Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

ODLOS logo on colorful bokeh background

Mission

The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services supports library and information science workers in creating responsible and all-inclusive spaces that serve and represent the entire community. To accomplish this, we decenter power and privilege by facilitating conversations around access and identity as they impact the profession and those we serve. We use a social justice framework to inform library and information science workers' development of resources. We strive to create an association culture where these concerns are incorporated into everybody's everyday work.

Featured

ODLOS supports library and information science workers creating responsible and all-inclusive spaces that serve & represent the entire community.

Initiatives & partnerships promoting equity, diversity & inclusion in libraries and the library profession.

Find & connect with library experts in the areas of equity, diversity & inclusion.

Strategic planning, workshops, webinars, and other presentations for library audiences.

Through the Spectrum Scholarship Program, ALA affirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion by seeking the broadest participation of new ...

ODLOS works closely with 8 groups to serve marginalized voices and communities.

Initiatives

Resources, grants, and initiatives supporting literacy across the lifespan.

Read the latest EDI news every month.

Initiatives and programs geared to promote access to library services to all.

Engaging Multilingual Communities Guide

cover of booklet

Did you know that in the United States over 67 million people speak a different language rather than English at home? This guide is designed to support library personnel who serve multilingual patrons through events, collections, and enrichment opportunities.

Inside, you'll find examples of programs, services, and more for your community.

Download PDF

News

Practical approaches to inclusive cataloging

CHICAGO — As part of the profession's ongoing EDISJ efforts to redress librarianship’s problematic past, practitioners from across the field are questioning long-held library authorities...

Intersections

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion eLearning

29
Jul
23
Aug
eLearning

This four-week online course provides an overview of acquiring, providing access to, administering, supporting, and

29
Jul
06
Sep
eLearning

This six-week online course is a basic primer for library acquisitions concepts common to all library material formats.

29
Jul
26
Aug
eLearning

This four-week course by librarian and gerontologist Fatima Perkins helps libraries engage older adults. It covers

30
Jul
eLearning
Webinar

Learn how your library can use the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey report and PLA’s data tools to understand and

05
Aug
13
Sep
eLearning

This six-week online course introduces the fundamental aspects of collection assessment in libraries.

05
Aug
30
Aug
eLearning

This four-week online course addresses the basic components of collection development and management (CDM) in libraries.

06
Aug
eLearning

The trend of bringing campus partners into academic library buildings started 20 plus years ago, with the intention of

07
Aug
eLearning

The swiftly developing landscape of artificial intelligence, combined with its rapid integration into our work and

07
Aug
eLearning

In this webinar, participants will learn about a collaborative partnership between an academic library and offices

12
Aug
eLearning
Webinar

Learn about outcome measurement in libraries and Project Outcome, a free toolkit that helps libraries measure and assess

15
Aug
eLearning
Webinar

Learn how to provide access to a menu of streaming app optons so patrons are able to stream movies and television

21
Aug
eLearning
Webinar

Learn to integrate joyful yoga and mindfulness into the programs you already do, or start to create a complete yoga and

28
Aug
eLearning

An experienced security consultant will share the four fundamental principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental

16
Sep
11
Oct
eLearning

The Fundamentals of Management course is designed for new managers to build the skill set they need to successfully lead

17
Sep
eLearning

Join the presenters as they explore the technical and political processes of overhauling their streamlining our

30
Sep
11
Nov
eLearning

Reference Interview is a comprehensive six-week asynchronous course focusing on the methods of evaluating reference

21
Oct
11
Nov
eLearning

BizRef 101 is for any librarian in-training who wants to gain confidence and knowledge around BizRef topics such as

Contact Us

225 N Michigan Ave
Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
1-800-545-2433 ext. 4294
Fax: 312-280-3256
Email: diversity@ala.org

Kevin Strowder
Director
kstrowder@ala.org
800-545-2433 ext. 5295

Hillary Pearson
Program Manager, Accessibility Services
hpearson@ala.org
312-724-9251 ext. 5020