Whether you choose to become an ALIA member or remain a
member when it comes time for renewal is a choice for the individual. But the
work of ALIA has benefits for all in the sector regardless of membership
status.
I joined ALIA last year as a student member, and am still a
student member. This has been a worthwhile thing for me. At only $82 a year it
is a bargain for the student investigating the possibilities and challenges out
there. I have been able to borrow ebooks and journals I wouldn’t have otherwise
been able to access, I have been able to read the monthly magazine Incite and
get a feel for the state of the sector, I have attended professional
development seminars and unconferences run or supported by ALIA, and my library
course is certified by ALIA. I have met
library staff from all kinds of different institutions and received plenty of
great advice. But before I joined, I had a good snoop through the services that
could be accessed by everyone, and tried them out.
You can join elists or follow the special interest groups
through their social media, details are available on the ALIA website. Through
this, you can be aware of when events are happening near you. They might be
social events or professional development events. You do not need to be a
member to attend these events, but you will usually pay a little more than
members. For the forthcoming unmeash 2 unconference members pay a gold coin
donation, but non members pay $5. Similar pricing has applied to other recent
Sydney events. You can access some content from Incite each month, and then the
whole edition after a certain period (looks like 12 months at the moment). Many
of the other activities of ALIA as the representative body of the sector bring
benefits for members and non members alike, and I’m certain I don’t know the
half of the activities currently being
undertaken or planned.
Maybe it’s not the right thing for you to be a member right
now. There are certainly times in your career when there are more direct and
tangible benefits from membership. Networking and professional development
opportunities may have a greater priority when you are gearing up for a change
in work, or entering the profession. But even if you decide not to be a member,
don’t lose touch.
Lauren Castan
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