Where Special Librarians Can Find Community after the SLA Dissolution

At the end of March, the Special Libraries Association (SLA) announced it would begin the dissolution process after 116 years of service to information professionals. You can read more in the official press announcement.  

In an upcoming post, I’ll interview SLA President Hildy Dworkin and share more about the upcoming conference and SLA’s plans for a smooth transition, including how they intend to “provide a home for its members and partners.”  

Today, I’d like to share some ways you can find and create a professional community beyond SLA, ensuring that the valuable networks and support systems remain intact even as the formal organization changes. 

Why the SLA Dissolution Matters for Special Librarians 

For many special librarians, the news of SLA’s dissolution has been upsetting. SLA has long been a cornerstone of our shared professional identity and community. This change doesn’t just mark the end of an organization, but potentially a disruption to the relationships and connections we’ve built throughout our careers.  

However, this moment also presents an opportunity to reimagine how we connect, collaborate, and grow as professionals. 

9 Ways to Rebuild Your Professional Network After SLA’s Dissolution 

As SLA comes to an end, special librarians can maintain and rebuild professional connections through local meetups, library associations, online communities, and new initiatives. Here are 9 practical ways to stay connected to the wider community: 

1. Host (or Join) Local Meetups

Identify local information professionals and establish regular meetups. This could be a lunch meeting, early morning coffee, or after-work social event. No matter the time, what is important is consistency, so people know they can count on it.  

 2. Explore New Library Associations 

Locate a different professional organization that aligns with your work. Wikipedia offers a lengthy list of library associations. 

3. Engage with Online Communities

Find a virtual group that you can follow to stay current on topics. LinkedIn is ideal for this. You may also consider joining a subreddit related to special librarianship or knowledge management for more casual, ongoing conversation.  

4. Get Involved with Your State Library Association

Become involved in your state library association. Many states have more than one library association, and Wikipedia has a good list.

5. Look Beyond Library-Specific Groups

Consider joining an organization that is not specific to libraries. Look into industry/sector-specific information groups that align with your specialized field (legal, medical, corporate, etc.), as these often have dedicated knowledge management communities. 

6. Join Cross-Disciplinary Networks

Find cross-disciplinary groups focused on emerging technologies or methodologies that impact information work (e.g., AI ethics, data governance, or digital preservation). 

7. Start Your Own Blog or Substack

Share updates, insights, and resources to help others in special libraries stay connected and informed.

8. Join Professional Development Groups

Connect with professional development organizations and develop resources specifically for special librarians.  

9. Partner with Library Schools

Connect with a local academic library or information school and collaborate with them on professional development opportunities. University library science programs can be good places to grow your network. 

Looking Ahead: Reimagining Professional Community 

The dissolution of SLA marks the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity to reimagine and rebuild our professional connections. While the loss of such a longstanding institution is significant, the skills that make special librarians valuable—adaptability, resourcefulness, and expertise in connecting people with information—will help make the transition easier.  

As you move forward, consider which of the suggestions above resonates most with your career goals and personal preferences. The most effective professional communities are those that not only enhance your knowledge and skills but also energize and inspire you.  

By taking proactive steps to build new connections now, you will help ensure that the special libraries community continues to flourish, even as its professional organizational structure evolves. 

You can find additional details in this announcement to members, and a letter to the members is on the SLA website as well.  

Have you found a new professional home after SLA? Share your experience in the comments or tag me on LinkedIn to join the conversation.