Membership in Scientific, Technical, and Professional Organizations UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water Resources Division Washington 25, D.C. In reply refer to: August 7, 1958 Code 4052 0001 GROUND WATER BRANCH MEMORANDUM NO. 59.8 To: Professional Personnel, Ground Water Branch From: Chief, Ground Water Branch, Washington, D.C. Subject: Membership in Scientific, Technical, and Professional Organizations For many years the Ground Water Branch has maintained a position of leadership in the field of ground water both nationally and internationally. Trends during the past few years indicate that our position of leadership may be threatened unless we become more active in bringing the results of our work before various scientific and technical groups as well as the public. During the past 10 years our professional staff has grown considerably and the scope, intensity, and volume of our work have increased. Despite this healthy growth, the number of articles from members of our Branch appearing in scientific and technical journals has declined. On the other hand, articles on ground water by non-Survey authors have increased substantially. These facts would seem to indicate that leadership in the field of ground-water hydrology is being relinquished by the Survey and assumed by non-Survey scientists. I do not believe this is true. But if it is not true, each of us is obligated to become more active in carrying out the long-standing policy of encouraging our professional staff to take an active part in scientific and technical meetings and in offering papers for publication in journals. Many reasons for the present unfavorable situation can be offered: Our rapid growth and the consequent temporary shifting of experienced scientists to largely supervisory and training positions; the tendency to schedule work and limit budgets rigidly and thereby reduce the time available for preparation of outside papers, etc. These reasons, although valid, do not alter the facts. Unless positive steps are taken we shall in truth as well as in appearance lose our position of leadership. Steps that might be taken include: 1. Encouragement of the professional attitude among our younger men by keeping abreast of the literature, particularly that relating to our field. Although engaged chiefly in supervisory work, the senior members of the Branch are in a position to promote this by example and in their daily contacts. 2. Improved programming - scheduling of project target dates must be more realistic - we should avoid our time-honored custom of trying to accomplish two year's work in one year, and we would thereby gain enough time to prepare papers discussing the significant phases of our project. 3. Recognizing the scientific and technical advancements resulting from our investigations and preparing pertinent articles on such in addition to planned project reports. 4. Encouragement of staff members to participants in the activities of professional societies, both local and national. A professional position carries with it certain responsibilities to the profession: financial support of professional, societies, whose funds make available literature in our field of interest; keeping informed on latest developments through outside reading; preparing discussions of technical articles to correct or supplement the work of others; serving on local, state, national, or international committees where our training and experience will be utilized; serving as officers in professional societies; obtaining a State license or registration in our profession in States where such registration is required of consulting geologists or engineers; encouraging membership of qualified professionals in societies; and promoting society activities as occasion arises. Although not required of Survey members, it is advantageous to every professional in the Geological Survey to join and participate actively in the work of professional societies such as AGU, GSA, AAPG, NWWA, AWWA, AAAS, ASCE, NSPE, SEG, and others. Advancement in a Survey career depends on the individual's professional growth, and this growth is measured in part by the stature he attains in scientific circles that relate to his profession. Professional growth is considered in filling positions of greater responsibility and merit. For organizations requiring sponsorship, Washington office members will be pleased to act in this capacity if sponsors are unavailable locally. As an example of organizations that should be supported, your attention is directed to the membership drive of the Technical Division of the National Water Well Association. Each office will probably receive a letter and application forms from the membership chairman, and it is urged that at least one individual in each district and subdistrict office become a member. (s) A. N. Sayre Distribution: A, B, SL