The Special Libraries Association (SLA) is an international organization of information professionals. Its mission is to advance the leadership role of its members in putting knowledge to work in the global information society. Government bodies and related international organizations play a critical role in establishing the legal and social framework within which SLA members conduct information services. Because of the importance of governments and international organizations to its membership, SLA maintains an active Public Policy program.

SLA supports government policies that:

• Strike a fair and equitable balance among the rights and interests of all parties in the creation, distribution, and use of information and other intellectual property.
  
  
• Strengthen the library and information management operations of government agencies. 
  
  
• Promote access to government public information through the application of modern technologies and sound information management practices.
  
  
• Encourage the development and application of new information and communications technologies to improve library services, information services, and information management.
  
  
• Protect individual intellectual freedom and the confidentiality of library records, safeguard freedom of expression, and oppose government censorship.
  
  
• Foster international exchange of information.

With regard to the actions of government bodies and related international organizations in the policy areas listed above, the Association shall:

• Monitor executive, legislative, and judicial actions and initiatives at the national and international level, and to the extent practical at the sub-national level.
  
  
• Educate key decision-makers on the concerns of SLA's membership.
  
  
  
• Provide timely updates tothe membership on critical issues and actions. 
  
  
• Encourage members to influence actions by expressing their opinions.
  
  
• Develop cooperative relationships with other like-minded organizations, so as to expand SLA's visibility and impact.