Library science is an enormous field, home to every interest you could imagine! This means that there are many organizations out there for you to join, in order to connect with other people who share your professional interests.

So even if you work alone in your library, there are other people out there doing work similar to yours! Each week we will highlight a different library association for you to learn more about, and depending on your work, potentially join! You can also check out our page dedicated to Library Associations.

At CMLE we have some special libraries in our membership, and this organization is for them! (One of our special members is the Stearns History Museum and their archive. Read about our visit here!) Special libraries are an important part of our membership, and if you work in one, definitely check out the Special Libraries Association Minnesota Chapter!

From their site: “The Special Libraries Association Minnesota Chapter (SLA-MN) was founded in 1943 to share expertise and interests and to build a community to support the special librarians of Minnesota and the surrounding area. The chapter exists to provide these same opportunities and services to our members and partners.”

The SLA MN Chapter offers many programs, including several awards, professional development opportunities, and a mentorship program to encourage students and early-career professionals.

For information on membership, to read their Strategic Plan, or learn about the organization’s history, visit the SLA MN Chapter’s website.