Barnes received 3,827 votes, while her opponent, Becky Calzada, district library coordinator at Leander (Tex.) Independent School District, received 2,742 votes. Upon learning the outcome of the election, Barnes provided the following statement: “I am deeply honored by the trust ALA members have placed in me,” Barnes said. “Throughout this campaign, I have listened to members … Continue reading Barnes Wins 2027–2028 ALA Presidency
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
Tamika Barnes currently serves as the Georgia Library Association (GLA) president-elect and will assume the role of president in 2026. She served on the GLA executive board from 2013 to 2021, the ALA Executive Board from 2018 to 2021, and ALA Council from 2015 to 2018 and 2019 to 2021. Barnes is a member of … Continue reading Barnes, Calzada Seek 2027–2028 ALA Presidency
McCauley received 5,483 votes. Her opponent, Lindsay Cronk, dean of libraries at Tulane University in New Orleans, received 2,665 votes. Upon learning the outcome of the election, McCauley provided the following statement: “I am honored to be elected president of the American Library Association for 2026–2027 and grateful to everyone who voted. I look forward … Continue reading McCauley Wins 2026–2027 ALA Presidency
The American Library Association (ALA) announced on April 7 that Larry Neal, library director of Clinton-Macomb Public Library (CMPL) in Michigan, has been elected treasurer of ALA for 2025–2028. Neal received 7,312 votes in the uncontested election. He will step into his role as treasurer at the close of ALA’s 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition, to be held … Continue reading Neal Elected 2025–2028 ALA Treasurer
The full statement reads as follows: Andrea Jamison, assistant professor of school librarianship at Illinois State University in Normal, has withdrawn her candidacy for ALA president-elect and Intellectual Freedom Round Table director-at-large. Her name will be removed from the election ballot, which will be sent to ALA members on Monday, March 10. Two candidates remain … Continue reading ALA Presidential Candidate Andrea Jamison Withdraws from Ballot
I seek the office of president to help us meet this moment and shape a future worthy of ALA’s legacy, its promise, and above all, the library workers who make it all possible. Libraries aren’t just essential—they’re transformational. Whether we’re safeguarding intellectual freedom, ensuring equitable access, or improving financial sustainability, the challenges we face require … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Lindsay Cronk
Now more than ever, ALA needs radical leadership—a president who will engage in meaningful dialogue with allies and critics alike, to emphasize how equitable library services and social justice are not anti-American. Andrew Carnegie once stated, “There is not such a cradle of democracy on earth as the free public library, this republic of letters, … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Andrea Jamison
We are living in a time of uncertainty: We have seen significant censorship attempts, librarians targeted, and adverse library legislation, while social and economic inequities persist. We have also seen remarkable services and programs created, curated, and offered by gifted library workers and partners across the US and internationally. We are community connectors, teachers, guides, … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Maria McCauley
The talent and hard work of our member leaders and the ALA staff of our 14 offices, eight divisions, and 19 round tables are critically important to delivering high-quality professional development, advocacy, publications, collaborations, accreditation, grants, and networking opportunities that our 48,000 members need and expect. Together our work is essential to protect the freedom to … Continue reading Meet the Candidate for ALA Treasurer: Larry Neal
The ALA Nominating Committee also announced on November 12 the 21 nominated candidates who are running for a total of 12 at-large seats on ALA Council for the 2025–2028 term. The presidential candidates announcement reads as follows: Lindsay Cronk, dean of libraries at Tulane University in New Orleans; Andrea Jamison, assistant professor of school librarianship … Continue reading Cronk, Jamison, McCauley Seek 2026–2027 ALA Presidency
