Why you should become an ACL member?
ACL members find support for their unique librarian roles, enjoy community with other like-minded librarians, and gain valuable resources for their libraries to serve with excellence.
Community & Collaboration
Collaborate with Christian librarians worldwide via our member discussion list. Connect with other librarians in similar work environments through sections and professional interest groups.
ACL Annual Conference
Attend the ACL keystone event each year, where members learn, network, engage, collaborate, and are encouraged for the year ahead. Members enjoy a $90 discount on conference registration.
Spiritual Encouragement
Gain insight and encouragement to serve others well as a Christ-following librarian. Read the monthly devotional, submit confidential prayer requests, and/or join the prayer team.
Make a Valuable Impact
Join with other librarian members to impact the field of librarianship, help other librarian colleagues grow in the profession, and strengthen individual libraries.
Save Your Library Money
Full membership in ACL qualifies your institution to join our Christian Library Consortium (CLC) which provides group purchases and significant discounts on popular library resources.
Access to Library Resources
Members gain valuable resources to improve your library and services for its users. Expand your services by joining the ILL, Reciprocal Borrowing Program, or Christian Library Network.
ACL Journal Subscription
The official publication of ACL, The Christian Librarian offers a variety of content including book reviews, articles and peer-reviewed content. Articles are relevant to faith and librarianship and best practices in library science.
Librarian-to-librarian Support
Our members are our greatest resources so ask your library-related questions! Members can also join the FREE ACL Mentoring program to gain wisdom and knowledge from a more seasoned librarian.
Faith Affirmation
ACL recognizes that different Christian denominations and traditions use different language to express the heart of historic Christian faith as articulated in the following verses of Scripture.
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Mission
The mission of the Association of Christian Librarians is to strengthen libraries through professional development of evangelical librarians, scholarship, and spiritual encouragement for service in higher education.
Membership Types
- Full Member:
A Christian librarian who is affiliated with or retired from an institution of higher learning and affirms the mission of ACL. These members are eligible for positions on the Board of Directors. Institutions with full members are qualified to join the Christian Library Consortium (CLC). Membership rates are based on salary; see chart below.
- Associate Member:
Any other Christian librarian (k-12 librarian, public librarian, unemployed librarian, church librarian, etc.) or Christian non-librarian (library school student, library staff person, etc.) who is interested in librarianship and affirms the ACL mission. Associate members can not serve on the ACL Board of Directors and their institutions are not eligible for membership in the Christian Library Consortium (CLC). Voting on association business and service on ACL teams is encouraged. Membership rate is based on salary; see chart below.
What else should I know about individual membership in ACL?
Membership Period
Individual membership is for January 1 through December 31 of the application year. Applications submitted October 1 or later will be applied to the following year’s membership.
Membership Scholarships
Working as a librarian outside of the US or Canada? Learn more about our International Member Scholarship!
The International Member Scholarship was established by the Commission for International Library Advancement (CILA) so that membership dues would not be a hindrance to international librarians joining ACL. The scholarship covers membership dues for the current, enrolling membership year. Scholarships are awarded on a “first come, first serve” basis, with up to 25 scholarships awarded per year. Individuals must meet the following criteria, to be eligible for participation:
- The applicant must be a practicing librarian (full-time or part-time) in academia outside of the United States and Canada, making the equivalent of under $10,000 USD annually.
- The applicant must affirm our mission and testify to their faith in Christ to be eligible for membership, regardless of job title or educational background.
To Apply: Complete the ACL membership application and check the box “Would you like to apply for the International Membership Scholarship?” Then complete the additional required questions. When finishing the remainder of the application please choose “Pay by Mail” in the Payment Selection area and submit application.
Applicants can expect to receive notification within 14 days of submitting their application. ACL reserves the right to cancel a scholarship or change the criteria for awarding scholarships at any time.
Membership Cost
| Full Member Rates | |
| First-Time Member Rate | $40 |
| Retired Academic Librarian Rate | $35 |
| Library Student Rate – employed as librarian (2 year max) | $35 |
| Annual Salary $0-$24,999 | $50 |
| Annual Salary $25,000-$39,999 | $70 |
| Annual Salary $40,000-$59,999 | $90 |
| Annual Salary $60,000-$79,999 | $110 |
| Annual Salary $80,000+ | $135 |
| Associate Member Rates | |
| First-time Member Rate | $40 |
| Retired Associate Member Rate | $35 |
| Library Student Rate – not employed as librarian (2 year max) | $35 |
| Annual Salary $0-$39,999 | $50 |
| Annual Salary $40,000+ | $75 |