National Library Associations

The National Indigenous Knowledge and Language Alliance (NIKLA) is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous knowledge systems and languages across Canada. It serves as a platform for collaboration and advocacy among Indigenous communities, scholars, and institutions, aiming to support the resurgence of Indigenous languages and the protection of traditional knowledge.

The Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA) is a national organization dedicated to supporting the work of archivists across Canada. It provides professional development opportunities, advocacy, and resources for its members, and promotes the importance of archives in preserving Canada's documentary heritage. The ACA also engages with key issues like reconciliation and equity within the archival community.

The Canadian Council of Archives (CCA) provides leadership and fosters development within the Canadian archival system by supporting member organisations through programs and services. The CCA facilitates access to Canada's documentary heritage, enhances learning, and builds organizational capacity within the archival community. It also manages the Young Canada Works program, helping to hire students and support archival and library projects across the country.

CAIS was incorporated in 1970 to promote the advancement of information science in Canada and encourage and facilitate the exchange of information relating to the use, access, retrieval, organisation, management, and dissemination of information. CAIS achieves these goals through its internationally recognized journal, the Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science, and its annual conference. CAIS members include information scientists and archivists, librarians, computer scientists, documentalists, economists, educators, journalists, psychologists, and others who support its objectives.

The Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives (ACMLA) is a professional group representing Canadian map librarians, cartographic archivists, and those interested in geographic information. Established in 1967, the ACMLA has significantly contributed to developing professional standards, publishing programs, and raising awareness about spatial information. It promotes high standards in managing and accessing geographic information, fosters communication among members, and supports professional development and student participation in related activities.

The Association of Parliamentary Libraries in Canada (APLIC) is a professional organisation that supports and connects parliamentary and legislative libraries across Canada. APLIC provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and professional development, aiming to enhance the role and visibility of parliamentary libraries in supporting the legislative process. The association fosters the exchange of information and best practices among its members to ensure that these libraries can effectively serve their respective legislatures and the public.

The Canadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL) supports the professional development and networking of law librarians across Canada. It aims to enhance the role of law libraries, foster cooperation among them, and advocate for the profession. CALL provides resources, organizes events, and offers a platform for collaboration among legal information specialists, contributing to the advancement of law librarianship in Canada.

The Canadian Association of Music Libraries, Archives, and Documentation Centres (CAML) promotes the activities of institutions involved in music information and materials across Canada. CAML supports music librarianship, archival management, and documentation, fostering a community of professionals working in libraries, archives, conservatories, and universities.

The Canadian Association of Professional Academic Librarians (CAPAL) is a national organisation that advocates for the interests and professional development of academic librarians across Canada. CAPAL focuses on advancing the status and conditions of academic librarians, promoting academic freedom, and supporting research and scholarship within the field. The association also engages in advocacy on issues affecting academic librarianship and higher education.

CHLA advocates for health libraries and information professionals, emphasizing the importance of health information access and management. It provides professional development, resources, and networking opportunities. Current activities include promoting evidence-based practice and supporting health informatics. Future efforts will focus on digital health information and collaborative healthcare environments.

CSL promotes the development and support of school libraries and teacher-librarianship in Canada. It addresses issues like literacy, digital learning, and library advocacy. Current activities involve resource development, professional training, and research. Future initiatives aim to enhance library programs, foster innovation in education, and support equitable access to learning resources.

Ascolbi is responsible for organizing, representing and strengthening students and professionals of Library and Information Science in Colombia through  leading disciplinary, ethics, academic, scientific, social and public policy debate; the professional update, exchange and generation of knowledge aiming at improving the process of acquisition, classification, description, conservation, access, clasification, and social appropriation of information and knowledge.  It has representatives in the National Council of Librarianship, institution responsible for regulating the professional practice in Colombia. Boards of directors of both institutions (Ascolbi and the National Council of Librarianship) change each three years.