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

Intersections

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion eLearning

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28
Jul
05
Sep

eLearning

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

28
Jul
22
Aug

eLearning

This 4-week online course provides an overview of acquiring, providing access to, administering, supporting, and monitoring access to electronic resources. The course offers a basic background in electronic

30
Jul

eLearning

Webinar

Learn why computational thinking skills are important for young children, how to access free multimedia resources, and how they have been used to run fun and engaging programs in libraries.

04
Aug
31
Aug

eLearning

This four-week course by librarian and gerontologist Fatima Perkins helps libraries engage older adults. It covers assessing needs, creating impactful programs, and includes mentorship for developing a

04
Aug
12
Sep

eLearning

This 6-week online course introduces the fundamental aspects of collection assessment in libraries. The course is designed for those who are responsible for or interested in collection assessment in all types

04
Aug
29
Aug

eLearning

This 4-week online course addresses the basic components of collection development and management (CDM) in libraries. Complete definition of collection development and collection management

04
Aug
29
Aug

eLearning

This 4-week online course introduces participants to the principles, policies and practices of preservation in libraries and archives. It is designed to inform all staff, across divisions and departments and at

05
Aug

eLearning

Webinar

Library consultant Toby Greenwalt demonstrates the capabilities of Super Searchers and Meet LEO and showcases potential applications in the library workspace.

12
Aug

eLearning

Webinar

Learn how San Francisco Public Library partnered with hoopla Digital to bring e-books/media to people in the county’s jails.

19
Aug

eLearning

Come and learn the best practices that are having an impact on the lives of so many community members across the nation through the healthy and sustainable libraries they have built and how they are

Contact Us

225 N Michigan Ave
Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
1-800-545-2433 ext. 4294
Fax: 312-280-3256
Email: [email protected]