FAQ for http://www.asm.org

Can I search a database of ASM members? 

The link to Advanced Member Directory Search is near the top of the left side of the http://www.asm.org landing page.  Alternately, you can navigate to the directory from any page by using the dropdown menu for Membership located in the page header. The link opens an advanced search page only available to ASM members and also leads to a basic search available to the public.  Both types of searches require a login, (username and password), before detailed profile information is divulged.  While user login and registration is inconvenient for well intentioned and legitimate users, it is a necessary barrier to software programs that routinely scan for personal information to harvest and exploit.  The online directory is also the core database of the ASM professional networking website http://community.asm.org/.  The Community site is designed to let you invite people to your personal connections list, invite others to read your blog, or create/join groups formed around a common interest.  

Explain what’s going on when I follow the link "Update Your Account".  

Your account is the repository for contact information and professional information about you.  This is the information ASM will use to contact you, and the information others will see as your profile if you choose to make this information visible in the Member Directory Search.  The member directory and your account information are located at the ASM professional networking site, http://community.asm.org/.     A login is required to participate or view the profile of another community member.  You can login at the ASM Community site with the same credentials you use at eStore.asm.org. If you have never registered at the eStore can do so by following the "Create a New Account" link under the Login button.  Once you are logged in you can update your account information.  The My Account menu includes options to update:

• Account Settings (email address and password)
• Contact Information – postal and phone contact information
• Scientific Biographical Information – Divisions and demographic information
• Privacy Settings – to manage how visible your profile information is to others community members

How can I locate my member number online?
Your member number can be found in your online Account at the professional networking site, community.asm.org.  If you have ever created an online account at the ASM eStore you can use the same credentials, (username and password), to login at the community site.  After logging in click the tab to My Dashboard.  Your ASM Member ID is in the section of the page titled “My Account Information.”   What on-line information does ASM have about me? ASM acquires information about individual members and non-members based on their interactions with ASM products and services.  For example:

• Your online contact information is the result of either online or paper order forms you complete to purchase an ASM product or service – membership dues, subscriptions, page charges, meeting registration, etc.
• Credit card information is not available on-line after a transaction is completed.
• Application forms you complete such as grants, fellowships, etc. once submitted are not combined with other on-line information.
• Subscriptions to email discussion lists are voluntary, (opt in).
• Subscriptions to email announcement lists are voluntary, (opt in).

• We never share your email address with other organizations.
• Your postal mailing address may be shared with carefully screened commercial interests.
• Your contact and profile information is online at community.asm.org in the online Directory.  This directory is viewable by registered users of the site.  ASM member and ASM non-members are welcome to register.

• Promotional emails from ASM about ASM products and services
• Postal mailings from screened commercial interests
• The online Directory contact and profile information

• Science Education Network (SEN)
• International Mentoring
• Minority Mentoring