2009 University Press Books
 

for Public and Secondary School Libraries

In Cooperation with The Association of American University Presses

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Public Library Association (PLA), Letter from the President

The Public Library Association (PLA), with more than 11,000 members, is one of the fastest growing divisions of the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world. PLA’s relationship with University Press dates back to 1991. Over the years, PLA members have offered their time and expertise examining, selecting, rating and reviewing books sent to them by University Press publishers. The result is the annual University Press Books for Public and Secondary School Libraries bibliography. This year, for the 2009 edition, 11 PLA-member librarians participated in PLA’s University Press Book Reviewers group, a Community of Practice (CoP) on PLASpace.org dedicated to this project.

Participation in the UP Book Reviewers CoP is just one example of opportunities PLA members have to get involved with the association and the profession. PLA is dedicated to providing members with the resources they need to meet the daily demands of public librarianship in this ever-changing environment. Our goal is to ensure that membership is a rewarding experience. Through PLA, members can:

  • Connect with peers. PLA members are encouraged to get involved with Community of Practices (CoP) on PLAspace.org. PLAspace provides members with a virtual space to have ongoing discussions about public librarianship. Several topic-focused CoPs exist, including groups dedicated to Readers Advisory, Rural Libraries, Marketing, and Children’s Services--just to name a few. Members can create an account and join the conversation at www.plaspace.org.
 
  • Attend the PLA National Conference. PLA members can take advantage of a significant registration discount for the PLA National Conference. The biennial PLA National Conference is the premier event for public librarians, library staff, trustees, Friends, and library vendors who are eager to learn new skills, share success stories, and hear best practices. Check out www.placonference.org for information about the upcoming conference.
  • Read Public Libraries, the official journal of PLA. PLA members receive a free subscription to Public Libraries. Published six times a year, each issue of Public Libraries includes important industry news, PLA and ALA updates, and columns and features that offer strategies and ideas that can make a difference in your career.
 
  • Focus on professional development with continuing education. From self-guided e-Learning courses to week-long “boot camp” style management trainings, PLA offers a wide range of opportunities for career development. PLA works hard to keep continuing education affordable, and members enjoy deep discounts on registration.
Information about these benefits and more can be found at www.pla.org.

We hope you enjoy this publication. We want to thank to our members who participated in this project, and the AAUP for its ongoing commitment to public libraries.

Sincerely,
Carol L. Sheffer
PLA President 2008-2009
   

 

What do you want to talk about today?
PLA Graphic
Join the conversation at www.plaspace.org.
Readers Advisory • Technology • Cataloging • Branch Libraries • Rural Libraries
Collection Development • Small and Medium Libraries • Urban Libraries
Public Library Services for Children • Intellectual Freedom • Staffing Issues
Marketing Public Libraries • Services for Spanish Speakers • Audiovisual
Be a Better Manager • International Relations
What is PLAspace?
The Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association, created PLAspace to better serve members by giving them an opportunity to share ideas, network, and explore their professional interests with their peers online. All PLA members can join or create Communities of Practice (CoPs), which represent groups that have come together for the purpose of discussing one topic pertaining to public libraries and public librarianship.
Log on and join the conversation or create a new one at www.plaspace.org.
For more information, visit www.pla.org and www.plaspace.org.
PLA Graphic
 

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