000

Student Networking Opportunities

Student ChaptersStudent MembershipsNew Members Round Table (NMRT)Emerging Leaders ProgramALA ConferencesDivision National Conferences

Student Resources Student Members Wiki -

http://wikis.ala.org/students/index.php/Main_Page Chapter Relations Office – www.ala.org/cro New Members Round Table (NMRT) –

www.ala.org/nmrt ALA – www.ala.org HRDR – www.ala.org/hrdr ALA Scholarship Program –

www.ala.org/scholarships ALA JobList – www.joblist.ala.org

Important Staff Contacts and Website Links

Student Membership Questions: Don Wood – dwood@ala.org

NMRT or ALA Scholarship Program Questions: Kimberly Sanders – ksanders@ala.org

Placement Center/JobList/Emerging Leaders Questions: Beatrice Calvin - bcalvin@ala.org

ALA/HRDR Questions: Lorelle Swader – lswader@ala.org

Questions???

Thanks for Inviting me to speak!!!