Florida Library Association

The Florida Library Association (FLA) is a regional, non-profit organization that promotes professional discourse and opportunities for the library community in Florida. The FLA publishes the Florida Libraries Journal.

The organization's mission shares similar goals with the American Library Association (ALA), in that organization members promote adapting to the new information age. This mission of the FLA is as follows: The Florida Library Association (FLA) develops programs and undertakes activities to earn it a leadership position for all areas of librarianship. To do this, the Association works with other professional organizations and professions that are relevant to librarianship; provides increasing opportunities for librarians and support staff in Florida to advance their skills so that they can maintain their effectiveness in the new Information Age; works closely with the information industry, facilitating productive links with the library community; and continues its role as legislative advocate for excellence in all types of library service within the State of Florida and beyond.

The Florida Library Association began meeting in 1906, but it was officially formed in 1920 by Helen Virginia Stelle, director of the Tampa Public Library.

The Florida Library Association is an excellent resource for librarians. Membership fees are reasonable, especially for students. In addition to its publication, the Florida Libraries Journal, the FLA provides a forum for issues and advocacy. The FLA is also a great resource for job seekers looking for employment in a Florida library.

The FLA addresses important or impactful issues that affect Florida's libraries or intellectual freedom. Their Statement on Professional Education states that Librarians and Library Directors must have a Master's degree in Library and Information Sciences or Studies to uphold professional standards. The Statement on Privatization of Publicly-Supported Libraries advocates that efforts to privatize libraries by for-profit organizations should be opposed.

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