Abstract

Library organizations exist to provide professional development, networking, and service and presentation opportunities to librarians. Yet membership in many library organizations is declining. A survey of business librarians from all types of libraries provided data on benefits of membership. Respondents identified characteristics of successful organizations as well as reasons for their disappointments. Quality programming and training, networking opportunities, and member engagement were positives while poor communication and a lack of opportunities to get involved were the most common concerns. The article concludes with four recommendations on ways library organizations can remain relevant, useful, and valued to their members.

摘要

图书馆组织的存在是为了为图书馆员提供专业发展、网络、服务和展示机会。然而，许多图书馆组织的成员正在减少。对来自所有类型图书馆的商业图书馆员的调查提供了关于会员权益的数据。受访者指出了成功组织的特征以及他们失望的原因。高质量的计划和培训、交流机会和成员参与是积极的，而沟通不畅和缺乏参与机会是最常见的问题。本文最后提出了四项关于图书馆组织如何保持对其成员的相关性、有用性和价值的建议。