Members range from independent bookshops to chain and franchise shops, as well as specialist, second hand, academic and educational booksellers.
The purposes of the ABA include providing a range of training and educational programs for members; establishing bonds between booksellers all over Australia; enhancing the unique role of books in our society; fostering and encouraging the selling of books; providing a national forum for member booksellers; providing technical advice and information to booksellers; The association has a management committee elected by the membership.
The ABA undertakes two major projects each year for the benefit of members: the annual national conference in May and the Kid's Reading Guide in November.
The guide is a 32-page full-colour list of recommended new releases and classics reviewed by specialist children's booksellers who are passionate about literacy.
Throughout the year the association produces training workshops and publications for members to improve their bookselling skills and administers the national book voucher scheme.