American Library Association

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As an ADVOCATE: Support the cause…

As libraries and library workers nationwide grapple with attacks on our field and shifts in the national policy landscape, ALA continues our long-time advocacy work to stand up for libraries. Advocacy is central to everything we do, from intellectual freedom to library funding. ALA will always be ready to stand up and advocate for libraries.

MISSION

Empowering and advocating for libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all.

VISION

Libraries thrive so everyone can succeed.

CORE VALUES

Equity and Access
Intellectual Freedom
Sustainability
Public Good

WHAT WE CHAMPANION

Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession
Diversity
Education and Lifelong Learning
Equitable Access to Information and Library Services
Intellectual Freedom
Literacy
ALA Forward
Libraries Strengthening Communities
Member Experience

HOW WE WORK TOGETHER

ALA Governance
Divisions
Round Tables
Committees and Volunteer Opportunities
Offices
Affiliates
ALA Chapters
Other Groups & Organizations

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Join ALA
Become a Library Advocate
Give to ALA
Shop the ALA Store

Support American Library Association… by simply getting acquainted here:

https://www.ala.org/aboutala

As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…

Merchandise is catalogued within the following collections: * Books & eBooks * Posters, Bookmarks, & Gifts * New & Noteworthy, and * Textbooks.

Support the American Library Association… by simply purchasing your specialty merchandise here:

https://alastore.ala.org/

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

MEMBERSHIP

ALA is the largest and most respected membership association in the world for the library industry. It is a community of people working together to ensure that libraries remain vital centers of literacy, access, and opportunity. Through professional development, advocacy, and engagement opportunities, ALA members gain valuable skills and build connections that advance careers. ALA opens new opportunities for progress, both as a professional and a profession.

Personal Membership: Memberships run for 12 months starting with the month of your application. Membership in ALA is required for divisional and round table membership.
- Individual Type I: Librarians and other employees in library and information services or related positions that: (a) require a master’s degree; (b) require a state-level certification; or (c) are managerial.
- Individual Type II: Librarians and other employees in library and information services or related positions that: (a) earn <45k annually, including being not currently employed; (b) work outside the U.S.; (c) are retired; or (d) are not listed in Type I.
- Supporter: Those not employed in library and information services or related activities who, through their personal commitment and support, promote library and information services. Includes Associates, Friends, and Trustees.
- Student: Individuals enrolled in a program for a certificate or a degree in library and information studies. Limited to five years. Certain state library associations (chapters) offer Joint Memberships with ALA .
Organizational Membership: Eligibility includes all types of libraries, not-for-profit schools conducting programs of library education, and other not-for-profit organizations including library associations, affiliated organizations, and international organizations. Through organizational membership in ALA, your library gains a unique opportunity to have its concerns clearly heard at the national level. Joining ALA is a benefit to your organization and in maintaining a strong a voice in the future of America’s libraries. Joining ALA offers your library a wide range of benefits, including discounts such as professional publications, employment, and management resources, human resource and managerial resources, information, and important library-related insurance.
- Very Small Library
- Small Library
- Medium Library
- Large Library
- Very Large Library
- Other
Corporate Membership: ALA Corporate membership will maximize your visibility as a valuable supporter of libraries, librarians, and all library staff. You will connect directly with library professionals at a member-to-member level and work with the community to ensure that the best library services are available to all. Your membership connects you with leading buyers and decision-makers across the library world.
- Discounted Membership Mailing List Rental
- Preferred Exhibit Booth Space
- American Libraries advertising discount
- Free Personal Membership
- ALA JobLIST discounts
- AL Direct eNewsletter
- Discounts from ALA Publishing: Discounts on books and promotional items from ALA Editions and ALA Graphics.D

DONATION

The American Library Association (ALA) builds a world where libraries, both physical and virtual, are central to lifelong discovery and learning and where everyone is a library user. By giving to ALA, you are helping us improve library and information services and the profession of librarianship to ensure access to information for all.

21st Century Fund: Unrestricted gifts give ALA the flexibility to respond quickly to challenges facing libraries and to act on new opportunities. Help fight censorship.
ALA Disaster Relief Fund: Donations to this fund will support libraries in areas dealing with natural disasters.
ALA General Scholarship Endowment: Created as a general scholarship endowment that supports all scholarship programs at ALA.
ALA Ukraine Library Relief Fund: Donations will be sent to Ukraine Library Association to assist with getting resources for libraries to help displaced people, repair damages to keep libraries open, and assist librarians.
Show Up on Our Libraries: Your donation will support the American Library Association’s advocacy efforts to protect the freedom to read, strong libraries in every community, and respect for library workers.
Steve & Loree Potash 150th Challenge: Your donation to the ALA 150th Anniversary Campaign will be matched 1:1 by the Steve and Loree Potash Family Foundation Challenge Grant.
Distinguished Service Award & Scholarship Fund: AASL’s Distinguished Service Award & Scholarship Fund honors school librarians with a sustained record of service and supports the development of future leaders ensuring every school librarian is a leader, every learner has a school librarian.
Friends of AASL: The Friends of AASL program was created to ensure excellence in service to the profession and to support growth and viability in the future.
Libraries Transform Campaign: ALA’s public awareness campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the value, impact, and services provided by libraries and library professionals.
Roundtables:
- Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table Donations
- Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table Endowment