Special Libraries Association

[1] In the years prior to SLA's founding Dana and other librarians saw an increasing demand for the types of materials that specialized libraries could provide, and recognized that as information professionals working in such settings responded to the demands of their jobs they were creating a new kind of librarianship.

The current Divisions include: Academic; Biomedical & Life Sciences; Business & Finance; Chemistry; Competitive Intelligence; Education; Engineering; Environment & Resource Management; Food, Agriculture & Nutrition; Government Information; Information Technology; Insurance & Employee Benefits; Knowledge Management; Legal; Leadership & Management; Military Libraries; Museums, Arts & Humanities; News; Petroleum & Energy Resources; Pharmaceutical & Health Technology; Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics; Science-Technology; Social Science; Solo Librarians; Taxonomy; and Transportation.

[7] This debate continues today among organization members and official name changes were considered in 1982, 2003, and 2009 but they were eventually voted down by the membership.

Members pay annual dues to SLA and additional fees for any Chapter, Division, or Caucus memberships they wish to obtain.

SLA members fill many non-traditional librarian roles such as corporate competitive intelligence analyst, researcher, or information specialist.

Given the rapid adoption of information technologies for selecting, analyzing, managing, storing, and delivering information and knowledge, the average SLA member might be performing a range of services and employing a diverse mix of skills related to, but not exclusive of, library science.

Committees and Councils are established by the board of directors in order to coordinate its activities relating to achieving the goals and objectives of the association.

The SLA Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO, usually held in the summer, includes education programs, networking events, and information exhibits.

Fellows are called upon and expected to advise the association's board of directors, prepare necessary documentation, and alert the membership to issues and trends warranting action.

Rose L. Vormelker Award is given to a mid-career SLA member who actively teaches or mentors students or working professionals.

Through these awards the SAAAC recognizes and honors SLA Student Groups whose outstanding leadership, innovative programming, or creative use of electronic resources contribute to increased membership and expanded professional development.