Who We Are

The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques was founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 1946, and was incorporated under the Companies Act on November 26, 1947. CLA is a non-profit voluntary organization, governed by an elected Executive Council, which is advised by over forty networks and committees.

CLA members work in college, university, public, special (corporate, non-profit and government) and school libraries. Others sit on boards of public libraries, work for companies that provide goods and services to libraries, or are students in graduate level or community college programs.

CLA Membership

The CLA membership consists of a diverse group of individuals and organizations involved or interested in library or information sciences. A large proportion of CLA Members work in college, university, public, special (corporate, non-profit and government) and school libraries. Others sit on the boards of public libraries, work for companies that provide goods and services to libraries, or are students in graduate level or community college programs. Membership categories of the Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques include: Personal, Institutional, Corporate, and Associate.

Total membership at December 2014 was 1,283:

• Personal – 957
• Institutions – 249
• Corporate – 50
• Associate – 27

Our Mission

CLA is the national voice for Canada’s library communities.  As members, we:

• champion library values and the value of libraries
• influence public policy impacting libraries
• inspire and support member learning
• collaborate to strengthen the library community

Our Values

• intellectual freedom
• diversity
• transparency and open communication
• accountability
• universal access to library service
• member voices and contributions
• collaboration

Our Operating Principles

• An active and engaged membership is crucial to our success.
• CLA will have a governance structure that meets member needs.
• CLA will be efficiently run, fiscally responsible and financially stable.
• CLA facilitates the many diverse opinions and ideas about libraries and library issues.
• CLA will work closely with networks and other library associations to promote libraries, learning and advocacy opportunities.

History

Founded in 1946, The Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des bibliothèques was incorporated under the Companies Act on November 26, 1947. CLA/ACB is a national, not-for-profit, voluntary organization, governed by 7 individuals including: the President; Vice-President/President Elect; Treasurer; Past-President; and three Councillors-at-Large. The Executive Director is an ex-officio member.
Click here for Past Presidents
CLA/ACB meets annually in a major Canadian city in late May. The following is a list of past and future sites for the CLA/ACB Annual Conference:

Past Presidents

CLA/ACB has had the guidance and leadership of over 60 volunteer elected Presidents in its existence. These people, along with other volunteer elected officials of the association, have dedicated their time and expertise to help shape the association into what it is today. Some have long since retired from the association while others are still very active members in divisions, committees and interest groups. The Presidents of the association and their terms are as follows: