ALA Standards and Guidelines by Unit
This list includes documents entitled “standards” and “guidelines” as well as other documents of a similar nature. Only those documents entitled “standards” and “guidelines” have been reviewed by the ALA Standards Review Committee for consistency with ALA policy. Included are additional documents, prepared and endorsed by various ALA units, intended to guide and support improvements in library service.
Some documents are publications that are available from the ALA Online Store. ALA members receive a 10% discount on these purchases.
.
Can't Find What You're Looking For?
- Try searching the page by typing Ctrl-F or Command-F and entering a keyword.
- Try your search on ALA's Institutional Repository, ALAIR: https://alair.ala.org/home
- Send an inquiry to help@ala.org.
American Association of School Libraries (AASL)
The AASL Standards
ALA/AASL/CAEP School Librarian Preparation Standards. American Library Association (ALA), American Association of School Librarians (AASL), and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), 2019.
National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries (AASL Standards), American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2025.
AASL Position Statements & Guides
AASL Position Statement on Appropriate Staffing for School Libraries, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2019.
AASL Position Statement on Diversity in the Organization, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2011.
AASL Position Statement on Labeling Practices, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2021.
AASL Position Statement on Preparation of School Librarians, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2016.
AASL Position Statement on School Library Scheduling, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2019.
AASL Position Statement on Strategic Leadership Role of School Librarians, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2018.
AASL Position Statement on Support for National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2025.
AASL Position Statement on The Critical Need for and Responsibilities of District-Level School Library Supervisors, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2021.
AASL Position Statement on The Definition of an Effective School Library, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2018.
AASL Position Statement on the Instructional Role of the School Librarian, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2020.
AASL Position Statement on the Role of the School Library, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2019.
AASL Position Statement on the School Librarian's Role in Reading, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2020.
Defending Intellectual Freedom: LGBTQ+ Materials in School Libraries, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2018.
Developing Critical Curators Seeking Diverse Perspectives, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2022.
Toolkits based on the AASL Shared Foundations
To help school librarians in preparing learners for success engaging with an interconnected world, AASL tasked ALA Emerging Leaders teams with developing guides centered on the AASL Shared Foundations from the National School Library Standards.
AASL School Library Standards Toolkit: Defending Intellectual Freedom: LGBTQ+ Materials in School Libraries, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2018
AASL School Library Standards Toolkit: Developing Creative Collaborators, Flexible Partners, and Resilient Citizens, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2024.
AASL School Library Standards Toolkit: Developing Critical Curators Seeking Diverse Perspectives, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2022.
AASL School Library Standards Toolkit: Developing Inclusive Learners and Citizens, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2019.
AASL School Library Standards Toolkit: Developing Inquisitive Learners, Critical Thinkers, and Resourceful Citizens, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2023.
AASL School Library Standards Toolkit: Developing Reflective Explorers and Innovators, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2020.
AASL School Library Standards Toolkit: Developing Responsibly Engaged Learners in an Interconnected World, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2025.
Other AASL Toolkits
AASL Common Core State Standards Implementation Assistance Toolkit, American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
AASL Open Educational Resources (OER) Toolkit, OER Implementation Task Force, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2019.
AASL Pre-Service Toolkit for Principals and Teachers, AASL Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS), 2016.
AASL Resource Guide for Underserved Student Populations, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2016.
AASL School Library Advocacy Toolkit, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2018.
AASL Toolkit for Promoting School Library Programs, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2015.
AASL School Library Crisis Toolkit (build meaningful and effective support for saving your program), American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
AASL School Library Advocacy Toolkit for Parents, American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
Common Core State Standards Action Toolkit for Public Librarians, American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 2014.
Public Library and School Library Collaboration Toolkit, AASL/ALSC/YALSA Interdivisional Committee on School/Public Library Cooperation.
School Library Program Health and Wellness Toolkit, American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
.
.
Accreditation
Accreditation standards, policies, and procedures, ALA Committee on Accreditation/ALA Office for Accreditation, 2023.
Standards for Accreditation of Master's Programs in Library and Information Studies, ALA Committee on Accreditation/ALA Office for Accreditation, 2023.
.
.
Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
Access
ACRL Framework for Access Services Librarianship, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2020.
ACRL Policy Statement on Open Access to Scholarship by Academic Librarians, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2020.
