State Ecosystem Initiative Archive
A library ecosystem is the interconnected network of all types of libraries, library workers, volunteers, and associations that provide and facilitate library services for community members; families; K-20 learners; college and university communities; local, state and federal legislatures and government offices; businesses; nonprofits; and other organizations with specific information needs.
A patron of one library is the potential patron of any other library at a different time of life or location. No library exists independent of the library ecosystem. When we stand together in mutual support using common messaging themes that demonstrate this interconnectedness, every library is stronger.
ALA's Ecosystem Initiative is a multi-year effort to to strengthen the library ecosystem through identification of shared priorities for action and unified messaging. For current information on the initiative, please visit: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/ala-ecosystem-initiative.
Year Three: 2019-20
ALA extends appreciation to State Ecosystem Task Force members who created and launched the One Voice Toolkit:
Dorcas Hand-task force chair
Jen Alvino-state chapters representative
Steven Bowers-state chapters representative
Jeremy Johannesen-COLA chair
Kelly Miller-AASL representative
Rachel Minkin-ACRL chapters representative
Lisa Mulvenna-PLA representative
Beth Munk-PLA representative
Craig Seasholes-AASL representative
Rocco Staino-United for Libraries representative
Year Two: 2018-19
The State Ecosystem Initiative continues! We are pleased to welcome representatives from ACRL chapters and PLA to the State Ecosystem Initiative, a project that will continue into its second year and includes a virtual community on ALA Connect. For more information or to join the community, contact Megan Cusick, mcusick@ala.org.
Year One: 2017-18
American Association of School Librarians (AASL), ALA's Office for Library Advocacy (OLA) and Chapter Relations Office (CRO) embarked on a yearlong initiative to strengthen state library ecosystems through unified messaging and identification of shared priorities for action. This initiative followed more than 40 Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Implementation Workshops that AASL conducted across the country during 2016-17, to ensure that school librarians were at the table as states and districts develop their implementation plans for federal education legislation.
The infographic below provides a brief summary of the initiative's impact during its first year.
June 2018
The first year of the State Ecosystem Initiative was marked with a luncheon and presentation by Maryland Library Association and Maryland Association of School Librarians, highlighting their collaborative advocacy on behalf of school libraries. The work of the initiative will continue via a virtual platform on ALA Connect and ACRL Chapters were welcomed into the conversation.
ALA State Ecosystem Initiative-Annual 2018 from the American Library Association.
May 2018
AASL, OLA, and CRO hosted a conversation with library leaders from across the country, discussing their roles in their states' library ecosystems. Click on the image below to access this webinar, as well as others from ALA's Chapter Advocacy Exchange.
February 2018
During ALA's Midwinter meeting, more than 100 librarians from across the country gathered for "Enhancing Communications and Strengthening Library Ecosystems," a facilitated dialogue to identify common priorities for action.
November 2017
Attendees shared their feedback regarding priorities for action within their respective states.
September 2017
AASL, OLA, and CRO brought together a panel of librarians who are advocating for legislation at the state level. Click on the image below to access this webinar, as well as others from ALA's Chapter Advocacy Exchange.
June 2017
To kick-off the State Ecosystem Initiative, AASL, OLA, and CRO convened a panel of librarians to talk about the power of partnerships for sustained, meaningful library advocacy.
