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.

This week we will learn about the Catholic Library Association (CLA). This association provides professional development, support, networking, and fellowship.

According to their website, the CLA:

• Provides leadership for professional development
• Coordinates the exchange of ideas
• Offers spiritual support
• Promotes Catholic and ecumenical literature
• Fosters community among those who seek, serve, preserve, and share the word in all its forms

CLA has an annual convention which will be held virtually this year on April 18th. They also have regional chapters for members to join.

Definitely visit their website for more information, but check out a few more of the resources CLA has to offer:

• Publishes Catholic Library World
• Honors excellence in children’­s literature with the Regina Medal
• Honors outstanding contribution to high school librarianship with the St. Katharine Drexel Award
• Honors scholarly contributions in theological and religious studies with the Jerome Award
• Honors contributions to the renewal of parish and community life with the Aggiornamento Award

You can check out current CLA news, browse Job Postings, apply for a scholarship or grant, or shop resources like The Handbook for Church Librarians.

Learn more about benefits of becoming a member of CLA and sign up on their membership page.