Interest groups include members who gather virtually via ALA Connect and at conferences to share knowledge and enthusiasm for a specific subject. Interest groups offer you a valuable opportunity to contribute to your profession and engage with colleagues throughout the country as well as take on leadership roles.
Library Services for Dementia/Alzheimer's
Purpose of Interest Group:
The purpose of this interest group is to support librarians who serve patrons with Alzheimer’s or another dementia and their care partners by providing a forum for discussion and networking.
Interest Group Leaders:
- Christine Johnson: Chair
- Allan Kleiman: Chair-Elect
- Mary Beth Riedner: Past Chair
- Amy DelPo: Communications & Membership Chair
- Cassi Coates: Member-at-Large
- Tami Hurst: Member-at-Large
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Recommended Resources
Bridging Deaf Cultures at Your Library
Purpose of Interest Group:
Primary focus is building support for the nation’s libraries to work with organizations serving the deaf (OSD) in forming a Deaf Cultural Digital Library.
Interest Group Leader:
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Alicia Deal
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Recommended Resources:
Consumer Health Librarians
Purpose of Interest Group:
The purpose of this interest group is to support those who serve users who seek reliable health and wellness information. This goal is to provide awareness of resources and networking opportunities for those who assist diverse populations to create a culture of health within their communities. This group is open to all employees of all types of libraries and agencies.
Interest Group Leaders:
- Lydia Collins
- Michael Balkenhol
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Library Services to the Justice-Involved
Purpose of Interest Group:
A place for those who provide services to underserved adults and youth who are incarcerated (jail or prison), detained, recently released, paroled, or living under supervision. (Formerly Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained)
Interest Group Leaders:
- Chelsea Jordan-Makely
- Nina K
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Recommended Resources
Library Services to Persons with Print Disabilities
Purpose of Interest Group:
This interest group focuses on assistive technology and accessibility services for people with visual or physical disabilities.
Interest Group Leader:
- Danielle Miller
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Recommended Resources:
Tribal Librarians
Purpose of Interest Group:
The purpose of this new interest group is to increase knowledge and networking among library leaders with tribal libraries. The goal is to foster new relations and begin lifelong partnerships with community library leaders and Tribal Librarians. This interest group is not just for “Tribal.” Tribal librarians and employees of tribal libraries as well as librarians and library leaders interested in knowing more about tribal libraries are welcome.
Interest Group Leader:
- Lillian Chavez
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Universal Access
Purpose of Interest Group:
Interest group purpose is to promote inclusive library services – sharing information and resources.
Interest Group Leader:
- Marti Goddard