Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

ODLOS logo on colorful bokeh background

Mission

The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services supports library and information science workers in creating responsible and all-inclusive spaces that serve and represent the entire community. To accomplish this, we decenter power and privilege by facilitating conversations around access and identity as they impact the profession and those we serve. We use a social justice framework to inform library and information science workers' development of resources. We strive to create an association culture where these concerns are incorporated into everybody's everyday work.

Featured

ODLOS supports library and information science workers creating responsible and all-inclusive spaces that serve & represent the entire community.

Initiatives & partnerships promoting equity, diversity & inclusion in libraries and the library profession.

Find & connect with library experts in the areas of equity, diversity & inclusion.

Strategic planning, workshops, webinars, and other presentations for library audiences.

Through the Spectrum Scholarship Program, ALA affirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion by seeking the broadest participation of new ...

ODLOS works closely with 8 groups to serve marginalized voices and communities.

Initiatives

Resources, grants, and initiatives supporting literacy across the lifespan.

Read the latest EDI news every month.

Initiatives and programs geared to promote access to library services to all.

Engaging Multilingual Communities Guide

cover of booklet

Did you know that in the United States over 67 million people speak a different language rather than English at home? This guide is designed to support library personnel who serve multilingual patrons through events, collections, and enrichment opportunities.

Inside, you'll find examples of programs, services, and more for your community.

Download PDF

News

Practical approaches to inclusive cataloging

CHICAGO — As part of the profession's ongoing EDISJ efforts to redress librarianship’s problematic past, practitioners from across the field are questioning long-held library authorities...

Intersections

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion eLearning

07
Oct
04
Nov
eLearning

Connecting Information Literacy Efforts to Student Retention is a four-week asynchronous course discussing the

08
Oct
eLearning

October 2024 Learning Live: A strong director-board relationship is essential to the success of the library.

09
Oct
eLearning
Webinar

Learn how to think outside of the box with professional development and training in order to retain great staff members.

14
Oct
25
Nov
eLearning

Reference Interview is a comprehensive six-week asynchronous course focusing on the methods of evaluating reference

15
Oct
eLearning
Webinar

Capture new ideas, affirm old ones, and connect with fellow members in this series of fast-paced exchanges.

21
Oct
11
Nov
eLearning

BizRef 101 is for any librarian in-training who wants to gain confidence and knowledge around BizRef topics such as

22
Oct
eLearning
Forum

Explore how AI is revolutionizing metadata management in libraries, from automated tagging to quality control. Share

22
Oct
eLearning
Forum

Explore how AI is revolutionizing metadata management in libraries, from automated tagging to quality control. Share

23
Oct
eLearning
Webinar

Learn how a Library of Things can improve programs and services in both large and smaller/rural libraries.

30
Oct
eLearning

This webinar provides guidance and scenarios on integrating ethical instruction when helping youth do research and other

12
Nov
eLearning

November 2024 Learning Live: Learn tips and best practices for both small and large Friends groups.

15
Oct
eLearning
Webinar

Capture new ideas, affirm old ones, and connect with fellow members in this series of fast-paced exchanges.

20
Nov
eLearning

Have you ever thought about working in resource sharing, but weren't sure how to get started? Have you ended up in

10
Dec
eLearning

December 2024 Learning Live: Hone your storytelling skills.

15
Oct
eLearning
Webinar

Capture new ideas, affirm old ones, and connect with fellow members in this series of fast-paced exchanges.

Contact Us

225 N Michigan Ave
Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
1-800-545-2433 ext. 4294
Fax: 312-280-3256
Email: diversity@ala.org

Kevin Strowder
Director
kstrowder@ala.org
800-545-2433 ext. 5295

Hillary Pearson
Program Manager, Accessibility Services
hpearson@ala.org
312-724-9251 ext. 5020