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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.
An updated, top-to-bottom guide to collection development and management
CHICAGO — The latest edition of a text relied upon by LIS students and practitioners alike for more than twenty years, the newly updated “ Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management,” published by ALA Editions, serves as the perfect guide for...
New edition of benchmark records and information management text
CHICAGO — Widely lauded at the field's reference text for both students and RIM professionals, the new third edition of “ Records and Information Management,” published by ALA Neal-Schuman, updates its authoritative blend of theory and practice to reflect...
Academic libraries in university estates strategy
CHICAGO — “ Privileged Spaces: Academic Libraries in University Estates Strategy,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, draws on the knowledge and experience of library leaders, estates directors, space managers, and...
Supporting children's mental health through literature
CHICAGO — Generation Z and Alpha youth are facing mental health crises that many adults are unprepared to address. There have been dramatic rises in the numbers of young people reporting feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety. The global...
High-impact digital library outreach and instruction
CHICAGO — Digital library terminology like “accessible,” “discoverable,” and “searchable” usually presumes passive collections waiting to be found by motivated information seekers. Rarely do we envision collection managers initiating outreach with those...
Using manga to cultivate engagement and inclusion in K–12 settings
CHICAGO — The appeal of manga is undeniable. As a worldwide publishing phenomenon, it has deservedly garnered the attention of scores of young learners. School librarians are willing and excited to harness its overwhelming popularity, and the benefits are...
New posters from award-winning illustrators and more debut in winter ALA Graphics catalog
CHICAGO – The winter ALA Graphics catalog delivers a host of exciting posters and bookmarks to inspire and encourage readers of all ages. Gracing the cover is a new poster by award-winning author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier and cartoonist and comic...
A new analytical framework for supporting public libraries
CHICAGO — “ Understanding Public Libraries: Management, Leadership and Ideology,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, advances a scientific understanding of public libraries and ultimately poses and explores the vital...
Discover and Learn about the Civil Rights Movement with the Library of Congress
CHICAGO — The inaugural publication in “Discover and Learn with the Library,” an educational series published by the Library of Congress in association with ALA Editions, the book publishing arm of the American Library Association, “ The Civil Rights...
New book filled with tips for creating joy in libraries
CHICAGO — Feeling burned out, dispirited, or just plain blah? Then it’s time to plant some joy! Library joy is more than a feeling; it is a choice and call to everyday practices of connection, empowerment, and well-being. And it isn’t a heavy lift—in fact...
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...
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...
