VLA Professional Associates Forum

The VLAPAF, formerly known as the Paraprofessional Forum, was established in 1979. You can read about our history here. Learn more about professional associates through reading the VLAPAF section of the VLA Bylaws.

Explore Past Conferences & Events

State Paraprofessional Organizations:

Other Paraprofessional Organizations:

• ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table Home Page (LSSIRT)
• Council on Library/Media Technicians (COLT)

Resources and Publications:

• Library Support Staff Resource Center
• Support Staff (Internet Library for Librarians)
• Associates: The Electronic Library Support Staff Journal

About VLAPAF

VLA Professional Associates Forum (VLA PAF) bylaws

(Established 1979, Revised 2014, Revised 2017, Revised 2020)

• Purpose: To provide a formal network for professional associates throughout Virginia.
• Objectives:

1. To provide members with information pertinent to professional associates.
2. To plan, sponsor, and present biennially the VLA PAF Conference, increasing opportunities for in-service training and staff development for library professional associates and for fostering communication among library employees throughout Virginia.
3. To plan, sponsor, and present biennially one-day Regional Workshops in each of the regions across Virginia. 
4. To award professional associate scholarship(s) annually, as deemed appropriate.
5. To increase awareness in the library community of the role of professional associates in providing library service.
6. To create an atmosphere where Virginia’s professional associates make meaningful contributions to VLA and benefit from VLA support and guidance.