Libraries

Resources about library and information science or relevant to library professionals.

Sub-headings:

Fun Facts

Internet for Libraries

Issues

Library Advocacy & Promotion

Library, Librarian & Library Science Blogs

Discussions of all aspects of librarianship and all types of libraries, as well as blogs written by librarians on a variety of topics.

Libraries Around The World

Libraries by Type

Library Employment

Library News

On the Job

Organizing the Web

Resources in this category:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library Resource Network
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~atsilirn/

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library Resource Network (ATSILRN) originated in November 1993. It was one of the recommendations to come out of the Gathering and Sharing Workshop held at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. In 1995 the name was changed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library and Information Resource Network, ATSILIRN."

American Association of Law Libraries
http://www.aallnet.org/

"The association is established for educational and scientific purposes. It shall be conducted as a nonprofit corporation to promote and enhance the value of law libraries to the public, the legal community and the world, to foster the profession of law librarianship, to provide leadership in the field of legal information and to foster a spirit of cooperation among the members of the profession." This site has a wide variety of information links, including access to meetings, awards, scholarships, grants, chapters, bylaws, membership, directories, newsletters, placement, press releases, reader services, task forces and finances.

The American Association of School Librarians
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslindex.htm

"The mission of the American Association of School Librarians is to provide leadership and support for the development, promotion and improvement of school library media programs, and the school library media profession." This site provides links to information regarding membership, publications, awards, affiliates, conferences and directories.

American Indian Library Association
http://aila.library.sd.gov/

This association is set up in order to assist native americans as well as other minorties in the library science field. They offer their services to those who need help in a variety of ways. This web page has contact information, links to other relevant web pages, conference information, newsletter information and cost of joining the association.

American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/

"The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world, and its 57,000 members represent all types of libraries--public, school, academic, state, and special. ALA offers an extensive array of programs, educational opportunities, conferences, and publications for librarians and the general public interested in library issues. This web site offers information about ALA and its activities to ALA members, nonmember librarians, and the interested general public." This site offers links to information regarding goals, events, a virtual store, conferences, workshops, meetings, initiatives and current events.

American Society for Engineering Education Engineering Libraries Division
http://eld.lib.ucdavis.edu/

"The division consists of librarians and information professionals concerned with the support of engineering education. We are involved in the provision of library services and the development of innovative approaches to networking information services. Our role within ASEE is to promote the role of the library as an integral part of engineering education. ELD serves as a forum for engineers who believe that information access lies at the heart of engineering education." This list provides links to information regarding searchable archives, conferences, background, newsletters, publications, and links to engineering libraries

American Society for Information Science and Technology
http://www.asis.org/

"ASIS has been the society for information professionals leading the search for new theories, techniques, and technologies to improve access to information since 1937. So we thought it appropriate to use this web to reflect that pioneering nature. ASIS's site won't just provide information about ASIS and its activities, although we certainly think that's an important function of the site. It will also be used to experiment with new ways of disseminating valuable information to professionals and scientists in the field and new ways for members of the information science community to interact." This site provides links to information regarding membership, conferences, publications, education, interest groups and policies. You can also search the site.

American Society of Indexers
http://www.asindexing.org/site/index.html

"The American Society of Indexers, Inc. was founded in 1968 in New York City and is now incorporated in the State of Maryland. It is the only professional organization in the United States solely devoted to the advancement of indexing, abstracting and database building." This site provides access to information regarding membership, publications, chapters, awards, history, meetings, conferences, workshops, discussion groups online, and reference sources.

American Theological Library Association
http://www.atla.com/atlahome.html

"Established in 1946, the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) has more than 650 personal and 230 institutional members. ATLA's international membership represents many religious traditions and denominations. Membership is open to any person who is engaged in professional library or bibliographic work in theological or religious fields, or who has an interest in the literature of religion, theological librarianship, and the purposes and work of the association." The site has sections for member services, products, selected reference resources, and the annual conference.

Art Libraries Society of North America
http://www.arlisna.org/

"ARLIS/NA, founded in 1972, promotes the continuing professional education of its members and the general knowledge of the public concerning all aspects of art librarianship and visual resources curatorship." This site provides links to information regarding membership, conferences, archives, administration, committees, chapters, publications, calendars, awards, affiliates, and related sites.

Association for Library & Information Science Education
http://www.alise.org/

"ALISE is an association of individuals and institutions devoted to the advancement of knowledge, learning, and service in the interdisciplinary field of Information Studies."

Association for Library Service to Children
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alsc.htm

ALSC is a division of the American Library Association. "The mission of ALSC is to support the profession of children's librarianship enabling and encouraging its practitioners to provide the best library services to our nation's children. ALSC is dedicated to creating a better future by creating better opportunities for today's children." The site has links to book award winners, including the Newbery and Caldecott, as well as information for parents and recommended websites for kids.

Association of Independent Information Professionals
http://www.aiip.org/index.html

"The Association of Independent Information Professionals is an international association of owners of information businesses. Members provide such information services as online database searching, market and industry surveys, document delivery, library services, general research services, public records research, thesaurus building, indexing and abstracting services, digital library development, competitive intelligence, and specialized research in specific subject areas."

The Association of Jewish Libraries
http://www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/home.htm

"The Association of Jewish Libraries promotes Jewish literacy through enhancement of libraries and library resources and through leadership for the profession and practitioners of Judaica librarianship. The Association fosters access to information, learning, teaching and research relating to Jews, Judaism, the Jewish experience and Israel."

Association of Research Libraries
http://www.arl.org/

"The mission of the Association of Research Libraries is to shape and influence forces affecting the future of research libraries in the process of scholarly communication. ARL programs and services promote equitable access to, and effective use of recorded knowledge in support of teaching, research, scholarship, and community service. The Association articulates the concerns of research libraries and their institutions, forges coalitions, influences information policy development, and supports innovation and improvement in research library operations. ARL is a not-for-profit membership organization comprising the libraries of North American research institutions and operates as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as an agent for collective action." The site lists links that reflect ARL mission: about ARL; ARL libraries; partnerships; ARL gopher; ARL career Resources; information policy; scholarly communication; collection development; access and technology; preservation; ARL statistics and measurement; publications; office of management and services (OMS); systems and procedures exchange center; ARL/OMS training and leadership development; OMS organizational development and consulting; and diversity.

Association of UK Media Specialists
http://www.aukml.org.uk/

The Association of UK Media Librarians, AUKML, was formed in 1986 to create Links between librarians and information workers in all areas of the media industry. Our members come from newspaper and magazine publishing, broadcasting organisations and acaddemic institutions. Despite our name, we are happy to welcome overseas members. We aim to improve the professional standing of information workers through exchanging knowledge and experience and by organising meetings, events and conferences to keep members up-to-date with emerging techniques in information management. This site has information on the membership fees, benefits, news, members, events, conferences, links, and home pages.

Association of Vision Science Librarians
http://spectacle.berkeley.edu/~library/AVSL.HTM

"An international organization composed of professional librarians, or persons acting in that capacity, whose collections or services include the literature of vision. Among current members are individuals who work within libraries that serve educational institutions, eye clinics and hospitals, and private companies with an interest in eye or vision-related products and services."

Australian Council of Libraries and Information Services
http://www.nla.gov.au/aclis/

"A national and cross-sectoral industry council for libraries and information services in Australia. Through its committees and taskforces or through invited participation in committees set up through other bodies is active in issues of copyright, electronic publishing, library preservation, cataloguing, standards which relate to libraries, technology development, interlending and document supply, government publishing, and Australian 'distributed national collection' and cross-sectoral usage of libraries" Site includes working papers and information about events, activities, publications and membership.

Australian Library and Information Association
http://www.alia.org.au/

ALIA "is the professional organisation for the Australian library and information services sector. It seeks to empower the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services to the nation, through leadership, advocacy and mutual support." In addition to information for members, the site has selected articles from the association's magazine and a section on Australian library advocacy.

Australian School Library Association
http://www.asla.org.au/

"The Australian School Library Association (ASLA) is a national authority, a peak forum in the field of teacher-librarianship and school library resource services. Its aim is to maximise opportunities for students to obtain independent lifelong learning and decision making skills." The sites contains links to useful publications, policy statements, and other resources available for school librarians.

