What can you learn from joining a professional network or association for community outreach?

1 Benefits of joining

Joining a professional network or association for community outreach can offer you many advantages. You can gain access to resources, tools, and training that can help you hone your outreach skills and strategies. It also provides opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn from other librarians who face similar goals and challenges. Moreover, you will be exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and solutions that can inspire you and ignite your creativity. Joining a professional network or association will also give you recognition and support for your achievements and contributions to the library profession and the community. Finally, it will provide advocacy and representation for your interests and needs at the local, regional, or national level.

2 Examples of networks and associations

There are many professional networks and associations for community outreach that you can join, depending on your preferences, needs, and interests. For example, the American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world and has divisions, round tables, and committees that focus on different aspects of outreach. The Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) is dedicated to promoting and supporting outreach services in all types of libraries. The Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) is a network of librarians, trustees, and friends who work in or advocate for rural and small libraries. Additionally, the Library Outreach Network (LON) is an online community of practice that connects librarians who are involved in outreach activities like bookmobiles, homebound services, pop-up libraries, and more.

3 How to join and participate

Joining and participating in a professional network or association for community outreach is usually easy and affordable. You can visit the website of the network or association that interests you to learn about the membership requirements, such as fees, applications, or recommendations. Additionally, subscribing to their newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or social media channels can help you stay updated on their news, events, activities, and opportunities. Attending their webinars, workshops, conferences, or meetings is also beneficial for learning from experts, peers, and mentors. Moreover, joining their discussions, forums, chats, or groups can provide an opportunity to share your experiences, questions, and insights. Finally, volunteering for their projects, initiatives, or committees allows you to contribute your skills, knowledge, and time.

4 How to make the most of your membership

Joining a professional network or association for community outreach is more than just signing up - you need to make the most of your membership by setting clear and realistic goals for your learning and development. Seek out feedback and guidance from other members who have more experience or expertise, and apply what you learn to your own outreach practice, evaluating the results. Don’t forget to share successes and challenges with other members, and celebrate their achievements. Make sure to stay active and engaged in your chosen network by renewing your membership. Joining a professional network or association for community outreach can be a rewarding and enriching experience for any library professional, helping you learn new skills, expand your network, discover new possibilities, and enhance your impact.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?