ALA Governing and Strategic Documents
ALA’s activities are shaped and guided by a series of governing documents. The Association’s first official document was the Charter of 1879, which was revised in 1942. ALA’s Constitution and Bylaws are approved by the ALA Council and voted by the membership. The ALA Council also adopts the Association’s Policies.
In 1998 the ALA Council first approved five Key Action Areas as guiding principles for directing the Association’s energies and resources. In 2005, these were broadened to include the current seven Key Action Areas: Diversity, Equity of Access, Education and Continuous Learning, Intellectual Freedom, 21st Century Literacy, Advocacy for Libraries and the Profession and Organizational Excellence.
A series of strategic plans, beginning with ALA Goal 2000, ALAction 2005, and ALA Ahead to 2010, the Association’s current strategic plan, contained strategic goals and objectives that have identified priorities, shaped the association’s response to a changing environment, led to the establishment of new programs and services, and helped focus member and organizational energy and resources.
Currently, work is underway on the Association’s 2015 Strategic Plan.