PLA Communities of Practice

In May 2008, PLA members voted overwhelmingly in favor of changing the organization’s bylaws. In addition to flattening the structure of PLA, the new bylaws provide an opportunity for all members to participate in PLA through the new Communities of Practice.

What is a Community of Practice?

A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people who continuously come together to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for a specific subject. Their regular interactions produce an even greater understanding of a specific subject and serve to solve problems or even generate new ideas or projects within a field.

CoPs will replace many PLA committees.
Unlike committees, CoPs will be accessible to members regardless of whether or not they are able to commit to traveling to in-person meetings. The CoPs will exist primarily in a virtual space allowing members to communicate and network on an ongoing basis. But, if members choose to meet at ALA Midwinter or Annual Conference, PLA will provide a meeting space for them to do so.
There will be no appointing process. Members can join (and leave) CoPs at their discretion, and members can develop new communities if their area of interest is not represented. As new topics and issues emerge, members are encouraged to form groups for investigation, discussion, and management of projects.
CoPs will be able to recommend conference programs, PLA products, and services for consideration.

The PLA Communities of Practice Startup Guide (PDF, 135 kb)

What about the Committees?

PLA will continue to maintain standing committees, advisory groups, and task forces that support the association and have specific work outcomes. More information about PLA committees.