Library Associations, Conferences, and Professional Development

What role do conferences play in the professional development offerings of associations? This chapter examines the role of library associations generally in librarian professional development, then focuses on the conference as the key outlet of professional development for the library association. Benefits of conference attendance as discussed in the scholarly literature of librarianship are presented. Current leaders of library associations are surveyed to determine the relevance and sustainability of conferences for library associations, and future trends are addressed along with recommendations for associations offering conferences.