Library and Information Sciences: Professional Organizations

The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world.

Founded on October 6, 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, 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.”

ALA identifies the following core values:

• Extending and expanding library services in America and around the world
• All types of libraries - academic, public, school and special
• All librarians, library staff, trustees and other individuals and groups working to improve library services
• Member service
• An open, inclusive, and collaborative environment
• Ethics, professionalism and integrity
• Excellence and innovation
• Intellectual freedom
• Social responsibility and the public good

The Digital Library Federation is a robust and increasingly diverse and inclusive community of practitioners who advance research, learning, social justice, and the public good through the creative design and wise application of digital library technologies.

DLF promotes work on the following:

• Open digital library standards, software, interfaces, infrastructure, and best practices
• Digital stewardship and curation, including research data management and aggregation and preservation services for digital collections
• Digital humanities and other practices and services that expand access to resources and open new opportunities for research, teaching, and learning
• Education, professional development, lifelong learning, and the growth of the field.

The Texas Library Association (TLA) was established in 1902 to promote, support, and improve library services in Texas. TLA policy is set by a governing Council of elected leaders and is implemented by a board of directors (TLA Executive Board) and staff. Various membership committees and units – divisions, round tables, interest groups, and districts – carry out the work of the Association. Today, TLA has over 7200 members and is the largest state library association in the country. Whether promoting intellectual freedom or working to strengthen libraries, the Texas Library Association is the embodiment of all the aspirations first conceived nearly 100 years ago.

The Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) is the only professional association that bridges the gap between information science practice and research. For nearly 80 years, ASIS&T has been leading the search for new and better theories, techniques, and technologies to improve access to information. The mission of the Association for Information Science and Technology is to advance the information sciences and related applications of information technology by providing focus, opportunity, and support to information professionals and organizations.

The Medical Library Association (MLA) believes that quality information is essential for improved health. MLA aspires to be the association of the most visible, valued, and trusted health information experts. To that end, MLA fosters excellence in the professional practice and leadership of health sciences library and information professionals in order to enhance the quality of health care, education, and research throughout the world.

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession. Under its five main Divisions, IFLA has over 50 Sections and Special Interest Groups on specific library topics.

Founded in 1936, the Society of American Archivists (SAA) s North America's oldest and largest national professional association dedicated to the needs and interests of archives and archivists. SAA represents more than 6,200 professional archivists employed by governments, universities, businesses, libraries, and historical organizations nationally. The Society of American Archivists enables archivists to achieve professional excellence and foster innovation to ensure the identification, preservation, and use of records of enduring value.

The Visual Resources Association (VRA) is a multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to furthering research and education in the field of image and media management within the educational, cultural heritage, and commercial environments. The Association offers a forum for issues of vital concern to the field, including: preservation of and access to media documenting visual culture; cataloging and classification standards and practices; integration of technology-based instruction and research; digital humanities; intellectual property policy; visual literacy and other topics of interest to the field. Through collaboration, partnership, and outreach with the broader information management, educational, and scholarly communities, the Association actively supports the primacy of visual information in documenting and understanding humanity’s shared cultural experience.