Membership to professional associations can provide
excellent networking and learning opportunities. Since I am devoted to staying
in touch with the profession and its advances, I have done research on two
professional associations that I would consider joining.
Here are my findings:
Mission
The American Historical Association’s mission is "for the promotion of historical studies, the collection and preservation of historical manuscripts and for kindred purposes in the interest of American history and of history in America" (Original Act of Incorporation, 1889). In particular, the AHA has advocated for new historical research,
teaching of history including high standards for graduate studies, and
preservation of historical documents.
Membership
- Membership to AHA provides individuals with the
opportunity to be involved in a diverse community of professionals from all
different areas of the history profession.
- Members receive
free access or discounted prices on the following publications:
- American Historical Review
- Perspectives on History
- Oxford English Dictionary
- Annual
Meeting Program
- Directory
of History Departments and Organizations
-
Fortnightly News
- Pacific
Historical Review (20% discount)
- Members have access to the following resources:
- Job Ads
- AHA
Communities: includes discussion forums, blogs, and directory
- AHA
Grants
- Versatile
PhD: a web resource that prepares PhDs for work outside of academia
- Choice
Reviews Online: publication and database containing reviews of scholarly books and electronic resources
-
Interfolio: resource that simplifies the application process for job seekers and employers
Publications
- American Historical
Review
- Perspectives on
History
Verdict
The benefits of being a member of the American Historical
Association are definitely appealing. Membership to the American Historical
Association would keep me in touch with the historical community and allow me
to bring new perspectives to my work in the LIS profession. The Association’s well
designed website and active social media presence assure me of their willingness
to embrace technology and use it to create a better community. Therefore, I am
almost certain that I will become a member of the American Historical
Association at some point in my career.
Mission
The Society of American Archivists “promotes the values and
diversity of archives and archivists” and “enables archivists to achieve
professional excellence and foster innovation to ensure identification,
preservation, and use of records of enduring value” (About SAA, n.d.).
Membership
- Members of The Society of American Archivists (SAA) are kept
current on the latest developments within the archival field with access to a
variety of programs, activities, and discounts.
- Members receive subscriptions to the following publications:
- The American Archivist
- Archival Outlook
- Members receive discounts on:
- Books in
SAA’s bookstore
-
Registration fees for SAA’s Annual Meeting
-
Registration fees for continuing education workshops
- Members are able to participate in SAA’s Mentoring Program,
which brings experts in specific subject areas together with members interested
in gaining knowledge of those areas.
- Members are able to join sections and roundtables to
communicate with others in similar areas of expertise.
- Members have access to SAA Membership Directory.
Publications
- The American Archivist
- Archival Outlook
-
SAA also has a book publishing program to add to professional literature on the
topic of archives.
Verdict
The Society of American Archivist’s website hosts a wealth
of information that is even useful for non-members but membership certainly has
its perks. What attracted me the most was access to the Mentor Program because it
is ideal for learning more about unfamiliar areas within the profession. Honestly,
I feel I would be silly not to become a member of SAA because it is at the
center of the archival community.
References
Original Act of Incorporation. (1889, January 4). Congressional Charter of the American
Historical Association. Retrieved from https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-
membership/aha-history-and-archives/brief-history-of-the-aha/congressional-charter
About SAA. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www2.archivists.org/about
References
Original Act of Incorporation. (1889, January 4). Congressional Charter of the American
Historical Association. Retrieved from https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-
membership/aha-history-and-archives/brief-history-of-the-aha/congressional-charter
About SAA. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www2.archivists.org/about
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