Professional Organizations in the Field of Library and Information Science

This page provides links to some of the major professional associations in the field of library and information science.

American Association of School librarians (AASL)

Provides service to more than 8,000 school media specialists. You must be a member of ALA to join AASL.

American Library Association (ALA)

One of the major voices of the profession; there is an active student group of ALA here in the program.

American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST)

"Since 1937 ASIS has been the society for information professionals leading the search for new and better theories, techniques, and technologies to improve access to information. ASIS brings together diverse streams of knowledge, focusing what might be disparate approaches into novel solutions to common problems." (Quoted from: http://www.asis.org/AboutASIS/index.html)

Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS)

An association devoted to promoting and creating excellence in art librarianship and visual resources curatorship for the advancement of visual arts.

Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL)

Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)

"ALISE is an association of individuals and institutions devoted to the advancement of knowledge, learning, and service in the interdisplinary field of information studies." (Quoted from: http://www.infolit.org).

Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS)

Pproviding solutions to those individuals in the technical services field of library and information science.

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA)

"The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives serves Kentucky's need to know by assuring equitable access to high quality library and information resources and services and by helping public agencies ensure that adequate documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained and made readily accessible."

Kentucky Library Association (KLA)

"The Mission of the Kentucky Library Association (KLA) is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance and ensure access to information for all." (Quoted from: http://www.kylibasn.org/) KLA also has a mentoring program available to SLIS students available at: KLA Mentoring Program.

Kentucky School Media Association (KSMA)

Library Administration and Management Association(LAMA)

A division of ALA that helps individuals acquire the skills and knowledge needed to be aleader in their professions.

Library and Information Technology Association (LITA)

Public Library Association (PLA)

PLA's purpose is to advance the development and effectiveness of public library service and public librarians.

Reference & User Services Association (RUSA)

A division of ALA to support individuals in reference and user services

The Society of American Archivists (SAA)

"The Society of American Archivists serves the educational and informational needs of its members and provides leadership to help ensure the identification, preservation, and use of the nation's historical record." (Quoted from: http://www.archivists.org).

Special Library Association (SLA)

The Special Library Association is a leading society for librarians in a wide range of special library and information environments, including specialized academic , legal, corporate, and government libraries. There is a very active chapter of SLA in Kentucky as well as a student group here at the school.

Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)

For more info go to: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/about/vision.html