Digital Literacy
ALA Council adopts Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries
The American Library Association (ALA) Council has adopted “Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries,” a new resource designed to help libraries develop and revise policies for the ethical, human-centered use of artificial intelligence.
Intellectual Freedom Committee Releases New Guidelines to Support Library Staff in Evaluating Digital Content Vendors
The Intellectual Freedom Committee today announced the release of “ Content Controls and Access Guidelines for Vendors,” a new guiding document designed to help library staff make informed, principled decisions when selecting third‑party digital content...
ALA Special Report surveys Generative AI policies for public and academic libraries
CHICAGO —Though it’s challenging to set policies for a technology that is so young and still in flux, the need is urgent. Because usage of AI presents both opportunities and risks, libraries must be proactive. There are already digital literacy skills...
PLA launches redesigned DigitalLearn.org to expand free digital literacy access
The Public Library Association (PLA) announced the launch of a fully redesigned DigitalLearn.org, the free online platform that helps libraries deliver digital literacy training to their communities.
Disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline
CHICAGO — The school-to-prison pipeline impacts communities across the country; often, this system and the families impacted by it remain invisible. But librarians, educators, and others who work with youth know first-hand that libraries and reading can...
Digital literacy in public libraries
CHICAGO — Today's libraries are thoroughly digital environments, not only storing and preserving written information electronically, but also emphasizing digital access to information as a pathway to equitably educating the community on issues of health...
Essentials of STEM Librarianship
CHICAGO — Amid overall falling enrollment figures for higher education, the growing success of STEM programs bucks the trend. Ensuring that these programs flourish has become a priority for administrators at the provost level and above. But this emphasis...
AI and information access
CHICAGO — How is the emergence of generative AI impacting information users and professionals? Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “ AI and Information Access: Benefits, Challenges and Lessons” examines this vital question...
An updated workbook for new instruction librarians
CHICAGO — Written by a team of library instructors whose “experience and expertise in this field is evident throughout” ( VOYA), Candice Benjes-Small and Rebecca Miller Waltz’s “ The New Instruction Librarian: A Workbook for Trainers and Learners” has...
AI guidance for school librarians
CHICAGO — The sudden appearance of AI in educational settings is exciting and transformative—and also disorienting. But this shift presents new opportunities to enhance school library services, support teaching and learning, and streamline school...
Media labs, makerspaces, and creative technology spaces in academic libraries
CHICAGO — Beyond the loaning of laptops and phone chargers, libraries are branching out into supporting patrons by providing spaces and services that encourage art, communication, and innovation. Perhaps you’ve been tasked with building such a space in...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Libraries' opportunity to shape how AI transforms society
CHICAGO — In the form of generative AI, libraries are facing technological transformation of unprecedented speed and scale. Both controversial and disruptive, the sudden ubiquity of AI has already triggered uncertainty as well as the need for rapid...
AASL Announces 2025 Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning
CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released its annual list of Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning. The Best Digital Tools provide opportunities for school librarians to enhance learning, engage learners, and...
ALA raises alarm over termination of Digital Equity Act grants
The American Library Association (ALA) raised alarm over the Trump Administration’s cancellation of the Digital Equity Act grant program as of May 9.
AASL announces 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 forthcoming second edition of “ National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries” will equip school librarians with...
Teen-friendly school library spaces and services
CHICAGO —Published by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and ALA Editions, “ Growing Teen Engagement: Strategies to Captivate Secondary Learners” is your essential resource for transforming your secondary school library into a thriving...