Special Libraries Association and Association for Information Science and Technology to Merge

Members of the Special Libraries Association (SLA) and the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) have approved a motion to merge the two organizations. The SLA had announced plans for its dissolution in March, but the merger ensures that its mission to serve information professionals working in business, government, academic, and other “specialized” settings can continue.

Leaders from both organizations praise the move in an August 21 press release:

“Thank you to the SLA membership for recognizing the merger with ASIS&T is the best option for SLA and preserving its 116-year legacy,” said Hildy Dworkin, President of SLA. “As SLA and ASIS&T move forward as one association, I know our combined strengths and dedicated members will have a greater impact on the library and information community for years to come.”

Ian Ruthven, President of ASIS&T, said, “I am delighted that both ASIS&T and SLA memberships have voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining forces to create a united association. This is a significant development for library and information science and its future. In creating a global community of research and practitioners, this merger will provide a home for both internationally excellent research and its impact in practice. I look forward to working with all members of this new community.”

Read the full release on the SLA or ASIS&T website.