Pennsylvania Library Association
The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) is the professional association for librarians in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It represents about 2,000 members affiliated with public, academic, special, and school libraries throughout the state, and was founded in 1901.
Located in Harrisburg, PaLA represents the interests of the profession to the Legislature and others in state government. It has programs providing opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and continuing education for librarians. It makes annual awards to honor noteworthy librarians and library supporters. Small grants and scholarships are available for worthy recipients.
The association is governed by a 14-member board, and has a three-member staff. The membership consists of qualified persons in the personal, institutional, and commercial categories.
PaLA is organized into eight regional chapters, the better to promote librianship and library service on a focused geographical basis. Each member is assigned membership in a chapter based on the county in which his or her library is located of, if the member is retired, on the county in which they live.
Committees and special interest groups include Buildings & Equipment; Electronic Resources; Library Administration and Management; Library Instruction; Technical Services; Archives; Awards; Intellectual Freedom; Legislative Information; Membership; Nominations & Elections; Organization & Bylaws; Public Relations; and Scholarship.