Issues & Advocacy

Libraries and library staff operate in complex and changing environments-facing issues around freedom of information, copyright, information access, diversity, changes in how people share and publish knowledge, and more-that require new skills and growth.  This section encompasses online learning about the current issues that shape our institutions and the advocacy skills to keep libraries relevant in times of change and challenges. 

The importance of advocacy in the face of some of these and other issues points to a need for understanding our advocacy roles more fully and acquiring a toolkit of practical, easy-to-implement strategies to draw on. Courses and webcasts in the Issues and Advocacy section relate to both the subject matter (issues) we should concern ourselves with and the actions (advocacy) we need to take.

About Online Learning at ALA

ALA is committed to providing access to online learning about the fundamentals, advances, trends, and hot topics in the practice of librarianship. 

What is Online Learning? Education delivered via a computer, using the internet via a web-browser, and perhaps another software for coursework, video or audio files. It may occur once or at regular intervals over several weeks, be downloadable anytime, or require a reservation to participate. The many options for online education are available throughout ALA Online Learning. 

When you select a topic, you will see a list of titles that may be available as e-forums, webinars, courses, or recorded webcasts.  Clicking on the title will take you to details about the online learning opportunity, such as date, time, instructor, and fees. New ALA Online Learning offerings are being developed all the time, so if you do not see what you need, or if you have questions about this page or ALA Online Learning, please contact onlinelearning@ala.org