PLA Communities of Practice

In May 2008, PLA members voted overwhelmingly in favor of changing the organization’s bylaws. In addition to flattening the structure of PLA, the new bylaws provide an opportunity for all members to participate in PLA through the new Communities of Practice.

What is a Community of Practice?

A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people who continuously come together to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for a specific subject. Their regular interactions produce an even greater understanding of a specific subject and serve to solve problems or even generate new ideas or projects within a field.

• CoPs will replace many PLA committees.
• Unlike committees, CoPs will be accessible to members regardless of whether or not they are able to commit to traveling to in-person meetings. The CoPs will exist primarily in a virtual space allowing members to communicate and network on an ongoing basis. But, if members choose to meet at ALA Midwinter or Annual Conference, PLA will provide a meeting space for them to do so.
• There will be no appointing process. Members can join (and leave) CoPs at their discretion, and members can develop new communities if their area of interest is not represented. As new topics and issues emerge, members are encouraged to form groups for investigation, discussion, and management of projects.
• CoPs will be able to recommend conference programs, PLA products, and services for consideration.

The PLA Communities of Practice Startup Guide (PDF, 135 kb)

What about the Committees?

• PLA will continue to maintain standing committees, advisory groups, and task forces that support the association and have specific work outcomes. More information about PLA committees.

Current CoPs on PLAspace

Audiovisual services in public libraries

Dedicated to helping library managers and managers-to-be become better managers.

For those working in or with branch libraries.

PLA CoP for Cataloging

Dedicated to all aspects of Collection Development and Materials Management

The purpose of this group is to discuss ethics issues and help people make decisions.

Provides support for libraries' promotion of freedom of acquisition, dissemination, and maintenance of materials, services, and programs.

To promote international awareness and understanding of public libraries to PLA membership.

To share and discuss ideas for promoting public libraries

Public Library Services for Children

Focused on the concerns of Public Library Systems

PLA CoP for Readers Advisory

Committed to increasing the quality of library services to rural communities everywhere

Dedicated to supporting librarians who serve Spanish speakers

Concerned with issues of small and medium-sized public libraries

We will discuss and explore best practices in staffing of public libraries.

PLA CoP for Technology

A forum for those who work in urban public libraries