American Library Association (ALA) By: American Library Association (ALA)
The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world, providing association information, news, events, and advocacy resources for members, librarians, and library users. 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.
Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession:
The association actively works to increase public awareness of the crucial value of libraries and librarians, to promote state and national legislation beneficial to libraries and library users, and to supply the resources, training and support networks needed by local advocates seeking to increase support for libraries of all types.
Diversity
Diversity is a fundamental value of the association and its members, and is reflected in its commitment to recruiting people of color and people with disabilities to the profession and to the promotion and development of library collections and services for all people.
Education and Lifelong Learning:
The association provides opportunities for the professional development and education of all library staff members and trustees; it promotes continuous, lifelong learning for all people through library and information services of every type. Equitable Access to Information and Library Services
The Association advocates funding and policies that support libraries as great democratic institutions, serving people of every age, income level, location, ethnicity, or physical ability, and providing the full range of information resources needed to live, learn, govern, and work.
Intellectual Freedom
Intellectual freedom is a basic right in a democratic society and a core value of the library profession. The American Library Association actively defends the right of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Literacy
The American Library Association assists and promotes libraries in helping children and adults develop the skills they need-the ability to read and use computers-understanding that the ability to seek and effectively utilize information resources is essential in a global information society...
Organizational Excellence
The association is inclusive, effective and responsive to the needs of ALA members
Transforming Libraries
ALA provides leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services in a dynamic and increasingly global digital information environment. By: The Free Encyclopedia
The American Library Association (ALA) is a non- profit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 62,000 members.
Membership
ALA membership is open to any person or organization, though most of its members are libraries or librarians. Most members live and work in the United States, with international members comprising 3.5% of total membership
Governing structure
The ALA is governed by an elected council and an executive board. Since 2002, Keith Michael Fiels has been the ALA executive director (CEO). Policies and programs are administered by various committees and round tables. One of the organization's most visible tasks is overseen by the Office for Accreditation, which formally reviews and authorizes American and Canadian academic institutions that offer degree programs in library and information science. The ALA's current President is Courtney Young (2014-2015). Notable past presidents of the ALA include Theresa Elmendorf, its first female president (1911– 1912), Clara Stanton Jones, its first African-American president (1976–1977), Loriene Roy, its first Native American president (2007–2008), Michael Gorman (2005-6), and Roberta Stevens
Activities
The official purpose of the association is "to promote library service and librarianship." Members may join one or more of eleven membership divisions that deal with specialized topics such as academic, school, or public libraries, technical or reference services, and library administration. Members may also join any of seventeen round tables that are grouped around more specific interests and issues than the broader set of ALA divisions.
American Association of School Librarians
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), established in 1951, is a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Prior to 1951, school librarians were served by the School Library Section of ALA founded in 1914 which itself emerged from the Roundtable of Normal and High School Librarians which met first in 1913. The mission of the American Association of School Librarians is to advocate excellence, facilitate change, and develop leaders in the school library field.
Important Publications
AASL released the Standards for the 21st-Century Learner in 2007 to guide instructional programs in school libraries. In 2009, AASL released the Standards for the 21st Century Learner in Action, which provides benchmarks and an in-depth look at the indicators for each standard. Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs, published in 2009, helps school librarians establish effective library programs that meet the needs of the changing school library environment.
Canadian Library Association By: The Free Encyclopedia
The Canadian Library Association (CLA) is a national, predominantly English-language association which represents 57,000 library workers across the country. It also speaks for the interests of the 21 million Canadians who are members of libraries. CLA members work in all four types of libraries: academic (college and university), public, special (corporate, non-profit and government) and school libraries. Others sit on boards of public libraries, work for companies that provide goods and services to libraries, or are students in graduate level or community college programs. CLA's Mission Statement is: "CLA is my advocate and public voice, educator and network. We build the Canadian library and information community and advance its information professionals." The statement reflects the Association's role as the national voice for the Canadian library and information community.
