Public Library Association

ALA prepares for new Emergency Connectivity Fund implementation

Today, the Federal Communications Commission released the Order establishing the Emergency Connectivity Fund, which was adopted unanimously on May 10*. The $7.17 billion program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, will enable schools and libraries to purchase laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and broadband connectivity for students, school staff, and library patrons in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PLA, AT&T team up to bring digital literacy training to families

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association, and AT&T have announced a collaboration to improve digital literacy and promote broadband adoption among families and communities, particularly those who are newly connected to the internet and navigating home schooling, employment and other activities made challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PLA, public libraries and Microsoft Corp. extend upskilling efforts for in-demand jobs

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA), supported by Microsoft Corp., is promoting tools to help job seekers in high-growth careers. PLA’s Skilling for Employment Post COVID-19 initiative connects public libraries and their communities nationwide to specialized online training and certifications, and today adds new targeted programs in Cleveland, El Paso, Memphis, and New York City.

2021 Public Library Association election results

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced the results of its 2021 Election. Voting was available from March 8 through April 7, and open to all PLA members in good standing.

The members elected Dr. Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley, director of Libraries at the Cambridge (Massachusetts) Public Library to the office of 2022-2023 PLA president.

Free training to boost Census data literacy skills, improve planning and programs

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) is launching a new project on Census Data Literacy, in partnership with the Public Policy and Advocacy office (PPA) of the American Library Association.

New PLA Benchmark Briefings allows for library peer comparison

CHICAGO —The Public Library Association (PLA) has launched the Benchmark Briefings to support public libraries’ access and use of data. The free resource translates data from the Public Libraries Survey (PLS) conducted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) into accessible infographics to ease library peer comparison across key characteristics.

Ideas for pivoting during the pandemic

CHICAGO — When the pandemic suddenly forced many public libraries to close their doors or limit patron access, library staff redoubled their efforts to serve their communities in every way possible. Demonstrating their resilience by quickly pivoting to new modes of service, public libraries are continuing to offer innovative yet practical ways to connect patrons to the information and services they need and enjoy.

New PLA initiative helps public libraries prepare communities for in-demand jobs

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) and Microsoft are teaming up to promote tools for libraries to support job seekers in growth careers. Since 2018, PLA and Microsoft have been collaborating to help libraries, often in rural communities, secure needed equipment such as hotspots, connect families to low-cost internet plans, and offer programs to teach community members technology skills.