| School Library Media Specialists (SLMSs) confront personal and professional decisions regarding involvement and membership options with various local, state, and national professional library/media associations. This phenomenological study examined interactions, experiences, impressions, and involvement levels of practicing SLMSs regarding professional library/media associations in order to identify and present the essence of their experiences with the association phenomenon. In-depth interviews from a purposefully selected sample of 14 SLMSs, a focus group of attendees at a state library association conference, and responses to two online surveys supplied participant data to address two central questions: (a) how do School Library Media Specialists, with knowledge of the same state or national professional library/media association/s, perceive those association experiences in their professional and personal lives? (b) what situations and relationships impacted or influenced their experiences?Analytical steps from the phenomenological qualitative approach were utilized with the data to reveal eight themes about association experiences of participating SLMSs. Associations: (a) have multifaceted components (b) are often introduced by mentors (c) can help SLMSs deal with professional and emotional reactions to their work (d) offer and promote linking with peers (e) exist only through member activity, but knowledge about and membership do not require activity (f) assist all librarians with professional advocacy (g) design annual and/or bi-annual conferences as informative fellowship events and, (h) may have leaders who can be highly invested in the organization. Further findings indicate SLMSs' perceptions of experiences with professional library associations are influenced by three major themes: (1) their own Internal Composition, (2), impact of External Forces on their life, and (3) the influence of the Omnipresent Association, all of which interplay with peer connections, association leadership, and advocacy directives for the field. The study revealed interpersonal connections to professional associations may fluctuate, and the enticement of involvement is often dependent upon peer connections. Implications are that associations should strive for a multifaceted structure with abundant human connectivity options in order to be viable, progressive, and foster leadership training. SLMSs may consider actively supporting association agendas promoting mentorship, diversity recruitment, leadership, and advocacy for the field. |
