Innovations in library services to poor and homeless people, diversity in action ideas sought for 2015 ALA Diversity and Outreach Fair

CHICAGO – The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services invites library professionals from all kinds of institutions to submit proposals to participate in the 2015 Diversity and Outreach Fair, to be held from 3 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 at the American Library Association's Annual Conference in San Francisco. Applications will be accepted through Friday, May 15, 2015.

Generously sponsored by DEMCO, the ALA Diversity and Outreach Fair is an opportunity for libraries and member groups to share their successful diversity and outreach initiatives with ALA Annual Conference attendees, celebrate diversity in America’s libraries and exhibit “diversity in action” ideas. The theme of this year’s Fair will be library services for poor and homeless people.

The 2015 Diversity and Outreach Fair will feature innovative and successful library-based programs geared towards poor and homeless people. Libraries offer many services to poor and homeless people, from programming and outreach, to reference services, often referred to as “preventative librarianship,” where these patrons can be connected to essential resources, including food and housing, healthcare and education, as well as services to those who are in transition. Additionally, many libraries collaborate with community organizations to help connect librarians with vital services.

Also considered for participation are proposals that highlight library services to underserved or underrepresented communities, including people with disabilities; poor and homeless populations; people of color; English-language learners; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people; new Americans, new and non-readers; older adults; people living in rural areas; incarcerated people and ex-offenders and mobile library services and bookmobiles.

Selected presenters will develop and facilitate a poster session to be held during the ALA 2015 Annual Conference in the exhibits hall.  In addition, the participants are encouraged to submit, in digital format, information and resources from their program.

For more information, and to apply, please visit www.ala.org/divfair.

About DEMCO

For over 100 years Demco (www.demco.com) has supported the valuable work of librarians—taking pride in providing the best service possible. Demco’s mission is to continue to anticipate future needs, to supply products and services that support the activities of library professionals and improve library environments by making them more attractive and user-friendly. Demco demonstrates their continuing commitment to library professionals through their support of the Library Champions Program and participation at ALA’s conferences.

About the Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services

The Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services drives activities around three professional issues which collectively support equity and inclusion as fundamental values of the association.  Relationships and major initiatives undertaken by the Office across these three issues help ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives within our profession and association to best position ALA as a trusted, leading advocate for equitable access to library services for all.