International Relations Office
Our Mission
The mission of the International Relations Office (IRO) is to increase ALA's presence in the global library community, to implement ALA policies concerning international librarianship, to promote greater understanding of international librarianship and international library issues within ALA, and to manage international library activities on behalf of the ALA. More...
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Developing a multi-year strategic plan to increase participation by libraries in efforts to achieve the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Promotes the exchange of professional information, techniques & knowledge, personnel & literature.
Promotes interest in library issues, develops programs & activities, provides hospitality & information to visitors from abroad.
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IRO Professional Opportunities
ALA encourages U.S. libraries to form partnerships with libraries in other countries. Developing a Sister Library relationship can be a great opportunity for each library to learn about the work and lives of librarians from other countries.
The ALA International e-newsletter focuses on ALA’s international members & features news about libraries and librarians around the world.
ALA International Resolutions
International Resolutions - The American Library Association deplores the destruction of libraries, library collections and property, and the disruption of the educational process by that act, whether it be done by individuals or groups of individuals and whether it be in the name of honest dissent, the desire to control or limit thought or ideas, or for any other purpose. (ALA Policy 53.7 Intellectual Freedom- Destruction of Libraries)
Popular International Resources
- Campaign for the World's Libraries - The Campaign for the World's Libraries is a public education campaign of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the American Library Association and libraries around the world to speak loudly and clearly about the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st century. It showcases the unique and vital roles played by public, school, academic and special libraries worldwide. Join today!
- International Associations and Organizations - List of library associations around the world.
- International Donations & Shipment of Books - If you are interested in donating books to countries overseas, there are several organizations that distribute books to other countries.
- International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions - IFLA is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession.
Oversight Groups
International Relations Committee (Standing, Council) - IRC sets ALA priorities in the international area, promoting a global exchange of ideas, knowledge, personnel, and literature. Committee members represent Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Eurasia and Central Asia, Near East and South Asia, Europe and the Americas.
International Relations Round Table - IRRT is your link to ALA. Round table members organize international programs for ALA Conferences, sponsors international discussion lists, match sister libraries, and produce the quarterly International Leads newsletter.
Just for fun!
Flickr - Take a look at some of the pictures that our members have taken throughout the years, including the International Librarians Reception and the presentation of the ALA Presidential Innovative Awards.
Contact
225 N. Michigan Ave
Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601-7757
USA
Telephone/Fax: +1 312-280-3201
Email: intl@ala.org
Staff
Michael Dowling
Director
mdowling@ala.org
Tel: 312.280.3200
Delin Guerra
Program Manager
dguerra@ala.org
Tel: 312.280.3201
