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.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) “serves as an advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to the nation’s African American community; and provides leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians.”

An easy way to learn more about BCALA is to check out their blog, which includes information on an upcoming ALA election, and also links to a 2018 programming grant application. You can also read their newsletter or explore some press releases.

Some of the resources available on the BCALA website include a career center, access to the African American Library Directors Database, and information about several awards.

Learn more about membership to BCALA on their membership page!