Founded in 1876, the American Library Association (ALA) works to support education and the workforce by promoting libraries as essential hubs for lifelong learning, digital literacy, and economic opportunity. The ALA advocates for policies and provides resources that integrate libraries into formal education systems and community workforce development pipelines.
The ALA supports education at all levels, from early childhood to adult learning:
- Promoting Literacy and Foundational Skills
- Assisting libraries in helping children and adults develop essential skills, including traditional reading literacy and vital information and digital literacy skills.
- Supporting Formal Education
- Advocates for strong school libraries and develops standards for school librarians to transform teaching and learning, ensuring students are prepared for college, career, and life.
- Advocating for Educational Roles
- Works to ensure that librarians and library staff are recognized as educators who provide instruction in critical thinking and identifying reliable information.
- Providing Educational Resources
- Publishes resources used by educators, scholars, and students to improve programs and services, develop leadership, and enhance pedagogy.
The ALA views libraries as crucial components of the workforce development ecosystem and actively works to enhance their role:
- Workforce Development Hubs
- Promotes libraries as established, accessible centers for job seekers, providing free access to computers, broadband internet, and essential online tools.
- Skill Building and Training
- Libraries, supported by ALA initiatives, offer a wide range of programs, including technology training, computer skills courses, resume and interview workshops, and even specific skills-based job training.
- Policy Advocacy
- Advocates for federal and state legislation, such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), to explicitly authorize libraries as "one-stop partners" and eligible providers of adult education and literacy services.
- Professional Development for Librarians
- Provides extensive career development resources, continuing education opportunities, and leadership programs for library staff themselves, ensuring the profession has the expertise and skills to meet community needs.
- Supporting Entrepreneurs
- Many libraries, with support from ALA programs like "Libraries Build Business," offer resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners, including business incubators, co-working spaces, and specialized training.
Resources
ALA. (n.d.). Homepage. https://www.ala.org/
ALA. (n.d.). Workforce Innovation. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/federal-resources/workforce
ALA. (n.d.). Education & Careers. https://www.ala.org/educationcareers
ALA. (n.d.). Libraries Build Business. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/workforce/grant
