International Special Librarians Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: American Appreciation
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every April 13
Holiday emoji:: 📚

International Special Librarians Day recognizes the invaluable contributions of information professionals every April 13. These experts manage and organize specialized knowledge, empowering organizations across various sectors. Celebrate by acknowledging their crucial role in research, data management, and strategic insights.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected International Special Librarians Day Deals

While International Special Librarians Day isn’t typically marked by widespread consumer deals, it’s an opportune moment for professional organizations and vendors to offer appreciation. Expect the Special Libraries Association (SLA) and the American Library Association (ALA) to highlight member benefits and professional development opportunities. Information service providers like EBSCO and ProQuest may offer special webinars or temporary discounts on their resources for institutions. Companies often acknowledge their internal librarians with recognition events, professional gifts, or enhanced access to industry conferences. We will update this page with confirmed recognition programs as April 13 approaches.

Platform Guide for International Special Librarians Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SpecialLibrariansDay. Share stories of how special librarians have impacted your work or research.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #SpecialLibrariansDay. Highlight industry news or innovative projects led by special librarians.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SpecialLibrariansDay. Create a post asking your community to share their experiences with special librarians.

International Special Librarians Day Hero

John Cotton Dana

John Cotton Dana (1856–1929) was a visionary librarian and museum director who championed the concept of the 'special library.' He believed libraries should be active, relevant, and responsive to the specific needs of their communities, advocating for specialized collections and services beyond traditional public libraries. His work laid the groundwork for the modern special library, emphasizing practical utility and direct engagement with users.

History of International Special Librarians Day

For any organization to succeed, they need services that provide them with easy access to decision-ready data, trusted market intelligence, as well as efficient collection and sharing of data, to name a few. Information professionals bring all these to the table. They’re trained in knowledge management, information research, and data analysis and presentation. They should know your company’s mission and market. Information professionals work in such roles as intranet managers, librarians, information specialists, knowledge managers, and research analysts. Others work in physical libraries or information centers. Many are part of research and development, market research, or strategic planning teams.

The “Special Libraries Association” (SLA) is a non-profit global organization for innovative information professionals and their partners in government, business, academic, and other particular settings. The SLA Board of Directors created International Special Librarian Day. Along with the SLA, it’s also sponsored by “Factiva.” The event’s continued growth empowered information professionals to showcase their services and resources through a range of activities using materials provided by the SLA.

In 2007, 17 years after its establishment, the “SLA Public Relations Advisory Council” sought to create an alternative event to recognize and showcase the specialized skills as well as the value that information professionals bring to an enterprise. They found out that most executives didn’t realize that their resident information professional or special librarian provided added value by protecting their company from litigation or scandal. It was only too late that information ethics were given any attention. To remedy this, a new and more informative day of education would be needed. Information Ethics Day replaced ISLD and was formally launched during SLA’s Centennial Celebration.

International Special Librarians Day timeline

1909

The SLA is Founded

The “Special Librarians Association” is established by a group of 20 librarians who meet at the “Mt. Washington Hotel” in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.

1966 to 1968

The Holy Batgirl

Batgirl— a.k.a. Dr. Barbara Gordon — Ph.D. in Library Science and head of Gotham Public Library appears on TV.

2006

The ISLD Goes On Hiatus

The “SLA Public Relations Advisory Council” takes this time to assess the day’s effectiveness in educating the public about special librarians and information professionals.

2009

From the ISLD to IED

The SLA’s centennial celebration is replaced by Information Ethics Day.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Special Librarians Day

Local businesses can celebrate International Special Librarians Day by recognizing the information professionals within their own ranks or in partner organizations. Consider sponsoring a professional development workshop, offering a complimentary lunch, or providing gift certificates to local bookstores or coffee shops. Tech companies and information service providers can host webinars or offer free trials of their tools, showcasing how they support the work of special librarians.

International Special Librarians Day FAQs

When is International Special Librarians Day?

In 2027, International Special Librarians Day will be observed on Tuesday, April 13, providing another opportunity to acknowledge the vital role special librarians play in various industries.

What is a special librarian?

Unlike public or academic librarians, special librarians focus on niche subject areas and often possess expertise in those fields. Their primary goal is to provide targeted, timely information that supports the strategic goals and decision-making of their organization.

How many special librarians are there?

Across North America, the community of special librarians continues to evolve, with a significant presence in corporate, legal, medical, and non-profit organizations. Their numbers reflect the ongoing demand for expert information management in complex fields.

Is International Special Librarians Day part of National Library Week?

Although it shares the same week, International Special Librarians Day specifically focuses on the specialized information sector, distinguishing its celebration from the general appreciation for all libraries during National Library Week.

International Special Librarians Day Activities

Visit a library
In today’s online-focused world, many people probably haven't been to one since their school days. Browse through your local library — you may find some interesting reading material as well as make a new librarian friend.
Buy a coffee for a librarian
Sorting through tons of information can get boring. Whether it’s the lady who works at the public library or the IT officer in your company, give them a free coffee to perk them up for the job at hand.
Watch librarians on the big screen
This often-overlooked profession has its share of representation in cinema. Films like “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Party Girl,” and “The Time Machine” have librarian characters who show the same tenacity and diligence as their real-life professional counterparts.

5 Of The Most Stunning Libraries In The U.S.

“Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library”
Located at “Yale University,” the building is made of granite, glass, bronze, and Vermont marble that’s so fine it lends a soft golden glow to the interior.
“Boston Public Library”
Designed after a Renaissance cloister, it also houses rare works of art and extravagant decor, with an opulent coffered ceiling in one of its large reading rooms.
“George Peabody Library”
Its dramatic interior showcases huge skylights to allow natural light, soaring ceilings, and five stories of balconies with ornate cast-iron railings.
"Library of Congress"
The world’s largest library features hand-carved sculptures and painted decorations made by more than 50 American artists as well as housing the iconic ‘Main Reading Room' in its “Thomas Jefferson Building.”
“New York Public Library”
It has three archways, six tall Corinthian columns, a grand marble stairway, as well as Patience and Fortitude — the world-famous pair of marble lions that stand guard by the Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street entrance.

Why We Love International Special Librarians Day

It acknowledges an underrated profession
A librarian and their job are often regarded as boring. Anything that brings to light their work and contributions is welcome.
It reminds us of the importance of information
This day is not just about the professionals who record and store data. Information is power, and those who have access to it can accomplish great things.
It celebrates the old and new methods of storing information
Information collection has always existed, done in different forms. There is the traditional way of manually organizing books and the newer way of encoding data on a server.