National Library Associations

ALA's goal is to contribute to the improvement of librarianship. It develops ties with foreign libraries and librarian organizations, takes part in projects regarding  the principles, programmatic and normative documents on librarianship in Republic of Armenia. It stimulates all initiatives, which aim at raising authority and reputation of libraries.  ALA's main activities include professional development of librarians, formation and evaluation of norms involving the work of different types of library activities, organisations of events (e.g. National Library Week, Librarian Day, fairs etc.), raising awareness of libraries and librarianship, and organisation and delivery of professional, local and international library seminars and conferences. Current number of members is 200.

Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) seeks to empower the profession through the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services to the nation, through leadership, advocacy and mutual professional support. ALIA is guided by its constitution, vision, objects and values. Founded in 1937, it is located at ALIA House in Canberra, the capital of Australia. ALIA has 5000 Members, 7 Board Directors, 11 Advisory Committees, 40-plus interest Groups and 25 staff. ALIA accredits courses leading to professional qualifications; advocates for the sector; publishes a magazine and journal; and runs major national conferences, smaller events, training courses and PD.

National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) brings together the expert knowledge and innovative capacity of the National Library of Australia, the National Library of New Zealand, and Australia's eight state and territory libraries. Through collaboration, NSLA delivers better collections, solutions and customer experiences than each library can do individually. NSLA also contributes to more informed public policy, and shares knowledge and expertise to increase the professional capability of  staff and to build a workforce for the future. There are nine Australian members.

CAUL is the peak leadership organisation for university libraries in Australia.  Members are the lead library executive of the institutions that have representation on Universities Australia. Society is transformed through the power of research, teaching and learning.  University libraries are essential knowledge and information infrastructures that enable student achievement and research excellence.  CAUL makes a significant contribution to higher education strategy, policy and outcomes through a commitment to a shared purpose: to transform how people experience knowledge – how it can be discovered, used and shared. There are 39 members.

ASLA is the national authority, the peak forum in the field of teacher librarianship and school library resource services. Its aim is to maximise opportunities for students to obtain independent lifelong learning and decision making skills. ASLA engages in development of national standards and policies for school libraries and the teacher librarianship profession, engages in advocacy and promotion projects and activities on behalf of school libraries, conducts professional learning events, and research in the field of school libraries.

CPCIB is the professional association that unites professionals who have a degree in Library and Information Sciences. Its members are librarians, documentalists, archivists and museologists. There are about 200 registered members in CPCIB. CPCIB is the only entity uniting librarians at the national level. However, there are several departmental associations who each is organising capacity building events and other activities in benefit of their members. Departmental associations have in total approximately 300 members around the country. Some of the focus areas of the CPCIB are aligning to IFLA's projects like Global Vision, Sustainable Development Goals and the Library Map of the World.

BLIA is a voluntary, independent organization that unites library and information professionals and has over 1,000 individual and 80 collective members. BLIA provides leadership for the improvement of library and information services and stimulates the development of library legislation. It fosters professional development and encourages library cooperation; offers consulting services; provides opportunities for continuing education; and manages a publishing program that includes, among others, BLIA magazine and electronic newsletter. BLIA has a website and a Facebook page. The major activities of the Association feature a National Library Week, annual conference, etc.  BLIA is member of IFLA and EBLIDA.

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) represents the interests of Canadian libraries, advocating for policies that support libraries' roles in education, culture, and information access. It addresses broad concerns like intellectual freedom, equitable access, and information literacy. CFLA collaborates with library associations nationwide to influence legislation and public policy.

The Fédération des milieux documentaires (FMD) promotes collaboration and solidarity among professionals in the documentary, archival, and related fields. It aims to enhance access to credible information and supports professional development through networking, training, and sharing best practices. The FMD works to advance the documentary and archival professions within the francophone community in Canada and beyond.

The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), founded in 1976, represents 29 major academic libraries in Canada, Library and Archives Canada, and the National Research Council’s National Science Library. CARL promotes effective knowledge creation, dissemination, and preservation, and advocates for policies that ensure broad access to scholarly information. Its strategic focus includes advancing research, strengthening library capacity, and enhancing teaching and learning. Current activities involve supporting open science, data management, and equitable access to information.

The Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) is a network representing the largest urban public library systems in Canada. It advocates for the role of libraries as essential to vibrant democracies and strong communities. CULC focuses on research, capacity building, and knowledge transfer to enhance the value of urban libraries across the country. They also engage in various projects and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting equitable access to information and supporting public library systems in meeting community needs.

The Provincial and Territorial Public Library Council (PTPLC) was established in 1978 to serve as a forum for public library agencies across Canada's provinces and territories. It facilitates the sharing of experience, information, skills, and resources, coordinates cross-jurisdictional initiatives, and acts as a liaison with national library organizations and the federal government. The PTPLC is composed of directors who report to the Deputy Ministers responsible for public libraries in each jurisdiction.