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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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ALA releases report on library programming impact, calls for feedback from the field

CHICAGO — A report released today by the American Library Association (ALA) explores the growing area of library programming and proposes an ambitious, eight-year research plan to explore how programs reach library users and impact communities. The...

ALA Treasurer Mario M. Gonzalez reports on Fiscal Year 2014 year end budget results

The following statement was issued by ALA Treasurer Mario M. Gonzalez. Dear colleagues: I wanted to update you on the year end results for Fiscal Year 2014 as reviewed by the Budget Analysis Review Committee (BARC), Finance and Audit Committee and the...

ibraries and the Affordable Care Act: Helping the Community Understand Health-care Options

Libraries and the Affordable Care Act

CHICAGO — Ever since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, staff from public libraries throughout the country have been working hard to provide access to information about the law while educating their communities about how implementation affects...

Reference and User Services Association announces Financial Literacy Education: Guidelines and Best Practices for Service

CHICAGO — The Reference & User Services Association (RUSA), with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), announces Financial Literacy Education in Libraries: Guidelines and Best Practices for Service. These guidelines and best...

ALA launches educational 3D printing policy campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the launch of “Progress in the Making,” (pdf) a new educational campaign that will explore the public policy opportunities and challenges of 3D printer adoption by libraries. Today...

Libraries support digital readiness with tech training, STEM programs, more robust online collections

Leading Role Recognized in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Nearly 100 percent of America’s public libraries offer workforce development training programs, online job resources, and technology skills training, according to a new study from the...

ALA releases 2014 State of America’s Libraries Report

Libraries continue to transform to meet society’s needs, but school libraries feel the pain of tight budgets CHICAGO — Libraries continue to transform to meet society’s changing needs, and more than 90 percent of the respondents in an independent national...

RUSA issues Request For Proposal for branding initiative

CHICAGO — The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is soliciting proposals to oversee and implement the rebranding of RUSA, a division of the American Library Association (ALA) and the home of the exclusive Notable Books List, which ultimately...

Logo for National Impact of Library Public Programs Assessment project

ALA receives IMLS grant to assess impact of library public programs

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office announced today that it received a National Leadership Grant of $99,996, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The funds will support a one-year project, entitled...

ALA creates institutional repository

CHICAGO – The American Library Association in collaboration with the University of Illinois is creating its own institutional repository (ALAIR). An institutional repository by definition is a digital repository for collecting, preserving and...