ACL Membership offers students enrolled in MLS/MLIS programs a unique opportunity to participate in a vibrant librarian community and to take advantage of a wide array of benefits to launch their librarian careers — all for just $35 annually.
Who is eligible?
Students enrolled in MLS/MLIS programs are eligible for ACL’s discounted student membership dues of $35 annually and are encouraged to participate in ACL activities, including conferences, publications, volunteer work, and networking. Library school students employed as academic librarians should join under the FULL MEMBER – Library School Student category while those library school students not employed as academic librarians should join under the ASSOCIATE MEMBER – Library School Student category.
ACL provides student members with the support, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in their academic and professional endeavors within the field of librarianship.
Why Student Membership?
BUILD EXPERTISE
Boost your skills and knowledge by engaging in our helpful all-member discussion group, exploring professional interest groups, and actively participating in our conference. Stay abreast of library trends and standards with The Christian Librarian journal subscription.
DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS
Get to know the ACL professional community of 600+ members for job leads, mentorship, collaboration efforts, and volunteer opportunities.
COST SAVINGS
Enjoy discounts on membership dues, conference registration, and apply for library school funding through the Legacy Endowment Grant.
Student Membership Benefits
Apply for Library School Funding
ACL members who are library school students pursuing an accredited MLS/MLIS degree are encouraged to apply for the Legacy Endowment Grant funds to be used towards tuition, fees, and books. Please note the November 1 annual application deadline.
Join the free ACL Mentorship Program
Participate in the ACL Mentorship Program to gain guidance from a seasoned professional within the ACL community. This FREE program helps you learn from a mentor’s experience providing valuable insights and advice.
Save on Professional Development
ACL student members enjoy even greater cost savings beyond the standard $90 membership discount. When registering for either the in-person or virtual segment of the ACL Annual Conference, remember to select the student rate to maximize your savings.
Apply for the New Conference Scholarship for Library Students
The ACL Board of Directors established the Jeanette Parker Memorial Conference Scholarship to support ACL members currently enrolled in a library degree program. This scholarship provides an opportunity for student members to attend the ACL Annual Conference, fostering growth, learning, and connection within the Christian library community.
Emerging Library Professionals Interest Group
The Emerging Library Professionals Interest Group (ELPIG) is designed to provide a faith-based support system for those who are new to the profession and to help new association members become actively involved in the association and the profession. The mission of the group is to create networking opportunities, promote ACL membership among emerging library professionals, and to create in-person and online forums (via a Google Group) for emerging librarians to openly share resources and to freely discuss topics relevant to new professionals in the library community.
Librarian job search
Check out the ACL job posting page for open positions at ACL member institutions.
Share your research
Looking for an opportunity to share your research? Consider submitting an article for publication in our journal, The Christian Librarian, submit a conference presentation proposal, or conference poster.
Jumpstart your Career
Make ACL conference attendance a priority! Either in-person (recommended) or online. The professional development and networking opportunities are unmatched.
