COSWL
Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship (COSWL)
Important Women's Sites
The following list was compiled on behalf of the members of the ALA Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship (COSWL) and is designed to be a resource for information on women’s issues. In no way does this indicate or imply endorsement by the American Library Association or COSWL.
Pay Equity and Workers' Rights
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Equal Rights - free legal counseling services and fight for gender justice through litigation, policy reform and movement building
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National Women's Law Center: Equal Pay and the Wage Gap - fact sheets, maps, state comparisons, and other data
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The Pay Equity Project – Fifty-State Pay Equity Law Summary - Created by the University of California Irvine School of Law, this research tool summarizes existing state pay equity laws (as of November 10, 2021).
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United States Bureau of Labor Statistics: Librarians and Library Media Specialists - job outlook, pay, and state and area data
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United States Department of Labor Women's Bureau: Equal Pay and Pay Transparency Protections – maps, data, and research
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Worker.gov - information on pay discrimination and how to file a complaint with the EEOC
Public Policy and Advocacy
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American Association of University Women (AAUW) – advocacy for fair pay and economic opportunities for women
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The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions – advocacy for libraries, librarians, and library associations around the world
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Institute for Women's Policy Research – offers evidence to shape policies that grow women’s power and influence, close inequality gaps, and improve economic well-being
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National Organization for Women – largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the U.S dedicated to women’s rights
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National Partnership for Women and Families – social justice advocacy in both public and private sectors (at the federal, state, and local level), including policy research and analysis, technical assistance, leadership, public education, and public engagement
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United States Department of Labor Women’s Bureau – advocacy for working women, including data and research
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Women’s Health Policy – research and news related to health policy
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Women’s Policy, Inc. – congressional caucus on women’s issues
Professional Development and Educational Support
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American Association of University Women (AAUW) - fellowships and grants
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Association of College and Research Libraries - free professional development opportunities
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Helping Women Pay for College - scholarship opportunities
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Institute of Museum and Library Services - professional development opportunities for museum and library professionals, as well as grant programs aimed at strengthening museum and library workforces
Resources for Youth
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Girlshealth.gov – health information
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Girls Inc. - leadership programs
Women’s Studies
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National Women’s History Museum - online museum dedicated to women’s diverse contributions to society
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Women’s Studies Librarian’s Office – University of Wisconsin System - advocacy and resources in support of gender, women’s studies, LGBTQ+ scholarships and librarianship
The members of COSWL would like to acknowledge the following students of the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, who were in the graduate library and information studies course "Information Sources and Services in the Social Sciences" (LIS516), and their professor, Dr. Lorna Peterson, for their efforts in updating materials for this website: Sarah Ashby, Jessica Belile, Jeremy Gardner, Jessica Lewis, Lisa Pano, Selina Strovers and Elizabeth Wendt. The Committee would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Paige I. Mano, COSWL volunteer, of the University of Wisconsin, Parkside, University Library. COSWL also appreciates Elizabeth Langley, COSWL member, for efforts in researching resources and reorganizing information for this page.
Page last revised Dec. 2023