Working for the future of the Association : success stories of ALA the American Library Association

Working for the Future of the Association

Success Stories of the American Library Association

Michael Dowling, Director, Intl Relations Office

ALA 2015 Strategic Plan

1) Advocacy, Funding and Public Policy2) Building the Profession 3) Transforming Libraries 4) Member Engagement5) Organizational Excellence

Creating New to Face New Challenges

New Units and Groups for ALA

New Resources Targeted to Non-Library Audiences

New Initiatives for Libraries

New Services and Opportunities for Members

Policy Support and Research

Libraries as Solution Providers

Data from The Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study (Gates Funded) gathers a wide range of data related to computer and Internet access in U.S. public libraries - including the number of computers, barriers to high-speed Internet access, Internet services and trainings available, and funding for technology.

The Study research team is develops and publishes topical briefs related to issues affecting communities’ access to technology in our public libraries.

Libraries and Government Services

New Digital Content Initiatives

Digital Content and Libraries Working GroupSupporting the “Transformation” of libraries is a priority of the Association’s 2015 Strategic Plan, and the rapid shift from print to digital content is one of the more dramatic developments now transforming libraries of all types

New report examining critical issues underlying equitable access to digital content through our nation’s libraries. In the report, titled “E-content: The Digital Dialogue,” authors explore an unprecedented and splintered landscape in which several major publishers refuse to sell ebooks to libraries; proprietary platforms fragment our cultural record; and reader privacy is endangered.

State of America’s Libraries

Office For Library Advocacy (2008)

Popular Resources• Advocacy & Legislation

I Love Libraries Advocacy University • Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit• Add It Up: Libraries Make the Difference in Youth Development and

Education• Budget in the Crosshairs? Navigating a Challenging Budget Year• Coalition Building• Cultivating Your Local Notables • Frontline Advocacy • Frontline Fundraising• Library Snapshot Day Primer• Making Budget Presentations

I Love Libraries-Website and More for the Public

Website, bi-weekly newsletter , facebook page, tied to advocacy software

Snapshot DaysAbout Library Snapshot Day

The concept originated in New Jersey as a joint effort between the New Jersey Library Assn. and the New Jersey State Library. Soon after, many states began emulating the effort.

2010 ALA take this initiative to a national level, asking that states across the country find a date to conduct their own Library Snapshot Day.

Library Snapshot Day Primer, on how to facilitate a Library Snapshot Day.

Initiatives Talk to End User

Reaching Teenagers-Teen Read Week and Teen Tech Week

-started 2007

Teen Read Week PartnersBloomsburyBloomsbury Children’s Books and Walker Books for Young Readers, both divisions of Bloomsbury Publishing USA, are general interest publisher of children’s books for all ages. Titles published include picture books, nonfiction and middle-grade and teen fiction.Carolrhoda LabCarolrhoda Lab™ is dedicated to distinctive, provocative, boundary-pushing fiction for teens and their sympathizers. Carolrhoda Lab™ probes and examines the young-adult condition one novel at a time, affording YA authors and readers an opportunity to explore and experiment with thoughts, ideas, and paradigms in the human condition. Cinco PuntosWith roots on the U.S./Mexico border, Cinco Puntos Press publishes great books which make a difference in the way you see the world. We’re celebrating 25 years of great books in 2010! Learn more at www.cincopuntos.com. Viz MediaVIZ Media, LLC is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content.

Teen Read Week Nonprofit SupportersAdLit.org American Association of School Administrators (AASA) American Booksellers Association (ABA) Cable in the Classroom (CIC) International Reading Association Kids Care KIDSNET Los Angeles Young Adult Authors (LAYAs) National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) National Education Association National School Boards Association (NSBA) readergirlz SmartGirl Speak Up Press Swept Away TV/The Rock Star Stories TeenInk

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ALA as Affiliated Partner

Electronic Continuing Education

• Now Hundreds of Courses Each Year

• Low cost, no travel

• Certified

New Resources for Librarians and Libraries

New Initiatives and New Partners

I Love My Librarian Contest

1,700 nominations nationwide last year

More Faster Communication With Members

ALA Connect

Workspace of the Association and its members-

formal and informal groups

Spanish Twitter Site

Emerging Leaders Program

New Group for Not So New Members

ALA has over 1,500 Retired members and its growing

Publications Targeted To General Public

• This authoritative guide—with a core focus on reading readiness and helping position children to succeed in school—offers more than 300 age-appropriate and subject-specific book selections from librarians for reading time with children. From board and picture books to hot new books, these recommendations reflect family, community, play, and the environment. Mirroring a child's world as they grow and mature, chapters include segments on reading together, friendship, places near and far, and making believe. These titles have been culled from the American Library Association's “best” lists and professional review journals.

Transforming Libraries Website