Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services
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.
Libraries Respond
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
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.
News
Strategies for serving the underserved
CHICAGO — Underserved populations frequently do not have access to a library—or they may even be unaware that they have an information need. How can...
Practical tips for equality, diversity and inclusion in libraries
CHICAGO — Identifying and addressing issues that affect staff and patrons such as mental health, sexuality and gender, and socioeconomic background, “ Practical Tips for...
GNCRT Announces Two New Diversity Initiatives
Following the successful collaborations with the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and REFORMA, the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table is pleased to...
Intersections
Scholar Spotlight: Luisa Leija (2020) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee
The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other
Research Notes Before and During COVID-19 on Digital Inequity
By: Raymond Pun, Instruction/Research Librarian, Alder Graduate School of Education, California For the past year and a half, I have been working on my dissertation
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
