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Show Up for Our Libraries

April 9, 2026

ALA and AFSCME Prevail in Fight to Protect Libraries and Museums Nationwide

On April 9, 2026, the American Library Association (ALA) – the largest library association in the world – and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – the nation’s largest union of cultural workers – reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ensures the agency will continue carrying out its congressionally mandated work.

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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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book cover for From Learners to Leaders: Empowering Student Volunteers in the School Library

Empowering student volunteers in the school library

CHICAGO — Juggling the responsibilities of teaching, budgeting, curating, programming, planning, and advocating, it's no wonder that school librarians feel overstretched. Training student volunteers in leadership skills is the solution you’ve been looking...

book cover for AI-Powered Cataloguing: A Practical Guide to Building a Cataloguing Application with Power Apps

AI-powered cataloging

CHICAGO — Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ AI-Powered Cataloguing: A Practical Guide to Building a Cataloguing Application with Power Apps” offers a step-by-step journey to how cataloging processes can be modernized by...

book cover for Critical Data Storytelling for Libraries: Crafting Ethical Narratives for Advocacy and Impact (Critical Cultural Information Studies series)

Crafting ethical narratives for advocacy and impact

CHICAGO — In today’s polarized landscape, libraries face two key challenges: the difficulty of turning raw data into narratives that effectively advocate for libraries, and the ethical complexities of representing communities in these stories. Kate...

book cover for National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries, Second Edition (AASL Standards)

AASL announces publication of the second edition of the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries

CHICAGO — Published by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and ALA Editions, the newly released second edition of “ National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries” equips school librarians with the...

Decorative image of graphic icons representing topics in staffing.

PLA Releases Results from the 2024 Public Library Staff Survey

The Public Library Association (PLA) has released the 2024 Public Library Staff Survey report. The annual surveys since 2020 have followed a rotating series of topics—Technology, Staff, and Services for Strong Communities.

book cover for The School Librarian's Guide to (Almost) Everything

The School Librarian's Guide to (Almost) Everything

CHICAGO — Because school librarians assume so many roles—leader, advocate, instructional partner, teacher, information specialist, and program administrator—their responsibilities vary widely. It’s impossible to be an expert in everything related to the...

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...

New from ACRL - “Valuing the Community College Library: Impactful Practices for Institutional Success”

CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of “ Valuing the Community College Library: Impactful Practices for Institutional Success,” edited by Terra Jacobson and Spencer Brayton, a collection of...

book cover for Organize Your Library! Developing the Collective Power of Library Workers

Developing the collective power of library workers

CHICAGO — Interest in unions and the real, day-to-day benefits they secure for employees is on the rise—including among library workers, who are beginning to realize that on their own they have little leverage. But with a union they have the power of...

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...

book cover for “The AI and Data Revolution: Understanding the New Data Landscape”

The AI and data revolution

CHICAGO — Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ The AI and Data Revolution: Understanding the New Data Landscape” outlines the key changes over the last 30 years that have led to this moment, from the rise of mass media...

“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...

New from ACRL - Supporting Neurodiverse Students in Academic Libraries

CHICAGO - ACRL recently announced the publication of " Supporting Neurodiverse Students in Academic Libraries," edited by Amanda Boyer and Amir El-Chidiac, offering practical advice and effective practices for supporting students with autism spectrum...

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...

book cover for "Reimagining the Public Library: Key Debates and Future Approaches"

Reimagining the public library

CHICAGO — “ Reimagining the Public Library: Key Debates and Future Approaches,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, takes a historical and international look at the development of public libraries over the past 25 years...