Welcome to the Arkansas Library Association Website

Promoting library service and the profession of librarianship in the State of Arkansas since 1911.

ArLA Centennial Page

ArLA Centennial Conference Website

ArLA Facebook Page

Our Mission

To further the professional development of all library staff members; to foster communication and cooperation among librarians, trustees and friends of libraries; to increase the visibility of libraries among the general public and funding agencies; to serve as an advocate for librarians and libraries.

President's Message

Welcome to all members and potential members of the Arkansas Library Association!

What an exciting time it is for the Arkansas Library Association (ArLA) as we celebrate its 100^th anniversary. A hearty Congratulations is in order! It is mind-boggling to think of where we have been, how much the state and its libraries have grown and to try to see where the Association is headed. This year promises to be a fun and fast one as we prepare for the 2011 Centennial Conference.

Background

The Arkansas Library Association was formed in 1911:

To further the professional development of all library staff members; to foster communication and cooperation among librarians, trustees and friends of libraries; to increase the visibility of libraries among the general public and funding agencies; to serve as an advocate for librarians and libraries. 

ArLA has supported Arkansas' academic, public, school, and special libraries. In the past 100 years the association has had many successes; we established a state library commission, begun an association publication, established salary guidelines, supported the continuing education of librarians, and protected intellectual freedom. 

In 1911, there were 8 libraries in operation in Arkansas serving a population of 1,574,449 people. Today there are 231 public libraries with 118 degreed librarians serving a population of 2.9 million people. The eight libraries include: Garland County Library, Van Buren Public Library, Clark County Library, Conway County Library, Clark County Library, Blytheville Public Library and the Eureka Springs Carnegie Library.

Centennial Conference

Thank you to both the Conference and Centennial Committees for their hard work. Conference Chair, Holly Mercer, and Centennial Chair, Karen Russ started planning this year’s conference in a Conference Meeting at last year’s conference. This year's theme is Celebrate! or "The Joy of Libraries," which will be held at the Peabody Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Please join us September 24^th through 27^th.

Looking forward to meeting and working with you all!

-Shawn Pierce

2011 ArLA President

Affiliations

The Arkansas Library Association is a chapter of the American Library Association (ALA) and the Southeastern Library Association (SELA). It is represented in ALA and SELA by a councilor who is elected by the members of the Arkansas Library Association.

ArLA Diversity Statement

Diversity is a fundamental value of the Association and its members, and is reflected in its commitment to recruiting minorities and people with disabilities to the profession and to the promotion and development of library collections and services for all people. The Association endorses opportunities for the professional development and education of all library staff members and trustees; it promotes continuous, lifelong learning for all people through library and information services of every type. The Association advocates funding and policies that support libraries as great democratic institutions, serving people of every age, income level, location, ethnicity, or physical ability, and providing the full range of information resources needed to live, learn, govern, and work.

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