ALA Personal Membership

ALA Personal Membership Types

Memberships run for 12 months starting with the month of your application. Membership in ALA is required for divisional and round table membership. (Our new, streamlined membership model went into effect in September 2024.)

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Individual Type I

Librarians and other employees in library and information services or related positions that: (a) require a master’s degree; (b) require a state-level certification; or (c) are managerial.

Dues: $125

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Individual Type II

Librarians and other employees in library and information services or related positions that: (a) earn <45k annually, including being not currently employed; (b) work outside the U.S.; (c) are retired; or (d) are not listed in Type I.

Dues: $55

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Supporter

Those not employed in library and information services or related activities who, through their personal commitment and support, promote library and information services. Includes Associates, Friends, and Trustees.

Dues: $70

Student

Individuals enrolled in a program for a certificate or a degree in library and information studies. Limited to five years. Certain state library associations (chapters) offer Joint Memberships with ALA for $46.

Dues: $40

3 Easy Ways to Join or Renew Today

Join or Renew Online

To become a new ALA Member, click here to join online. (Only first-time ALA Members should use this link.)

If you have ever been an ALA Member in the past, click here to renew online.

Call 800-545-2433

Call ALA Member Relations and Services at 800-545-2433

8:30am - 4:30pm (Monday-Friday)

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Complete and return an enrollment form

Download a print-ready form at the Print Membership Application Page, complete, and return by mail or fax.

Add Division and Round Table Memberships

Tailor your ALA journey by joining Divisions and Round Tables. Network and collaborate with peers, focusing on your library environment and professional role. A majority of ALA members belong to one or more Divisions. You must be an ALA Member to join ALA Divisions and Round Tables; pro-rated dues apply when adding Divisions and Round Tables to an existing membership.

Division Memberships

Round Table Memberships

All Round Table memberships are $15 each, or $5 each for Students.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table (CSKBART)

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Rounds Table honors the legacy of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by promoting distinguished literature by African American authors and illustrators.

Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT)

EMIERT provides a forum for the exchange of information on library materials and resources in English and other languages, and promotes service for all ethnolinguistic and multicultural communities in general.

Film and Media Round Table (FMRT)

FMRT offers a unique forum for learning about new developments in video librarianship, as well as resources for finding answers to some of the more elusive questions facing video librarians.

Games and Gaming Round Table (GameRT)

With members from all types of libraries, GameRT is built around our shared passion for games and the use of gaming within libraries.

Government Documents Round Table (GODORT)

The GODORT is a dynamic forum where information professionals learn, discuss, advocate, and create scholarship on and about government information at all levels of government.

Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT)

The GNCRT supports library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy.

Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT)

The IFRT provides a forum for discussing library intellectual freedom issues, serving as a communication channel, promoting involvement in defending intellectual freedom, and implementing ALA policies.

International Relations Round Table (IRRT)

The IRRT promotes global interest in library issues, coordinates international ALA activities, develops programs supporting international objectives, and provides hospitality and information to foreign visitors.

Learning Round Table (LearnRT)

LearnRT promotes quality continuing education for library personnel, facilitating networking with other providers for idea exchange. They serve as a source for education assistance, publications, and training.

Library History Round Table (LHRT)

The LHRT facilitates communication among scholars and students of library history and supports research in library history. It sponsors conferences, publishes a newsletter, and presents awards for excellence in library history research.

Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT)

LIRT empowers librarians to become better teachers through sharing best practices, leadership and professional development, and networking.

Library Support Staff Round Table (LSSRT)

The Library Support Staff Round Table (LSSRT) focuses on library support staff—who support staff are and what we do—as well as developing skills and support programming for library support staff.

Map and Geospatial Information Round Table (MAGIRT)

Through community, education, and advocacy, the MAGIRT leads and inspires information professionals in their work with map and geospatial information resources.

New Members Round Table (NMRT)

The NMRT is a place for members who are new to the library profession, new to ALA, or new to both. It provides career development programs, professional development grants, and networking opportunities.

Rainbow Round Table (RRT)

The Rainbow Round Table promotes the development, advancement, and improvement of library services and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their communities.

Retired Members Round Table (RMRT)

The RMRT provides an avenue for retired or late-career members to maintain relationships, continue meaningful organizational involvement, and share sills and knowledge through mentorship.

Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT)

The SRRT works to make ALA more democratic and to establish progressive priorities not only for the Association, but also for the entire profession.

Sustainability Round Table (SustainRT)

SustainRT was created as a venue in which members exchange ideas and opportunities regarding sustainability in order to move toward a more equitable, healthy and economically viable society.

Member Resources

Membership FAQs

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Get Started at the New Member Center

Empower your library journey with networking, advocacy, and professional growth opportunities. Find out more at the Member Center.

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Membership Office Hours

Have questions about your ALA membership? Want help finding tools and resources? Stop by our ALA Membership Office Hours to get answers.

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Benefits of Your ALA Membership

Make the most of your ALA membership by leveraging key benefits including ALA Connect, American Libraries, JobList, discounted conference pricing, and more.

ALA Personal Membership