ALA Council resolves to help libraries through budget crises

Contact: Steve Zalusky


Manager of Communications,


ALA Public Information Office


312-280-1546

szalusky@ala.org

NEWS


For Immediate Release,


August 11, 2009Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) Council has passed a resolution calling on the ALA to immediately address “the severe national erosion of budgetary support to all libraries.”

In the resolution, passed July 15 at the association’s Annual Conference in Chicago, the Council recommended the ALA develop and institute “a critical crisis management approach” to remedy budget losses. This approach would involve an action plan to alert legislators, stakeholders and constituents through every channel available, including the media.

The Council said it is important for the President of the United States, all members of Congress and all state governors to understand the need for the resources provided by libraries during tough economic times. That need must be met by continued and increased government support.

The Council is the governing body of ALA, which is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 65,000 members. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information.