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{{advert|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
|name = Public Library Association
|name = Public Library Association
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|status =
|status =
|purpose = "To strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve"<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.ala.org/pla/about/mission | title = PLA Mission and Goals | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref>
|purpose = "To strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve"<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.ala.org/pla/about/mission | title = PLA Mission and Goals | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref>
|headquarters = [[Chicago, Illinois]]
|headquarters = [[Chicago]], Illinois, U.S.
|location =
|location =
|region_served = [[United States]]
|region_served = [[United States]]
|membership = 9,000<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.ala.org/pla/about | title = About PLA | date = 10 October 2011 | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref>
|membership = 7,000<ref>[https://www.ala.org/membership/membershipstats_files/divisionstats ALA's Membership Statistics by Division, 2000-Present.]</ref>
|language =
|language =
|leader_title = Executive Director
|leader_title = Executive Director
|leader_name = Barbara Macikas
|leader_name = Mary Davis Fournier
|main_organ = Board of Directors
|main_organ = Board of Directors
|num_staff =
|num_staff =
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}}
}}


The '''Public Library Association''' ('''PLA'''), a division of the [[American Library Association]], is a [[professional association]] of public [[librarians]] and supporters dedicated to the "development and effectiveness of [[public library]] staff and public library services."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ala.org/pla/about/mission | title = PLA Mission and Goals | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref> In keeping with this mission, the PLA provides [[continuing education]] to members, hosts a biennial [[professional conference]], publishes a [[trade journal]], and advocates for public libraries and literacy.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ala.org/pla/about/strategicplan | title = Public Library Association Strategic Plan | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref> The PLA was founded in 1944<ref name="PLA Frequently Asked Questions">{{cite web | url = http://www.ala.org/pla/about/faq | title = PLA Frequently Asked Questions | date = 10 October 2011 | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref> and has over 9,000 members.
The '''Public Library Association''' ('''PLA'''), a division of the [[American Library Association]], is a [[professional association]] of public [[librarians]] and supporters dedicated to the "development and effectiveness of [[public library]] staff and public library services."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ala.org/pla/about/mission | title = PLA Mission and Goals | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref> In keeping with this mission, the PLA provides [[continuing education]] to members, hosts a biennial [[professional conference]], publishes a [[trade journal]], and advocates for public libraries and literacy.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ala.org/pla/about/strategicplan | title = Public Library Association Strategic Plan | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref> The PLA was founded in 1944<ref name="PLA Frequently Asked Questions">{{cite web | url = http://www.ala.org/pla/about/faq | title = PLA Frequently Asked Questions | date = 10 October 2011 | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref> and currently has over 7,000 members.


==Strategic plan==
== Mission & Goals ==
The strategic plan for the Public Association for 2022 to 2026, approved in June 2022, includes five objectives:<ref>[https://www.ala.org/pla/sites/ala.org.pla/files/content/about/strategicplan/PLA_Strategic_Plan_2022%E2%80%942026_PDF_8.31.22.pdf PLA Strategic Plan 2022–2026.] Public Library Association, June 2022.</ref> Goals are:
The mission of the Public Library Association is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staffers and public library services. This mission allows the PLA to:
*Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Social Justice
* Focus its efforts on serving the needs of its members
*Transformation
* Address issues which affect public libraries
*Professional Growth
* Commit to quality public library services that benefit the general public
*Advocacy
The goals of the PLA, as of 2014, now are:
*Organizational Excellence
* '''Advocacy and Awareness''': PLA plays a major role in public library advocacy and in influencing public perception about the library.
* '''Leadership and Transformation''': PLA is a leading source for learning opportunities to advance the transformation of public libraries and helps to position the library's institutional and professional orientation from internal to outward toward the community.
* '''Literate Nation''': PLA is a leader and valued partner of public libraries’ initiatives to create a literate nation.
* '''Organizational Excellence''': PLA is positioned to sustain and grow its resources to advance the work of the association.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ala.org/pla/about/mission|title=Public Library Association|website=PLA Mission and Goals|date=24 March 2017}}</ref>
These Mission & Goals come from the PLA Strategic Plan, approved by the PLA Board of Directors, June 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ala.org/pla/about/strategicplan|title=PLA Strategic Plan|website=PLA Strategic Plan (2014)|date=19 July 2018}}</ref>


