Member Benefits

ULC is a high-value membership organization comprised of more than 160 libraries and other library-related organizations.  ULC members serve North America's mid-sized to large metropolitan and urban areas, specifically those with populations in excess of 100,000 residents.  Members say ULC delivers an excellent return on investment, and that they prize the organization for:

• Research that leverages trends and positions libraries more powerfully within their communities.
• Effective professional development for all staff.
• Networks of fresh practices and advice from best-in-class libraries.
• Major conferences that tackle timely issues.
• Unique opportunities that engage the global library community.
• Programs that transform their libraries.

The ULC dues program is a five-tier, multiple-category program that bases dues on library budget size, making ULC membership an affordable option for libraries of all sizes and economic structures.  ULC delivers powerful benefits to all members.

Timely, relevant and provocative research that benchmarks North America's leading urban and metropolitan libraries and investigates the cutting edge of library practices.

Recent research publications include:

• Welcome, Stranger:  Public Libraries Build the Global Village
• Making Cities Stronger:  Public Library Contributions to Local Economic Development
• The Engaged Library:  Chicago Stories of Community Building

All research is conducted by experts, generally from outside the library industry, providing an objective, fresh perspective.

Professional Development that's affordable and accessible for all staff.  ULC custom audio conferences, webinars and learning event engage today's leading thinkers and are designed to provide professional development for the entire organization.

Recent development topics include:

• Scenario Planning:  Learning to Think in the Future Tense
• The Future of Libraries and Sustainable Communities
• E-Learning in Libraries
• Small Business Connections

Networks of fresh practices and advice from best-in-class libraries through peer-to-peer networking--what members tell us is our most powerful benefit. Face-to-face and through electronic discussion groups that match peers based on senior management position or topic, ULC allows professionals to connect easily and effectively.

There are many other pathways for networking opportunities in ULC:

• ULC website resources
• ULC Exchange e-newsletter
• Full access to the ULC network through the ULC membership directory

Major conferences that tackle timely issues for urban libraries.  ULC's premier conferences convene national leaders, preparing ULC members to adapt quickly, making the changes that strengthen the library as an essential part of urban life.

• Partners for Success gathers library directors, trustees and elected officials around key civic issues.  Nashville, TN will host the next Partners conference, "Regional Solutions for Local Vitality," December 3-4, 2009.
• Fast Forward is part of ULC's Foresight 2020 Initiative, an industry-wide program aimed at preparing public libraries for the future.  Fast Forward gives public libraries the tools to look out a dozen years, putting them in a proactive mode regardless of how the environment changes.  Fast Forward, held in Anaheim, CA, June 26, 2008, provided more that 200 ULC participants with ideas and tools to help them imagine, learn and innovate faster.

Unique worldwide learning opportunities that allow members to meet and discuss common concerns with international counterparts.  The European Study Tour, October 6--11, 2008, visited libraries in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden.  Its culmination was a Copenhagen-based symposium, "The Smart City and Its Libraries," which involved European, Australian and North American colleagues.

Transformation via preparing and engaging the next generation of North America's library leaders.  ULC's acclaimed recruitment and leadership programs encourage  collaboration among leaders and peers and prepare participants for constant change and growth.  Programs that will transform our industry include

• Librarians for America's Neighborhoods
• ULC Executive Leadership Institute

Premium Member Benefits that create funds for travel and development.  In addition to all ULC member benefits, premium members participate in Professional Development Accounts.  Funds in these accounts may be applied to the expenses of ULC programs or related professional development activities, conferences, and learning events.  Funds deposited in these accounts must be used within 24 months of the date dues are paid.

ULC Dues Program

 Member Categories

• Library Member.  Public libraries serving community populations over 100,000 in urban or metropolitan areas with a commitment to strengthening the library as an essential part of urban life.

• Corporate Member.  Industry leaders committed to collaboration and strategic engagement with ULC member libraries.

• Associate Member.  Organizations committed to support of and partnership with ULC member libraries, including library agencies and associations, not-for-profits, academic institutions,and library consultants   

• Premium Member.  Library, Corporate, or Associate Members that commit an additional amount equal to 25% of their basic dues to a Professional Development Account.

We invite you to join us.

To become a part of North America's premier library organization, please contact Veronda J. Pitchford, Vice President of Membership & Communications at 312-676-0958.

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