ACRL-RBMS/SAA Guidelines on Access to Research Materials in Archives and Special Collections Libraries, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS)/Society of American Archivists (SSA), 2020.
Education, Personnel, and Academic Status
ACRL Statement on Academic Freedom, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2022.
Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity: A Framework, ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS); the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL); and the Public Library Association (PLA), 2022.
Guideline on Collective Bargaining, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2008.
Guidelines for Recruiting Academic Librarians, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2017
Impactful Scholarship and Metrics, ACRL Framework for, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2020.
Joint Statement on Faculty Status of College and University Librarians, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), Association of American Colleges and Universities, and the American Association of University Professors, 2018.
A Standard for the Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure of Academic Librarians, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2021.
Standards for Academic Librarians Without Faculty Status, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2021.
Standards for Faculty Status for Academic Librarians, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2021.
Statement on the Certification & Licensing of Academic Librarians, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2018.
Statement on the,Terminal Professional Degree for Academic Librarians, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2018.
Information Literacy and Instruction
Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2016.
Companion Documents to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education:
- The Framework for Visual Literacy in Higher Education, a Companion Document to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2022. Persian Translation | Spanish Translation
- Instruction for Educators, a Companion Document to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2023.
- Journalism, a Companion Document to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2022.
- Politics, Policy, and International Relations, a Companion Document to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2021.
- Research Competencies in Writing and Literature, a Companion Document to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2021.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, a Companion Document to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2022.
- Social Work, a Companion Document to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2021.
- Sociology, a Companion Document to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2022. Turkish Translation
- Women's and Gender Studies, a Companion Document to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2021.
Characteristics of Programs of Information Literacy that Illustrate Best Practices: A Guideline, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2021. Persian Translation
Guidelines for Instruction Programs in Academic Libraries, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2021.
Information Literacy Standards for Anthropology and Sociology Students, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2008. Chinese Translation | Farsi Translation | Spanish Translation
Information Literacy Standards for Science and Technology, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2006. Chinese Translation | Farsi Translation
Information Literacy Competency Standards for Nursing, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2013. Turkish Translation
Objectives for Information Literacy Instruction: A Model Statement for Academic Librarians, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2001. Greek Translation | Spanish Translation
Psychology Information Literacy Standards, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2010. Chinese Translation | Farsi Translation
Roles and Strengths of Teaching Librarians, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2017. PDF | Persian Translation
Libraries in Higher Education
Diversity Standards: Cultural Competency for Academic Libraries, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2012.
Guidelines for University Library Services to Undergraduate Students, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2013.
Standards for Libraries in Higher Education, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2018. PDF | Japanese Translation | Draft Revision | Feedback Form
Rare Books, Manuscripts, Special Collections, and Archives
Competencies for Special Collections Professionals, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2017.
Guidelines for Loans of Special Collections Materials for Exhibitions and Resource Sharing, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2023.
Guidelines on the Selection and Transfer of Materials from General Collections to Special Collections, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2016.
Guidelines Regarding the Security of Special Collections Materials, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2023.
Primary Source Literacy, Guidelines for, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2018.
Special Collections Librarians, ACRL Code of Ethics for, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2020.
Standardized Holdings Counts and Measures for Archival Repositories and Special Collections Libraries, Guidelines for, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2019.
Standardized Statistical Measures and Metrics for Public Services in Archival Repositories and Special Collections Libraries, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2017.
Special Topics
Academic Library Outreach Work, Competencies For, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2023. PDF
Assessment in Academic Libraries, Proficiencies for, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2023. PDF
Guidelines for Curriculum Materials Centers, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2009.
Guidelines for Media Resources in Academic Libraries, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2018.
Standards for Distance and Online Learning Library Services, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), 2023. PDF
.
.
American Library Association (ALA)
ALA Code of Ethics, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2021.
ALA's Core Competences of Librarianship, Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR), 2023.
ALA Filing Rules, RTSD Filing Committee.
ALA Guidelines for the Development of Policies and Procedures Regarding User Behavior and Library Usage, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020.
ALA Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records, American Library Association (ALA), 1986.
ALA Preservation Policy, American Library Association (ALA), 2008.
ALA Statement on Book Censorship, American Library Association (ALA), 2021.
Building Libraries & Library Additions: General Information, American Library Association LibGuides.
Cataloging Standards and Guides, American Library Association LibGuides.