==Issues==
==Issues==
The PLA identifies the following areas as "priority concerns":
The PLA identified the following areas as "priority concerns":
* Adequate funding for public libraries
* Adequate funding for public libraries
* Improved management of public libraries
* Improved management of public libraries
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==Governance==
==Governance==
The PLA is governed by an 11-member [[Board of Directors]] elected by the association's members. The PLA Board of Directors consists of the President, President-Elect, Past-President, six Directors-at-Large, ALA Division Councilor, and PLA Executive Director. The Executive Director is an [[Ex officio member|ex-officio]] and non-voting board member tasked with enacting the board's decisions.<ref name="PLA Frequently Asked Questions"/> The PLA's current president is Carolyn Anthony, its president-elect is Larry Neal, and its executive director is Barbara Macikas.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ala.org/pla/about/board | title = PLA Board of Directors | date = 10 October 2011 | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref>
The PLA is governed by an 11-member [[Board of Directors]] elected by the association's members. The PLA Board of Directors consists of the President, President-Elect, Past-President, six Directors-at-Large, ALA Division Councilor, and PLA Executive Director. The Executive Director is an [[Ex officio member|ex-officio]] and non-voting board member tasked with enacting the board's decisions.<ref name="PLA Frequently Asked Questions"/> The PLA's current president is Sonia Alcántara-Antoine, its president-elect is Michael Lambert, and its executive director is Mary Davis Fournier.<ref>[https://www.ala.org/pla/about/people/board PLA Board of Directors]</ref>

Members of PLA standing committees, award juries, task forces, and advisory groups are appointed to one- or two-year terms by the president-elect. Active committees include a Budget and Finance Committee, Every Child Ready to Read Oversight Committee, Intellectual Freedom Committee, Leadership Development Committee, Legislation and Advocacy Committee, Public Libraries Advisory Committee, and committees to manage the PLA's biennial conferences and nominate candidates for committee service.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ala.org/pla/about/committees | title = PLA Committees | date = 10 October 2011 | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref>
Members of PLA standing committees, award juries, task forces, and advisory groups are appointed to one- or two-year terms by the president-elect. Active committees include a Budget and Finance Committee, Every Child Ready to Read Oversight Committee, Intellectual Freedom Committee, Leadership Development Committee, Legislation and Advocacy Committee, Public Libraries Advisory Committee, and committees to manage the PLA's biennial conferences and nominate candidates for committee service.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ala.org/pla/about/committees | title = PLA Committees | date = 10 October 2011 | publisher = Public Library Association | access-date = 1 April 2014}}</ref>


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==History==
==History==
PLA was formed in 1944 as the Division of Public Libraries of the [[American Library Association]]. The formation of the Division of Public Libraries of the American Library Association was approved by the ALA Council in 1944 following petitions signed by nearly 1,200 members. The first PLA president was Amy Winslow of [[Cuyahoga County, Ohio|Cuyahoga County]] Library.<ref name="ELI" /> The first Executive Secretary (a position now known as Executive Director) was [[Julia Wright Merrill]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://heritage.wisconsinlibraries.org/home/entry/julia-wright-merrill-18811961 | title = Julia Wright Merrill (1881-1961) | publisher = Wisconsin Library Heritage Center | access-date = 13 May 2014}}</ref> The original mission of the division was to advance public library interests and to cooperate in the promotion of library service in general. In 1971 [[Effie Lee Morris]] became the first woman and black person to serve as president of the PLA.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Katisha|date=2020-05-08|title=13 Pioneering Black American Librarians You Oughta Know|url=https://bookriot.com/pioneering-black-american-librarians/|access-date=2020-10-24|website=BOOK RIOT|language=en-US}}</ref> The PLA's First National Conference, with the theme "Serving People: Public Libraries Today and Tomorrow" was presented March 23–26, 1983 in Baltimore, Maryland. The conference chair was Charles W. Robinson. The core purposes was to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve.
PLA was formed in 1944 as the Division of Public Libraries of the [[American Library Association]]. The formation of the Division of Public Libraries of the American Library Association was approved by the ALA Council in 1944 following petitions signed by nearly 1,200 members.
The first PLA president was Amy Winslow of [[Cuyahoga County, Ohio|Cuyahoga County]] Library.<ref name="ELI" /> The first Executive Secretary (a position now known as Executive Director) was Julia Wright Merrill.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://heritage.wisconsinlibraries.org/home/entry/julia-wright-merrill-18811961 | title = Julia Wright Merrill (1881-1961) | publisher = Wisconsin Library Heritage Center | access-date = 13 May 2014}}</ref> The original mission of the division was to advance public library interests and to cooperate in the promotion of library service in general.
In 1971 [[Effie Lee Morris]] became the first woman and black person to serve as president of the PLA.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Katisha|date=2020-05-08|title=13 Pioneering Black American Librarians You Oughta Know|url=https://bookriot.com/pioneering-black-american-librarians/|access-date=2020-10-24|website=BOOK RIOT|language=en-US}}</ref>
The PLA's First National Conference, with the theme "Serving People: Public Libraries Today and Tomorrow" was presented March 23–26, 1983 in Baltimore, Maryland. The conference chair was Charles W. Robinson. The core purposes was to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve.

