News and Press Center

Stay updated on ALA's latest news, events, and initiatives in libraries nationwide. Your go-to source for library innovation and impact.

ALA in the News

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New wave of bills targeting libraries is ‘a threat to our democracy,’ American Library Association warns

The association, founded in 1876, condemned legislation that would threaten librarians and other educators with criminal prosecution for possessing “obscene” material.
 

 

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RUSA

RUSA BRASS Announces Dewey as Sponsor of Research Grant Award

The Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS) of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association, is pleased to announce that Dewey will serve as the new sponsor of the BRASS Research Grant Award...

Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction on Hiatus

The 2026 awards will mark the conclusion of the Carnegie Corporation’s support for the medals.

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‘A Guardian and a Thief,’ ‘Things in Nature Merely Grow’ receive 2026 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction

“A Guardian and a Thief,” by Megha Majumdar wins 2026 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and “Things in Nature Merely Grow,” by Yiyun Li, wins the 2026 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction.

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Kick Off The Year with RUSA's 2026 Online Learning

The American Library Association- Reference and User Services Division (RUSA) 2026 CE offerings are booming with an outstanding combination of repeat and new courses/webinars. Our list of upcoming programming is below: Passports & Notaries @ Your Library...

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Seeking Proposals for RUSA Virtual Forum -Stepping Boldly Forward

The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is seeking proposals for the 2026 RUSA Virtual Forum scheduled for March 10 & 12, 2026. The Annual RUSA Virtual Forum serves as an engaging platform to spark innovation and collaboration among RUSA...

American Library Association unveils shortlist for 2026 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction

The American Library Association (ALA) announced the six books shortlisted for the esteemed Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction

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Elevate with RUSA's Fall 2025 Online Learning

The American Library Association-Reference and User Services Division (RUSA) Fall 2025 CE offerings are roaring with an outstanding combination of new webinars. Our list of upcoming programming below.

Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction 2026 Longlist. Shortlist announced November 18!  RUSA, American Library Association, Booklist

Longlist for 2026 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction announced

A total of 45 books (21 fiction, 24 nonfiction) has been selected for the longlist for the 2026 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction.

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RUSA Virtual Forum-Meeting Users' Needs (EDIA)

We are excited for the 2025 RUSA Virtual Forum " Meeting Users' Needs (EDIA)" scheduled for March 4 & 6, 2025. In its fourth year, the forum offers an economical, virtual venue to learn about reference and user services and is open to ALL Librarians and...

“James,” “A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon” receive 2025 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction

The selections were announced at the Reference and User Services Association's Book and Media Awards (BMAs) event on Sunday, January 26th, during LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience in Phoenix.

American Library Association unveils shortlist for 2025 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction

ALA unveils shortlist for 2025 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction

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RUSQ Relaunch

We are very pleased to announce that RUSQ: A Journal of Reference and User Services, is once again publishing, and the first issue of volume 60 is now available at [add link to the OJS site here?]. Re-launching RUSQ has been a major operation, and one...

Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction 2025 Longlist. Shortlist anounced November 12!

Longlist for 2025 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction announced

A total of 46 books (23 fiction, 23 nonfiction) has been selected for the longlist for the 2025 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction.

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RUSA Model Interlibrary Loan License Clause (2024)

The revised RUSA Model Interlibrary Loan License Clause (2024) has been approved and is now available for use. The model license clause was created in 2016 to advocate for more standardized and permissive language. It has been updated to include a new...

May 2024 Online Learning with RUSA

CHICAGO- The American Library Association- Reference and User Services Division (RUSA), presents two upcoming webinars presented by Jennifer Blair. Check out the full details below: Canva and Design for Libraries: Page Layout and Social Media Design 90...