American Library Association to present United Nations program

CHICAGO – Leaders and experts in government, academic, public and school libraries will converge to present the American Library Association’s first in-person event during the United Nations General Assembly. These experts will discuss how libraries are aligned with the goals of the Global Digital Compact from the United Nations.

“Libraries Powering the United Nations Digital Compact” is presented by the American Library Association International Relations Committee United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Subcommittee. The program will take place at New York Public Library on September 21.

The Global Digital Compact is an inclusive global framework to overcome digital, data, and innovation divides. Libraries have an opportunity to join a global effort that will benefit local communities.

ALA is pleased to participate in this initiative which aligns with its core values of access and equity as well as its mission to ensure access to information for all.

Speakers in the program include Loida Garcia-Febo, ALA Past President; Dr. Brandy McNeil, President-Elect of the Public Library Association; Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Past President of the Black Caucus ALA; Robin Kear, member of the ALA UN SDG Subcommittee, Bill Goldband, Vice President of Information Technology and Development, Queens Public Library; Melissa Jacobs, Director Library Services, NYC Department of Education; Karl Redmond, Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations; and Rajendra Prasad Pandey, General Secretary Nepal Community Library Association (National Library Association).

The purpose of the subcommittee is to collaborate with ALA divisions, round tables, committees and membership, and U.S. library associations in the implementation of the multi-year strategic plan developed by the ALA UN 2030 SDG Task Force to increase participation by libraries in efforts to achieve the goals to overcome the digital, data, and innovation divides.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.