History
The Canadian Library Association (CLA) was founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 1946, and was incorporated under the Companies Act on November 26, 1947. CLA is a non-profit voluntary organization, governed by an elected Executive Council, which is advised by over forty interest groups and committees.
Committees
The CLA is supported by two types of committees: advisory committees and standing committees. As the need arises, new committees are formed by the Executive Council. Existing CLA members are primarily considered in the member selection process.
Advisory committees
The Executive Council creates advisory committees to address topics of strategic professional interest to the CLA. These committees can be either long-term or short-term. The CLA currently is supported by these advisory committees:
• Copyright Advisory Committee • Information Policy Advisory Committee • Intellectual Freedom Advisory Committee • School Libraries Advisory Committee • Royal Society of Canada: Brief Development Team for CLA Submission
Standing committees
The Executive Council creates long-term standing committees to actively govern the CLA. These committees contribute to the continuing operation of the CLA, and include:
• Conference Standing Committee • Elections Standing Committee • Finance Standing Committee • Member Communications Standing Committee • Monograph Publications Standing Committee • Nominations Standing Committee • Participation Standing Committee • Resolutions Standing Committee
Student chapters
Recognizing that there is a need for close association between the Canadian Library Association and students in library school, the Canadian Library Association has always encouraged students to join CLA, network and become involved active members of the library community. In March 1999, CLA's first Student Chapter was officially launched at the University of Western Ontario. Since that time, Student Chapters have been launched at the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, University of Alberta, McGill University and Dalhousie University and in 2006 at the Nova Scotia Community College Institute of Technology Campus. Student chapters of the Canadian Library Association allow for professional development and networking opportunities for students enrolled in library and information science programs. By: CLA
The Canadian Library Association / Association Canadian des bibliothèques was founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 1946, and was incorporated under the Companies Act on November 26, 1947. CLA is a non-profit voluntary organization, governed by an elected Executive Council, which is advised by over forty networks and committees. CLA members work in college, university, public, special (corporate, non-profit and government) and school libraries. Others sit on boards of public libraries, work for companies that provide goods and services to libraries, or are students in graduate level or community college programs.
CLA Membership
The CLA membership consists of a diverse group of individuals and organizations involved or interested in library or information sciences. A large proportion of CLA Members work in college, university, public, special (corporate, non-profit and government) and school libraries. Others sit on the boards of public libraries, work for companies that provide goods and services to libraries, or are students in graduate level or community college programs. Membership categories of the Canadian Library Association /Association Canadian des bibliothèques include: Personal, Institutional, Corporate, and Associate. Total membership at December 2014 was 1,283: Personal – 957 Institutions - 249 Corporate - 50 Associate - 27
Our Mission
CLA is the national voice for Canada’s library communities. As members, we:
• champion library values and the value of libraries • influence public policy impacting libraries • inspire and support member learning • collaborate to strengthen the library community
Our Values
• intellectual freedom • diversity • transparency and open communication • accountability • universal access to library service • member voices and contributions • collaboration
Our Operating Principles
• An active and engaged membership is crucial to our success. • CLA will have a governance structure that meets member needs. • CLA will be efficiently run, fiscally responsible and financially stable. • CLA facilitates the many diverse opinions and ideas about libraries and library issues. • CLA will work closely with networks and other library associations to promote libraries, learning and advocacy opportunities.
