Our first ALA conference and exhibition was a great success! We spent several days in Chicago last month learning more about the key issues facing libraries, learning more about the landscape of organizations supporting libraries, and most importantly, meeting with many library professionals and telling them about our work with libraries. It was our first time as an exhibitor, and we were excited to be part of this event!
The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world. Founded on October 6, 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the mission of ALA is “to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.” In 1998 the ALA Council voted commitment to five Key Action Areas as guiding principles for directing the Association’s energies and resources:
- Diversity
- Equity of Access
- Education and Continuous Learning
- Intellectual Freedom
- 21st Century Literacy.