Who We Are
With more than 4,000 members, the OLA is the largest library association in the country. OLA has seven divisions covering various kinds of libraries (college and university, library and information technology, library boards, public libraries, school libraries, and French libraries). We provide the chance for library workers and supporters to share their experience and expertise while creating innovative solutions in a constantly changing environment. We offer opportunities for learning, networking, recognizing, influencing and celebrating within the library world.
Our Mission
To empower our members in the library and information services sectors to build informed, participatory, and inclusive communities through research, education, advocacy, and partnerships.
Our Vision
To lead and inspire the growth and innovation of the library and information services sector. Our set of guiding values has stood the test of time and continues to guide us in our work.
Our History
Founded in 1900, the OLA is the oldest continually operating library association in Canada.
OLA Values
Our Association is responsive by connecting people to people and people to ideas. In addition, it empowers our members, provides a platform for education, and awareness of important issues. Members are encouraged to develop their own perspective and views on critical issues and events.
Our Association upholds intellectual freedom, and open and equitable access to library resources, as basic tenets of our democratic society.
Our Association has a shared responsibility to support an inclusive environment within the profession, and throughout the community with the provision of library resources and services that meet the needs of all library users.
Our Association supports and cultivates a broad range of literacies and the pursuit of professional and personal learning, thereby improving one’s ability to participate meaningfully within information based society.
Our Association is dedicated to accepting, promoting and supporting continual advancements in library services, and staying up to date with current trends and technologies.
Our Association believes in open and transparent business practices that clearly demonstrate responsible use of organizational resources for effective and efficient library programs and systems.
