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.
Categories:
Roster
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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 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.
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.”
