Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies

Once you begin your MLIS, you will want to take advantage of the student membership to ALA. Within ALA are a number of divisions. Exploring them will help you to understand the diversity of the library profession.

Here is a blurb about the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies:
"The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) enhances the effectiveness of library service by providing networking, enrichment and educational opportunities for its diverse members, who represent state library agencies, libraries serving special populations, multitype library organizations and independent librarians."

"Independent librarians are library service providers who work outside of traditional library settings."

Sounds interesting and may be just what you are looking for!