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Why Join a Library Association?
Joining a library association as a graduate student is an exciting opportunity to jumpstart your career! It’s a chance to connect with library professionals, learn from industry leaders, and stay on top of the latest trends in library science.
As a student, you’re in luck! Many associations offer discounted membership fees, so be sure to check out student membership programs and take advantage of these special rates while you can! Not only will you gain access to valuable resources and networking opportunities, but you'll also be part of a community that’s passionate about shaping the future of libraries.
Below are multiple options of different library associations, including local, regional, national and identity-based options:
Mentoring
Getting a mentor can be a game-changer in your journey as a new librarian! Mentors offer invaluable advice, guidance, and perspective, helping you navigate challenges and make informed decisions. The American Library Association (ALA) offers an array of different mentoring opportunities!
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ALA Mentoring Programs"This page presents information and resources to help you learn more about these transformative experiences."
Library Associations
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American Library AssociationThe American Library Association (ALA) mission 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 to ensure access to information for all."
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American Association of School Librarians"The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community."
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Association of College and Research LibrariesThe Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community.
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International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions"The Federation is an independent, international, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization, which advances the interests of library and information associations, libraries and information services, librarians and the communities they serve throughout the world."
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Public Library Association"The Public Library Association (PLA) offers continuing education opportunities, unique public library initiatives, and a conference that welcomes public library staff into meaningful partnership."
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Special Libraries Association"The Special Libraries Association (SLA) promotes and strengthens its members through learning, advocacy, and networking initiatives. "
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Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)"The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is the world's largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children."
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Rhode Island Library AssociationThe Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) is a professional organization that serves its members through career development, education, advocacy, networking partnerships and legislative action.
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New England Library Association"The New England Library Association leads, educates, convenes, and advocates for the advancement of New England libraries and library workers."
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Association of College & Research Libraries NE Chapter"The mission of the Association of College and Research Libraries New England Chapter is to serve academic library workers and students by working together to provide service, leadership, and learning opportunities that are inclusive and wide-ranging and that address our regional needs and current trends in librarianship."
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Connecticut Library AssociationThe association works together to improve library service to Connecticut, to advance the interests of librarians, library staff, and librarianship, and to increase public awareness of libraries and library services.
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Maine Library AssociationThe Maine Library Association (MLA) focuses on building relationships, supporting education, and advocating for libraries and library workers.
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Massachusetts Library AssociationThe Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) was created to support and advance the interests of librarians, library staff and increase public awareness of library services across the Commonwealth.
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New Hampshire Library AssociationThe New Hampshire Library Association (NHLA) is committed to networking, professional growth and advocating for the future of New Hampshire libraries.
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Vermont Library AssociationThe Vermont Library Association (VLA) is an educational organization working to develop, promote, and improve library and information services and librarianship in the state of Vermont.
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Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA)The Rhode Island Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA) Section supports libraries through advocacy, education, and public awareness activities. You can join the COLA Section when you join RILA or renew your RILA Membership.
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Cornucopia of Rhode Island (CORI)"The Cornucopia of Rhode Island Section serves the library community of color through promoting professional and educational activities and fostering outreach into the community across cultures and languages. This includes the development and delivery of multi-cultural collections, services, and programs and the mentoring librarians and library staff of color and encouraging librarianship as a profession to people of color." You can join the CORI Section when you join RILA or renew your RILA Membership.
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School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI)"The School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI) Section represents school library media professionals and support staff working for school library media, computer, and instructional technology programs in Rhode Island. The purpose of SLRI is to provide leadership and support for school library media professionals and support staff in the development, promotion, improvement, and evaluation of school library media, computer, and instructional technology programs in all Rhode Island schools." You can join the SLRI Section when you join RILA or renew your RILA Membership.
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Greater New York Metropolitan Chapter of the Association of College & Research LibrariesACRL/NY promotes professional standards, mentors librarians, and enhances professional development through a variety of educational programs.
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The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos & the Spanish Speaking Northeast ChapterREFORMA NE Chapter advocates for the improvement of library and information services for Spanish speakers and people of Hispanic / Latino origin in the six-state area, at the local, regional, and national levels.
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American Indian Library AssociationThe American Indian Library Association (AILA) focuses on the development of programs to improve Indian library, cultural, and informational services in school, public, and research libraries on reservations. They are also committed to disseminating information about Indian cultures, languages, values, and information needs to the library community.
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Asian Pacific American Librarians AssociationThe Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) is an organization that addresses the needs of Asian Pacific American librarians and those who serve Asian Pacific American communities.
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Black Caucus of the American Library Association"The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) serves as an advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to the nation’s African American community and to provide leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians."
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Chinese American Librarians AssociationThe Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) "supports the professional development and research scholarship of CALA members, advocates Chinese American librarians in professional organizations, and enhances the leadership development of Chinese American librarians through training, mentoring, networking, and collaboration with colleagues in the United States and abroad."
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The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos & the Spanish SpeakingThe National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos & the Spanish Speaking (REFORMA) "promotes the development of library collections to include Spanish-language and Latino oriented materials; the recruitment of more bilingual and bicultural library professionals and support staff; the development of library services and programs that meet the needs of the Latino community; the establishment of a national information and support network among individuals who share our goals; the education of the U.S. Latino population in regards to the availability and types of library services; and lobbying efforts to preserve existing library resource centers serving the interests of Latinos."
Job Searching
Provided below is a list of websites you can utilize for potential job opportunities in the library profession.