MLA Membership for Individuals

MLA provides multiple individual membership categories to allow you to choose the one that best reflects your situation.

Find your professional home with MLA!

  • Connect with the expert colleagues and innovative skills you need to advance your career.
  • Expand your knowledge base by joining the discussions in public and members-only communities.
  • Equip yourself with the latest tools and education in health information management, research, and practice.
  • Explore the latest tips, tricks, and evidence to advocate for your role and expertise in your institution.
  • Apply for funding to finish school, do that next research project, or travel!

Note change: The MLA membership year is based on your join date (anniversary year). All dues are payable in US dollars. Dues are non-refundable.

Discounts noted below are based on the individual membership $245 dues amount. New members joining at the standard rate will automatically receive the first year of membership at $25% off, or $184.

Individual Membership ($25-$245)

You are an information practitioner who works or has worked in health- or health information-related environments: $245/year.

     Your salary is $50,000 or less; this lower dues membership is $123/year (50% off)

     You are currently unemployed: $61 for one year only (75% off)

You are retired and have been a member 10 years or more: special emeritus rate of $98/year (60% off)

Student membership is available for a single consecutive 2-year term to persons enrolled in a degree program–not certificate–related to health information or health sciences librarianship. Proof of at least part time (two or more courses) enrollment is required for each year of membership: $61/year (75% off)

You are a health information practitioner outside the US or Canada: $184/year

     You are from an Research4Life-eligible Group A or B country: $25/year (90% off)

You are support staff in health information or a representative of a company/organization interested in health sciences librarianship: $184/year (25% off)

What Are My Benefits?

 BenefitIndividual International Student AffiliateEmeritus
Connect with other experts with access to and inclusion in MLA’s private membership directoryXXXXX
Gain insights, expertise, and peer-to-peer support by collaborating with other topic, practice environment, or affinity colleagues in more than 40 MLA caucusesXXXXX
Access financial support for your education, research, or travel, with more than $50,000 in grants, scholarships, and fellowships available annuallyXXXX
Support and apply critical research to your everyday practice with the open-access, peer-reviewed, no-APC Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA)XX
Keep pace with the latest professional and member information through MLAConnect online and via email content alertsXXXXX
Build knowledge throughout your career. MLA offers members discounts on MLA’s live or on-demand webinars, self-paced courses, and instructor-led courses.25%-62.5% discount based on category25%-62.5% discount based on category62.5% discount25% discount62.5% discount
Discounts for annual conferences (in person and virtual)25%-62.5% discount based on category25%-62.5% discount based on category62.5% discount 25% discount62.5% discount
Additional $75 discount for presenting at an annual conferenceXXXXX
25% discounts on specializations XXXXX
Discounts on AHIP fees25%25%25%25%no fee
MLA CE credits for NNLM course learningFreeFreeFree FreeFree 
Member registration rates for allied associations’ eventsXX X
Save 10-30% on MLA books that address information needs of the professionXX X X
Leadership opportunities at the national and caucus levelXXX XX
Learn and share skills as a volunteer in many roles and eventsXXX XX
Vote in Association elections and on association governanceXX XX
Maintain your own professional profile area and choose what fields and information to share with your colleagues.XXXXX
Looking for a job? Have an expert review your CV or resume, or provide tips on interviewing skills, with MLA’s online or annual meeting Resume Clinic service.XXXXX
Your membership travels with you as your job or status changes. No matter who pays for your membership, it’s yours.XXXXX

Need to know more? Contact us! Connect with Jim WestwoodTomi Gunn or Kate Corcoran (312.419.9094) for answers to your questions.