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Being a member of a professional library organization is an investment to support your professional development and empower libraries. Collectively, library organizations support and advance library staff by enhancing their knowledge, abilities, and careers, through access to materials, conferences and more. Libraries are worldwide change agents.
The primary focus of the California Librarians Black Caucus (CLBC) lies in expanding local interests within our profession and creating opportunities to enhance our professional image. Through dedicated efforts, we aim to foster community engagement, promote diversity, and advocate for equity within the library profession. Join us as we work together to uplift and empower Black librarians and library workers in California and beyond.
Members of the California Librarians Black Caucus (CLBC) are encouraged to join the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) and other professional organizations to promote and share the interests and concerns of other Black library workers in the profession.
Membership in the California Library Association (CLA) or ALA is not a requirement for membership in CLBC. Both CLA and CBLA are two independent organizations that collaborate with each other. Likewise, membership in CLBC is not a requirement for membership in BCALA. CLBC and BCALA are also two independent organizations that collaborate with each other. CLBC is an affiliate of BCALA.
An affiliate as defined by the Webster Dictionary is a member or close connection and or associate but independent organization.
Both CLBC and BCALA have committees and are governed by an executive board. BCALA has a national and international focus, while CLBC and the other eleven affiliates of BCALA have a statewide or regional focus.
CLBC is connected to CLA through Interest Groups. The following section provides a brief description about Interest Groups and includes a few groups for California library organizations for your information.
Interest Groups
Interest Groups within library organizations serve as specialized communities where members with common professional interests come together to collaborate, share insights, and address challenges specific to their areas of expertise. These groups provide a platform for librarians to network, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments within their niche. From academic libraries to public libraries, Interest Groups offer valuable opportunities for librarians to engage in discussions focused on your (like) interest, network and seek mentorship, and contribute to the advancement of their field. As an example, CLA has an African American Librarian Interest Group.
Contact an Interest Group today from one of the library organizations listed below to view the groups page, find out what it does and perhaps connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to enhancing library services and enriching the library community as a whole.
ACRL African American Studies Librarian Interest Group
CLA African American Librarians Interest Group
CLA Interest Groups (listing of all CLA Interest Groups)
California Academic & Research Libraries (DIAL)
Diversity in Academic Libraries (DIAL)
Lingo -- Library Organization
In addition to committees and Interest Groups, involvement in library organizations can include roundtables and divisions. They both provide an opportunity to network with peers, tackle issues and or ideas that impact your library, your career; and to shape the profession together. Sharing your expertise and learning from colleagues, you will work with others to build the resources and tools the profession needs. Look for these terms in organizations of interest and Get Involved!
Benefits of membership and involvement
Through dedicated efforts, California Librarians Black Caucus aims to foster community engagement, promote diversity, and advocate for equity within the library profession. Join us as we work together to uplift and empower Black librarians and library workers in California and beyond.
Networking
Newsletters
Scholarships
Professional development
Advice and support on professional concerns
Discussing issues that affect Black Librarians
Click here to complete the membership application form.
Annual membership dues are $30 for new/renewing members, $25 for retired members, and free for currently enrolled library science students. Membership dues are for the calendar year, January-December.
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