Canadian Library Association
http://www.cla.ca/

"The 'mission' of the Canadian Library Association is to provide leadership in the promotion, development and support of library and information services in Canada for the benefit of Association members, the profession and Canadian society." This web page has association history, contact people, membership information, publishing information, and other related links that are useful.

Chinese American Librarians Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/othergroups/affiliates...

"CALA is an active affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA) since 1976 and a member of the Council of National Library and Information Associations (CNLIA)." It has sister relations with the Library Association of Central Governments Units and Scientific Research Networks of Beijing, and with the Library Association of China in Taipei, and exchanges publications with the East Asian Library Resources Group of Australia and many others." This web page has contact information, publications, officer information, links to other pages, awards, committees, a searchable database, and programs.

Council of Australian University Librarians
http://online.anu.edu.au/caul/

" The Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) has as its mission the advancement of teaching, learning and research through planned cooperative endeavors by Australian university libraries. CAUL provides a forum for discussion of issues relating to libraries and a mechanism for the coordination of activities which benefit the university community." This site provides access to information regarding membership, related web sites, current events, conference registration, projects, activities, library materials for sale, and newsletters.

IASL: School Libraries Online
http://www.iasl-slo.org/

"The mission of the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) is to provide an international forum for people interested in promoting effective school library media programmes as viable instruments in the educational process. Membership is worldwide, and includes school librarians, teachers, librarians, library advisers, consultants, educational administrators, and others who are responsible for library and information services in schools. The membership also includes professors and instructors in universities and colleges where there are programmes for school librarians, and students who are undertaking such programmes. The IASL Web site provides information about the Association, the full text of selected articles from the Newsletter, information about publications, the full text of Association documents, an online registration service for Association conferences, online subscription for the Association's listserv IASL-LINK, and links to other Internet resources, including sites of interest to school librarians, and documents related to school librarianship."

The International Association of Music Libraries Archives and Documentation Centres
http://www.cilea.it/music/iaml/iamlhome.htm

With members in some 45 countries throughout the world, the association was founded in 1951 "to promote international cooperation and to support the interests of the profession." Information can be found here on its four subject commissions and various working groups, and several large-scale documentation projects.

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
http://www.ifla.org/

"The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions or (IFLA), is a worldwide, independent organization created to provide librarians around the world with a forum for exchanging ideas, promoting international cooperation, research and development in all fields of library activity. IFLA's objectives are: to represent librarianship in matters of international interest; to promote the continuing education of library personnel; and to develop, maintain and promote guidelines for library services." This site provides links to information regarding membership, affiliation, sponsors, publications, funding, conferences,services, mailing lists and guidelines.

International Reading Association
http://www.reading.org/

"The International Reading Association seeks to promote high levels of literacy for all by improving the quality of reading instruction through studying the reading processes and teaching techniques; serving as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of reading research through conferences, journals, and other publications; and actively encouraging the lifetime reading habit... [It] is a dynamic and diverse organization that includes classroom teachers, reading specialists, consultants, administrators, supervisors, college teachers, researchers, psychologists, librarians, media specialists, students, and parents." Find out about their publications, international projects, research, and advocacy efforts.

Library and Information Technology Association
http://www.lita.org/LITAMAINTemplate.cfm?Section=lita&CFID=7...

LITA is a division of the American Library Association. This site provides links to information regarding committees, interest groups, representatives, conferences, and publications (including their newsletter).

The Library Association
http://www.la-hq.org.uk/

"The Association for Librarians and Information Managers For over 100 years The Library Association has been promoting and defending libraries, for those working in them and for the people who use them. By representing everyone who works in the library and information sector, The Library Association acts as a focus for discussion, and helps the profession speak effectively with one voice." Site includes information on membership, the association, and publications.

Library of the London School of Economics and Political Science
http://www.lse.ac.uk/library/

"The London School of Economics and Political Science is also known as the British Library of Political and Economic Science (BLPES). It was founded in 1896 by public subscription on the initiative of Sidney Webb. As well as being the working library of the London School of Economics (LSE), it serves as a national collection of material for research."

