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ALA American Library Association

ALA Council adopts Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries

The American Library Association (ALA) Council has adopted “Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries,” a new resource designed to help libraries develop and revise policies for the ethical, human-centered use of artificial intelligence.

Intellectual Freedom Committee Releases New Guidelines to Support Library Staff in Evaluating Digital Content Vendors

The Intellectual Freedom Committee today announced the release of “ Content Controls and Access Guidelines for Vendors,” a new guiding document designed to help library staff make informed, principled decisions when selecting third‑party digital content...

book cover for Creating Generative AI Policies: A Guide for Public and Academic Libraries

ALA Special Report surveys Generative AI policies for public and academic libraries

CHICAGO —Though it’s challenging to set policies for a technology that is so young and still in flux, the need is urgent. Because usage of AI presents both opportunities and risks, libraries must be proactive. There are already digital literacy skills...

PLA launches redesigned DigitalLearn.org to expand free digital literacy access

The Public Library Association (PLA) announced the launch of a fully redesigned DigitalLearn.org, the free online platform that helps libraries deliver digital literacy training to their communities.

book cover for Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline: An Action Guide for Libraries

Disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline

CHICAGO — The school-to-prison pipeline impacts communities across the country; often, this system and the families impacted by it remain invisible. But librarians, educators, and others who work with youth know first-hand that libraries and reading can...

book cover for Digital Literacy in Public Libraries

Digital literacy in public libraries

CHICAGO — Today's libraries are thoroughly digital environments, not only storing and preserving written information electronically, but also emphasizing digital access to information as a pathway to equitably educating the community on issues of health...

book cover for Essentials of STEM Librarianship

Essentials of STEM Librarianship

CHICAGO — Amid overall falling enrollment figures for higher education, the growing success of STEM programs bucks the trend. Ensuring that these programs flourish has become a priority for administrators at the provost level and above. But this emphasis...

book cover for AI and Information Access: Benefits, Challenges and Lessons

AI and information access

CHICAGO — How is the emergence of generative AI impacting information users and professionals? Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ AI and Information Access: Benefits, Challenges and Lessons” examines this vital question...

book cover for The New Instruction Librarian: A Workbook for Trainers and Learners, Second Edition

An updated workbook for new instruction librarians

CHICAGO — Written by a team of library instructors whose “experience and expertise in this field is evident throughout” ( VOYA), Candice Benjes-Small and Rebecca Miller Waltz’s “ The New Instruction Librarian: A Workbook for Trainers and Learners” has...

book cover for Leveraging AI in School Libraries: From Basics to Best Practices

AI guidance for school librarians

CHICAGO — The sudden appearance of AI in educational settings is exciting and transformative—and also disorienting. But this shift presents new opportunities to enhance school library services, support teaching and learning, and streamline school...

book cover for A Complete Guide to Creative Technology Spaces in Academic Libraries: Media Labs, Makerspaces, and More

Media labs, makerspaces, and creative technology spaces in academic libraries

CHICAGO — Beyond the loaning of laptops and phone chargers, libraries are branching out into supporting patrons by providing spaces and services that encourage art, communication, and innovation. Perhaps you’ve been tasked with building such a space in...

book cover for Information Literacy and Critical Thinking: Using Perspective Transformation to Break Information Bubbles

Using critical thinking and perspective transformation to break information bubbles

CHICAGO — Higher education is about transformation: research shows that the most well-prepared graduates are those who have experienced changes in how they think about and experience the world around them. Jack Mezirow’s transformative learning theory...

book cover for Critical Information Literacy Applications for All Libraries

Critical information literacy topics, programs, and lessons

CHICAGO — Through its focus on questioning who creates information, addressing algorithmic biases, and advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices, critical information literacy (CIL) can serve a vital function in navigating our complicated world...

“Social Media in Healthcare Information” book cover

Social media in healthcare information

CHICAGO — Social media has now been an integral part of life for over 20 years, revolutionizing so many aspects of our lives that it is now difficult to imagine a world without it. As smartphone technology has matured and users have grown more...

ALA Store at 2025 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition

Visit the ALA Store, located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center on the bridge between the 200-level meeting rooms and Hall A, for a variety of posters, bookmarks, clothing, gift and professional development books, and more. Store hours are: Friday...