Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS)

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 service for new users.

OLOS provides resources to library and information workers who serve traditionally underrepresented groups. Our outreach areas include:

• Adult New and Non-Readers
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People
• Incarcerated People and Ex-Offenders
• Older Adults
• People of Color
• People with Disabilities
• Poor and Homeless People
• Rural, Native, and Tribal Libraries of All Kinds
• Bookmobile Communities

Visit our Outreach Columns blog for stories from our members!

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunrise Breakfast Celebration
• Diversity and Outreach Fair
• Jean Coleman Library Outreach Lecture
• National Bookmobile Day

     Miguel A. Figueroa
     Director, Office for Diversity & Spectrum
     Acting Director, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services
     800-545-2433, ext. 5295
     mfigueroa@ala.org

Adminstrative oversight of the Office, its programs, services, and intiatives; manages budget and policy matters; responds to advisory questions on outreach services.

      Dale P. Lipschultz
      Literacy Officer
      800-545-2433, ext. 3275
      dlipschultz@ala.org

Manages OLOS adult literacy projects and partnerships; coordinates the development of literacy resources for libraries, facilitates literacy-related discussions across library types; and represents ALA on the National Coalition for Literacy.

     John Amundsen
     Communications Specialist
     800-545-2433, ext. 2140
     jamundsen@ala.org

Administers OLOS communication efforts including press release preparation, Web pages, ALA Connect communities, blogs, and social networking tools; develops resources and promotional materials; shares in OLOS liaison responsibilities; and assists in planning of special events.

      Elliot Mandel
      Program Coordinator
      800-545-2433, ext. 4297
      emandel@ala.org

Manages OLOS office; coordinates conference programs on behalf of the Office, its committees, round tables, and affiliate organization; shares in liaison responsibilities including the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, assists in planning special events.