Medical Library Association
http://www.mlanet.org/

"A professional organization of more than 5,000 individuals and institutions in the health information field. MLA fosters excellence in the professional achievement and leadership of health sciences library and information professionals to enhance the quality of health care, education, and research. MLA assists librarians with the exchange of health sciences books and periodicals and to develop a variety of programs to serve the needs of health information specialists."

Michigan Library Association
http://www.mla.lib.mi.us/

"Dedicated to representing library personnel, improving library services and resources, and providing an opportunity to meet library peers and associates." Website includes informatio aobut the association, membership, programs and conferences, publication info, and a jobline.

Music Library Association
http://www.musiclibraryassoc.org/

"The Music Library Association is the professional organization in the United States devoted to music librarianship and to all aspects of music materials in libraries. Founded in 1931, MLA provides a forum for study and action on issues that affect music libraries and their users. MLA and its members make significant contributions to librarianship, publishing, standards and scholarship, and the development of new information technologies. In the forefront of contemporary librarianship, MLA assures that users of music materials will be well served by their libraries." This web page has information on MLA, contact information, publishing information, links, meetings, cataloguing, collection development, and information on the MLA Clearinghouse.

North American Serials Interest Group
http://www.nasig.org/

"Established in 1985, the North American Serials Interest Group, Inc. (NASIG) is an independent organization that promotes communication and sharing of ideas among all members of the serials information chain - anyone working with or concerned about serial publications." This site provides access to information regarding bylaws, membership, newsletters, volunteers, conferences, program proposals, and related sites.

Ontario Library Association
http://www.accessola.org/

"Founded in 1900, the Ontario Library Association is Canada's oldest library association and with 3,650 members is the largest of the provincial library associations. We provide an opportunity for the people in our field to associate, to meet, to share experience and expertise, to create innovative solutions in a constantly changing environment." Resources on this site include upcoming events and activities, membership, news, advocacy and position statements, and career information.

Pacific Islands Association of Libraries and Archives
http://www.uog.edu/rfk/piala/piala.html

"The Pacific Islands Association of Libraries and Archives (PIALA) is the newest regional association of librarians and archivists to be formed in the Pacific area. The association was formed to address the needs of Pacific Islands librarians and archivists, with a special focus on Micronesia." This page has information on the association, proceedings, newsletters, published materials and memberships.

The Portuguese Association of Librarians, Archivists and Documentalists
http://www.apbad.pt/

"The Portuguese Association of Librarians, Archivists and Documentalists, known in Portugal as BAD, was created in 1973 as the result of the efforts of Portuguese experts in the field of documentation and information BAD has as its main goals to: a) Protect the interests of its members in every aspect concerning their activities and careers, as well as to reinforce solidarity links; b) Foster research in those areas in connection with professional sectors; c) Promote scientific, technical and cultural improvement of its members with a view to their full identity and professional ethics awareness; d) Intervene in decision-making areas concerning planning, implementation and reorganization of Documentation Information Systems; e) Defend the right to Information from the viewpoint of a full development; f) Assess the quality of curriculum contents and structures at the different levels of professional training." This web page has membership information, organization information, publications, events, other resources, a list of libraries, search capabilities and also available in Portuguese or English.

Public Library Association
http://www.pla.org/ala/pla/pla.htm

"The Public Library Association will advance the development and effectiveness of public library service and public librarians." Site includes information on membership, conferences, and publications.

REFORMA
http://www.reforma.org/

The National Association to Promote Library Services to the Spanish Speaking's site includes e-newsletter, scholarship information and links to other Latino library soources.

The Research Libraries Group
http://www.rlg.org/

RLG is "- a not-for-profit membership corporation of institutions devoted to improving access to information that supports research and learning. These Web pages offer information about what we do and give you an opportunity to contact us to learn more. Some sections of this site are limited to member staff, who use them as resources in the cooperative activities for which institutions join RLG. Others provide references for users of our information services and products (one doesn't have to be a member to use these). RLG offers institutions an unusual opportunity for containing costs, improving local services, and contributing to international access to scholarly materials." This site provides access to information regarding organization philosophy, membership, bibliographic databases, special databases, CitaDel article citation files, online services and search systems and software.

