Conducts Policy Analysis
The ALA closely follows federal legislation and makes its voice heard when proposed changes in law, rules or regulations threaten to affect the ability of libraries to meet the information needs of their communities. Since libraries are critical to equitable access to information, the Association also works to have library leaders recognized and included as important partners when policies that affect libraries or delivery of information are being discussed outside of ALA. We have several membership committees that inform ALA on policy and member-experts are actively encouraged to participate in informing ALA’s policy positions.
ALA is also a voice in the international arena, advocating for policies that ensure the information needs of the public are met and helping to shape polices and laws at home by participation in various international policy forums.
How you can get involved?
You can personally participate in setting policy and enhancing outcomes. Within ALA, several member groups directly contribute to analysis of current federal, state and local policies that affect library services. Members are involved in analysis of issues like copyright, broadband, and intellectual freedom. We work to add a library perspective to curriculum standards and materials selection policies. Around the country, labor and salary policies are influenced by ALA research and member commentary.
Resources for members on policy analysis:
Research, Assessment and Policy Committees:
Office for Information Technology Policy
AASL Policy
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aboutaasl/aaslgovernance/aaslcommittees/research.cfmALSC Evaluation of Media
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/aboutalsc/coms/pg2mediaeval/als-pgii.cfmALCTS Policy and Planning
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alcts/mgrps/cmds/cmtes/polplan/index.cfmALSC Professional Development
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/aboutalsc/coms/pg7profdev/als-pgvii.cfmACRL Assessment Committee
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/about/committees/committees.cfmASLCA Accessibility Assembly
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ascla/asclaourassoc/divisioncomm/divisioncommittees.cfmLITA Committee for Assessment and Research
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/lita/litamembership/litacommittees/assessresearchcomm/assessresearchcomm.cfmPLA PLDS Statistical Report Advisory
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/pla/plagroups/placommittees/pla-pbstatrept.cfmRUSA Access to Information
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa-roster.cfm?committee=rus-infoaccessYALSA Research
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/aboutyalsab/research.cfmGODORT Government Information Technology Committee (
http://wikis.ala.org/godort/index.php/Government_Information_Technology_Committee_%28GITCO%29SRRT Alternative Media Task Force
http://libr.org/amtf//
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ALA Student Chapters
Chapters Social Networking
ALA Chapter Relations Committee
Develops and recognizes Chapters as integral components of ALA and serves as an advisory committee to the Chapter Relations Office.
ALA Chapters
ALA's 57 state and regional chapters are partners in addressing concerns to libraries. Each state is represented on ALA Council.