TLA is governed by its Constitution, adopted by the Annual General Meeting in Arusha on 25 February 2005. The Association is managed by a Patron, a Chairperson, a Governing Council and an Executive Committee, under the authority of the Annual General Meeting.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting is the final authority of the Association. It meets every February, receives the Chairperson's annual report and the financial report, and every three years elects the office-bearers by secret ballot. Only paid-up Chartered members may vote at the AGM and stand for office.
Patron and Chairperson
The Patron is appointed by the Annual General Meeting and acts as guardian of the Association. The Chairperson is the Association's Chief Executive Officer and spokesperson, and chairs the Executive Committee, the Governing Council and general meetings.
Governing Council
The Governing Council has up to ten members elected at the AGM, plus up to three co-opted members. Members serve three-year terms and may hold office for no more than two consecutive terms. The Council meets at least four times a year.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee comprises the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General, supported by five departmental secretaries. It is elected every three years and meets every month.
Standing committees
- Education, Professionalism and Ethics
- Publication, Research and Development
- Sectoral Libraries and Information Units
- Planning, Administration and Finance
- Regional Branches
Each committee has up to five members, appointed by the AGM for three years and chaired by a member of the Executive Committee.
Regional branches
TLA may open branches wherever needed. Branches hold their own meetings, collect their own funds and send an agreed share of each member's subscription to the headquarters.
Meet the current Executive Committee · Download the TLA Constitution (PDF)
Last updated 7 Nov 2026