You’ve talked about being a library kid long before you ever worked at the library. How did you start to see it as a career path? It took a lot of failure. It took a lot of mistakes, a lot of careers not panning out. My dream job was to be in the military. Even … Continue reading Newsmaker: Mychal Threets
But in 2025, there were notable examples of voters, courts, and candidates across the country affirming the profession’s core values of intellectual freedom and inclusive access. Below we highlight five recent victories for libraries, library workers, and their communities. 1. California voters rein in city council overreach Huntington Beach, California, has become a flashpoint in … Continue reading 5 Library Wins Worth Celebrating
To help equip and energize advocates in an environment of heightened stakes, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Public Policy and Advocacy Office launched a webinar series as part of its Show Up for Our Libraries campaign. The sixth installment, “Turning Congressmembers into Library Champions,” brought together voices from the library side and the congressional side … Continue reading Finding Your Heroes on the Hill
A good approach is to look at the most high-impact changes you can make early in the process to improve accessibility for users, even if the entire site is not fully accessible. The following sections outline several changes that can have a significant impact without requiring the wholesale redesign of a website. Structural elements Structuring … Continue reading Getting Started with Web Accessibility
ALA’s mission has guided my work from the beginning. Whether serving on the ALA Executive Board, chairing the Budget Analysis and Review Committee, supporting the Spectrum Scholar community, or leading state and divisional organizations, I have seen firsthand how ALA’s values of equity, diversity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility are lived out every day … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Tamika Barnes
We have been navigating rigorous, unyielding times, yet through it all, library workers have stepped up and answered the call to lead and serve. We remain resilient, dedicated, and hopeful in every microinteraction that occurs daily in the many vibrant library spaces across the country. In my own work and leadership, I am grounded in … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Becky Calzada
Traveling alone through Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), a woman wandered the concourse looking to pass the time. Then she spotted a sign for the Airport Library. When she arrived, she sat down, plugged in her devices, and picked up a historical biography she said she never would have chosen under normal circumstances. Before she … Continue reading Airport Libraries Take Off
400 Approximate number of libraries operated by the National Park Service (NPS). 3.5 million Number of materials housed in the NPS History Collection at the Harpers Ferry (W.Va.) Center for Media Services. The collection includes art, documents, photos, sound recordings, uniforms, and other objects. 25 Number of parks represented in the Open Parks Network, a collaboration … Continue reading By the Numbers: National Parks
Within these limitations, though, library workers can develop their legal reference skills and provide appropriate referrals. The American Association of Law Libraries’ (AALL) 2014 report Law Libraries and Access to Justice offers tips for how to do this. In the decade since this report was released, demand for services has remained high, with many low-income … Continue reading The Rules of Law
Winning Grants, 3rd edition By Stephanie K. Gerding This comprehensive, accessible guide offers practical advice focused exclusively on library fundraising, with information about grants of all types. The book distills information in an easy-to-understand format and covers such topics as the grant cycle process, planning a project for funding, and researching the most appropriate funding … Continue reading Finding Funds
According to the American Library Association’s Libraries Build Business 2022 report, libraries offer three advantages for budding businesses: reach, resources, and collaboration. They are embedded in every community, open to all, and equipped with infrastructure such as computers, meeting rooms, high-quality databases, and access to skilled staff—resources that many small businesses and entrepreneurs could not … Continue reading Good for Business
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
