ALIA Membership - what value
Well, it’s membership renewal time at ALIA. The membership team are working furiously to get renewal notices out - this year, for the first time, via email to some of you ! We are also changing to a new membership system, so bear with us as we run through new processes when putting in a whole new database system. (For those of you who have ever implemented a new Library Management System, we hope you understand).
On lots of occasions, but often at this time of year there are lots of questions of “Why should I join - or renew my ALIA membership??” Last night I had the pleasure of saying a few words after-dinner at the CSIRO Librarians conference in Canberra on the topic. ALIA is 71 years old this year, there were 71 people attending the conference, and I gave 71 Reasons for Joining ALIA.
I have often wondered how to put a ‘price’ on some of the things that relate to ALIA membership…. How do you quantify the satisfaction you get from volunteering your time, skills and energy on a committee or group? How much are the good times that you have had with colleagues at ALIA events and conferences worth to you personally? How much is the positive feeling and actual dollars of a payrise that ALIA has assisted to facilitate through good Industrial Relations advice worth? How great do you feel to see your name in print for the first time when you write an article for inCite? How about receiving a free registration to an expensive seminar, a scholarship or an Award? Or that you get selected for an interview ahead of other applicants for a new job because you hold ALIA (CP) status that demonstrates your commitment to continuing professional development …. I guess I could go on ….
Our incoming President, Derek Whitehead, also has some interesting perspectives on ALIA membership value in his first Frontline article in the June inCite, arriving in your mailboxes this week. If you are not a current Member, you can read it here .
So, it’s time to renew or join, for lots of reasons, and some that you may not have discovered yet. Forms and details from the ALIA website membership pages. If you are changing your details, moved house or job, please email us at membership@alia.org.au to let us know your new details. To those who have already renewed this year - Thanks for contributing to the success of your Association.