How to Start an ALA Student Chapter
This page is designed to help you start an ALA Student Chapter.
The first ALA Student Chapter was created in 1980 at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and now number over 60. Each Student Chapter has its own character and purpose. ALA Student Chapters enhance students' ALA membership by providing leadership experience, networking, and programming opportunities beyond the classroom.
Who is Eligible to Form an Official ALA Student Chapter?
ALA student members at the master's level and beyond are eligible to form official ALA student chapters at schools offering ALA-accredited programs of library and information services, or a master's degree with a specialty in school library media from an AASL/CAEP-accredited program.
Is it possible to have a student chapter of AASL, for example? We have an ALA student chapter, but we would be interested in a more specific AASL student chapter if that is possible.
Many Student Chapter members have established subgroups within their ALA Student Chapters based on specific types of librarianship or areas of interest. For example, chapters may offer subgroups focused on Academic, International, or School Librarianship. There are no specific naming requirements for these chapters. For instance, an AASL/CAEP-accredited program might have an ALA Student Chapter named the Library Media & Information Technology Student Association.
Who Is Eligible to Participate?
ALA student members at the master's level and beyond are eligible to form official ALA student chapter groups at schools offering ALA-accredited programs of library and information services, or a master's degree with a specialty in school library media from an AASL/CAEP-accredited program.
Do I have to be an ALA member to belong to an ALA Student Chapter?
No, ALA membership is not required to participate in Student Chapter events and activities. Participation is open to all and should be actively encouraged. While ALA membership is also encouraged, it is not mandatory for involvement.
However, if you wish to run for a Student Chapter office, you should be an ALA member. This helps ensure that officers can effectively connect with ALA and its broader network. In practice, most Student Chapter bylaws state that ALA membership is encouraged but not required.
Student Chapters, like state library association Chapters, are affiliated with ALA. According to the ALA Bylaws: “A chapter may admit members who are not members of the American Library Association.” This policy applies to Student Chapters as well; they may admit members who are not ALA members. That said, Student Chapter officers and advisors often encourage members to join ALA to take full advantage of professional opportunities.
Additionally, ALA membership is required for Student Chapter members who are appointed to ALA committees or selected for certain ALA-sponsored activities.
Membership Drives for Your Student Chapter
To grow your ALA Student Chapter, start by organizing an informational and organizational meeting open to all interested students. Officers from existing student groups can serve as a steering committee to help promote the chapter and guide its formation.
Once you have a core group of members, begin drafting a chapter constitution. Sample constitutions are available online. Next, appoint a nominating committee and hold a meeting to elect officers and approve the constitution.
Form a program committee to work with the officers in developing events and initiatives for the chapter. Finally, designate a faculty advisor to support the organizers and assist with the chapter’s development.
Membership and Elections
Successful candidates for Student Chapter leadership positions (named in your constitution and bylaws) should be ALA members to ensure that officers can effectively connect with ALA and its broader network. All leaders, election rules, eligibility to vote, and governance procedures should be spelled out in your constitution and bylaws.
Fees
Student Chapters pay no fee to ALA. Individual members of the student chapter group may pay for personal ALA student membership. Each ALA student member is entitled to all the regular ALA personal membership benefits at a substantially reduced dues rate. The chapter may support its programs through fund-raising activities, dues paid to the student chapter group, or contributions from the school administration.
What Are the Benefits of Starting an ALA Student Chapter?
Belonging to ALA Student Chapter enhances students’ ALA membership by providing the opportunity to learn and hone leadership skills and to design and accomplish programs, participate in community volunteer work, network with ALA members and ALA leaders, and more.
ALA student members at the master’s level and beyond enrolled in ALA or AASL/CAEP-accredited programs are eligible to form official ALA Student Chapters.
ALA Promotional Materials and More
If you would like ALA promotional and informational materials. Contact the Chapter Relations Office.
I've Decided I Want to Start an ALA Student Chapter. What Are the Steps?
Designate an Advisor
A faculty advisor should be designated to work with the organizers on chapter formation.
Information and Organizational Meeting
Arrange an informational and organizational meeting at the school for all interested students.
Notify ALA
The approved constitution, name of advisor, and list of officers should be sent the Chapter Relations Office. The student chapter group's information will appear on the ALA Student Chapter Directory
Hold an Election
Successful candidates for Student Chapter leadership positions (named in your constitution and bylaws) should be ALA members to ensure that officers can effectively connect with ALA and its broader network. All leaders, election rules, eligibility to vote, and governance procedures should be spelled out in your constitution and bylaws.
Contact Other Groups
Chapter organizers may well profit from the experience of local ALA members and others including:
- Your state's ALA Chapter Councilor may be able to visit your Chapter.
- Your state's ALA Chapter may be able to visit your Chapter.
For Further Information
Good luck organizing your new Student Chapter. If you need help or further information, don't hesitate to contact the Student Chapter staff liaison: Chapter Relations Office, American Library Association.
