ASCLA Organization

VISION

The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is the premiere destination for ALA members to find information and build capacity to serve populations that are served by state library agencies, specialized libraries, library cooperatives and library consultants.

MISSION

The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) enhances the effectiveness of library service by advocating for and providing high quality networking, enrichment and educational opportunities for its diverse members, who represent state library agencies, libraries serving special populations, library cooperatives, and library consultants.

WHO WE ARE

ASCLA's more than 800 members are:

• Librarians, library agencies and staff serving populations with special needs, such as those with sensory, physical, health or behavioral conditions or those who are incarcerated or detained.
• Librarians and staff of state library agencies, and state library consultants – organizations created or authorized by the state government to promote library services in the state through the organization and coordination of a variety of library services.
• Library networks and cooperatives – organizations of one or more types of libraries: academic, public, special, or school. They collaborate to maximize the funds available for provision of library services to all citizens. They may serve a community, a metropolitan area, a region, or a state-wide or multi-state area.
• Consultants, independent or contract librarians, as well as those who work outside of traditional library settings.

Member activity is centered around our interest groups: review a complete list of those groups here!

WHAT WE DO

• Cultivate a community to connect you with your peers to help celebrate your victories and provide support and information when you face professional challenges.
• Provide a voice for libraries and librarians serving populations with special needs.
• Advocate for universal access for all library users.
• Offer online and in-person professional development opportunities. Topics include marketing and development, outreach to Latinos, services to the blind and visually impaired, being an effective facilitator, and so much more!
• Publish Interface, our e-newsletter for members that provides cutting-edge information and news from the field.  
• Stay in touch using ASCLA-L listserv, ASCLA Facebook page, ASCLA Twitter and ASCLA Blog.
• Produce resources such as our Accessibility Toolkits and industry standards and guidelines, like our recently published revised “Standards of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped”.
• Cultivate leaders and librarians who make a difference through interest groups, committee service and development of critical documents such as the Prisoners’ Right to Read statement.
• Provide professional recognition with awards that sing the praises of our deserving and dedicated members.
• Have fun at events like the ASCLA/COSLA Networking Party and Award Reception, a social gathering of ASCLA members where we celebrate accomplishments.

HOW TO JOIN ASCLA

You must first be an ALA member before you can join The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA). ASCLA dues are $51 (plus the cost of ALA membership). ALA student member, retirees and non-salaried dues are $20. For an organization to join dues are $60 and for a State Library Agency, the dues are $500.

Join us now. It's an excellent investment in your professional future.

ASCLA staff may be contacted at:

ASCLA Office
50 E. Huron St.
Chicago, Illinois 60611
1-800-545-2433 x4395
ascla@ala.org