Public Information Office

The ALA Public Information Office (PIO) develops and implements strategic communications plans tied to association goals and priorities in the areas of public awareness, media relations and crisis communications and advocacy. The PIO communicates ALA's position on key action areas: diversity, equitable access to information and library services, education and lifelong learning, intellectual freedom, advocacy for libraries and the profession, literacy and organizational excellence.

Responsible for the implementation of @ your library®, The Campaign for America's Libraries, a multi-year public awareness and advocacy campaign, PIO efforts speak loudly and clearly about the importance of libraries and librarians in the 21st century. The unit also provides public relations counsel; coordinates national media relations efforts; maintains an advocacy network; and develops support materials to help librarians promote their programs and services at the local level. In addition, PIO develops communications strategies for internal efforts such as dues increase initiative and election, and provides communications support to many ALA units.

PIO works closely with the ALA Public Awareness Committee. The committee's charge is to develop programs that promote libraries and library issues nationwide. To assist ALA members in promoting their libraries at the local, state and national levels. To develop coordinated promotional and marketing programs and tools for librarians, librarians, and ALA.