[Web4lib] Top Reasons to Join RUSA--The Reference And User Services Association

[Vynarack Xaykao]

(Apologies for cross-posting.)

TOP REASONS TO JOIN RUSA--THE REFERENCE AND USER
SERVICES ASSOCIATION

RUSA is an association made up of all types of
librarians--academic, public, and special--with all
kinds of interests--frontline reference, technology,
collection development, resource sharing, genealogy,
business, and more.  There are many reasons to join
RUSA, and here are some of them!

1.  STAY ON TOP OF THE LATEST IN REFERENCE SERVICES. 
Every year the RUSA President's Program is an
excellent way to hear interesting discussions about
the leading edge of reference.  This year check out
"Googling the Better Mousetrap" on Monday, June 27th
at 1:30 in the Sheraton Chicago.

2.  MEET NEW PEOPLE AND JOIN NEW SECTIONS.  RUSA has
six sections for people who have specific interest in
areas such as frontline reference, resource sharing,
business reference, history reference, collection
development, technology, and access services. 

NEW SECTIONS! RUSA'S newest sections focus on
frontline reference (RSS) and ILL and resource sharing
(STARS), and there are lots of new opportunities for
getting involved there.

3.  ADVANCE YOUR CAREER.  You never know if you'll
meet someone who can give you your dream job through
RUSA.  Members hold positions at all levels in all
sorts of organizations. 

4.  SHARE IDEAS OR JOIN COMMITTEES VIRTUALLY.  If you
can't make it to a conference, there are also ways to
participate virtually.  Many listservs are available
such as RUSA-L, and many of the sections and
committees have virtual committee members, so don't
let your limited travel budget keep you from
participating. 

5.  BRUSH UP ON YOUR SKILLS.  Programs, discussion
groups, and preconferences provide the nitty-gritty on
how to provide digital reference services, market your
library, etc.  RUSA's events provide a comfortable
environment for those who have a wide range of skill
levels and questions. 

NEW WEB CE COURSES!  In 2004 RUSA offered its first
Web CE course on the reference interview, and there
are more in the works including one on reader's
advisory services. RUSA also offers other Continuing
Education classes on a variety of topics such as
genealogy reference.

6.  MEET YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR.  The Notable Books
Breakfast features the year's best authors of fiction,
nonfiction, or poetry.  Past participants have
included E.L. Doctorow and Susan Orlean.  This year's
lineup features U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser and
Nathaniel Philbrick, author of Sea of Glory: America's
Voyage of Discovery: The U.S. Exploring Expedition,
1838-1842. 

7.  SAVE MONEY.  RUSA members receive a $45 discount
on preconference registration fees.  Plus there is
free food at some RUSA events like the RUSA Awards
Ceremony. Admit it. You love getting things for free,
especially if it's edible.

8.  BECOME A BETTER INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL.  RUSA is
all about giving you the tools you need to succeed in
your job such as guidelines on providing reference
services.  For lists of useful resources, check out
the website at www.ala.org/rusa.   

9.  YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED.  RUSA is one of the most
well-organized ALA divisions, and committee membership
is a great way to learn about the inner workings of
the organization.  RUSA committees love to hear fresh
ideas, so getting your first committee appointment is
not necessarily difficult.  Just turn in your
application, and see what happens. Remember, there are
virtual committee memberships available!

10.  MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  RUSA establishes and
maintains national guidelines for services that impact
thousands of library patrons.  They include guidelines
for implementing virtual reference services and
providing interlibrary loan. 

11.  RUSA NEEDS YOU!  The direction of the division is
determined by its members.  Don't complain that ALA's
views do not match those of its constituents.  Make
your voice heard, and make RUSA the organization you
want it to be.

Please join us in RUSA!

Gwen Arthur, RUSA President
www.ala.org/rusa




		
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