Kerala Library Association

The Kerala Library Association (KLA) was founded in 1971 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.

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.

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/-

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.

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