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 take a look at the Urban Libraries Council. This organization “has spent more than 40 years enriching communities by strengthening and promoting the value of libraries as essential public assets.

ULC provides a forum for library leaders to share best practices and innovative ideas that inspire programs that support 21st century learning, a strong economy, and an active democracy. ULC programs are recognized for creating new frameworks that invigorate public libraries and their communities.”

ULC is focusing on three strategic areas to advocate for the value of libraries. These areas are education, digital inclusion, and healthy, sustainable communities.

ULC has a ton of great member resources. Some of these include library infographics, member videos, their weekly e-newsletter, multiple publications, and of course their annual forum, taking place in September of this year in Baltimore.  Check out their website for additional resources!

Take a look at their member libraries (there are tons across the country!), as well as their list of state and associate members. Do you or your library want to join ULC? You can find more information about membership on their page.

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.

Let’s check out the Southeastern Library Association (SELA) this week! “For over sixty years, the Southeastern Library Association has been a unifying force strong enough to influence legislation and to attract foundation and federal funds for regional library projects.”

SELA has several accomplishments to their name, including two regional library surveys; the adoption of school library standards; establishing state library agencies; founding library schools; a professional journal, plus more!

SELA offers a great variety of scholarships and awards. They have awards for librarians, authors, books, and even individuals outside the library profession who have made contributions to the promotion of libraries in the Southeast.

The organization offers about two conferences a year. This year the SELA summer conference will take place in August in Birmingham and the South Carolina Library Association / SELA Joint Conference will happen at the end of October in Greenville, SC. Find more information here.

Their website has some excellent resources, including a page of Continuing Education library webinars, their quarterly publication called The Southeastern Librarian, and an extensive mentoring program.

Learn more about the benefits of joining SELA and find out how to become a member on their membership page.