New Member FAQ

a mug with the word begin on itWhat should I do first as a new Core member?

  1. Log in to Core Connect to add your profile picture and fill out your bio in the member directory.
  2. Introduce yourself or start a discussion in the New Member Interest Group.
  3. Contact us with any questions you have. We're here to help!
     

How do I learn about Core?

Watch our So You're New Here? Getting Started with Core orientation and/or view the slides (pdf). It will help you understand how we're set up so you can more easily find your communities.
 

How can I engage with other Core members?

Find your niche around narrower topics - join as many of our 40+ Interest Groups as you like - all free as part of your membership. They're a great way to get involved with Core and meet colleagues while learning about emerging trends or issues on more granular topics. Ask questions, share about your projects, and stay current with the topics and issues that are important in your work.

Want to get the big picture view of everything you can do in Core? Check out our Find Your Core list of opportunities.
 

What’s the best way to stay current with Core?

As a new member, you’ll start receiving our monthly newsletter, which will keep you up-to-date on what's happening in Core. You'll also start seeing messages from the Core Members Community in your inbox, and we've automatically added you to our New Member Group for special updates.

Want to receive news more often? Check the Core News blog and subscribe to email updates from it.

Connect with us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

How do I jump in and contribute or get involved?

Core's President-elect appoints members to committees every spring to help manage our activities. New committee terms start July 1 each year, but we also fill vacancies throughout the year. New members can fill out a form right away to begin applying; there's no requirement for length of membership to start applying. We need awesome volunteers like you, who are passionate about libraries to participate. Find a committee that interests you and then log in to fill out the volunteer form.

We also have shorter term project teams from time to time that work on implementing a specific idea or getting a new initiative off the ground. Check our Find Your Core list of opportunities to view all of the options currently available.

If you're looking for a more informal way to volunteer, you can chair one of our interest groups and help run virtual discussions.
 

Core Learning

Start leveling up your skills with our archive of free recordings of past webinars and conference programs. Get your member discount when you register for any of our live webinars, classrooms, and courses that will build and expand your expertise. We also offer free monthly e-Forums on a variety of topics, the Core Book Club, and a virtual Interest Group Week the first week in March each year.

If you have questions about your ALA account, profile, login, or dues, please see the ALA Membership FAQ or contact us.
 

Core Staff Support

Have more questions? We're here to help! Use our contact form, email us at core@ala.org, or schedule a time to get personalized help!