There are many professional organizations that students can be involved in at SLIS. They can help students network professionally, look for jobs, organize events on campus, and meet other students. Students are encouraged to participate in any chapters that are of interest to them. Below are Fall 2009 notes about the Student Chapters at SLIS.

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The Society of American Archivists offers various opportunities for students interested in archives, museums, and special collections. The goals of SAA are to provide a forum to address issues in the archival profession, raise awareness about archives and their importance, and to facilitate a meeting place for students with interests in Archives, Special Collections, Manuscripts, or Personal Papers. Past events have included workshops, panel discussions, and outreach services to high schools and the community. SAA President Jessica Moad updated us on future events: “we have started new fundraising projects, are attending and promoting the Archives and Special Collections Month events at IU this month, and have started a collaboration with the University Archives to provide unpaid archival internships for students that will participate in an effort to collect and process the records of campus student groups.”

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The American Library Association is a popular organization for SLIS students to join. According to President Caitlin Bagley, “The ALA-SC exists to provide students with an introduction to the professional organization of the ALA and to sponsor events both professional and social. This fall we will be hosting a digital libraries panel and a pumpkin carving day. We hope that everyone will be able to attend!” The ALA-SC strives to establish a sense of community among students and to aid in professional success of members. Every year the ALA sets up a mentoring program, pairing new students with older students at SLIS. Past events held by the ALA include wine and cheese socials, swing dance lessons, and panel discussions.

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The mission of the Progressive Librarian’s Guild is to promote socially responsible librarianship and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas. The PLG-SC works with the community by sponsoring talks, events, and service. They are best known for their efforts with the Midwest Pages to Prisoners Project, and they recently co-sponsored this year’s Beta Phi Mu Career Forum. They have also worked to organize volunteers for the Red Cross Book Fair. The PLG meets about once a month.

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Most known for their annual Round Robin Resume Review, the Special Libraries Association plans programs, seminars, and presentations for student growth and development. The SLA also seeks to raise awareness of opportunities in the special libraries environment, develop mentorship programs with professionals in the field, provide informal opportunities to meet with SLA Indiana Chapter representatives, and to organize tours of special libraries in environments not typically included elsewhere in the program. Past events held by the SLA include ice cream socials, picnics, and a talk by the Lilly Library Curator of Puzzles, Jillian Hinchliffe. The SLA is currently planning to sell a CD fundraiser and concert. The CD will feature a compilation of music for and by current and soon-to-be librarians.

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The American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) is geared towards information specialists from fields like computer science, management, engineering, librarianship, chemistry, and education. It is dedicated to finding new and better theories, techniques, and technologies in order to improve access to information. ASIS&T offers Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that allow members with similar professional specialties to exchange ideas and keep informed of current developments within their field. Past ASIS&T events include talks, internship forums, and social events.

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The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is open to all Indiana University Students that have an interest in Information Technology and topics related to computerization. The ACM offers many SIGs, including artificial intelligence and software engineering. The ACM emphasizes advancement of skills necessary to professionals in information technology by providing many resources to its members. Events sponsored by the ACM include lectures, activities, and meetings.

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SLIS students can also participate in the Indiana University Graduate and Professional Student Organization (GPSO).

Related Links:
• SLIS Students and Organizations

Posted Oct. 8, 2009