About PLA
The Public Library Association (PLA), with more than 11,000 members is one of the fastest growing divisions of the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve.
Founded in 1944, PLA is a member-driven organization that exists to provide a diverse program of communication, publication, advocacy, continuing education, and programming for its members and others interested in the advancement of public library service.
PLA’s core values are:
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Provides visionary leadership ever open to new ideas.
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Dedicated to lifelong learning.
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Focused on and responsive to member needs.
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Committed to a free and open exchange of information and active collaboration.
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Respects diversity of opinion and community needs.
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Committed to excellence and innovation.
PLA members receive Public Libraries, the only ALA journal dedicated to public libraries, as well as "e-News @ PLA," the monthly electronic newletter. Members also receive preferred rates on PLA continuing education events and on PLA publications. Only personal members of PLA have the right to vote in PLA elections, serve on PLA committees, and hold PLA office.
Public Libraries, published six times a year, is the official journal of PLA and the only ALA journal devoted exclusively to public libraries. Each bimonthly issue offers articles and columns on hot topics, public library trends, and subjects of professional concern. Public Libraries encourages working public librarians to submit manuscripts for potential publication in the journal. If you’re interested in writing feature articles or smaller opinion pieces, reviewing books or sending us press releases, please read the editorial guidelines.
PLA offers its members the best resources for career advancement, problem solving, continuing education, and library information, in articles and monographs written by public librarians and public library staff members specifically for public librarians and public library staff members. PLA’s active publishing program provides top quality books and monographs on a wide range of public library concerns and issues. All PLA Publications may be ordered from the ALA Online Store, or by calling 1-866-SHOP ALA (1-866-746-7252).
PLA's electronic newsletter is sent to members (who have chosen to receive it) approximately once per month. Packed with late-breaking news and other items of interest to the public library world, the e-newsletter also is archived on PLA's news page.
Every other year, PLA members come together at the largest and best conference for the public library world. The PLA National Conferences offer more than 120 top-quality continuing education programs from which to choose. Special events include preconferences, author luncheons, Talk Tables, and a bustling exhibits hall. Upcoming PLA National Conferences include:
PLA 2008 - PLA's 12th National Conference - March 25-29, 2008 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
PLA 2010 - PLA's 13th National Conference - March 23-27, 2010 - Portland, Oregon
PLA offers several programs and preconference programs during the ALA Annual Conference. In addition, several special PLA member events are held at ALA’s Annual Conference including the President’s Program and Reception.
This workshop series allows for an in-depth look at a particular area, from the latest hot topics to issues of daily concern. Held in the spring of non-National Conference years, the Symposium offers a choice from five to seven topics and includes author luncheons and other special events.
In addition to the Spring Symposium and National Conference, PLA plans two traveling workshops per year. The workshops will alternate between the east and west coasts.
PLA’s Web site, www.pla.org, offers instant information about PLA membership, products, and activities. “Tech Notes,” a series of mini-publications dealing with technology, are posted at this Web address.
PLA’s awards programs has been designed to honor those providing public library service whose vision and accomplishments are extraordinary and deserve recognition. PLA currently offers six service awards and three grant opportunities. The 2007 annual deadline for receiving completed applications is December 3.
Current research on early literacy and brain development indicates that it is never too early to prepare children for success as readers. Parents of newborns, toddlers and preschoolers must be informed of their critical role as their children's first teacher.
The Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, have incorporated the latest research into a series of parent and caregiver workshops to provide public libraries with vital tools to help prepare parents for their critical role as their child's first teacher. These tools were developed by Dr. Grover C. Whitehurst and Dr. Christopher Lonigan, well-known researchers in emergent literacy, and have been tested and refined by library demonstrations sites around the country. Visit www.ala.org/everychild for more information.
PLA has developed a number of products to aid in the ongoing effort to recruit public librarians into the profession. The association has developed a comprehensive recruitment website, www.pla.org that contains testimonials from real-life librarians on why they chose public librarianship; edcuational requirements; scholarships information and links; salary data and other resources; and an informative look at the public library world entitled "public library fast facts." Smartest Card Campaign
Advocacy is fundamental goal of the PLA Strategic Plan. During this time of increased competition, budget cutbacks and the evolving role of libraries, it is essential to raise public awareness about what our libraries provide and to fill the information gap about their value. The campaign theme: "The Smartest Card" incorporates the @ your library® brand developed for The Campaign for America's Libraries, a multi-year public education campaign sponsored by ALA.
PLA is pleased to be an approved provider of Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) courses. This series of practical management classes will help you position yourself to become a leader in the field. Registration is open to CPLA candidates anf public librarians looking to sharpen their management skills. For more information on CPLA certification, visit the ALA-APA Web site.
Upcoming CPLA courses from PLA
PLA is a division of the American Library Association. Copyright Statement.
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