well, if you have read any of my earlier posts you will know that I have very strong links with children’s librarianship in the UK.  I belong to both Youth Libraries Group and School Libraries group and have been a member of Cilip and The Library Association (old name) for the last 40+ years.  There have been times when my membership of YLG has helped me through some very tough times with local government re-organization and cuts.  The support and friendship that you get through belonging to such groups is beyond price.

 

I have also been a member of the School Library Association for the last 10 years (doesn’t time fly) and although not strictly a professional body in the same way as Cilip, it does support and help all of those working in a school environment regardless of qualifications; the work that the SLA does is invaluable to those working in schools across the UK.  They also are responsible for the SLA Information Book of the Year Award as well as the School Librarian of the Year Award.

Generally I have not joined any other professional organizations, but I have worked with several and have friends associated with others.  IFLA is the international umbrella organization representing libraries and I have had colleagues sitting on committees associated with both children’s and school libraries; the opportunity to learn about experiences across the world is amazing and this can then be fed back to the national bodies.

One organization that we can all join if we wish is IBBY (International Board of Books for Young People).  There are national group and then every two years there is an international conference.  In 2012 this was held in London and I had the pleasure of organizing the exhibition.  The range of delegates  from all over the world was amazing and I learnt so much about the way that books and libraries are viewed across the globe.

The latest professional group I have joined is not directly related to Librarianship but there are some links.  this is the Society for Editors and Proofreaders and I have joined because I want to undertake some of their training in proofreading.  I think the idea of even semi-retirement seems to have passed me by.  I just want to keep busy and proofreading would be another string to my bow.

So for me belonging to a professional organization has had several differing advantages.  Firstly there is the sense of belonging and the support you get from fellow members.  Then there is the opportunity to gain experience and skills by joining committees and planning events as well as keeping your CPD up to date. Finally there is the recognition that you have a profession that you are proud of and that you think will make a difference in your chosen work area.  Whatever field you are working in do find out what bodies are available for you to join, particularly if you are a sole worker in a large company or educational establishment.  Professional loneliness is a terrible thing, so it is brilliant to have colleagues at the end of the phone, or email, who can answer queries, give support and just share in your frustrations and joys.