These guidelines describe the subject matter of interest to PLA, the three types of PLA publications, the criteria used to evaluate manuscripts and publications, rights of first refusal, the process of getting items published, and the responsibilities of relevant parties. The Public Library Association engages in an active program of publishing materials of interest to the public library community. The following statement sets forth the association's policies on what subjects the association will consider, how materials are selected for publication, the format in which those materials will be published, guidelines for authors submitting materials, and preparation, promotion, and publicity for the publications. Applied research useful to library management and staff Publications addressing the priority concerns of the Public Library Association are particularly encouraged. Adequate funding for libraries Improved management of public libraries Recognition of the importance of all library staff in providing quality public service Recruitment, education, training and compensation of public librarians Effective use of technology Intellectual freedom Improved access to library resources Effective communication with the non-library world Subject matter must be timely and focus primarily on public libraries.
Topics having the lowest priority are historical and theoretical works.
Audience Public library staff, managers and other library personnel comprise the primary target audience for PLA publications. Works of fewer pages may ne more appropriate for Public Libraries , the division journal, and can be sent directly to Public Libraries for consideration. Sources of Publications PLA accepts original, never before published material, as well as publications that have been written or produced for another audience but would be of interest to the broader PLA membership. These include, but are not limited to, publications produced by a PLA unit, in addition to manuscripts related to unit programs given at conferences and workshops. To expedite the coordination of activities on publications, the unit originating the publication shall identify an author and a promotion person for each title.