The California Clearinghouse on Library Instruction (CCLI) was formed to provide a forum for California librarians interested in library instruction. In 1973 after a pre-conference on “Teaching the Library” at the California Library Association, there was a desire by reference librarians attending to share innovative instructional ideas and materials through a clearinghouse in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of work. CCLI was at one time part of CLA but when CLA restructured and required membership dues, CCLI opted to become independent again.
CCLI remains a grassroots organization, comprised of working instruction librarians at all types of libraries. It charges no dues and tries to keep the annual workshop in the spring affordable and convenient for attendees. Programs tend to focus on practical aspects of library instruction.
CCLI was originally geographically divided–CCLI North and CCLI-South. The southern section is now part of an Interest Group within CARL.
CCLI has elected officers but membership in the Steering Committees comprised of members who attend any given meeting. The Steering Committees serves primarily as a program planning committee. Programs focus on various instructional topics such as teaching the source evaluation, innovative teaching methods, and assessing instruction impact. The original depositories that were the primary focus of CCLI have long since been replaced with conference content.
In August 2010, the Steering Committee voted to change the name of the group to the California Conference on Library Instruction, as the clearinghouse depository is no longer maintained.