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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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Marijke Visser

ALA names Marijke Visser as E-rate and digital equity policy fellow

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the American Library Association (ALA) announces the appointment of Marijke Visser as a policy fellow with the ALA Public Policy & Advocacy Office. Visser will advise ALA on broadband and digital inclusion policy, with an...

book cover for he College Student’s Research Companion: Finding, Evaluating, and Citing the Resources You Need to Succeed, Sixth Edition

The College Student’s Research Companion

CHICAGO — Most college students are novice researchers for whom Google is the first resort. But the sort of information usually found this way often lacks substance and is of questionable authority. Academic librarians and instructors can save students...

PLA launches Super Searchers training program to boost information literacy skills

(CHICAGO) - Today , the Public Library Association (PLA) opened registration for the Super Searchers information literacy training to begin September 19. With multiple available training dates, library staff can register for a one-hour training session to...

New Core Web Course: Fundamentals of Universal Design for Learning

CHICAGO —Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is excited to announce the release of a new course, Fundamentals of Universal Design for Learning (FUDL). This 6-week online course introduces the fundamental aspects of universal design for learning. It...

FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel at podium with digital backsplash in blue and white: ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition CHICAGOG June 23-27, 2023 #ALAAC23

ALA Welcomes FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s Learn Without Limits Initiative

WASHINGTON – In a speech at the American Library Association’s annual conference, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced she is proposing a rulemaking to use the FCC’s E-Rate program to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots so...

PLA awards $1.27 million to more than 200 Public Libraries for digital literacy and ACP workshops

National initiative part of expanded support from AT&T to help families build online skills and learn about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) CHICAGO —Powered by a contribution from AT&T, the Public Library Association (PLA) has selected more than...

PLA expands Digital Literacy Workshop Incentives for public libraries, with support from AT&T

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce new digital literacy opportunities and resources for public libraries with generous support from AT&T. Applications are now open for libraries to apply for PLA incentives to host...

book cover for "The Social Future of Academic Libraries: New Perspectives on Communities, Networks, and Engagement"

The social future of academic libraries

CHICAGO — The current focus in higher education on student engagement, holistic education, social responsibility, and community partnerships demands a significant mindshift for academic libraries to reclaim their place at the heart of academic...

book cover for Digital Literacy, Inclusivity and Sustainable Development in Africa

The future of digital literacy in Africa

CHICAGO — Sustainable development can only be achieved when no one is left behind. An enduring lesson from the COVID-19 crisis is how important the availability of digital infrastructure and skills for individuals and communities is for teaching, learning...

book cover for Power Lines: Connecting with Teens in Urban Communities Through Media Literacy

Connecting with teens in urban communities through media literacy

CHICAGO — Information and digital literacies are essential skills to survive and thrive in today’s media-saturated world. But minoritized and economically disadvantaged youth in urban communities often lack these critical media literacy competencies...

Core Forum Preconference: The New and Official RDA Toolkit: A Practical Approach

CHICAGO —On Thursday, October 13, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures will host the preconference “The New and Official RDA Toolkit: A Practical Approach” during the 2022 Core Forum in Salt Lake City. This program will...

book cover for “Media Smart: Lessons, Tips and Strategies for Librarians, Classroom Instructors and Other Information Professionals"

Lessons, tips and strategies for combating mis- and dis-information

CHICAGO — Information has become one of the most crucial commodities in today's world. From multinational corporations to single individuals, we all make critical decisions based on the information available to us. However, modern ease of access to...

IMLS and FCC Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Help Close Digital Divide

WASHINGTON, DC -- The American Library Association (ALA) has issued the below statement on the memorandum of understanding between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), announced on June 24...

Apply now for PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications for public libraries to receive funding to conduct digital literacy workshops using DigitalLearn.org resources. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive Program, supported by...

book cover for School Libraries Supporting Literacy and Wellbeing

Literacy and wellbeing at school libraries

CHICAGO — Research has repeatedly linked school libraries and qualified staff to student literacy gains. With the number of students who struggle with basic literacy skills increasing in many nations, school libraries can play an important role in...