Mission & Priorities

Mission

The ALA Constitution states the purpose of ALA as, “The object of the American Library Association shall be to promote library service and librarianship.” The stated mission is, “To provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.” Also see Key Action Areas of the American Library Association, and the ALA Strategic Plan.

Motto

The best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost.

(Adopted 1892; reinstated by the ALA Council, 1988)