Special Libraries Association

Special Libraries Association. The Special Libraries Association (SLA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1909 by a group of librarians, including Melvil Dewey, Charles Ammi Cutter, and Samuel Swett Green, with the goal of promoting the interests of special libraries and librarians. The organization has its roots in the American Library Association (ALA) and has since become a leading voice in the field of library science, with members from institutions such as the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, and British Library. The SLA has also collaborated with other organizations, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).

● History

The Special Libraries Association has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century, when it was founded by a group of librarians who were interested in promoting the interests of special libraries. The organization's early years were marked by significant growth, with the establishment of chapters in cities such as New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco. The SLA also played a key role in the development of library science as a profession, with many of its members contributing to the field through their work at institutions such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Columbia University, and University of California, Berkeley. The organization has also been influenced by notable librarians, including Sara Aaronson, Ralph Shaw, and Jesse Shera, who have made significant contributions to the field of library science. The SLA has also worked closely with other organizations, including the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

● Organization

The Special Libraries Association is a global organization, with members from over 80 countries, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. The organization is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, and has a staff of professionals who work to support the organization's mission and goals. The SLA is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from various chapters and divisions, such as the Business and Finance Division, Science and Technology Division, and Social Science Division. The organization also has a number of committees, including the Awards and Honors Committee, Conference Planning Committee, and Membership Committee, which are responsible for planning and implementing various programs and activities. The SLA has also partnered with other organizations, including the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) and the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM).

● Membership

Membership in the Special Libraries Association is open to anyone who is interested in special libraries and librarianship, including librarians, information professionals, and students. The organization offers a range of membership benefits, including access to online resources, such as the SLA Wiki and SLA Connect, as well as opportunities for professional development and networking. Members of the SLA can also participate in various chapters and divisions, such as the Academic Division, Government Information Division, and Law Librarians Division, which provide opportunities for networking and professional development. The organization has also established relationships with other professional organizations, including the Medical Library Association (MLA) and the Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA). Many notable librarians, including Frederick Kilgour, Calvin Mooers, and Henriette Avram, have been members of the SLA and have made significant contributions to the field of library science.

● Divisions

The Special Libraries Association has a number of divisions, which are organized around specific topics or areas of interest, such as business and finance, science and technology, and social science. These divisions provide opportunities for members to network and share information with others who have similar interests and expertise. The organization also has a number of chapters, which are organized by geographic region, such as the New York Chapter, Chicago Chapter, and San Francisco Bay Region Chapter. The SLA's divisions and chapters have worked closely with other organizations, including the American Chemical Society (ACS), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The organization has also established partnerships with other professional associations, including the Society for Technical Communication (STC) and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).

● Conferences_and_Events

The Special Libraries Association hosts a number of conferences and events throughout the year, including the SLA Annual Conference, which is one of the largest and most prominent conferences in the field of library science. The organization also hosts a number of smaller conferences and meetings, such as the SLA Leadership Summit and the SLA Division Conferences, which provide opportunities for members to network and share information. The SLA has also partnered with other organizations to host conferences and events, including the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) and the Annual Meeting of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Many notable speakers, including Vint Cerf, Tim Berners-Lee, and Brewster Kahle, have presented at SLA conferences and events.

● Publications

The Special Libraries Association publishes a number of publications, including Information Outlook, which is the organization's official magazine, and SLA Connect, which is an online newsletter. The organization also publishes a number of books and other resources, such as the SLA Handbook and the SLA Directory, which provide information and guidance on topics related to special libraries and librarianship. The SLA has also partnered with other organizations to publish joint publications, including the Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIST) and the Library and Information Science Research (LISR) journal. Many notable authors, including Sherry L. Vellucci, Arlene G. Taylor, and Daniel N. Joudrey, have published in SLA publications and have made significant contributions to the field of library science. Category:Library associations