Special Libraries Association By: The Free Encyclopedia
Special Libraries Association (SLA) is an international professional association for library and information professionals working in business, government, law, finance, non-profit, and academic organizations and institutions
History
The Special Libraries Association was founded in 1909 in the United States by a group of librarians working in specialized settings lead by John Cotton Dana, who served as the first president of SLA from 1909-1911. In the years prior to SLA’s founding Dana and other librarians had begun to recognize both an increasing demand for the types of materials that special libraries could provide, but also that many information professionals were working as professional librarians but largely without the professional support enjoyed by other librarian’s and professionals. The group addressed this motivation in the first issue of "Special Libraries", stating their goal was to “unite in co-operation all small libraries throughout the country; financial, commercial, scientific, industrial; and special departments of state, college and general libraries; and, in fact, all libraries devoted to special purposes and serving a limited clientage.” The SLA is now an international organization with over 9,000 members in over 75 countries and is organized by 55 regional Chapters. Additionally, the SLA also has a number of Divisions devoted to specific topic areas. Many Divisions also include Sections for sub- specialties. The current Divisions include: Academic Biomedical & Life Sciences Business & Finance Chemistry Competitive Intelligence Education Engineering Environment & Resource Management Food, Agriculture & Nutrition Government Information Information Technology Insurance & Employee Benefits Knowledge Management Legal Leadership & Management Military Libraries Museums, Arts & Humanities News Petroleum & Energy Resources Pharmaceutical & Health Technology Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics Science- Technology Social Science Solo Librarians Taxonomy Transportation Naming Controversy
From the time of the founding of the SLA there has been some controversy surrounding the terminology used in the name Special Library Association. At the time of SLAs founding there was an almost immediate backlash against the term special library or special librarian. For some, the term was too specific in that it had been used on a limited bases to that time to define reference collections which were limited or narrow in some way.[5] For others, the term was too broad, focusing on a general type of collection rather than the work that the special librarian does.[6]John Cotton Dana himself acknowledged the inadequacy of the name in the years following SLA’s founding but noted the term was chosen by default as no other term would be as accurate yet encompassing.[7] This debate continues today among organization members and official name changes were considered in 2003 and 2009 but both were eventually voted down by the membership.
Membership
SLA membership is open to any person or organization. Members pay annual dues to SLA and additional fees for any Chapter, Division, or Caucus memberships they wish to obtain. [8] Members of SLA typically possess a master's degree in library or information science and may have an advanced degree in a related field such as law, medicine or engineering. While special libraries include law libraries, news libraries, corporate libraries, museum libraries, medical libraries, and transportation libraries, many information professionals today do not actually work in a library setting. They actively apply their specialized skills to support the information needs of their organizations. SLA members fill many non-traditional librarian roles such as corporate competitive intelligence analyst, researcher, or information specialist. Given the rapid adoption of information technologies for selecting, analyzing, managing, storing, and delivering information and knowledge, the average SLA member might be performing a range of services and employing a diverse mix of skills related to, but not exclusive of, library science. In fact, it is likely a special librarian does not work in a library, but rather an information center or resource center
Governing Structure
The SLA is governed by board of directors whom are elected by the membership according to the parameters set out in the SLA’s bylaws. [9] The board of directors is responsible for the overall direction and management of the SLA and selects the organizations officers. The board of directors is led by a President who is elected for a one year term. The CEO is selected by the board and is considered an employee of the SLA. The CEO oversees the day- to-day management and functions of the SLA and serves and open-ended term. Janice Lachance has served as CEO since 2003. Each of the regional Chapters and topical Divisions of SLA also elects officers and conducts meetings in a similar fashion to SLA. Members are entitled to vote in board elections for each Chapter or Division in which they pay dues. Activities
SLA activities include conferences, professional education, networking and advocacy. SLA conducts two large scale conferences each year. These include the Annual Conference, usually held in the summer, all members are invited and encouraged to attend. This conference usually includes education programs, networking events, and information exhibits. The SLA also holds an annual Leadership Summit each winter which is focused on developing leadership skills for governance roles within SLA.
Publications
SLA publishes Information Outlook (formerly Special Libraries), a professional/trade magazine that is sent free of charge[10] to all members eight times a year.[11] Information Outlook is also available to SLA members via SLA’s webpage.
Awards
The SLA presents several awards, some on an annual basis.
Fellows of SLA
is awarded to mid-career SLA members in recognition of past and present achievements and future service. In addition to the award, Fellows are expected to advise the Board and alter the membership to trends needing action. No more than five SLA members can be selected as a Fellow in any given year. Individuals receiving this honor will be able to use the title Fellow of the Special Libraries Association. NOTE: Members who are currently serving on the SLA Board of Directors are ineligible for designation as Fellows.
John Cotton Dana Award is given to an individual in recognition of a lifetime of achievement.
Presidential Citations
Are given to SLA members for important or notable contributions advancing the SLA’s goal or objectives during the previous year. The Presidential Citations are given at the pleasure of the SLA President. Rose L. Vormelker
Award is given to a mid-career SLA member who actively teaches or mentors students or working professionals.
SLA Hall of Fame is presented to an SLA member near the end of their professional career in recognition of service and contributions to the SLA and its goal and objectives.
SLA Rising Star
Award is presented annually to new SLA members who show exceptional promise of leadership and contribution to the associations and profession. Nominees must have one to five years of professional experience as an information professional and have been an SLA member for five years or less.
Nominees must meet at least one of the following criteria: •Performed outstanding work and professional activities on behalf of SLA •Developed notable innovations on the job •Actively participated in SLA units and association programs •Promoted the visibility of SLA or the value of information professionals
No more than five SLA Rising Star Awards will be awarded annually. Recipients will receive complimentary registration for the SLA Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO in the year in which they receive the award.
SLA Committee/Council/Unit Recognition Programs SAAAC Merit Awards
Presented by the SLA Student and Academic Affairs Advisory Council (SAAAC) in recognition of the active development and participation of student members through their involvement in SLA Student Group activities.
The SAAAC seeks to recognize and honor SLA Student Groups whose outstanding leadership, innovative programming, or creative use of electronic resources contribute to increased membership and expanded professional development. Award criteria may include one or more of the following:
•Increased student group membership; •Expanded professional development opportunities (both formal and informal); •Heightened profile of the SLA Student Group within their own school, on their own campus, or in the professional community; •Success in bringing educators and practicing special librarians together; or •Increased or enhanced profile of special librarianship and/or SLA within the academic or broader community.
Nominations will be ranked based upon clearly stated and documented quantitative and qualitative evidence. Be sure to clearly state the category of nomination and address any or the entire award criteria listed above. If applying in more than one category, please submit separate documentation for each and address the criteria for each. [13]
Several other awards are given out at the Chapter and Division level as well at the SLA Annual Conference Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) By: The Free Encyclopedia
The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers in the United Kingdom. CILIP’s vision is a fair and economically prosperous society underpinned by literacy, access to information and the transfer of knowledge. CILIP has 13,470 members as of May 2014
History
It was formed in 2002 by the merger of the Library Association (abbreviated as LA or sometimes LAUK) – founded in 1877 as a result of the first International Conference of Librarians and awarded a Royal Charter in 1898 – and the Institute of Information Scientists, founded in 1958. Membership is not compulsory for practice, but members can work towards Chartered Membership which entitles them to the postnominal letters MCLIP, and subsequently toward Fellowship (FCLIP) [sic]. Affiliated members can also obtain ACLIP upon completing certification. Honorary Fellowship (HonFCLIP or FCLIP(hc)), a qualification akin to an honorary degree, is granted to a small number of people who have rendered distinguished service to the profession.
Membership Numbers
The following information on CILIP Membership numbers is taken from CILIP Council reports,[4] with the exceptions of the estimates for 2002, 2003 and 2005. Membership numbers for 2004 and 2006 are not available. 200 200 2002 2003 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 4 6
Nos. of ~23,000[ 22,68 (20,373) [ 19,206 [ 18,49 17,634 [ 17,19 15,70 14,55 13,97 13,47 member N.A. N.A. 5] 9 6] 7] 0 8] 2 5 5 4 0 s
Functions
CILIP accredits degree programs in library and information science at universities in the UK, including Aberystwyth University, City University, London, Southborough University, the Manchester Metropolitan University, the Robert Gordon University, the University of Sheffield and University College London.
CILIP is perhaps best known to the general public for awarding the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals for children's books.
