Committee on Literacy

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.

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Committee(s)

Committee on Literacy Contact Info

Aubrey Huff

Assistant Director, Literacy and Continuing Education

ALA

ODLOS

ahuff@ala.org

Roster

Gwendolyn N. Weaver

(Chair, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024)

Dr. Adefunke Olanike Alabi

(Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)

Betsy Fraser

(Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)

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)

Kristi L. Palmer

(Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024)

Sandy Schiefer

(Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)

Ms. Karla D. Stewart

(Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)

Mrs. Lauren Nicole Tubbs, (She/They)

(Member, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)

Gwendolyn N. Weaver

(Member, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024)

Sam Cordell Helmick

(Executive Board Liaison, July 1, 2021, to July 31, 2023)

Michelle Mussuto

(Committee Associate, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025)

Ms. Stephanie L. Singleton

(Committee Associate, July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024)

Kevin Strowder

(Staff Liaison, October 10, 2022, to June 30, 2024)

Previous Year / Next Year

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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 12 members appointed by the ALA president-elect, serving 2 year staggered terms and led by a chair, appointed annually.

Subcommitees and 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.”