There are a number of library associations that can be of benefit to those working in school libraries. Information about several groups is listed here along with that of other associations related to libraries in more specialized ways. Professional associations sponsor workshops and publish newsletters to keep members up to date about developments in libraries. There are both local and national associations; both can provide information and support.

(ALA) American Library Association. This is the largest national organization for librarians and includes nearly 60,000 members from all types of libraries. The Alaska Library Association is a chapter of ALA and has an elected representative (Chapter Councilor) who attends the ALA Council twice each year. National conferences are held twice yearly, in January and June. For information contact ALA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611 (1-800-545-2433) or check out their website: http://www.ala.org/.  

(AkLA) Alaska Library Association. Members in AkLA represent all types of libraries. All members receive the Association's newsletter, Newspoke, the Alaska Library Directory, reduced fees to attend the annual conference, and the opportunity to participate on committees and in activities of the Association. Many local communities or areas have chapters affiliated with AkLA. Round Tables are subgroups of AkLA, by type of library (school, public, academic, and special) and by library function such as collection development. General and current membership information is available at the AkLA website: http://www.akla.org. AkLA has established a number of mailing lists that you can join by visiting http://akla.org/join/mailing-lists/. Lists most likely to be of interest to school librarians include:

• AkLA List (covers all libraries in Alaska)
• Alaska School Librarians (Operated in conjunction with AkASL)
• Children's Services
• Teen Librarians 

 (AASL) American Association of School Librarians. This national organization is a division of ALA and membership in ALA is required before you can join AASL. It is the national counterpart of the Alaska Association of School Librarians. National conferences are held every other year. Contact AASL at the ALA address or visit their website: http://www.ala.org/aasl/index.html. 

 (AkASL) Alaska Association of School Librarians. This organization relates most closely to work in Alaska school libraries and provides a valuable resource for all school library personnel. It is considered a "Round Table" of the Alaska Library Association (AkLA) and meets in annual conferences with AkLA. AkASL publishes the Puffin newsletter, which contains important news on all types of school library issues. General and membership information is available at the AkASL website: http://akasl.org/

(AECT) Association for Educational Communications and Technology. This is a national organization with a focus on media and technology. Membership includes educators and trainers from K-12 schools, postsecondary educational programs as well as business and industry. Website: http://www.aect.org/.

 (ASTE) Alaksa Society for Technology in Educaton. This is a statewide organization for educators who are interested in media and technology. Membership includes teachers, librarians, and administrators from K-12 and postsecondary schools. An annual conference is held in Anchorage in April. For membership information, email membership@aste.org or write to ASTE, PO Box 142781, Anchorage, AK 99514-2871. Website: http://aste.org

(PNLA) Pacific Northwest Library Association. Members are from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Canadian libraries in Alberta, and British Columbia. The Alaska Library Association is officially affiliated with PNLA and has an elected representative that attends board meetings. The representative is elected every two years. PNLA conferences are held in Alaska on a rotating basis with the other states in the association. Traditionally the annual conference is held in August. The PNLA website is http://www.pnla.org/. PNLA also maintains a listserv. To join the PNLA-L list, send an email message to majordomo@pnla.org/. Leave the subject liine blank. In the body of the message type:  subscribe PNLA-L your _email_address.