NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
National organizations in library and information science offer students and professionals the opportunity to meet people within the same field, to exchange ideas, and to learn from experienced professionals. A wide variety of organizations exist, and students are encouraged to join those within their expected graduation specialties. Most organizations offer special, lower membership rates for students who are enrolled at least half-time in a library science program. Links are provided below to some organizations' websites.

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
The American Library Association (ALA) is the primary professional organization for the field of library science. ALA provides national guidelines for the field, within which many smaller, more specific national organizations are included. A complete list of the ALA's divisions is available at the ALA website. Additionally, ALA membership also provides the opportunity to join round tables. Since not every field of librarianship is covered by the individual divisions of the ALA, the round tables were established to cover and promote those fields. ALA also keeps a list of affiliate organizations, which include such organizations as the Medical Library Association and the Urban Libraries Council. Additional information about the round tables and ALA itself is available at their website.

ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
AECT originated as a network for instructional technology professionals. Student membership is available to students taking at least nine credit hours a semester. Membership includes a subscription to TechTrends magazine, job referral services, convention discounts, and discounts on publications.

BETA PHI MU
Beta Phi Mu is the honor society for library and information professionals. The organization promotes studies by professionals and students in the LIS field by offering grants and scholarships. CLIS is part of the Iota Chapter, along with the School of Library and Information Science at the Catholic University of America.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN ARCHIVISTS
SAA membership costs $40 per year for full-time students. In addition to the other benefits common to most organizations, the SAA provides students with opportunities to vote for officers and council members. SAA also has an active student chapter, Student Archivists at Maryland at the University of Maryland.

SPECIAL LIBRARIES ASSOCIATION
The mission of SLA is to "advance the leadership role of the special librarian/information professional by putting knowledge to work in society." With this mission in mind, the SLA provides international networking opportunities for it's members. For $25 a year, students members receive Information Outlook, SLA's monthly magazine, annual conferences and exhibits, public relations opportunities, scholarship and awards, just to name a few of the benefits. SLA also has an active student chapter at the University of Maryland.

STATE ORGANIZATIONS
Each state has its own professional organizations to provide those working in the library service field a professional network closer to home than most national organizations/

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
According to the DCLS website, student members receive all Association publications and a subscription to the Association’s listserv.  The Association holds an annual Spring workshop among other events.

MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL LIBRARIANS
(formerly Maryland Educational Media Organization)

MASL provides Maryland's school library media specialists with statewide support and local conferences, professional networking, and affiliation with AASL.

MARYLAND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Like ALA, MLA has several subdivisions, including Academic & Research Libraries, Technical Services, Children's Services, and Public Services Divisions. For more information, visit http://www.mdlib.org/, e-mail mla@mdlib.org, call (410) 947-5090 or write the MLA Office at 1401 Hollins Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21223.

VIRGINIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
 Membership provides seminars and conferences, including the VLA's annual conference, access to the Virginia Library Jobline, and subscriptions to the VLA's newsletter. Applications  are available on VLA's webpage.