The
Library Association is the leading professional body for Librarians and Information
Managers.
We have over 25,000 members who work in all sectors, including business and industry,
further and higher education, schools, local and central government departments and
agencies, the health service, the voluntary sector and national public libraries.
We have members throughout the UK and in more than 100 countries overseas.
Our Mission
The Library Association affirms that libraries are fundamental to a
thriving democracy, culture, civilization and
economy.
The Library Association is therefore committed to enabling its Members to achieve and
maintain the highest professional standards, and encouraging them in the
delivery and promotion of high quality library and information services responsive to the
needs of users.
A Powerful Advocate
Since 1877, The Library Association has been speaking up for Britain's libraries. The
energy and commitment of our members and the expertise of our staff enables us to
influence local and national decisions which impact on the provision of library and
information services across all sectors.
As the global information age becomes a reality there is a widespread recognition across
government, education and business of the central role which good libraries can play in
delivering the public and corporate agenda.
The need for excellent libraries has never been greater.
The Library Association campaigns for a healthy, well resourced library network well
placed to meet the opportunities of the future.
| Promoting standards
… The constant maintenance and
improvement of standards of service are central to The Library Association’s mission.
We actively encourage the very highest levels of professionalism in all sectors, from
accrediting library and information courses at degree level to conferring Chartered status
and awards for professional achievements. |
… and encouraging
development Our unique framework for personal
professional development encourages and supports our members throughout their careers. Our
22 Special Interest Groups provide important forums for debate, communication and training
in specific areas of the profession. Our 12 Branches cover the whole of the UK creating
opportunities for local and regional activity. |
Products and services for the
information world
Library Association Enterprises offers a range of
specialised products and services to all sectors of the library and information
profession.
Library Association Record, the monthly journal of
The Library Association, and Library Technology with five issues per year, are
available free to members and on subscription to non-members.
The Professional Development and Conferences Department
organises a wide variety of short courses, senior level briefings on key topics and our
biennial UmbrelLA conference.
Library and Information Appointments, free to
members, is the leading medium for job advertising to the profession, while INFOmatch, our
recruitment agency, handles both permanent and temporary posts throughout the country and
at all levels.
Library Association Publishing, with over 200 titles in
print, is one of the largest publishers of library and information science titles.
Registered Charity No 313014 |
