Learning, community give library and information associations a bright future

The purpose of this paper is to examine the new set of skills needed by information associations to face the change in the global community they are to represent.

The paper looks at the strategies of the Special Library Association whose benefits and services are aimed at three key areas: learning, networking and advocacy.

The paper finds that for library and information associations to create a healthy future they must devise flexible and forward‐looking strategies that connect the individual member with goals of the organization.

The paper provides a useful perspective on the future path of library and information associations in the global community.