Long Range Plan 2003 - 2007 : Special Libraries 

The Special Libraries Association (SLA) defines a special library as one maintained by an individual corporation, association, government agency, or other group for the purpose of collecting, organizing, and disseminating information and devoted primarily to a special subject with specialized service to a specialized clientele that requires in-depth assistance in locating, using, and analyzing subject-oriented information.

The SLA Boston Chapter is the primary professional organization representing special libraries in New England and draws approximately 85 percent of its membership from Massachusetts. Special libraries are represented on the Board of Library Commissioners committees, including SACL. Following the development of the Board's Strategic Plan, 194 special libraries have joined the regional multi-type library systems. At the same time, some 700 special libraries have been identified statewide.