Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) Advisory Committee
Charge
The Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) serves the Association by identifying and promoting library services that support equitable access to the knowledge and information stored in our libraries. OLOS focuses attention on services that are inclusive of traditionally underserved populations, including new and non-readers, people geographically isolated, people with disabilities, rural and urban poor people, and people generally discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, language and social class. The Office ensures that training, information resources, and technical assistance are available to help libraries and librarians develop effective strategies to develop programs and services for library users.Roster
When you are logged in as an ALA member, the roster will display the committee members' contact information, in addition to their names, positions, and terms.Office For Literacy and Outreach Services Advisory Committee
Public Posts from ALA Connect
Composition
To consist of eleven members appointed from the membership at large serving two year terms and led by chair, appointed annually.
Subcommittees & Task Forces
- Subcommittee on Bookmobiles
- Subcommittee on Library Services to Native Americans
- Subcommittee on Library Services to the Poor and Homeless
- Subcommittee on Older Adults
- Subcommittee on Dr. Jean E. Coleman Lecture
- Subcommittee on the Diversity and Outreach Fair
Origin
Established by the ALA Council in June, 1968, as the Coordinating Committee on Library Service to the Disadvantaged upon recommendation of the Committee on Organization. Was to consist of an uneven number of members totaling no more than eleven, with responsibilities for gathering information concerning activities of all ALA units involved in developing and promoting expanded programs of library service to the disadvantaged; to propose, coordinate and evaluate the various Association activities to insure maximum effectiveness; to suggest further areas of Association involvement to the appropriate units of the Association for their action and implementation; and to develop and promote programs of action cutting across unit lines. Reestablished as a Standing Committee by Council in June, 1972. Name of the office was changed to Office for Library Outreach Services in July, 1980, with corresponding changes in committee functions. Names of the committee and office changed in February, 1995, to Office for Literacy and Outreach Service Advisory Committee and Office for Literacy and Outreach Services.
Get Involved
ALA values committed and active committee members. Qualified members are welcome to volunteer to serve on the OLOS Advisory Committee. Committee members must have an interest in the work of the committee; be able to attend Annual Conferences and Midwinter Meetings to participate in the meetings and activities of the committee; and be able to work between conferences via e-mail and ALA Connect. Express your interest in serving on this or other committees by filling out an application form. Appointments take place once a year, during the spring. Committee service usually begins following Annual Conference, about July 1.Staff Liaison
Miguel A. FigueroaDirector, Office for Diversity & Spectrum
Acting Director, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services
mfigueroa{at}ala{dot}org
1-800-545-2433 ext. 5295
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