diff --git a/src/python/pyeclib/ec_iface.py b/src/python/pyeclib/ec_iface.py
index b9b8064..40feed0 100644
--- a/src/python/pyeclib/ec_iface.py
+++ b/src/python/pyeclib/ec_iface.py
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ class PyECLibEnum(Enum):
         return list(self)
 
     @classmethod
-    def is_member(cls, name):
+    def has_enum(cls, name):
         # returns True if name is a valid member of the enum
         try:
             cls.__getattr__(name)
@@ -47,6 +47,22 @@ class PyECLibEnum(Enum):
             return False
         return True
 
+    @classmethod
+    def get_by_name(cls, name):
+        try:
+            obj = cls.__getattr__(name)
+        except AttributeError:
+            return None
+        return obj
+
+    @classmethod
+    def names(cls):
+        return [name for name, value in cls.__members__.items()]
+
+    @classmethod
+    def values(cls):
+        return [value for name, value in cls.__members__.items()]
+
     def __str__(self):
         return "%s: %d" % (self.name, self.value)