About ILF

Our mission is to lead, educate, and advocate to advance library services for the benefit of Indiana residents. 

The Indiana Library Federation (ILF) origin dates back to 1891 when the assistant state librarian called together a meeting of 10 librarians from universities and the Indianapolis Public Library. Together, they initiated the Library Association of Indiana. After a name change to Indiana Library Association and organizing the Indiana Library Trustee Association in the early twentieth century, the two organizations merged in 1990 to be renamed Indiana Library Federation.  

ILF is the statewide nonprofit organization for all library types: academic, public, school, special, and library supporters. It is the largest organization of its kind in Indiana, boasting more than 2,000 personal, institutional, library trustee, and business affiliate contributing members. ILF is laser focused on helping libraries and their staff thrive. 

ILF is managed by Mattison. ILF is overseen by the Board of Directors, in addition to the support from ILF staff.  

Advocating for Libraries  

The Advocacy Committee, in partnership with Taft Public Affairs Group, monitors legislation that affects libraries and their staff. Members of the committee work to enhance the awareness of legislators to the purposes and concerns of libraries. ILF is also a source for education to foster professionalism and competence in government affairs and lobbyist activities. Additionally, ILF is able to monitor national legislation impacting libraries through our affiliation with the American Library Association.  


ILF Code of Conduct 

Read the full Code of Conduct here. This Code of Conduct was developed by ILF members. 


ILF Association Groups 

ILF recognizes the three associations that merged and evolved over 126 years, which align with the divisions of American Library Association (ALA). Each affiliation has an association advisory board, which meets 2-6 times per year to provide advice and support to the ILF Office and Board of Directors in carrying out the work of the Federation. Each advisory board provides guidance to the specific type of library or supporter.