Kerala Library Association (KLA) released a professional logo for Librarians at the Women Librarians’ Meet, held in Thiruvananthapuram on 8 March 2014, organized in connection with the International Women’s Day. The meet was inaugurated by noted writer and columnist, Prof. Khyrunnisa A., who released the logo by handing over it to P. Suprabha, the State Librarian. Dr. A. Gopikuttan, President, KLA, presided over the function.
Three technical sessions were held, ‘Empowering Women Librarians: Approaches & Attitudes’ (Dr. Mini Devi B., DLIS, University of Kerala) , ‘Women Librarians’ Network: Some Random Thoughts’ (Smt. Lovely Susan Varghese, PSLV Library, Valiamala) and ‘Librarianship as a Woman’s Profession’ (Dr. Aswathy S., LPSC Library, Valiamala).
Senior Women Library Professionals were honoured at the function. From among the participants, senior most women Librarian, Smt Accamma Cherian and Junior most Librarian, Ms. Aswathy were felicitated. More than sixty women librarians working in academic, public and special libraries, attended the meet.
Dr. M. Lalitha, General Secretary, KLA, welcomed the participants and Dr. S. Beena, offered vote of thanks.
For details, visit http://www.keralalibraryassociation.org
KLA Weblog 
Dear Professionals,
I was informed by S.C.Kumaresan, Head Librarian, Qatar Foundation, Academic Bridge Program, Doha, Qatar that the logo released is indeed the logo of the National Library of the US. (link given below) and not a logo for Librarian. Kindly discuss the issue with fellow members and try to resolve at the earliest.
http://www.ala.org/tools/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet30#librarysymbol
Regards,
M.Leeladharan
Dear Mr Leeladharan,
Happy to know that the “Librarian Logo”, as we captioned, kindles some thoughts.
Yes, the basic logo has been considered as the universal symbol for Libraries (and the logo of the National Library of the US, as you mentioned) and was introduced by ALA. As far as we know, ALA is definitely not against in using the logo for library/librarian promotions around the globe. Objectives of this initiative are to increase the awareness about the profession among the society at large and to boost the confidence level of every Library Professional. Everyone knows what a logo means to Doctors, Advocates, etc. In this version, the basic library logo is slightly modified by adding the title “LIBRARIAN” on a dual circular background. The colour and combinations are kept intact. We hope that this logo may be used to specifically indicate the professional, since the title is included. After the release, we are getting very positive and encouraging responses from Library professionals from around the country and abroad. Kindly understand our intentions, not technicalities.
Kerala Library Association is trying to regain the uniqueness and individuality of Library Professionals through these initiatives. We are certainly not to make it a mandatory thing. You have the freedom to choose it or not. But we surely like to see it everywhere, and of course, where a “Librarian” is live and ticking.
Thanks for your communication.
With regards
For KLA
S.L.Faisal, Member, Executive Committee