Corporate Membership

Applicants seeking Corporate Membership shall demonstrate:

The prescribed academic qualifications.
The required professional experience.
Continuous membership in good standing for the prescribed qualifying period.
Evidence of reasonable participation in the activities of the Association.

Corporate Members shall continue to enjoy the rights, privileges, professional recognition, and services attached to Associate Membership including using the title “Chartered Librarian” only while maintaining continuous membership in good standing without interruption. In addition, every active Corporate Member shall be entitled to use the initials “ALA (Sri Lanka)” which means they are Associate members. Any lapse in membership shall result in the suspension of those rights and privileges until membership has been duly reinstated in accordance with the Constitution, Rules, Regulations, and policies of the Association.

Procedure for Corporate Membership

Step 1

Confirmation of Eligibility

Before submitting an application, the applicant shall ensure that all eligibility requirements prescribed in the Membership Guidelines have been fulfilled.

In addition to the prescribed academic and professional qualifications, applicants shall demonstrate continuous active membership in good standing and active participation in the activities of the Sri Lanka Library Association, as required under the approved Membership Guidelines.

Continuous active membership refers to maintaining uninterrupted membership by paying the prescribed annual subscriptions and complying with the Constitution, Rules, Regulations and policies of the Association.

Active participation may include, but is not limited to:

Participation in Annual General Meetings.
Attendance at professional development programmes, seminars, workshops and conferences.
Service on committees, working groups or task forces.
Contribution to professional publications, research or educational programmes.
Voluntary service or other significant contributions that promote the objectives of the Association.

Step 2

Obtaining the Application Form

Eligible applicants shall obtain the prescribed Associate Membership Application Form from the SLLA Office or download the latest version from the official website of the Sri Lanka Library Association.

Applicants shall ensure that they use the approved application form and provide all information requested

Step 3

Submission of Application and Supporting Documents

The completed application form shall be submitted to the SLLA Office together with all required supporting documents.

The applicant shall provide relevant evidence relating to:

Academic and professional qualifications.
Employment experience.
Current and previous professional involvement.
Continuous membership status of the Association.
Participation and contributions to SLLA activities.

* Incomplete applications or applications without supporting documents may not be processed until the required information is provided.

Step 4

Preliminary Scrutiny by the Secretariat

The SLLA Secretariat shall conduct an initial review of the application to confirm that:

The application form has been completed correctly.
Required documents have been submitted.
Membership subscriptions are up to date.
The applicant satisfies the preliminary eligibility requirements.

Applications meeting the initial requirements shall be forwarded for further evaluation.

Step 5

Review by the Membership Committee

The Membership Committee appointed by the Council of the Sri Lanka Library Association shall examine the application against the approved Associate Membership Guidelines.

The Committee shall consider:

Academic and professional qualifications.
Length and relevance of professional experience.
Continuous membership in good standing.
Active involvement in SLLA activities.
Contributions made towards the advancement of Library and Information Science and the objectives of the Association.
Five years of working experience out of which two years should have been under supervision of a Chartered Librarian after obtaining the non-corporate membership.

The Committee may request additional information or clarification from the applicant where necessary.

Step 6

Verification of Professional Experience and Contributions

The Membership Committee shall verify the applicant’s professional background and assess the level of contribution made to the profession and the Association.

The assessment may include:

Confirmation of employment history.
Review of professional achievements.
Participation in SLLA programmes, conferences and activities.
Involvement in committees, projects or professional initiatives.
Other contributions demonstrating commitment to the Library and Information Science profession.

Step 7

Recommendation for Professional Interview

Applicants who satisfy the documentary and preliminary assessment requirements shall be recommended for a professional interview before the appointed Interview Panel.

The Membership Committee shall submit its observations and recommendations to assist the Interview Panel in conducting the assessment.

Step 8

Professional Interview and Final Assessment

The Interview Panel shall assess the applicant’s overall suitability for Associate Membership, including:

Educational qualifications.
Professional qualifications.
Employment history.
Professional competence.
Knowledge of Library and Information Science.
Professional ethics.
Communication skills.
Evidence of continuous active membership in the Sri Lanka Library Association.
The applicant’s sustained contribution and participation in professional activities, committees, conferences, educational programmes and other initiatives of the Association.
Overall suitability for admission as an Associate Member.

Following the interview, the Interview Panel shall submit its recommendation to the appropriate authority of the Association for approval in accordance with the Constitution, Rules and Regulations of the Sri Lanka Library Association.

Download Corporate Membership application.doc

You have the option either to download the application form and send it physically (post / by hand) or scan the duly filled application form and email it to info@slla.lk