American Library Association Implements Workforce Changes to Strengthen the Organization for the Future

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) has announced a series of difficult but necessary workforce changes as part of its ongoing ALA Forward initiative—a comprehensive effort to align the organization’s structure and programs with its strategic priorities, sustainability, and mission impact.

“These decisions were not made lightly,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “They represent difficult choices made with deep care for the people and mission that define ALA. Change of this magnitude carries real weight for colleagues, for the work we share, and for the communities we serve. As we approach ALA’s 150th anniversary, we are facing these challenges with honesty and resolve, preparing the Association to stand strong for generations to come. We hold profound gratitude for those whose service has shaped this organization, and we carry that legacy forward with humility and purpose.”

The workforce changes reflect the outcomes of extensive organizational and program assessments conducted over the past year. Through the ongoing ALA Forward initiative, the Association is clarifying its strategic direction, strengthening internal alignment, and ensuring that resources are focused on the areas of greatest impact for members and the library community. While this is a challenging moment for the ALA community, the Association remains well positioned to continue its work with the same dedication, expertise, and mission focus.

Among those affected by the workforce changes is Deborah Caldwell-Stone, longtime director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and a leading national voice in the fight against censorship. ALA expressed deep gratitude for her many years of service and her tireless commitment to defending the freedom to read.

“Deborah has been a steadfast guardian of intellectual freedom and a fierce defender of the freedom to read,” said Helmick. “Her courage, clarity, and conviction have guided ALA and the nation through some of the most challenging moments in our profession. Deborah’s impact reaches far beyond this organization; it lives in the countless readers, library workers, and communities she’s championed. We offer our deepest gratitude for her extraordinary service and the indelible mark she leaves on the work of libraries everywhere.”

The Office for Intellectual Freedom remains fully operational and continues its vital work under the leadership of Deputy Director Sarah Lamdan, a respected legal expert and long-time advocate for access to information, supported by a full team of subject-matter experts.

“ALA’s commitment to intellectual freedom remains unwavering,” said Helmick. “This principle has always been, and will continue to be, at the heart of who we are. The Office for Intellectual Freedom will continue its essential work with strength, expertise, and clarity of purpose. We honor those who have built this foundation and remain devoted to defending the right to read for all.”

ALA leadership emphasized that these changes are part of a larger, forward-looking strategy to strengthen the Association’s foundation for the future. As ALA Forward continues, the organization will work to further align resources and operations with the organization’s long-term goals. Each step in this process is being taken carefully and with the utmost consideration for ALA’s mission, people, and impact. The organization remains focused on empowering and advocating for libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all.

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.