Networking with experienced medical librarians in Nebraska and Iowa.

Affiliation with institutions which are members of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM). These include numerous Primary Access Libraries (PAL's), and two major Resource Libraries: McGoogan Library of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (NHS), and the Health Sciences Library/Learning Resource Center at Creighton University, both in Omaha.

Educational opportunities. In many cases members are admitted free or at member-only prices to offerings planned by ICON. In addition to local programs featuring local, regional, and national speakers, ICON personal members may apply for scholarships to attend annual meetings of professional library and information science organizations.

Collection Development with other area libraries through resource sharing and the opportunity for institutional members to apply for consumer health information grants.

Planning and presentingMCMLA meetings in Omaha. This participation has led to Chapter recognition of ICON as one of its most professional and successful planning groups.

Leadership development. Service as an elected officer, committee chair, or committee member gives ICON members a place to practice and develop their teamworking and leadership skills. Many ICON members have advanced to serve in MCMLA and in MLA.

Forum for open and vigorous discussion of ideas and issues; low cost interlibrary lending; rush fax services among members; sympathy and support in times of need; excessive chocolate on special occasions. ICON has a tradition of providing educational and social events at the quarterly meetings, and a Holiday Celebration gathering at the end of each year since 1989.