Organizational Excellence

1967

The Office for Intellectual Freedom established.

"Social movements are used to change existing social patterns. Causes may be promoted through the actions of individual librarians or by the work of social institutions like the American Library Association.

1976

In 1976, ALA saw its first African-American president. Clara Stanton Jones was elected president that year.

"Jones’s 26-year career at DPL [Detroit Public Library] culminated in a promotion to the directorship in 1970, where she served until her retirement in 1978. A renowned mentor to young professionals, Jones was ALA’s first African-American president, serving from 1976 to 1977.

1981

In 1981, ALA headquarters was expanded to provide more space for a growing organization. 50 E. Huron was connected to the adjacent building and the Huron plaza building was dedicated.