Public Policy and Advocacy (PPA)

New 'Field Guides' column from policy experts to explore key library issues

WASHINGTON — The American Library Association (ALA) announced today a new column in American Libraries magazine, “Field Guides.” Featuring experts in policy areas ranging from artificial intelligence and copyright to digital access and equity, the new column will provide ALA members, library advocates, and library professionals in all settings with insights into the policy issues facing the field today – and tomorrow.  

ALA Announces New Members of the Unite Against Book Bans Cadre for Proactive Advocacy Opposing Book Banning

Today, the American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the addition of five new members to the Policy Corps’ Unite Against Book Bans cadre: Kate Alderete, Carolyn Foote, Jamie M. Gregory, Tyler Hahn, and Jennie Pu. 

ALA to Launch New Digital Inclusion Working Group for Library Workers

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Policy and Advocacy Office and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) today announced a new Digital Inclusion Working Group for library workers to exchange knowledge around digital equity work taking place in all library contexts.   

New ALA Report Maps Increasingly Complex Digital Public Library Ecosystem

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With a 34 percent increase in digital book borrowing since 2019, the size and scope of the digital content ecosystem for public libraries and patrons have made transparency more important than ever, according to a new report released today by the American Library Association (ALA).

ALA welcomes federal E-rate support for Wi-fi hotspots

Washington — The American Library Association (ALA) today welcomed the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to permit use of E-rate funding for Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet access services.

New ALA report: Gen Z & Millennials are visiting the library & prefer print books

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Gen Z and Millennials are using public libraries, both in person and digitally, at higher rates compared to older generations, according to a new report released today by the American Library Association (ALA).

ALA welcomes FCC Chair Rosenworcel’s proposal to reinstate network neutrality rules

Washington, D.C. — Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today announced that reinstating net neutrality protections will be on the agenda for the full FCC meeting on October 19, 2023. According to a fact sheet released by Rosenworcel, “the Chairwoman is proposing the FCC take the first procedural steps toward reaffirming rules that would treat broadband internet service as an essential service for American life.” 

ALA names Marijke Visser as E-rate and digital equity policy fellow

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the American Library Association (ALA) announces the appointment of Marijke Visser as a policy fellow with the ALA Public Policy & Advocacy Office. Visser will advise ALA on broadband and digital inclusion policy, with an emphasis on policies and issues facing rural, Tribal and small libraries. She will provide expertise on the federal E-rate program and collaborate with ALA’s E-rate Task Force and ALA staff.

ALA Committee on Library Advocacy releases Advocacy Action Plan Workbook

Washington, D.C. – The Public Policy and Advocacy Office (PPA) is pleased to announce the release of the updated ALA Advocacy Action Plan Workbook, which is available online. The guide is a project of the Committee on Library Advocacy (COLA) and updates the 2009 workbook developed by the American Library Association (ALA) and United for Libraries (UFL).