Library science is an enormous field, home to every interest you could imagine! This means that there are many organizations out there for you to join, in order to connect with other people who share your professional interests.

So even if you work alone in your library, there are other people out there doing work similar to yours! Each week we will highlight a different library association for you to learn more about, and depending on your work, potentially join! You can also check out our page dedicated to Library Associations.

This week we will look at the United States Agricultural Information Network (USAIN). This purpose of this organization is to connect librarians and other information professionals working in agriculture.

USAIN provides members with a conference every other year (it’s actually taking place right now, in Pullman, Washington!), committees, interest groups, professional development, publication digitization, and access to research information and data.

Their website features current organization news stories, a page that describes their Action Plan, links that are useful for agricultural librarians, and resources for librarians in developing countries.

Learn more about becoming a member of the United States Agricultural Information Network on their membership page. Subscribe to their listserv here.

Library science is an enormous field, home to every interest you could imagine! This means that there are many organizations out there for you to join, in order to connect with other people who share your professional interests.

So even if you work alone in your library, there are other people out there doing work similar to yours! Each week we will highlight a different library association for you to learn more about, and depending on your work, potentially join! You can also check out our page dedicated to Library Associations.

This week let’s learn about a great organization: the USA Toy Library Association (USATLA). They are a member of the International Toy Library Association and provide tons of services and resources to librarians and others working in the field of Early Childhood. According to their website, these resources include:

• Meetings and one-on-one experiences with other professionals in the field of play, including toy librarians, child therapists, teachers, librarians, toy makers, parents and medical professionals. Regional, national and international conferences provide occasions for dialogue and opportunities to build lasting professional relationships.
  

• Practical advice and information. USATLA brings you up-to-date information on toys, especially those that carry the most play value. USATLA distributes information on toy repair and discounts. We provide research material on play, toys and early learning. We offer books on play, good toys and how to establish and maintain toy libraries in a variety of settings.

• Educational and promotional materials that help individuals and organizations start and promote toy libraries, understand more about resources necessary to create valuable play environments, and provide quality toys. 

USATLA has their educational conference coming up in October 2018 with the theme “Play More, Stress Less: How Play Encourages Social – Emotional Development at All Ages.”

Take a look at their Toy Library News or stay informed and read up on the Child’s Play newsletter.

Learn more about membership to USATLA by checking out their membership page!

Library science is an enormous field, home to every interest you could imagine! This means that there are many organizations out there for you to join, in order to connect with other people who share your professional interests.

So even if you work alone in your library, there are other people out there doing work similar to yours! Each week we will highlight a different library association for you to learn more about, and depending on your work, potentially join! You can also check out our page dedicated to Library Associations.

This week we will learn about the New England Library Association (NELA). NELA’s objectives are to “initiate, plan and support regional activities; to encourage the exchange of ideas; and to cooperate with regional and national agencies having related interests.” Their mission is to “provide educational and leadership opportunities for library staff in support of improved library services for the people of New England.” The organization is also a chapter of the ALA. Learn more about NELA’s Strategic Vision here.

Not only does NELA have an annual conference (taking place in October of this year in Warwick, RI) but they have a ton of really useful programs. Some of these include: Technology Training to Empower Your Library Colleagues, Verbal Judo Training Program, and The Future of Library Design: Physical Libraries in the Digital Information Landscape.

NELA has many resources available to their members, including a mentoring program, scholarships and grants,  and the New England Library Leadership Symposium.

Find out more about NELA membership, including ways to get involved and membership discounts on their membership page.