Commission for International Library Advancement (CILA)

Founded in 1989 by the Association of Christian Librarians, Commission for International Library Advancement (CILA) was created to assist Christian libraries and librarians outside of North America.

The mission of the CILA is to serve libraries within Christian institutions of higher learning primarily by providing training and support for specific needs in order for these librarians to advance library service within their communities.

The goals of CILA are:

To cultivate strategic partnerships with international organizations and educational institutions for the advancement of librarianship and libraries
To encourage, equip and coordinate ACL members for service to other libraries
To assist libraries in need by identifying and addressing challenges

How CILA Supports International Librarians

ACL International Member Scholarship
Dorothy Spidell Conference Scholarship
Funding the Global Library Investment Grant
By publishing and making available The Librarian’s Manual

Dorothy Spidell Legacy

On January 21, 2011, a dear friend and founding mother of ACL left us for her eternal home. Dorothy Spidell’s involvement began at the very beginning — planning the first conference at Nyack College in 1956. Her active role continued as she served as president from 1961–62. The inaugural years of CPI® also saw Dorothy’s footprints all over them. In 1970, she began volunteering overseas during the summers, visiting countries such as India, France, and Kenya. Dorothy’s home church also benefitted from her service as librarian and missions committee secretary. Known to her friends as Dottie, she has been described as vivacious, enthusiastic, talented, and most importantly, a dedicated Christian.

To continue this work that she was deeply involved in as a member, Dorothy Spidell bequeathed $100,000 of her estate to the furthering of the mission of CILA.