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.
International perspectives in library leadership
CHICAGO — In a world of constant change and evolving societal expectations, libraries stand at a critical crossroads. As institutions traditionally dedicated to knowledge preservation...
2026 Applications Now Open for the Core Online Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries
Core: Infrastructure, Leadership and Futures, a division of the American Library Association, is now accepting applications for the Online Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from...
Radical school librarianship
CHICAGO — School librarians perform a critical and frontline role in defending equity, diversity, inclusion, and intellectual freedom (EDIIF) within their school communities. Published by...
Scholar Spotlight: Cindy Hohl (2016) 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
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
