School librarians work hard to turn their classroom—the library—into the well-loved hub and heart of the school. It’s a tall order, but they are up to the task. Certified school librarians are trained to provide equitable access, personalized learning opportunities, technology access, updated digital and print materials, and creative programming to motivate students and help … Continue reading Thank You, School Librarians
While this is my first Annual as executive director, I attended the conference last summer in Philadelphia. There, I was blown away by the sheer number of participants, the depth of quality programming, and the infectious enthusiasm and energy from morning to night. This year, we expect approximately 15,000 conference attendees. As in previous years, … Continue reading Summer Connections
I invite you to join your colleagues at Annual to observe our past, reflect on our present, and envision our future. Attendees will have the opportunity to gather for the “ALA150: A Celebration for Our Libraries” reception on Saturday evening and immerse themselves in a variety of sessions highlighting key library moments under the ALA150 … Continue reading Rebirth and Reaffirmation
Indeed, the American Library Association (ALA) exists because of a shared desire for a professional community and coordinated advocacy. In my early interactions across the many facets of the Association, I have seen firsthand the deep drive and commitment our members bring to this work. At events like the American Association of School Librarians National … Continue reading Advocacy Unites Us
As I write this, still in my early weeks at the Association, I’ve been asked often about my own priorities for ALA. Well, my primary goal is this: to support us in achieving the vision outlined in the ALA Forward initiative. This includes ensuring ALA’s financial stability, fostering membership trust and growth, and bolstering advocacy. … Continue reading Reinvigorating ALA
Neither of my parents went to college, but I am fortunate that they read constantly and took me and my siblings to the library every week. No vacation began without a trip to the bookstore or library to stock up—everything from comic books to Robert Louis Stevenson (I still have my hardcover Treasure Island from … Continue reading Ready to Go
If you haven’t visited Philadelphia recently (or ever), you will be amazed by all it has to offer as a walkable conference city. Its huge convention center—at more than 2 million square feet—is adjacent to many of ALA’s 35 conference hotels. And the historic Reading Terminal Market, just next door, is a bustling public market … Continue reading The Next Chapter
Across the board, the work of federal agencies, many of which directly or indirectly support libraries, has either been discontinued or altered. Although it is too soon to determine the overall impact of proposed changes to library funding—including IMLS grants and E-Rate discounts—we anticipate there will be more proposals to significantly reduce or outright eliminate … Continue reading Upholding Our Values
ALA, as an organization, has survived and thrived for nearly 150 years—through wars, economic downturns, changing political environments, and pandemics. With each of these challenges, we rose to the occasion with strong leadership, consistent messaging, and a membership base that devoted its efforts to sharing stories about the important work of all libraries and how … Continue reading Rising to the Occasion
King knew the difference between being dejected and being disillusioned, drawing the distinction often in his writings and speeches. While being dejected is a natural reaction to opposition, the latter represents the capitulation of hope. King knew well that hope is needed for struggle. That connection is important for those of us who work in … Continue reading Our History Is Our Protection
By February 2020, a month before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, more than 5,500 criminal investigations had been opened in China against health care professionals and journalists accused of “fabricating and deliberately disseminating false and harmful information” about the novel coronavirus. Many were detained and charged with causing fear and hysteria, … Continue reading The Good Fight
At a break, one participant and I agreed that a key factor in libraries becoming an equalizing force in information literacy is serious and intentional workforce planning. To reach individuals and communities that most need support, we need to grow capacity within the field, both in terms of skill set and demographics. This is especially … Continue reading Growing Our Own
