For immediate release | September 9, 2025
American Library Association’s Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table Establishes Islamic Information Committee
CHICAGO – The American Library Association’s (ALA) Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) is proud to announce the establishment of the Islamic Information Committee (IIC), expanding its ongoing mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in libraries.
The new committee joins EMIERT’s existing structure of collaborative groups, including the Awards Committee, Jewish Information Committee, Membership Committee, and Programming Committee. Each committee provides leadership and resources to help libraries across the nation better serve multicultural communities and advance understanding across diverse cultural traditions.
“This is a historic moment. By forming the Islamic Information Committee, EMIERT affirms that every culture, every voice, and every community deserves to be seen, heard, and valued in our libraries,” said Richard E. Ashby Jr., Chair of EMIERT.
The Islamic Information Committee will serve as a resource for library professionals, supporting the development and sharing of programs, materials, and services that reflect the breadth of Islamic cultures and communities. By strengthening access to inclusive information, EMIERT continues its long-standing commitment to ensuring that all patrons encounter welcoming, affirming, and representative library spaces.
For more information about EMIERT and its committees, please visit www.ala.org/emiert.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For nearly 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.
Contact:
diversity@ala.org
