Affiliate Membership FAQ

We want to join! What next?
Each organization needs a Key Contact to complete the membership form. The Key Contact will pay the annual invoice and can add staff to the account at any time. Please see the Key Contacts Guide for tips and tricks for adding staff to your account. Once a staff person is added, they will be able to create their own password for the VLA site and can then participate in online forums, sign up for events at the VLA member price, participate in VLA Committees, and vote in VLA elections.

How will it work?
Once your library pays the Affiliate Membership fee and you link those who work for you, everyone will be able to create a member login for our website. Memberships established at that time will be effective through December 31 of the following year.

Why did VLA create this level of membership?
VLA has not raised Individual dues in 10 years. We understand that library staff salaries have not increased significantly in a long time. VLA does not have a membership problem, we have a participation issue. Creating this new structure will open more opportunities for library staff to network, partner, get involved, and broaden their scope of lifelong learning.

If my library can’t pay for this, can people still become Individual members of VLA?
Absolutely.

Are we required to participate in the Affiliate Membership?
No, this is not a requirement for any system. However, we think you’ll notice a significant cost savings if you already pay for individual VLA memberships for your staff. The savings will also be significant if you send more than two non-members to the VLA conference each year.

Who is eligible for the the Affiliate Membership program?
All Academic, Public, Government, Law, Special and Other libraries in the Commonwealth are able to take part.