Copyright: An Interpretation of the Code of Ethics, ALA Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), 2025.
Enforcement of the Code of Ethics Q&A, ALA Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), 2019.
Ethics and Social Media Q&A, ALA Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), 2019.
The Freedom to Read Statement, American Library Association (ALA) and Association of American Publishers, 2004.
Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2019.
Resource Guide for Library Safety and Preparedness. American Library Association (ALA) and Public Library Association (PLA), 2023.
Speech in the Workplace Q&A, ALA Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), 2019.
Standards for Library Services for the Incarcerated or Detained, American Library Association (ALA), 2024.
.
.
Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
ALSC Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC).
Becoming a Media Mentor: A Guide for Working with Children and Families by Claudia Haines, Cen Campbell, and Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC).
Engage, Cultivate, Provide, Assess: An Outreach Model for Serving Children and Families, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), 2019.
Every Child Ready to Read, an early literacy toolkit for parents and caregivers, Public Library Association (PLA) and Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC).
The Importance of Play in Early Literacy, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), 2012.
Media Mentorship in Libraries Serving Youth, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), 2015.
.
.
Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA)
Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), 2011.
.
.
Core
Best Practices for Academic Interviews, Core, 2015.
Preservation Manager's Guide to Cost Analysis, Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS), 2008
Serials Presentation Guidelines (What's in a Name?), Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS), 2005.
.
.
Human Resources Development and Recruitment (HRDR)
ALA's Core Competences of Librarianship, Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR), 2023.
.
.
Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS)
Extending Our Reach: Reducing Homelessness Through Library Engagement, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS), 2012.
Outreach Toolkits
How to Serve the World @ your library, a toolkit on serving English language learners at your library, ALA Office for Research and Statistics, Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS), and Public Programs Office (PPO), 2008.
Literacy for All: Adult Literacy through Libraries, a toolkit to help library workers add, expand, and advocate for adult literacy services, ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS).
.
.
Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF)
Intellectual Freedom Manual
Intellectual Freedom Manual, 10th Edition, Edited by Martin Garnar and Trina Magi with ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2021.
History of ALA Policy on Intellectual Freedom, Martin Garnar and Trina Magi with ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2021.
Library Bill of Rights
Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2019.
Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights
- Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA)
- Access to Digital Resources and Services, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Access to Resources and Services in the School Library, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Censorship by Altering Library Resources, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Challenged Resources, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Diverse and Inclusive Collections, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Economic Barriers to Library Access, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Education and Information Literacy, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Evaluating Library Collections, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Exhibits, Displays, and Bulletin Boards, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Internet Filtering, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Labeling and Rating Systems: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Library Access and Representation for All Sexes, Gender Identities and Expressions, and Sexual Orientations, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Library-Initiated Programs as a Resource, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Meeting Rooms, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Minors and Online Activity, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Politics in American Libraries, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Prisoners' Right to Read, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Religion in American Libraries, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Restricted Access to Library Materials, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Services to People with Disabilities, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- The Universal Right to Free Expression, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- User-Generated Content in Library Discovery Layers, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
- Visual and Performing Arts in Libraries, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, American Library Association (ALA), 2025.
OIF Privacy Field Guides
Privacy Field Guides, Erin Berman, Bonnie Tijerina, and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2022.
The Ultimate Privacy Field Guide: A Workbook of Best Practices, Erin Berman, Bonnie Tijerina, and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2022.
Privacy Field Guide: Data Lifecycles, Erin Berman, Bonnie Tijerina, and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2022.
Privacy Field Guide: Digital Security Basics, Erin Berman, Bonnie Tijerina, and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) , 2022.
Privacy Field Guide: How to Talk about Privacy, Erin Berman, Bonnie Tijerina, and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2022.
Privacy Field Guide: Non-Tech Privacy, Erin Berman, Bonnie Tijerina, and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2022.
Privacy Field Guide: Privacy Audits, Erin Berman, Bonnie Tijerina, and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2022.
Privacy Field Guide: Privacy Policies, Erin Berman, Bonnie Tijerina, and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2022.
Privacy Field Guide: Vendors and Privacy, Erin Berman, Bonnie Tijerina, and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2022.
OIF Privacy Guidelines and Checklists
Library Privacy Checklist Overview, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020.
