Professional+Organizations

Listed below are some of the better known associations especially for librarians, school media specialists, and technologists.


 * Georgia Library Media Association [|www.glma-inc.org]**

GLMA is the largest school library media association in Georgia and is an affiliate of AASL and ISTE. The web site includes information and support for media related legislative issues, grants, National Board Certification, a GLMA Blog, plus much more. Along with GAIT and GLA, it co-sponsors the annual Council for Media Organizations (COMO).

American Association of School Librarians http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl**

AASL is a national organization for school library media specialists and provides a vision for the profession, develops best practices and research, supports major issues related to funding, reading, technology, and intellectual freedom, disseminates information through publications and it’s website, and provides opportunities for professional development.


 * American Library Association** [|www.ala.org]

The American Library Association is the oldest of the national organizations for librarians – public, academic, and school. Best known for it’s recognition of literature through such awards as the Newbery Medal, the Caldecott Medal, and the Alex Awards, the American Library Association has stood as the primary supporter of reading, intellectual freedom, and uses of technology. Its many divisions support specific interests.


 * Georgia Library Association** [|www.georgialibraries.org]

During its rich 100-year history, the strength of the Georgia Library Association has been built on its membership, which now includes more than 800 librarians, trustees, paraprofessionals and friends representing school, public, academic and special libraries. Members unite to discuss common interests and to meet the challenges facing libraries today. These talented individuals contribute hard work, diverse talents, and strong leadership in shaping the future of Georgia's libraries. Dedicated to developing and understanding of the place libraries should take in advancing the educational, cultural, and economic life of the state, promoting the expansion and improvement of library service, and fostering activities towards these ends. Along with GAIT and GLMA, it co-sponsors the annual Council for Media Organizations (COMO).


 * Georgia Association for Instructional Technology** http://www.gait-inc.org/

The Georgia Association for Instructional Technology, Inc. is open to all who are interested in bettering education through the use of media and technology. The membership is diversified and includes public school educators, corporate trainers, vocational instructors, college media directors, university professors, library/media specialists, commercial vendors and many, many more. All unite in activities designed to expand and diversify information and communications technology and improve instruction through the systematic development, utilization and management of learning resources including people, processes and technology. Along with GLMA and GLA, it co-sponsors the annual Council for Media Organizations (COMO).


 * International Society for Technology in Education [|www.iste.org]**

ISTE is the source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy, and leadership for technology innovation. A nonprofit membership organization, ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK–12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 85,000 professionals worldwide and supports its members with information, networking opportunities, and guidance.