Charge
To develop and recommend the association's policies related to the promotion of multiple literacies; to develop and encourage the development of programs, educational opportunities, and other resources that assist librarians and libraries in promoting literacy; to raise the awareness of literacy within the association; to work cooperatively with the Literacy Assembly, the Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services and its advisory committee, and other ALA units, including the Washington Office, on efforts that have a literacy focus; to develop and maintain partnerships with national literacy organizations.
Roster
Gwendolyn N. Weaver
(Chair,
July 1, 2022, to
June 30, 2023)
Ms. Cassandra G. Barnett
(Member,
July 1, 2021, to
June 30, 2023)
Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin
(Member,
March 15, 2022, to
June 30, 2023)
Dr. Claudia Guidi
(Member,
July 1, 2022, to
June 30, 2024)
Ms. Kimberly S. Hughes
(Member,
July 1, 2020, to
June 30, 2024)
Elizabeth Nebeker
(Member,
July 1, 2022, to
June 30, 2024)
Stephanie S. Rodriguez
(Member,
July 1, 2021, to
June 30, 2023)
Sandy Schiefer
(Member,
July 1, 2021, to
June 30, 2023)
Gwendolyn N. Weaver
(Member,
July 1, 2022, to
June 30, 2024)
Ms. Lacy Wolfe
(Member,
July 1, 2021, to
June 30, 2023)
Sam Cordell Helmick
(Executive Board Liaison,
July 1, 2021, to
July 31, 2023)
Ms. Stephanie L. Singleton
(Committee Associate,
July 1, 2022, to
June 30, 2024)
Ms. Brandi Veal
(Committee Associate,
July 1, 2021, to
June 30, 2023)
Kevin Strowder
(Staff Liaison,
October 10, 2022, to
June 30, 2024)
Displaying active committee roster as of 03/27/2023. Last retrieved on 03/27/2023. Members can log in and refresh the page to view full contact information for committee members.
Resources
- ALA Literacy Clearinghouse, a website bringing together literacy efforts from across ALA and its divisions
- Adult Literacy through Libraries, a report from ProLiteracy and ODLOS
- The American Dream Literacy Initiative, a grant initiative geared to improve library services to English language learners, funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
- ALA Family Literacy Focus, an initiative of 2010-11 ALA President Camila Alire
- DigitalLearn.org, an initiative from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Public Library Association
- Resources for members of ODLOS-Liaised Committees
Composition
The Committee on Literacy consists of 10 members appointed by the Committee on Appointments, in cooperation with the ALA president-elect, serving 2 year staggered terms and led by a chair, appointed annually.
Subcommittees & Task Forces
The Committee on Literacy consists of 10 members appointed by the Committee on Appointments, in cooperation with the ALA president-elect, serving 2 year staggered terms and led by a chair, appointed annually.
Definition of Literacy
The American Library Association’s Committee on Literacy adopted the definition of literacy from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies:
“Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society.”