As a professional, each year I have a good think about what organisations
I want or need to belong to. My responsibilities include DRM and library
functions, so I have to consider the local (ie Aust National) ones like
RMAA and ALIA, as well as ARMA, ICRM (assuming I could pass the exams) and
more peripherally, assorted industry, archives, project management, IT and
general management ones. Assuming each one charges at least A$200 a year,
it's not an insignificant decision, even if I could get my employer to
chip in.

Even within Australia, considering what I get out vs what I put in (and
yes, I hope I put in a bit more than just money), the range of
organisations is considerable.

Right now, I'm in RMAA, but not ALIA. I'm not even aware if there is a
local ARMA chapter. I get lots out of RMAA's local activities, and they
are on the spot when it comes to lobbying etc, but the ARMA web site is,
so far, more useful than RMAA's, especially the bookshop. And I do
subscribe through work to IMJ which is much more scholarly than the RMAA's
Informaa Quarterly.

As an RM professional I'm as poorly paid as the rest of you. the piggybank
can only stretch so far, especially considering 75 cents to the dollar
exchange rate in the wrong direction. For me, cost IS (unfortunately) a
big consideration. I suspect for people in other countries it may loom
even larger.

Cheers

Glenn

Glenn Sanders MRMA
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[log in to unmask]
Australia

These views are mine alone. They may or may not be those of any
previous or present employers or clients. I don't know. If I'd asked
and they'd agreed, I would have signed it "Harry Peck and Co and
Glenn". Or whatever. But I haven't, so I didn't.



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