Membership year:
MSLA has changed its membership year. Previously, MSLA’s membership year was November 1-October 31, with all memberships expiring on the same day. Now, memberships will expire one year from the date of renewal, or in the case of new members, one year from the date they join MSLA.

We are using our online membership and conference registration program, RegOnline, to facilitate this new system. Every membership renewal, whether received electronically or by mail or fax, will be entered into the online system. Members will receive an email confirmation, and another email message will be automatically generated and sent when it is time  to renew one year later.

Purchase orders can be used with RegOnline as well as credit cards, and it will generate an invoice to submit to your business office. It’s easy and convenient and we hope you’ll give it a try!

 Membership Benefits:

• A wealth of resources on the MSLA website: http://www.maschoolibraries.org
• E-mail updates on professional topics; job postings and information sharing through the MSLAmembers listserv
• Online access to the MSLA Forum, MSLA’s newsletter
• Online membership directory 
• Opportunity to serve on an MSLA committee or task force
• Intellectual freedom assistance
• Legislative and advocacy information and support
• Area meetings and peer support
• A variety of professional development opportunities
• Discounted membership to the New England School Library Association
• Area Directors who are your  representatives and liaisons to the MSLA Executive Board

Awards

MSLA recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of school libraries through many awards for library students, practicing librarians, and administrators. Check http://www.maschoolibraries.org for more information and application forms.

Bookmark Contest

MSLA sponsors an annual bookmark contest for students who create designs that portray a theme highlighting the value of school libraries. Bookmark designs are judged by local authors and illustrators. Winners are recognized at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on Library Legislative Day.

Library Legislative Day

Librarians from across the state meet with state legislators to advocate for equitable access for all students in the Commonwealth to school library programs that maximize student learning.

Working Smarter

Members share best practices at the annual conference Trading Post and in a regular column in the MSLA Forum.