Research Guides: Library and Information Science: Associations

Why are professional associations helpful?

Professional associations are great resources for information about current trends in the field and even offer access to webinars and discounts to conferences. Many of their websites offer job search resources specific to your interests (for example, ASIS&T will have jobs focused on technology) and you will have opportunities to network with others in your field.

Professional Associations (National)

American Library Association (ALA)
The oldest and largest library association in the world. The mission of ALA is “to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.”
Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)
Bridging the gap between information science practices and research. Advancing the information sciences and related applications of information technology.
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
The global voice of the library and information profession.
Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
Developing programs, products and services to help academic and research librarians learn, innovate and lead.
International Association of School Librarianship (IASL)
Mission is to help establish and develop of school librarianship around the world.
Special Libraries Associations (SLA)
Creating strategic partnerships with information professionals in specialized settings within businesses, government, academics, and more.
North American Serials Interest Group (NASIG)
Advance and transform the management of serial information resources.
Association of Research Libraries (ARL)
Coordinated action to advance research, learning, and scholarly communication in libraries at comprehensive, research institutions in the US and Canada.

Divisions of ALA

Public Library Association (PLA)
The largest association that supports the evolving needs of public library professionals.
Reference & User Services Association (RUSA)
Serves all types of libraries in reference, user services, adult readers advisory and collection development as well as resource sharing, genealogy and archives, business reference and reference technology.
American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
The only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians.
Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
A division of the American Library Association.
Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures
To cultivate and amplify the collective expertise of library workers in core functions through community building, advocacy, and learning.
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
Brings together stakeholders from the areas of libraries, education, research, out of school time, youth development and more to develop and deliver resources to libraries that expand their capacity to support teen learning and enrichment and to foster healthy communities.

Professional Associations (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain Special Libraries Association (RMSLA)
The Rocky Mountain regional chapter of the Special Libraries Association.
Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL)
Colorado Association of Law Libraries (CoALL)
Exists to promote law librarianship, create opportunities and to promote the value of law libraries to stakeholders thought the legal community.