The 2020 PLA Conference was a celebration of its 75th anniversary.<ref>[http://75years.pla.org/ PLA's 75th Anniversary.] Public Library Association. Oct. 13, 2019.</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ala.org/pla/ Public Library Association]
⚫
*[http://www.ala.org/ American Library Association]
*[http://publiclibrariesonline.org/ ''Public Libraries Online'']


{{ALA(library)|state=collapsed}}
{{ALA(library)|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

<!--Categories-->
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[[Category:American Library Association|*]]
⚫
[[Category:Public libraries]]
[[Category:Library associations in the United States]]
[[Category:Library associations in the United States]]
[[Category:Library-related professional associations]]
[[Category:Library-related professional associations]]
[[Category:Professional associations based in the United States]]
[[Category:Professional associations based in the United States]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Chicago]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Chicago]]
[[Category:American Library Association|*]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1944]]
⚫
[[Category:Public libraries]]

Latest revision as of 23:31, 31 August 2024

Public Library Association
AbbreviationPLA
Formation1944
TypeNon-profit
Purpose"To strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve"[1]
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois, U.S.
Region served
United States
Membership
7,000[2]
Executive Director
Mary Davis Fournier
Main organ
Board of Directors
WebsitePublic Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association, is a professional association of public librarians and supporters dedicated to the "development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services."[3] In keeping with this mission, the PLA provides continuing education to members, hosts a biennial professional conference, publishes a trade journal, and advocates for public libraries and literacy.[4] The PLA was founded in 1944[5] and currently has over 7,000 members.

Strategic plan

[edit]

The strategic plan for the Public Association for 2022 to 2026, approved in June 2022, includes five objectives:[6] Goals are:

  • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Social Justice
  • Transformation
  • Professional Growth
  • Advocacy
  • Organizational Excellence

Issues

[edit]

The PLA identified the following areas as "priority concerns":

  • 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.[5]

Governance

[edit]

The PLA is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors elected by the association's members. The PLA Board of Directors consists of the President, President-Elect, Past-President, six Directors-at-Large, ALA Division Councilor, and PLA Executive Director. The Executive Director is an ex-officio and non-voting board member tasked with enacting the board's decisions.[5] The PLA's current president is Sonia Alcántara-Antoine, its president-elect is Michael Lambert, and its executive director is Mary Davis Fournier.[7] Members of PLA standing committees, award juries, task forces, and advisory groups are appointed to one- or two-year terms by the president-elect. Active committees include a Budget and Finance Committee, Every Child Ready to Read Oversight Committee, Intellectual Freedom Committee, Leadership Development Committee, Legislation and Advocacy Committee, Public Libraries Advisory Committee, and committees to manage the PLA's biennial conferences and nominate candidates for committee service.[8]

Publications

[edit]

Public Libraries is the PLA's official trade magazine. Published six times annually, this magazine focuses on news and issues pertaining to public libraries and librarianship.[9] It commenced publication in January 1947 under the editorship of Muriel E. Perry of Decatur Public Library.[10][11] Public Libraries Online is the digital companion to the print journal and offers three full articles from each print issue, plus daily updates, interviews, blogging, and other exclusive content. The print magazine is a delayed open access journal; its web companion is free and open to all users.[12] PLA is also responsible for the publication of many key monograph titles in the field of public librarianship.[10]

History

[edit]

PLA was formed in 1944 as the Division of Public Libraries of the American Library Association. The formation of the Division of Public Libraries of the American Library Association was approved by the ALA Council in 1944 following petitions signed by nearly 1,200 members.

The first PLA president was Amy Winslow of Cuyahoga County Library.[10] The first Executive Secretary (a position now known as Executive Director) was Julia Wright Merrill.[13] The original mission of the division was to advance public library interests and to cooperate in the promotion of library service in general.

In 1971 Effie Lee Morris became the first woman and black person to serve as president of the PLA.[14]

The PLA's First National Conference, with the theme "Serving People: Public Libraries Today and Tomorrow" was presented March 23–26, 1983 in Baltimore, Maryland. The conference chair was Charles W. Robinson. The core purposes was to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve.

The 2020 PLA Conference was a celebration of its 75th anniversary.[15]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "PLA Mission and Goals". Public Library Association. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  2. ^ ALA's Membership Statistics by Division, 2000-Present.
  3. ^ "PLA Mission and Goals". Public Library Association. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  4. ^ "Public Library Association Strategic Plan". Public Library Association. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  5. ^ a b c "PLA Frequently Asked Questions". Public Library Association. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  6. ^ PLA Strategic Plan 2022–2026. Public Library Association, June 2022.
  7. ^ PLA Board of Directors
  8. ^ "PLA Committees". Public Library Association. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  9. ^ "Public Libraries Magazine". Public Library Association. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  10. ^ a b c Hughes, K. (2003). Public Library Association. In M. Drake (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science: Vol. 4, 2nd ed. (pp. 2393-6).
  11. ^ "The History of the Public Library Association". Public Library Association. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  12. ^ "Public Libraries Online". Public Library Association. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  13. ^ "Julia Wright Merrill (1881-1961)". Wisconsin Library Heritage Center. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  14. ^ Smith, Katisha (2020-05-08). "13 Pioneering Black American Librarians You Oughta Know". BOOK RIOT. Retrieved 2020-10-24.
  15. ^ PLA's 75th Anniversary. Public Library Association. Oct. 13, 2019.
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