Spectrum  - Support Diversity & Recruitment

There is a full spectrum of ways in which individuals, libraries, public entities, and professional associations can show their support of ALA's multi-million dollar diversity and recruitment effort designed to strengthen the delivery of library and information services for all communities served by all libraries.

Invest in the future of libraries!

Your contribution to Spectrum sends a powerful message that librarians and information professionals care about diversity, education and service to all.  Help us build an endowment that librarians of every generation can point to with pride.  There are numerous ways to make your gift to Spectrum:

• Send a check or pledge to the ALA Development Office, Spectrum, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.  Make your checks payable to the ALA Spectrum.
• Make a fast and easy donation through your ALA membership renewal form by checking Spectrum!
• Support Spectrum with an online credit card donation, available through the Give ALA website.
• Ask to have an honorarium from a speaking engagement donated directly to Spectrum.
• Develop an honorary named Spectrum Scholarship through committing funds to support one full scholarship per year.
• Host a Spectrum fund-raising event or dinner party.
• Ensure your continued support of Spectrum with a charitable bequest or other planned gift through the ALA Planned Giving Program. 

For further information on donating to Spectrum, visit the Give ALA Website or call 1.800.545.2433 ext. 5050.

Building Diversity

Spectrum is the future brought to life among us.  Join us as we work to renew and strengthen the profession.  By supporting Spectrum and the Spectrum Scholars, we develop a growing body of library leaders to help us serve, we raise awareness of diversity issues and we show our commitment to quality and excellence.  Consider bringing diversity to life through one of these contributions:

• If eligible, apply for a Spectrum Scholarship and join this elite group of leaders who are dedicated to positively shaping the delivery of information services for years to come.  Click here for Scholarship Information.
• Recruit and mentor scholarship applicants.  Partner with your community, library, civic and social agencies, and professional groups to do so.  Spectrum brochures are available for distribution through the Office for Diversity, to request recruitment materials email spectrum@ala.org.
• Encourage your library to establish summer internships or residency opportunities specifically for past and present Spectrum scholars.  For model Spectrum programs, please visit the Mentoring and Networks section of this website. 
• Invite civic and social agencies with common goals to contribute donations/pledges to extend the scholarship fund, or contribute personally.  Full fund-raising information is included above.
• As a university or regional association, consider providing Spectrum Scholars with matching scholarships or tuition wavers.  For examples of library schools and state and local associations developing matching funds, review the Mentoring and Networks section of this website.
• Show your organization's commitment to diversity by developing an honorary named Spectrum Scholarship through committing funds to support one full scholarship per year.
• Offer Spectrum Scholars complimentary memberships, travel grants, conference invitations, and mentoring opportunities to promote their involvement in your association.
• Recruit Spectrum Scholars to your organization.  Find more information on past Spectrum Scholars, by visiting the Spectrum Scholar portion of this website.  Send copies of job announcements to be distributed to the list serv of former Spectrum scholars, by emailing a plain text version of the announcement to spectrum@ala.org.

Contact Us

• Phone 1.800.545.2433 ext 5048.
• Email spectrum{at}ala.org.
• Become a Spectrum fan on Facebook.