Member testimonials
We asked members like you what they thought of ALA. In their own words, here are some of the great things they had to say about ALA when asked the following questions.
How does ALA positively impact your professional and personal life?
"ALA has had an incredible impact [on my professional life]. I am positive that some of my ability to move up in the profession can be credited to ALA. The confidence I have when speaking on the subject of public librarianship has been gained by my observing and then serving within the organization."
- Rose Dawson, Deputy Director, Alexandria (VA) Library
"Being able to interact with my colleagues on a professional level at ALA has provided me with objectivity in my job and a sense of belonging to a larger whole."
- Jerry Reynold, Manager: Talking Books/Special Needs Library, Jacksonville (FL)
"As library staff, I see ALA helping me to network with colleagues all over the world, to grow in my professional career, to advance in leadership position, and to development many wonderful friendships."
- Dora T. Ho, Los Angeles Public Library - North Hollywood Regional Branch
"ALA is continuing education in several arenas - leadership through involvement and committee work, learning through workshops and conference sessions, and mentoring others at the state level. Membership in ALA has been a very positive experience and I look forward to continued membership even during retirement!"
- Cindy Ahrens, Hennepin County Library (retired), Minnesota
What is the most valuable part of ALA Membership to you?
"I strongly believe that the most important part of ALA’s mission is to promote and to advocate librarianship as a respectful and irreplaceable profession, so that more talented young people will be willing to enter the profession."
- anonymous Technical Services Librarian/Assistant Professor
"I have the opportunity to take part in decision-making, on a national level, for my library area of interest.... My work with two round tables has given me hands-on experience in promoting continued access to information, by connecting with both the producers of the information, as well as the information consumers, who are not always aware that their access is in danger."
- Mary McInroy, Reference & Library Instruction/ Map Collection, University of Iowa Libraries
"Professional development opportunities that help me maintain my position as a useful faculty member in the libraries."
- Cheryl S. Smith, Psychology/Education Reference Librarian, Hesburgh Library, University of Notre Dame
"Through ALA I have become acquainted with colleagues all over the country and feel myself part of a national community of, in my case, rare book librarians. I am thus always made aware of new trends and ideas in my profession."
- anonymous Catalog Librarian
"I am able to meet with other valuable library workers to share ideas and concerns. I have also learned the different components of the libraries (public, academic, law, private, medical etc…) and I value that information."
- Nina E. Manning, Office Associate III/District Clerical Supervisor, New York Public Library
"The most valuable part of my ALA membership is the opportunity to learn from other, more experienced professionals in my small field of librarianship both through direct contact as well as through presentations and workshops given at ALA conferences."
- anonymous university Map Librarian
Share your stories with other ALA Members. Send your comments to John Chrastka, Director for Membership Development, jchrastka@ala.org.