Introduction to the European Chapter of the SLA

	'Would you like to join an active network of 15,000 information professionals?'	Contacts are invaluable in information work as business becomes more international. The development of a network of professional contacts in North America and throughout Europe will enable you to greatly enhance the services you offer. The SLA is the leading association for information specialists and special librarians based in the US. It has 15,000 members, 25 subject division, 56 regional chapters and is a thriving and active association. Each of the 25 subject interest divisions have newsletters, publications, meetings and it is here you will find a wealth of contacts in your own subject area (see list of divisions) The SLA is committed to expanding its international scope and is keen to establish active membership throughout Europe and across the globe. The European Chapter of the SLA was established in 1972 as a direct link to colleagues in the US and a unique network of information specialists throughout Europe. All members of the European Chapter enjoy the full benefits of the SLA together with regular chapter newsletter and a programme of events throughout the year.
SLA Annual Conference and Exhibition		Attended by 8,000 delegates the SLA Conference is the major Association event in June each year. With enormous support from all the Divisions and Chapters, the Programme offers a wide choice of sessions on a very diverse range of relevant subjects; the exhibition is comprehensive and includes all types of products and services; and the social programme allows extensive networking among delegates.
The European Chapter		The European Chapter has existed for 25 years. There is a growing enthusiasm in Europe for information specialists to work together. The Chapter is one of the few European organisations that can help you find colleagues in Europe and the only one that can offer you this together with a direct link to a very large and active network in the US. Join us now and help build an invaluable forum in Europe.
Specific Benefits of Membership include:			Network of Contacts - 15,000 information professionals.
			Membership Directory - annual directory giving full address, telephone and fax numbers of the entire SLA membership.
			'Information Outlook' - monthly magazine containing news, advice on professional development and addressing technical and managerial issues.
			Chapter Newsletter.
			Divisions - free membership of one of the 25 subject Divisions and the opportunity to join others for a small membership fee. The divisions are the key to developing your personal network.
			Chapters - free membership of your regional Chapter.
			Member rates - at SLA Annual Conference, continuing education programmes and other SLA services.
			Regular meetings and social events.
		Link to membership form

'The key to the contacts in your subject area''	SLA Divisions
	Advertising & Marketing (484 members) advertising, marketing and related areas	Metals/Materials (113 members) metals and materials procurement, production, applications and handling
The SLA has 25 subject divisions - each concentrates on information activities in a certain field and provides a forum for networking between members with similar concerns. You may join as you like - membership of one is free, additional ones are $12 each.	Biological Sciences (576 members) pure and applied biological sciences	Military Librarians (284 members) military library service and defence issues
	Business & Finance (3242 members) all aspects of business and finance libraries, including business information sources	Museums, Arts & Humanities (763 members) museums, historical institutions, publishing and the creative arts
	Chemistry (432 members) chemistry and chemical technology and related subjects	News (809 members) news and media libraries
	Education (252 members) education, library education, and special librarianship	Petroleum & Energy Resources (386 members) petroleum and petrochemical industries as well as other depletable or renewable energy resources
	Engineering (725 members) engineering practice and the broad spectrum of technical knowledge pertinent to industry and engineers	Pharmaceutical (652 members) pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetic and health care fields
	Environment & Research Management (520 members) management of resources in natural and man-made environments	Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics (185 members) all aspects of information management in these fields
	Food, Agriculture & Nutrition (319 members) all aspects of food, food technology, nutrition and agricultural production	Science Technology (1111 members) all areas of science and technology, including computing
	Geography & Map (176 members) production, procurement, processing and use of cartographic materials	Social Science (454 members) social sciences information and research
	Information Technology (2726 members) new technologies and systems for the processing and control in any subject; has special sections for government information, microcomputers, online, and technical services	Solo Librarians (1099 members) information managers without professional peers in the same organisation
	Insurance & Employee Benefits (360 members) private, social and government insurance, including employee benefits, financial and estate planning	Telecommunications (338 members) non-print electronic media
	Legal (771 members) law and regulatory affairs; emphasis on private law firms, business and government	Transportation (202 members) includes air, road water and urban modes of transport
	Library Management (1862 members) management and leadership techniques in libraries; has special sections for consultants and marketing	SLA Chapters
For further information visit the association web sit www.sla.org		There are 56 regional Chapters covering geographic areas mainly in the US and Canada. Membership of the European Chapter is free, additional membership of others is $15.00 each

	Introduction to the European Chapter of the Special Libraries Association