Professional Organizations for Librarians & Information Specialists

There are student chapters of the American Library Association, Special Library Assocation, Society of American Archivists, and the American Society for Information Science and Technology. However, students in Library and Information Science are encouraged to join national professional organizations to help them network, learn and stay in touch with current issues facing their field of interest.

Professional Organizations for Librarians & Information Specialists

American Association of Law Librarians (AALL)
The AALL was founded in 1906 to promote and enhance the value of law libraries to the legal and public communities, to foster the profession of law librarianship, and to provide leadership in the field of legal information.

American Library Association (ALA)
One of the major voices of the profession; there is an active student group of the ALA here at UK. The following professional organizations are divisions of the American Library Association:

• American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
  AASL provides resources and a forum for school media specialists.
   
• Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
  ACRL is for academic and research librarians.
   
• Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS)
  ALCTS is a resource for information specialists in collection development, preservation, and technical services.
   
• Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA)
  LLAMA helps individuals acquire the skills and knowledge needed to be leaders in their profession.
   
• Library and Information Technology Association (LITA)
  LITA is for anyone interested in leading edge technology and applications for librarians and information providers.
   
• Public Library Association (PLA)
  PLA advances the development and effectiveness of public library service and public librarians.
   
• Reference & User Services Association (RUSA)
  RUSA supports the delivery of general library services and materials, and the provision of reference and information services, collection development, readers’ advisory, and resource sharing for all ages, in every type of library.
   
• Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
  YALSA advocates, promotes and strengthens library service to teens, ages 12-18, as part of the continuum of total library services, and supports those who provide library service to this population.

Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
A non-profit organization that serves as the intellectual home of university faculty in graduate programs in library and information science in North America.

Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS)
An organization devoted to fostering excellence in art and design librarianship and image management.

American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST)
A society for information professionals: developing theories, techniques, and technologies to improve access to information.

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA)
An agency of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Assures equitable access to library and information resources and services and by helps public agencies ensure that documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained and made readily accessible.

Kentucky Library Association (KLA)
Provides 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.

Kentucky School Media Association (KSMA)
The professional organization of all Kentucky School Library Media Specialists.

Medical Library Association (MLA)
Educates health information professionals, supports health information research, promotes access to the world's health sciences information, and works to ensure that the best health information is available to all.

The Society of American Archivists (SAA)
North America's oldest and largest national archival professional association. SAA serves the educational and informational needs of individual and institutional members and provides leadership to ensure the identification, preservation, and use of records of historical value.

Special Libraries 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.