PLA Fact Sheet

Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA), with more than 9,000 members is one of the fastest growing divisions of the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world. PLA’s stated purpose is “to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services (2001).” This mission positions PLA to:

Focus its efforts on serving the needs of its members;
Address issues that affect public libraries;
Commit to quality public library services that benefit the general public.

Based in Chicago, at the ALA Headquarters, PLA, founded in 1944, is a member-driven organization that exists to provide a diverse program of communication, publication, advocacy, continuing education, and programming for its members and others interested in the advancement of public library service.

PLA’s priority concerns (1991) are:

Adequate funding for public libraries.
Improved management of public libraries.
Recognition of the importance of all library staff members in providing quality public service.
Recruitment, education, training, and compensation of public librarians.
Intellectual freedom.
Improved access to library resources.
Effective communication with the nonlibrary world.

Membership

PLA members receive the periodical publication Public Libraries, preferred rates on PLA continuing education events, and on PLA publications. Only personal members of PLA have the right to vote in PLA elections, serve on PLA committees, and hold PLA office. PLA dues also include free membership in any or all three of our special-interest clusters:

Library Services: Committees within this group focus on how public libraries and librarians can improve their services for library users, including service to children, the business community, literacy services, rural community, and homeschoolers.
Library Development: Committees within this group focus on the working activities in which public librarians participate in their careers, such as those involving bibliography, collections development, continuing education, library collections, technology, and similar activities.
Issues and Concerns: Committees within this group focus on activities that serve the library profession as a whole, such as those reviewing legislation, intellectual freedom, and research.

Public Libraries Magazine

Public Libraries, published six times a year, is the official journal of PLA and the only ALA journal devoted exclusively to public libraries. Each bimonthly issue offers articles and columns on hot topics, public library trends, and subjects of professional concern. Public Libraries encourages working public librarians to submit manuscripts for potential publication in the journal. Submission guidelines and deadlines are posted at www.pla.org/publications/publibraries/submissions.html.

PLA Publications

PLA’s active publishing program provides top quality books and monographs on a wide range of public library concerns and issues. Some notable PLA Publications include:

A Planning Process for Public Libraries (ALA, 1980)
Planning and Role Setting for Public Libraries (ALA, 1987)
Output Measures for Public Libraries (ALA, 1982, 1987)
Public Library Data Service Statistical Report (PLA, published annually 1987 - present)
Planning for Results: A Public Library Transformation Process (ALA, 1998)
Wired for the Future: Developing Your Library Technology Plan (ALA, 1999
Managing for Results: Effective Resource Allocation for Public Libraries (ALA, 2000)
The New Planning for Results: A Streamlined Approach (ALA, 2001)

Continuing Education

PLA Spring Symposium

This workshop series allows for an in-depth look at a particular area, from the latest hot topics to issues of daily concern. Held in the spring of non-National Conference years, usually in Chicago, the Symposium offers a choice from five to seven topics and includes author luncheons and other special events.

Traveling Workshops

In addition to the Spring Symposium and National Conference, PLA is planning two traveling workshops per year. The workshops will alternate between the east and west coasts.

PLA National Conferences

Every other year, PLA members come together at the largest conference devoted exclusively to public librarianship. The PLA National Conferences offer more than 120 top-quality continuing education programs from which to choose. Special events include preconferences, author luncheons, Talk Tables, and more than 600 public library exhibitors.
Upcoming PLA National Conferences include:
PLA 2002—PLA’s 9th National Conference—March 12–16, 2002—Phoenix, Arizona
PLA 2004—PLA’s 10th National Conference—February 24–28, 2004—Seattle, Washington
PLA 2006—PLA’s 11th National Conference—March 20–25, 2006—Boston, Massachusetts

PLA Programs at ALA Annual Conferences

PLA offers several programs and preconference programs during the ALA Annual Conference. In addition, several special PLA member events are held at ALA’s Annual Conference including the President’s Program and Reception.

PLA Online

PLA’s Web site, www.pla.org, offers instant information about PLA membership, products, and activities. “Tech Notes,” a series of mini-publications dealing with technology, are posted at this Web address.

Professional Recognition Awards

PLA’s awards programs has been designed to honor those providing public library service whose vision and accomplishments are extraordinary and deserve recognition. The annual deadline for receiving completed applications is November 1.

For more information, contact the PLA office at 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or send e-mail to pla@ala.org.