Independent Librarians Exchange Round Table | The American Library Association Archives

The Independent Librarians Membership Initiative Group (ILMIG) began to convene in 1982-1983.  The purpose of its founding was to explore the concerns and interests of librarians involved in the uses of their professional talents in other than a traditional institutional setting (1).  At the 1984 ALA Annual Conference, the group actively sought to increase its membership.  At the following year's conference, ILMIG conducted a program on Requests for Proposals.  The membership decided that a change in status was necessary for the growth of the organization (2).

At the 1986 Annual Conference, the ALA Council granted a one-year extension to ILMIG (3).  The next year the Council approved the establishment of the Independent Librarians Exchange Round Table (ILERT) (4).  The current mission statement includes the following:

1.  Provide a network for librarians working outside traditional library settings

2.  Foster understanding of the services provided by individuals who have chosen alternative careers within the profession

3.  Provide programs, publications, and related activities addressing the needs of the members (5).

ILERT intends to form liaisons with other groups serving independent librarians.  Two such organizations are the Independent Law Librarians, a section within the American Association of Law Libraries, and the Consultants Section of the Special Libraries Association's Library Management Division (6).

ILERT produces a semiannual publication called ILERT Alert, which started in 1987 (7).

Sub-Groups:

Steering Committee

Membership

Membership Brochure

Nominating

1.  ALA Handbook of Organization 1982-83, p. 149.

2.  ALA Yearbook 1986, p. 165.

3.  American Libraries  July/August 1985, Vol. 16, p. 516.

4.  American Libraries  July/August 1986, Vol. 17, p. 522.

5.  ALA Handbook of Organization 1988-89, p. 160.

6.  ALA Yearbook 1988, p. 165.

7.  ALA Handbook of Organization 1987-88, p. 172.