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March 15, 2025
ALA statement on White House assault on the Institute of Museum and Library Services
An executive order issued by the Trump administration on Friday night, March 14, calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries.
February 10, 2025
American Library Association launches public supporter program
The American Library Association launched a new supporter program on February 10, 2025, inviting the public to join the fight to protect libraries and library professionals at a pivotal moment in our country’s history.
January 26, 2025
ALA to U. S. Department of Education: Book bans are real
The American Library Association responds to the Department of Education's dismissal of complaints about censorship and discrimination: the "effort to terminate protections... advances the demonstrably false claim that book bans are not real."
January 22, 2025
New ALA Initiative Asks Advocates to “Show Up for Our Libraries”
Today the American Library Association (ALA) launched Show Up for Our Libraries, a campaign to harness the collective power of library advocates to influence elected leaders and policymakers.
January 13, 2025
American Library Association extends support to libraries affected by Los Angeles wildfires
The American Library Association extends our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by and to those who have lost everything during the Los Angeles area fires.
December 10, 2024
PLA provides funding to more than 100 public libraries as part of $2.7 million effort to boost digital literacy
The Public Library Association (PLA) has selected more than 139 public libraries across 42 states to host digital literacy workshops, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T.
ALA in the News
Censorship reports show a mixed picture on U.S. book challenges
In observance of Banned Books Week, the American Library Association and PEN America released reports on book censorship across the country.
New from ACRL - "Closing a College Library"
CHICAGO - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of " Closing a College Library," edited by Amber Hunt, Elizabeth Ruane, and Stephanie Sopka, offering checklists, sample documents, and effective practices for...
Strategies for serving the underserved
CHICAGO — Underserved populations frequently do not have access to a library—or they may even be unaware that they have an information need. How can we as a profession effectively reach them? Geared to both graduate and undergraduate LIS students as well...
Conceptually rich information literacy research and practice
CHICAGO — Information literacy research is growing in importance, as evidenced by the steady increase in dissertations and research papers in this area. However, significant theoretical gaps remain. “ Information Literacy Through Theory,” published by...
Expert perspectives on what kids need now
CHICAGO — Though librarians, educators, and other professionals who serve children and teens continuously strive towards equitable outcomes that help kids heal, grow, and flourish, it can be a challenge to settle upon small, actionable steps for moving...
Practical tips for equality, diversity and inclusion in libraries
CHICAGO — Identifying and addressing issues that affect staff and patrons such as mental health, sexuality and gender, and socioeconomic background, “ Practical Tips for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries,” published by Facet Publishing and...
New from ACRL - “The Small to Mid-Size Academic Library: Collaborations and Outreach”
CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of “ The Small to Mid-Size Academic Library: Collaborations and Outreach,” edited by Camille Abdeljawad and Danielle Theiss. This book—the first in a new series...
The State of U.S. Academic Libraries: Findings from the ACRL 2023 Annual Survey
CHICAGO - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of the report " The State of U.S. Academic Libraries: Findings from the ACRL 2023 Annual Survey." Academic libraries provide essential services that support...
Lesson plans for a slow approach to visual literacy
CHICAGO — The principles of “slow librarianship”—which prioritizes reflection, collaboration, solidarity, and valuing all kinds of contributions—can also support deeper and more sustained learning and understanding. “ A Slow Approach to Visual Literacy in...
A New Look for Knowledge Quest
CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is proud to announce a new look to our official association journal, Knowledge Quest (KQ). After fourteen years, the KQ refresh offers a fresh coat of paint on an old classic, with the...
CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of “ Creating an Inclusive Library: Approaches for Increasing Engagement and Use with Students of Color,” edited by Ngoc-Yen Tran, Michael J. Aguilar II, and...
An updated manual on RDA and serials cataloging
CHICAGO — Serials and continuing resources present a variety of unique challenges in bibliographic management, from special issues and unnumbered supplements to recording the changes that a long-running periodical can experience over time. Ed Jones, a...
Person-centered management in academic libraries
CHICAGO — A recent study published in the Journal of Library Administration draws a sobering conclusion: the accelerated exodus of library workers from the profession in the last several years is partially due to strained relationships between staff and...
ALSC, ALA unveil 'Inspiring Future Voters' booklist for young readers
As part of the American Library Association’s Reader Voter Ready civic engagement campaign, the Association for Library Service to Children has released “Inspiring Future Voters,” a new booklist for young readers.
Building library environments for learning and creativity
CHICAGO — Play is a state of mind, and a means to have fun, explore wild ideas, and get lost in “the flow.” Not only does play make library work more enjoyable and less stressful, it can also help us do our jobs better—while making the library a much more...
Cultivating kindness and wellbeing in libraries
CHICAGO — Information professionals work in dynamically changing environments with a diverse range of patrons, which can sometimes present stressful situations. “ The Kind Librarian: Cultivating a Culture of Kindness and Wellbeing in Libraries,” published...
