Professional Associations

Two LIS professional associations I am interested in are the National Association of Media and Technology Centers (NAMTC) (http://namtc.org/) and the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) (http://www.mimame.org/). Both of these associations caught my eye because they are directly related to my job, and I thought it would be beneficial to find a little bit more about these associations.

NAMTC is a nationally recognized organization aimed at enhancing media, technology, and information services in an educational setting. "NAMTC is a professional organization that brings together a network of experts who work in Educational Media and Technology Centers across the country" (NAMTC - National Association of Media & Technology Centers. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://namtc.org/). This association is determined to make sure school districts are keeping up with the latest technological advances. "NAMTC promotes leadership among its membership through networking, advocacy and support activities that will enhance equitable access to media, technology and information services for educational communities. NAMTC helps its members stay up-to-date on the latest emerging technologies and education trends" (NAMTC - National Association of Media & Technology Centers. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://namtc.org/). 

The NAMTC provides many services to schools including, but not limited to: teacher/staff training, technology integration, school improvement, and more. Becoming a member of the NAMTC has many benefits. here are three different types of memberships available: individual ($175), institutional ($175), and corporate ($360). There is also an option for a retired membership ($30). "Institutional members typically belong to organizations that provide technology and media services to learners. Corporate members provide the products and technologies that make it all possible" (NAMTC - National Association of Media & Technology Centers. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://namtc.org/). This organization is very supportive in all media and technology needs. Being a member of this association gives access to their electronic newsletter that is published five times a year. Members also have access to many professional individuals for support and professional development, legislative supports, voting representation on the board, opportunities to present at the yearly national Leadership Summit, plus more. The NAMTC has a Facebook page, however they only post a few times a month.

MAME is a statewide association designed for school media specialists. This association has a constitution that states important information about MAME. "The general purpose of the Association shall be to increase student achievement by supporting high quality school libraries in Michigan" (MAME. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.mimame.org/). There is a more specific list of goals listed under their purpose. This organization allows members to network with other professionals in their field, participate in professional development, access to journals, articles, and listservs, and more. MAME also has many different conferences and workshops where educators can obtain SCECHs. "MAME members are dedicated professionals committed to providing the best possible media services for their students" (MAME. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.mimame.org/). School library media specialists in Michigan can become members of MAME. There are five different membership options: regular membership ($50), full-time student members ($30), commercial members ($50), retirees ($30), and retired lifetime members ($150 one-time fee). In order to be accepted as a student member, one has to be enrolled is a library science course. As a member, media specialists have access to MAMElist, which is beneficial to communicate with other professionals, offer and ask for advice, network, and gain more information about the LIS field. MAME members also receive a monthly newsletter, can attend an annual conference, can earn awards for excellence, and have an unlimited amount of support from others in the same field. MAME sends out a monthly newsletter called Media Matters that provides the latest events and information about LIS matters. In addition to joining MAME, members can become part of a special interest group (SIG) for $2. There are seven SIGs that are focused on specific building levels and building positions.  

Both of these associations are of interest to me because I think they could help me stay up to date with current LIS trends relating to education. I am already a member of MAME and I have found it to be very beneficial. One downside I’ve found is that members send out A TON of emails every day, but there have been many that I’ve found useful. I am thinking about joining NAMTC because I think this would provide me with more information about technological trends. This would be helpful since the media program in my district is creating a new curriculum that incorporates more technology in the classroom.

References

MAME. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.mimame.org/

NAMTC - National Association of Media & Technology Centers. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://namtc.org/