Chapter Relations Office

The Chapter Relations Office (CRO) promotes a sense of identification between the national Association and the 57 ALA Chapters; facilitates communication between the Chapters and all ALA units; coordinates leadership development for Chapter officers, Chapter Councilors, chief paid staff members, and other Chapter leaders; strengthens membership promotion activities for ALA and the Chapters; coordinates the ALA Student Chapters and the ALA Student-to-Staff program; and helps raise awareness of and sensitivity to Chapter needs throughout the ALA. The interests of Chapters are represented within ALA by the Chapter Relations Committee (CRC) and the Chapter Relations Office (CRO). The CRC serves as an advisory committee to the CRO.

Timely Links

Joint membership program. Student? Library Support Staff? Trustee? Join Your State Library Association and ALA for one low price! NEW: Join Online!

State of the Chapter Annual Report

Helping United States Libraries After Disasters

First Links

• ALA Chapters: Frequently Asked Questions
• Follow Chapters on Twitter and Facebook
• Meeting Schedules at Conferences and Calendar of ALA and Chapter Events
• Responsibilities, Initiatives, and Projects incl. CRO's Legislation and Advocacy page
• Contact CRO

Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference Schedules   

The Select ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference Schedule for Chapters lists CRO and CRC meetings, events, and programs during these annual conferences.

If you are a Chapter leader, register for the Chapter Leaders Forum. For over 20 years the Chapter Relations Committee has provide an Orientation for Chapter Leaders Workshop, now called the Chapter Leaders Forum, for incoming Chapter leaders at each ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference. 

ALA Conference Planning Calendar

ALA’s Conference Planning Calendar includes chapter conferences. To have your ALA Chapter, ALA Affiliates, and Division Conferences, Institutes, or Workshops included in this calendar, please contact Don Wood, Chapter Relations Office, with the dates and location.

I Love Libraries
  

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Advocacy   

The Chapter Relations Office supports ALA's library advocacy efforts by tracking state and federal legislation affecting libraries and by working with the Office for Library Advocacy, the ALA Washington Office, I Love Libraries, other ALA units, and other groups. For links to resources and other information, visit CRO's Legislation and Advocacy page, which includes Take Action for Libraries and Save Libraries in Your State (which includes Helping U.S. Libraries after disasters).    

ALA Student-to-Staff Program

The ALA Student-to-Staff program allows library students chosen by their schools to attend Annual Conference not only to register for events and attend programs but also to learn more about ALA by working for an ALA unit during conference.

Joint Student Membership Program

The American Library Association has joint student membership arrangements with 20 State Chapters. CRO helps develop and oversee this program.

Webinars

Webinars conducted by the ALA Chapter Relations Office are found on its Webinars page. Look here for archived and current Webinars.

Chapter Programming Opportunities

Certified Public Library Administrator program

The Certified Public Library Administrator program is a voluntary post-MLS certification program for public librarians with three years or more of supervisory experience. For more information, visit the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association.