The Library Business Alliance (LBA)
Introduction
In 2002, the ALA Washington Office invited companies that do business with libraries to work with ALA lobbyists and staff in order to achieve complementary legislative goals.
The Library Business Alliance (LBA) was born of this initial meeting between ALA lobbyists and concerned executives, and it continues to help effect legislative change. All members of the library business community are encouraged to join this key group of library supporters and to boost the effort to sustain libraries' invaluable contributions to their communities. To date, the effort has been immeasurably helpful and the LBA would like to continue the terrific work.
Business leaders who join the LBA understand the vital role libraries play in 21st Century communities and volunteer their time to help sustain and foster growth in all kinds of libraries all over the United States. Libraries offer citizens free, equal access to the information they need to find jobs, write resumes, or learn to speak English. They make available important educational and social services that enrich the lives of people in all kinds of communities across the country. Libraries also play an increasingly important role in our nation’s economy. Like literally thousands of other businesses, large and small, community libraries are vital markets for many businesses' products and services.
What exactly does the LBA do?
The LBA now meets in Washington twice a year to attend briefings on key library issues and then to visit with elected officials and share with them some of the key issues of interest to the library business community, such as library funding legislation.
Members of this group can call upon the Washington Office staff for help in developing briefing materials or talking points for Congressional visits, for help in getting appointments on Capitol Hill and any general assistance that will further the goals of this group.
There is also a listserv for LBA members that is used to communicate information and updates.
How to Join
If you are interested in joining this group of advocates, please email Ted Wegner
If you are already a member of the LBA and would like to share stories about your company's successes in securing funding for libraries, please email Jacob Roberts , or call the ALA Washington Office at 202-628-8410.
