Professional+Connections

Documents to go here:
 * 1) Professional Listserv reflections
 * 2) School library website analysis

1. //The Blue Skunk Blog// by Doug Johnson

Johnson's blog looks at how teachers can effectively integrate technology into instruction to improve students' ability to think critically. He explores the many models and theories concerning technology and education, as well as current issues.

[| http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/]

2. Kathy Schrock's //Kaffeeklatsch//

Technology expert Kathy Schrock explores new hardware and software and how they can be integrated into the classroom. Readers can find evaluations and recommended uses for instructional technologies.

[| http://blog.kathyschrock.net/]

3. //ALSC Blog//

The Association for Library Services to Children blog provides tips for promoting literacy amongst children and young adults. The blog highlights special events such as Black History Month, thematic teaching, integrating technology, as well as ALSC events.

http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/ **__Professional Associations__**
 * __National Associations__**

American Library Association 50 East Huron Chicago, IL 60611
 * __ALA__** ([|www.ala.org])

Telephone: 800-545-2433 Fax: 312-440-9374 e-mail: ala@ala.org


 * Membership Inquiries:** Chrastka, John F., Director, Membership Development, jcchratska@ala.org, (800) 545-2433, ext. 2159


 * Member Benefits**
 * Weekly updates via AL Direct through your e-mail.
 * Subscription to //American Libraries// (six times per year)
 * Membership in each Division/Round Table includes a subscription to their official publication.
 * Members can enjoy a 10% discount off ALA’s various publications and promotional items.
 * Access to www.joblist.org
 * Discounted homeowners and auto insurance from GEICO
 * May apply for the ALA credit card
 * ALA Members receive a 40% discount on registration fees for Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting.
 * Members may serve on ALA committees.


 * Dues Structure:**
 * First year regular member: $65
 * Second year regular member: $98
 * Third year and later regular member: $130
 * Non-Salaried or Unemployed Members: $46
 * Library Support Staff Members: $46
 * Retired Members: $46
 * Student Members: $33
 * Trustee Members: $59
 * International Members: $78
 * Friends: $59
 * Associate Members: $59


 * __AASL__** ([|www.ala.org/aasl/])

American Association of School Librarians (AASL) American Library Association 50 East Huron Street Chicago, IL 60611-2795 Telephone: (312) 280-4382 Toll Free: 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 4382 Fax: (312) 280-5276 E-mail: aasl@ala.org Web: www.ala.org/aasl

**Membership Inquiries:** Member & Customer Service, membership@ala.org, (800) 545-2433, ext. 4284

**Member Benefits:**
 * Learning standards and program guideline (www.ala.org /aas/Learning4life) and standards for professional preparation www.ala,org/aasl/ncate).
 * National Research and Statistics (e.g., School Libraries Count!) (www.ala.org/aasl/slcsurvey)
 * Support from the ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom which includes advising on issues such as book challenges, access and privacy (ala.org/oif)
 * Toolkits and resources to support your advocacy efforts including a Parent Outreach toolkit (www.ala.org/aasl/toolkits)
 * National advocacy efforts from the ALA (ala.org/ola)
 * Discounts up to $165 off non-member pricing for national conferences
 * A subscription to AASL’s official journal, //Knowledge Quest//
 * Continuing education and professional development discounts
 * 10% off AASL and ALA publications
 * Discounted rates on all ALA and division conferences

**Dues Structure:**
 * First time personal membership for ALA/AASL: $115
 * Second year renewal of ALA/AASL personal membership: $148
 * Third year renewal of ALA/AASL personal membership: $180
 * Library support staff: $96
 * Salary less than $25,000 a year or unemployed: $96
 * Retired: $76
 * Current ALA member: $50
 * Library science program student: $53

**__ALSC__** ([|www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/index.cfm])

**Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)** American Library Association 50 East Huron Chicago, IL 60611-2795 Telephone: 800-545-2433 ext. 2163 Fax: 312-280-5271 www.ala.org/alsc

**Membership Inquiries:** Member & Customer Service, membership@ala.org, (800) 545-2433, ext. 5

**Member Benefits:**
 * Connect with peers through ALSC's Electronic Discussion Lists, a group blog, interactive wiki and other Web 2.0 tools
 * Participate in one of 60 active committees, including the prestigious Newbery and Caldecott book award committees
 * Attend ALSC's continuing education programs such as the National Institute or Annual Preconference at discounted rates
 * Receive //Children and Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children//, published three times per year
 * Receive the quarterly //ALSConnect// which highlights division activities and information of interest to librarians working with children
 * Receive reduced rates for division events such as preconferences, workshops and institutes
 * May apply for more than $82,000 in division sponsored grants, awards, and fellowships

**Dues Structure:**
 * Student membership: $18
 * Personal membership: $45
 * Organizational membership: $45
 * Corporate membership: $45

*All information was obtained from the various organizations' webpages at www.ala.org.

**__Local Associations__**

9154 Eastchase Parkway Suite 418 Montgomery, AL 36117 Phone: 334-414-0113
 * __ALLA__** (http://allanet.org/)
 * Alabama Library Association**

**Membership Benefits:**
 * Reduced registration for workshops and conferences
 * Networking with library personnel statewide, vendors, and elected officials
 * Receive state and national news briefs, listserv discussions, and flyers promoting activities of interest
 * A designated contact person within the Association (regional Members-At-Large) so your voice is heard
 * Participation in the Association's Elections and events.
 * Discussions of issues of interest at meetings with nationally recognized speakers.
 * Access to newsletters, listservs and web pages for a wealth of information.
 * Opportunities to continuing education credits.
 * Subscription to //Alabama-Librarian//


 * Dues Structure:**
 * Not stated on website
 * Paraprofessionals and library support staff may join ALA and ALLA for $61.00/year

__**Alabama School Library Association**__ (http://www.alaima.org/)

Michelle Wilson, North Highland Elementary School, School Phone: (205) 379-4950 Tywanna Burton, Vestavia Hills Elementary West, School Phone: (205) 402-5159
 * Membership Inquiries:**


 * Member Benefits:**
 * Newsletters and Web Site
 * Membership Directory
 * Annual conference and meetings
 * Professional representation before the State Legislature and the State Department of Education
 * Award program recognizing exemplary leadership, outstanding service to the profession, and outstanding school library media programs

> purposes and objectives of AIMA. Members are entitled to vote, hold office, serve on committees, and receive any publications prepared or contracted for by this organization.
 * Dues Structure:**
 * **Active/$25** -instructional media personnel who are directly engaged in education in Alabama and who are interested in furthering the
 * **Associate** -persons interested in school media services (professionals). Members are entitled to rights and privileges of active members, but may not vote or hold office.
 * **Corporate/$50** -available for institutions, organizations, governmental agencies, and business firms.
 * **Full-Time Students/$5** -for those enrolled in library media programs in colleges and universities in Alabama.
 * **Honorary** - may be extended to selected persons upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors.
 * **Retired/$5** -these members are entitled to all the rights and privileges of active members, except that of holding office.