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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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FAFLRT/ASCLA Merger Voted to Move Forward

CHICAGO - The Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) voted to proceed with merging with the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) division of ALA in the spring 2017...

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Adam Szczepaniak, Jr. elected ASCLA President 2018-2019

CHICAGO - Adam Szczepaniak, Jr., Deputy State Librarian & Director at New Jersey State Library - Talking Book & Braille Center elected President for 2018-19 for the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) division of the...

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Ann K. G. Brown named RUSA's President for 2018-19

CHICAGO - Ann K. G. Brown, Instruction, Ourtreach and Reference Librarian at George Washington University, GW Libriraries in Washington D.C. named President-Elect for the Reference and User Services (RUSA) division of the American Library Association (ALA...

2016: PLA's Year in Review - Highlights from the Public Library Association

PLA releases 2016: PLA's Year in Review

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) today released 2016: PLA’s Year in Review, a new report highlighting the association’s work in 2016. In a message sent today to PLA members, PLA President Felton Thomas Jr. reflected on 2016’s highlights...

City/county leaders cite digital inclusion, education as top priorities for libraries

PLA resources support public libraries in advancing community concerns CHICAGO — Local government leaders envision public libraries as a key resource to support their communities’ education and digital inclusion goals while indicating interest in...

PLA President Felton Thomas Jr. releases statement on public libraries and inclusiveness

CHICAGO – Public Library Association (PLA) President Felton Thomas Jr. released the following statement in response to the divisive election season and the post-election challenges our communities face. This message is in support of the statement released...

Project Outcome - Measuring the True Impact of Libraries

PLA releases first Project Outcome Annual Report

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) has launched the first Project Outcome Annual Report. Access the 2016 Annual Report to analyze survey results, learn what patrons benefited from most, and see what Project Outcome and participating libraries...

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New report on family engagement in public libraries from Harvard Family Research Project and the Public Library Association

CHICAGO — A new report, Public Libraries: A Vital Space for Family Engagement, released by Harvard Family Research Project and the Public Library Association issues a call to action for libraries to strengthen their efforts to engage families in children...

Dr. Carla Hayden

Dr. Carla Hayden to serve as the next Librarian of Congress

CHICAGO - Today the Senate approved the nomination of Dr. Carla Hayden to serve as the nation’s 14th Librarian of Congress. Dr. Hayden, American Library Association (ALA) past president and director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland...

ALA report provides practical advice about adopting 3D printers in libraries

Washington, D.C. –The American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) today released “Progress in the Making: Librarians’ Practical 3D Printing Questions Answered” (pdf). Co-authored by 3DPrint360 CEO Zach Lichaa and...

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ACRL report shows compelling evidence of library contributions to student learning and success

CHICAGO - A new report issued by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), " Documented Library Contributions to Student Learning and Success: Building Evidence with Team-Based Assessment in Action Campus Projects," shows compelling...

New report looks to future of libraries building digitally inclusive communities

Washington, D.C. – A new report explores the ways in which libraries throughout the nation are leading the way in building digitally inclusive communities that support individual opportunity and community progress. Titled After Access: Libraries and...

Policymakers: 3D printing in libraries advances education and entrepreneurship

Washington, D.C. – Libraries are now the leading place where the public accesses 3D printers. Whether it’s to provide increased opportunities for children to experiment with new technologies or encourage new technology-based innovation in small business...

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RUSA announces new vice-president/president-elect, Alesia McManus

CHICAGO — Alesia McManus, director of the Howard Community College Library, Columbia, Maryland, has been elected the 2015-2016 RUSA’s new vice-president/president-Elect. “For 20+ years, I have enthusiastically provided direction and leadership, through...

Library broadband speed test shows increased capacity; room still for improvement

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Broadband speeds in U.S. public libraries have improved significantly in recent years yet continues to lag behind national broadband connectivity standards, according to "Broadband Quality in Public Libraries," a new supplementary report...