The SDRLA started in the early 1970's as a regional chapter (Palomar) of the California Library Association (CLA), and appeared on the official chapter list of January 1973. The group was known as the Palomar Library Association (PLA). In 2003, PLA changed its name to San Diego Region Library Association (SDRLA).
The monthly newsletter began in 1974 and is currently published quarterly. The first newsletter in the files is Vol. 2, no. 2, May 1975. It addresses many issues still current: the scholarship; continuing education for library staffs; job hunting skills; the effect of automation on cataloging; local authors; and activities of other professional organizations. It includes a questionnaire, the first of many, on programs and educational topics in which members are interested.
The Scholarship Fundraiser dates back to at least 1975. The June 15, 1975 event was at the home of then President Marc Gittelsohn of UCSD. Tickets were $3.50 and proceeds benefited CLA's Edna Yelland Minority Scholarship.
Dues in 1976 were $1.00 for CLA members, $3.00 for non-members.
For many years, PLA sponsored at least one program at CLA's annual conference. In 1975, PLA sponsored a Job Hunters Seminar in San Francisco and got press coverage in Wilson Library Bulletin, Library Journal and American Libraries.
In late 1970's, Palomar Library Association presented a series of workshops locally and at CLA on the topic "Sex and Salary" (that is, about pay equity issues in the profession.)
At the 1986 CLA conference, PLA sponsored a total of four workshops on Pay Equity, Copyright and Audiovisual, Legal Resources, and the John Cotton Dana Award for library projects. At the 1992 CLA conference, PLA sponsored two programs.
PLA has been politically active during times of crisis for libraries. There was much activity and coverage of Proposition 13 and its fallout. In August, 1978, PLA staged at least 3 "information pickets" at appearances by then San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson to protest San Diego Public Library budget cuts and proposed users fees. This received local TV coverage.
In 1987-8 PLA actively lobbied for professional library science courses to be held in San Diego area. Activities included surveys and invitations to speakers from library schools in California. San Jose State University's School of Library Science began offering courses in Fullerton in 1989 and San Diego in Fall 1993.
Also in 1987-88, PLA presented a course entitled "Introduction to Library Science" which was attended by 32 and 25 students respectively at two sessions.
PLA sponsored one paraprofessional's attendance at CLA's 1989 annual conference. The winner submitted the best essay.
During CLA's reorganization in 1992-3, Palomar Chapter members and Board voted to leave CLA and become an independent organization, the Palomar Library Association, effective January 1, 1993. There were 150 members that year.
PLA continued scholarship support for library science students under its own sponsorship. The first (1993) awards were for a California MLS graduate student ($500) and technical certificate student ($250).
PLA helped support the Greater San Diego Paraprofessional Development Workshop in 1994 and 1995. This workshop's goal is to provide accessible training opportunities for the non-MLS library staffer and has reached 100+ participants each year.
Tax-exempt status was received from the IRS in 1995 as a 501(c)6 professional organization.
The Palomar Library Association was revived in 2000 - 2001, and renamed in 2003 to reflect regional affiliations. The San Diego Region Library Association continues to build professional relationships and support scholarship in Library Sciences.
Historical information complied by Sue Swisher, 1995 President of PLA.
Last updated March 3, 2004 (jp)
Written by Judith Downie and updated by Brenna Ring, SiteKeeper