The first annual All-Japan Library Conference was held in 1906, and the JLA began publishing the Toshokan Zasshi a year later in 1907.

The JLA became an Incorporated Association in 1930, and began making close ties with the Ministry of Education.

[2] When Japan was under allied occupation after World War II, a law was passed to make Japanese libraries operate similarly to American ones by making them free to use and funded by taxpayers.

The JLA also has 29 committees covering topics like intellectual freedom, services to the disabled, and copyright.

Members elect councilors, who make up the decision-making body of the organization.