Membership: Why & How to Join

Here's Why:

The New Members Round Table ( NMRT) provides a place for those members of the American Library Association (ALA) who are new to the library profession, new to ALA, or new to both. NMRT brings together people from all types and sizes of libraries and information centers, serving their diverse needs and interests in three significant ways:

NMRT is a Gateway to the Profession.

Through professional and career development programs, professional development grants and scholarships, and contacts with more experiences librarians (on both a professional and social level), NMRT serves as a gateway for new members entering the library profession.

NMRT is a Pathfinder through the Maze of ALA.

With its 50,000-plus members and a bureaucracy to match, the American Library Association can easily overwhelm its new members. Through conference orientation programs, publications, and other pathfinding aids, NMRT helps its members take full advantage of all that ALA has to offer.

NMRT is a Stepping-Stone to Higher Places.

Membership in NMRT is a first step toward greater involvement within ALA. On NMRT committees, new members can quickly gain positions of responsibility that can help them to achieve similar positions in other ALA groups. NMRT's divisional liaisons and clearinghouse can likewise be of assistance. NMRT's role as a stepping stone also extends far beyond the organizational structure of ALA. NMRT offers individuals many opportunities to learn about themselves, their colleagues, and their profession. It is a place where alliances are made, ideals are identified, and patterns of behavior are established. As a gateway, pathfinder and stepping stone, NMRT has played -- and continues to play -- a vital role not only within ALA but also the library profession at large. Individual membership is open and available to any member of the American Library Association who has been an ALA member for ten or fewer years.

Here's How:

For the most current information about how to enroll and the membership dues schedule, please visit ALA's Membership page. Telephone ALA at 800-545-2433 if other membership questions arise.

Membership in ALA and NMRT is based on the anniversary date of membership. Membership in the American Library Association is a prerequisite for membership in NMRT. ALA membership benefits include: a personal subscription to American Libraries - 11 issues per year; substantially reduced rates at ALA conferences; discounts on ALA monographs; an excellent group insurance plan; the backing of the strongest unified voice for librarians in the world; and more.

Visit our committees web page to see which committees might interest you and to sign up for one.

Join us on ALA Connect to take part in discussions and ask questions of other NMRT members.