MLA Divisions encompass the primary scholarly and professional concerns of the Association, with each of seventy-three Divisions representing a major area of membership interest. In order to participate fully in the activities of the Association, members are urged to join the Division or Divisions in which they have major interest. Since membership in Divisions is maintained as part of all members' records for the purpose of sending them Division Newsnotes and other special interest materials, joining a Division indicates an active involvement in the field and a desire to promote its scholarly and professional concerns. Membership in one Division does not, of course, exclude a member from attending any or all meetings arranged by other Divisions at the MLA Annual Convention.

Most of the provisions of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976, the first thorough revision of United States copyright law since 1909, went into effect on 1 January 1978. Although publications addressed to scholars and teachers have focused attention on matters of photocopying and fair use, there are a number of other changes in the law that are also of interest to members of the Association. In describing any complex legislation, it is difficult to generalize, for almost every possible generalization should be followed by all the possible qualifications and exceptions. Thus members who have questions regarding the new law would be well advised to consult some of the publications listed at the end of this article and, when necessary, to consult an attorney.