SLAINTE: Information and Libraries Scotland
http://www.slainte.org.uk/

"The Scottish Library Association was founded in 1908. In 1931 it formally affiliated with the Library Association. In its affiliation to the Library Association the Scottish Library Association's position is unique. The separate and distinct legal, educational and government structure in Scotland places the SLA in a special relationship, not only with the Library Association itself, but also with the numerous parallel Scottish organisations whose interests and activities impinge directly on library services. Throughout the period of affiliation the SLA has undertaken representation of the Library Association in the Scottish context, and this function is recognised by the Library Association." This site has contact information, publications, a calendar of future events, branches of this association, and a history of the association.

Special Libraries Association
http://www.sla.org/

"The Special Libraries Association is an international professional association that represents more than 14,000 information resource experts who collect, analyze and evaluate, package, and disseminate information to facilitate accurate decision making. SLA's members are employed by corporations, private companies, government agencies, technical and academic institutions, museums, medical facilities and information management consulting firms." This site provides links to information regarding conferences, departments, divisions and chapters, student groups, honors and awards, publications, membership, career services, news and a gopher.

Substance Abuse Librarians & Information Specialists
http://salis.org/

An "international association of individuals and organizations with special interests in the exchange and dissemination of alcohol,tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) information." The Web site includes information on membership, products and services, conferences, and activities.

Texas Library Association
http://www.txla.org/

"The Texas Library Association is one of the largest state library associations in the United States. The site includes a place for policies, conferences, workshops, officers, counselors, divisions, committees, vendors, scholarship announcements, etc." Searchable.

Bibliographical Society of America
http://www.bibsocamer.org/

"The Bibliographical Society of America (BSA) was organized in 1904 and incorporated in 1927. Its principal objectives are to promote bibliographical research and to issue bibliographical publications. Membership is open to all those interested in bibliographical problems and projects, and libraries are welcome as institutional members." You can find out about bibliography and the society's publications at this site.

Bibliographical Society of Canada
http://www.library.utoronto.ca/bsc/

"The principal aims of the Society are to promote bibliographical publications; to encourage the preservation and to extend the knowledge of printed works and manuscripts, particularly those relating to Canada; to facilitate the exchange of information concerning rare Canadiana; to coordinate bibliographical activity and to set standards. The Society welcomes as members all those who share its aims and wish to support and participate in Bibliographical research and publication." Information about conferences and the society's publications are available here. There are also links to related sites.

Canadian School Library Association
http://www.cla.ca/divisions/csla/

"It is our intention to provide all teacher-librarians, library technicians and library assistants in schools across Canada with a site that will provide instant access to wealth of pertinent information related to the provision of quality school library programs and service in Canada." This site includes conference information, guidelines for school librarians, and professional papers.

Urban Libraries Council
http://www.urbanlibraries.org/

"An association of large public libraries and corporations which serve them, organized to solve common problems, better understand new opportunities and conduct applied research which improves professional practice." Use the Website to learn more about ULC and its members, get news on major projects, and learn about their research.

Washington Library Media Association
http://www.wlma.org/

WLMA is comprised of "1200 members in the state of Washington, interested in school libraries, educational technology and telecommunications. Our professional pleasure is assisting students and teachers to locate and use information for personal and educational goals." This site provides links to information regarding conferences, workshops, continuing education, awards and scholarships, tools and legislation.

Washington Medical Librarians Association
http://www.wmla.org/

"WMLA's mission is to improve the quality of health sciences library service in the State of Washington; to provide opportunities for professional growth by interaction and continuing education for WMLA members; to improve the role of librarians and the library in the healthcare institution; and to enable WMLA members to assist healthcare professionals in providing excellent care. WMLA membership is open to all librarians and library staff who are affiliated with Washington hospitals, health care centers, and institutions concerned with medicine or health care. WMLA provides continuing education and professional development activities." Website "includes how to join WMLA, current activities, bylaws, contact information, membership directory and Online Newsletter.

Young Adult Library Services Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/yalsa.cfm

YALSA is a division of the American Library Association. Its "goal is to advocate, promote and strengthen service to young adults, ages 12 through 18, as part of the continuum of total library services." Their site has links to professional resources, various YA booklists--such as Best Books and Quick Picks--news, and websites for young adults.