Why join ALA and AASL and go to conference

[Mike Eisenberg <mike@ERICIR.SYR.EDU>]

I know I'm going to get into trouble for this, but hey - that's my nature.
So, here goes:

I think I've heard just about all the arguments against joining ALA/AASL
(e.g., too expensive, not close to my own needs, can't get away for
conference, doesn't do anything for me personally, I'm a member of the
state/local association, I can't afford it; not relevant; I'm a member of
AECT or another national organization...).

I also constantly - I mean CONSTANTLY - here complaints about our
profession being left out--about legislation, government reports,
curriculum, initiatives, programs, proposals--not including school
libraries or libraries in general.  I'm also told what "we" in library
education should be doing to influence teacher training programs,
legislatures, government agencies, etc. Maybe so.

But, everyone - EVERYONE - in our profession should realize that the only
national organization solely dedicated to the library profession and
library media issues is ALA/AASL.  ALA/AASL is the only organization with a
full-time lobby effort in Washington.  ALA/AASL is us!  The recent positive
outcomes in the Telecommunications Bill and lower rates for schools and
libraries is just one example of the influence of ALA/AASL and how it will
pay off for us.

Sure, ALA/AASL has flaws.  What large-scale national organization doesn't?
So, work to make it better - or even complain.  But join - JOIN - JOIN!

This shouldn't be optional for us.  Hey, I don't like the costs either.
But think about the alternative - no national organization speaking solely
for school and other libraries.  As professionals, we have a responsibility
to support our national, state, and local organizations.  These are
investments in our present and our future.

As for attending conference - it's a wonderful experience - to meet with
others from around the country, to attend interesting sessions, to see the
very latest in the exhibits. The AASL conference - now held every other
year - is the one you really don't want to miss.  It is an incredible event
for learning and meeting and exchanging ideas.

If you'd like to respond, please do so to LM_NET, not just me personally.

Regards to all,

Mike
          *==========================================================*
          |       Mike Eisenberg   <mike@ericir.syr.edu>             |
          |      Professor, School of Information Studies            |
          | Director, ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology |
          |         4-216 Center for Science and Technology          |
          |      Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-4100        |
          |        Phone: 315/443-4549   Fax: 315/443-5448           |
          *==========================================================*