The Kerala Library Association (KLA) was founded in 1972 by a group of librarians who strongly felt the need for an independent professional association at the state level to promote the cause of library development, professional standards of librarians, entirely dedicated for libraries and librarians. The Headquarters of the association is at Thiruvananthapuram. Prof. K. A. Isaac was the patron of the association.
The association has boldly voiced the sentiments and the views of professionals on several occasions to the concerned authorities. It has successfully projected the need for improving library services in College & Universities. KLA helped the Government to formulate policies in relation to library development in the state.
Origin
The first attempt at founding a professional association took place in 1958 by the initiative of a few trained librarians who formed the All Kerala College Librarians Association. In 1961, the University of Kerala opened a new department to offer bachelor's degree in Library science. Subsequently, when the number of degree holders began to increase, it led to the formation of another association called Kerala Librarians Association in 1964 at Thiruvananthapuram.
Later in 1971 the present association was renamed as Kerala Library Association, and thus it was registered under the Societies Registration Act and it became the first legitimate organization of the professional librarians in the state of Kerala.
Objectives
To unite all libraries in Kerala by holding conferences and meetings for the discussion of questions affecting the library profession and matters affecting libraries or their regulation or management or other wise. To promote library movement and improvement in library services. To promote appropriate library legislation in the state. To promote the better administration of libraries. To promote library science education and the improvement in the training of librarians in Kerala. To promote and encourage bibliographical study and research. To promote the establishment of libraries, documentation and information centres in Kerala. To publish information of service or interest to the members of the association or for the promotion of the objects of the association. To promote whatever may tend to the improvement of the position and qualifications of the librarians. To affiliate to the association, other associations in Kerala with similar objects. To co-operate with other State, National, International and other organizations with similar objects. To do all such other things as incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above-mentioned objects.
Membership
Membership of the association is of four categories.
(a) Ordinary Membership
Ordinary Membership is open to all librarians who satisfy the required minimum qualifications viz. a basic bachelor's degree with a Degree/Diploma in Library Science, subscribe to the objects of the association and pay an admission fee of Rs.10/- and an annual subscription of Rs.100/-
(b) Associate Membership
Associate Membership is open to students undergoing a course of study leading to a Degree/Diploma in Library Science, subscribe to the objects of the association and pay an admission fee of Rs.10/- and annual subscription of Rs.25/-
(c) Honorary Membership
Honorary Membership is granted to eminent personalities in the field of library profession, service and teaching.
(d)Life Membership
Life Membership is open to all librarians who satisfy the required minimum qualifications viz. a basic bachelor's degree with a Degree/Diploma in Library Science, subscribe to the objects of the association and pay an admission fee of Rs.10/- and a life membership fee of Rs.600/- (Rupees Six Hundred) either in full or in two installments, i.e., RS.300/-falling within the period of the same financial year of the association.
Publications
KLA publishes KLA Newsletter which is distributed free to all its members. So far the association has published five research monographs, many seminar volumes, two souvenirs and 5 books. Read the current issue of KLA Newsletter