MaLIA was set up in 1969 with the aim of creating a meeting ground for people engaged or interested in the library and information profession in Malta. MaLIA aims to unite all persons engaged, interested or involved in library, information and archival work across Malta and Gozo. The objectives of MaLIA can be summarised as follows: to unite all persons engaged, interested or involved in library, information and archival work; to assist in the improvement of status, salaries and qualifications of librarians; to focus national attention on library, information and archival issues; to watch and make representation regarding legislation affecting libraries, archives, copyright, legal deposit and laws affecting censorship, and to assist in the promotion of legislation concerning the improvement and satisfactory application of library development; to encourage the establishment, promotion and use of libraries and archives in Malta and Gozo; to hold conferences and meetings concerning library matters and policies; to promote, encourage and assist bibliographical studies and research; to maintain a library collection for members of the Association in such location that the Association may decide; to hold courses in library and information studies; to maintain a register of library and information professionals. MaLIA is a member of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), the Commonwealth Library Association (COMLA), and the European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA).