Get Involved - Library Diversity Organizations
Library organizations provide human connections that assist you in your professional development and provide personal support. This page includes our interactive Directory of Library Diversity Organizations, explains our partners in social advocacy, links to additional membership groups, and provides reasons to get more involved through professional memberships.
Our Directory...
To facilitate communication and awareness of our efforts to strengthen libraries and diversify the profession, it is important to identify and have access to those organizations promoting change. To this end we are using Wiki technology to work together in developing a comprehensive Diversity Directory. Please take a moment to see the organizations putting diversity in motion. Visit the Library Diversity Directory. If there are any organizations, committees, or advocacy groups omitted or in need of correction, we encourage you to add them to this interactive page.
Partners in Social Advocacy...
There are a number of library organizations that serve the dual purpose of 1)addressing the needs and concerns of library workers identifying with a particular cultural background, and 2) improving library services for specific communities. Your membership in these groups contributes valuable volunteer time in developing new resources, generates funds to support important diversity initiatives, and provides access to a community of colleagues interested in supporting you professionally and personally! Visit the Library Diversity Directory and review the organizations listed under Advocacy Groups for more information.
Other Opportunities to Join...
ALA is home to eleven membership divisions, each focused on a type of library or type of library function. It also includes round tables, groups of members “interested in the same field of librarianship not within the scope of any division.” A network of affiliates, chapters and other organizations enables ALA to reach a broad audience. All of these organizations have groups working actively to the advance our mission of strengthening libraries through diversity. We encourage you to explore the nearly limitless opportunities and resources available through membership in these groups:
Expanding Your Involvement...
ALA Divisions and Round Tables require you to be members of ALA in addition to purchasing membership in their organization. You do not need to be a member of ALA to join Affiliates or Chapters; however, there are some joint membership opportunities to join certain Affiliates and Chapters and ALA at a bundled, discounted rate. Many of these organizations have very affordable dues, and special rates for students and library support staff. All of these groups rely on funds from membership dues to carry out their important advocacy efforts, to develop new resources for improving library services, and to create strong professional communities. We encourage you to explore groups working for your interests and to contribute your invaluable time and financial support by becoming a member of these organizations.
Return to our Get Involved page for additional opportunities!
Questions about this page? Please direct comments to diversity@ala.org
or reach us toll free at 800.545.2433 ext. 5048.
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