CILIP publishes a monthly magazine, including listings of job vacancies. CILIP Update contains news, comment and features from the library and information sectors. Lisjobnet is the magazine’s recruitment website, providing the latest online library and information jobs. CILIP also runs a publishing imprint, Facet Publishing. There are several local branches across the United Kingdom, 25 special interest groups and over 20 organizations in liaison including such bodies as the African Caribbean Library Association, the Librarians' Christian Fellowship and the Society of Indexers.
CILIP hosts a conference every two years called "Umbrella" (containing 'LA' the acronym of the Library Association). Umbrella 2009 and Umbrella 2011 (July 12–13) were held at the University of Hatfield and Umbrella 2013 (July 2 to 3) at the University of Manchester. The title is abbreviated from "Under One Umbrella" a Library Association event held every two years.
The current 'Information Management Project 2014' initiative aims to produce professional policy resources on information management.
Role in LIS Education
CILIP’s policy is to improve all aspects of professional practice through its work in education, maintaining a framework of universally recognized qualifications and providing a wide range of opportunities for CPD. In 2002 CILIP undertook a review of its qualifications framework. The new Frame work of Qualifications was launched in April 2005. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable, as the areas will evolve and develop over time to accommodate changing needs. It is appropriate to library and information professionals across the sector as a whole. As such it has a degree of overlap with the knowledge base of other professions.
The framework consists of four levels – certification, charters hip, revalidation and fellowship. Certification provides recognition from the association for library and information work by Para- professionals. Those who gain admittance to the Register of Certified Members are entitled to work towards Chartered Membership. There are two categories of applicant for Charter ship: firstly Para-professionals with over five years' experience; secondly those who have some evidence of training and have been working for two years.
Charter ship is CILIP's standard for information professionals. Chartered members are entitled to use post nominal letters and describe themselves as qualified library and information professionals. All candidates for Charter ship must work with a Mentor and demonstrate through their portfolio that they meet the required criteria. Charter ship is not an academic qualification but recognition of the highest standards of professional practice. The individual makes a commitment to continued professional development. Normally applicants will have completed a degree in LIS and have been working for at least one year.
By: American Library Association (CILIP)
CILIP is the leading body representing the information professions. We believe in a literate, knowledgeable and connected society. We build the professionalism of our members by supporting the development of skills, knowledge and excellence. We provide unity through shared values and advocate on behalf of the information professions.
Vision and mission
Our purpose and ambition.
Vision
A fair and economically prosperous society is underpinned by literacy, access to information and the transfer of knowledge.
Mission
CILIP exists to:
Promote and support the people who work to deliver this vision.
Be the leading voice for information, library and knowledge practitioners, working to advocate strongly, provide unity through shared values and develop skills and excellence.
Devolved Nations
If you live or work in one of the Devolved Nations, they will provide you with access to events, training and other networking and CPD opportunities nearer your home or place of work.
Projects and reviews
Our projects and reviews are delivering a program of major and fundamental change. They contribute to making sure that CILIP appeals to the breadth of the information professions, is well governed and provides relevant and high quality benefits to members and key stakeholders
Future skills project
The Future Skills project is reviewing CILIP’s qualifications to ensure every member gets the recognition they deserve from their employers and society for a unique suite of highly valuable, relevant and endurable skills.
This review has created the Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB) and the revised model for delivering accreditation of academic and vocational qualifications and Certification, Charter ship, Fellowship and Revalidation. Governance review
As part of CILIP’s change program to be fit for the future, we have reviewed our governance. Changes will be implemented between November 2014 and April 2015.
Through the review we asked for the views of all of our members and stakeholders on the proposals. All views were fed back to CILIP Council to help finalize proposals before being taken to members for vote at the AGM on 20 September 2014. The Privy Council then formally agreed the changes in November 2014.
Workforce Mapping Project
CILIP and the Archives Records Association (ARA) have commissioned major research to map the workforce across the Library, Archives, Records, Information and Knowledge Management Services and related professions in the United Kingdom.