Library Privacy Guidelines for Assistive Technology, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020. Checklist
Library Privacy Guidelines for Data Exchange Between Networked Devices and Services, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020. Checklist
Library Privacy Guidelines for Library Management Systems, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2022. Checklist
Library Privacy Guidelines for Library Websites, OPACs, and Discovery Services, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020. Checklist
Library Privacy Guidelines for Public Access Computers and Networks, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020. Checklist
Library Privacy Guidelines for Students in K-12 Schools, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020. Checklist
Library Privacy Guidelines for Vendors, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020. Checklist
Other OIF Guidelines, Statements, and Policies
3-D Printing in Libraries: Policies & Best Practices, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2018
ALA Statement on Book Censorship, American Library Association (ALA), 2021.
Guidelines for the Development of Policies and Procedures Regarding User Behavior and Library Usage, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020.
Guidelines for Reopening Libraries During the COVID-19 Pandemic, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020.
Guidelines on Contact Tracing, Health Checks, and Library Users’ Privacy, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020.
Guidelines to Minimize the Negative Effects of Internet Content Filters on Intellectual Freedom, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2017.
Hateful Conduct in Libraries: Supporting Library Workers and Patrons, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2017.
How to Respond to Law Enforcement Requests for Library Records and User Information: Suggested Guidelines, Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2021.
Q&A: Makerspaces, Media Labs and Other Forums for Content Creation in Libraries, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), 2017.
Religion in American Libraries: Questions and Answers, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2010.
Responding to and Preparing for Controversial Programs and Speakers Q&A, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2018
RFID in Libraries: Privacy and Confidentiality Guidelines, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2019.
Video Surveillance in the Library Guidelines, ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2020.
.
.
Public Library Association (PLA)
See all Public Library Association Publications and Products, especially PLA Books and Products and the PLA Results series, and Professional Tools.
The Bed Bug Guide for Public Libraries—eEditions PDF e-book, Sarah Kittrell for the Public Library Association (PLA), 2016.
PLA Early Literacy Calendar, Public Library Association (PLA), published annually.
Film Programming for Public Libraries, Kati Irons for the Public Library Association (PLA), 2014.
Library Space Planning: A PLA Guide—eEditions PDF e-book, David Vinjamuri for the Public Library Association (PLA), 2019.
Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries: The PLA Guide to Trauma-Informed De-Escalation, Margaret Ann Paauw for the Public Library Association (PLA), 2025.
Resource Guide for Library Safety and Preparedness. American Library Association (ALA) and Public Library Association (PLA), 2023.
Strategic Planning for Public Libraries, Joy L. Fuller for the Public Library Association (PLA), 2021.
A Trauma-Informed Framework for Supporting Patrons: The PLA Workbook of Best Practices, The Public Library Association Social Worker Task Force, 2022
The PLA Results Series
Demonstrating Results: Using Outcome Measurement in Your Library (Results Series), Rhea Joyce Rubin for the Public Library Association (PLA), 2005.
Implementing for Results: Your Strategic Plan in Action (Results Series), Sandra Nelson for the Public Library Association (PLA).
Managing Facilities for Results: Optimizing Space for Services (Results Series), Cheryl Bryan for the Public Library Association (PLA), 2007.
NEW Planning for Results: A Streamlined Approach, (Results Series), Sandra Nelson for the Public Library Association (PLA), 2001.
Staffing for Results: A Guide to Working Smarter (Results Series), Diane Mayo and Jeanne Goodrich for the Public Library Association (PLA), 2002.
.
.
Public Programs Office (PPO)
Accessible Small and Rural Conversations in Libraries Guide, ALA Public Programs Office (PPO), 2022.
Great Stories Club Programming Guide for Libraries, ALA Public Programs Office (PPO), 2024.
Leading Conversations in Small and Rural Libraries Guide, ALA Public Programs Office (PPO), 2020.
Let’s Talk About It Programming Guide, ALA Public Programs Office (PPO), 2022.
Media Literacy for Adults: Architecture of the Internet, ALA Public Programs Office (PPO), 2025.
Media Literacy in the Library: A Guide for Library Practitioners, ALA Public Programs Office (PPO), 2020.
RDA
RDA Toolkit. RDA is standard for bibliographic description used by catalogers and other metadata specialists working in libraries and other cultural institutions. The standard is currently available in 5 different languages, with more to come.
Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd Edition is available online through the RDA Toolkit.. AACR2 was supplanted by RDA as the preferred standard for bibliographic description. It has not been updated in decades and will not be updated ever again, though some still use the standard.
RDA Essentials, Second Edition, Thomas Brenndorfer for RDA, 2026. First edition.
RDA Glossary, The RDA Steering Committee (RSC), 2021.
RDA Registry website. The RDA Registry contains linked data and Semantic Web representations of the entities, elements, and terminologies approved by the RDA Steering Committee (RSC).
.
.
Reference and User Services Association (RUSA)
All RUSA Standards, Guidelines, and Recommendations. Archived documents are available at the American Library Association Institutional Repository.
Accessibility Toolkits: What You Need to Know
Genealogy, History
RUSA Guidelines for Developing and Maintaining Genealogy and Local History Collections, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2023.
RUSA Guidelines for Instruction in Genealogical Librarianship, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2023.
Guidelines for Secondary Source Literacy for History, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2023.
Information Literacy Guidelines and Competencies for Undergraduate History Students, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2013.
Information Literacy & Competencies by Discipline
Business Research Competencies, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2019.
Financial Literacy Education in Libraries: Guidelines and Best Practices for Service, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2023.
Information Literacy Guidelines and Competencies for Undergraduate History Students, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2013.
Interlibrary Loan and Resource Sharing (STARS)
RUSA Model Interlibrary Loan License Clause, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2024.
Professional Competencies for Resource Sharing Practitioners, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2024.
Guidelines for Resource Sharing Operations Management, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2022.
Recommendations for Resource-Sharing Disaster Preparation and Response, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2021.
Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States With Explanatory Text, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2023.
Measuring and Assessing Reference Services and Resources: A Guide, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA),
Business Reference Essentials, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA).
Business Guides, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA).
Reference/Information Services Toolkit
Definition of Reference, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2021.
Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2023.
Guidelines for Business Information Responses, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2022.
Guidelines for Cooperative Reference Services, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2006.
Guidelines for Implementing and Maintaining Virtual Reference Services, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2017.
Guidelines for the Introduction of Electronic Information Resources to Users, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2006.
Guidelines for the Preparation of a Bibliography, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2010.
Professional Competencies for Reference and User Services Librarians, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2017
Elements for Basic Reviews: A Guide for Writers and Readers of Reviews of Works in All Mediums and Genres, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2006.
User Populations
Guidelines for Library Services to Older Adults, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), 2017.
.
.
United for Libraries
All Ages Welcome: Recruiting and Retaining Younger Generations for Library Boards, Friends Groups, and Foundations, Lina Bertinelli, Madeline Jarvis, Kathy Kosinski, and Tess Wilson for United for Libraries, 2020.
The Complete Library Trustee Handbook, Sally Gardner Reed and Jillian Kalonick for United for Libraries, 2010.
The Good, the Great, and the Unfriendly: A Librarian's Guide to Working with Friends Groups, Sally Gardner Reed for United for Libraries, 2017.
Power Guide for Successful Advocacy, United for Libraries, 2025.
Proving Your Library’s Value: Persuasive, Organized, and Memorable Messaging, Alan Fishel and Jillian Wentworth for United for Libraries, 2020.
.
.
Young Adult Library Services Association
Guidelines
Core Professional Values for the Teen Services Profession, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2015. PDF
Teen Programming Guidelines, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2015. PDF
Teen Services Competencies for Library Staff, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
Teen Space Guidelines, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). PDF
Teens First: Re-imagined Library Services for and with Teens Infographic, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
YALSA's Public Library Evaluation Tool, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
Position Papers
Adopting a Summer Learning Approach for Increased Impact: a YALSA Position Paper, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2016.
The Benefits of Including Dedicated Young Adult Librarians on Staff in the Public Library, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2009.
The Importance of a Whole Library Approach to Public Library Young Adult Services: A YALSA Position Paper, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2011.
The Importance of Young Adult Services in LIS Curricula, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2009.
The Library's Role in Protecting Teen Privacy: A YALSA Position Paper, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2017.
The Need for Teen Spaces in Public Libraries, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2016
The Value of Young Adult Literature, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2008.
Reports
Case Studies: Real-World Examples of How Libraries Are Re-Envisioning Teen Services, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2017.
The Future of Library Services for and with Teens: a Call to Action, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2014.
Transforming Teen Services for and with Teens through Continuing Education, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2018.
