Presentation of Michael Dowling at the Pre-IFLA sattelite conference in The Hague, the Netherlands, on August 9, 2012

1. Working for the Future of the
Association
Success Stories of the American
Library Association
Michael Dowling, Director, Intl Relations Office

2. ALA 2015 Strategic Plan
1) Advocacy, Funding and Public Policy
2) Building the Profession
3) Transforming Libraries
4) Member Engagement
5) Organizational Excellence

3. Creating New to Face New Challenges
New Units and Groups for ALA
New Resources Targeted to Non-Library Audiences
New Initiatives for Libraries
New Services and Opportunities for Members

4. Policy Support and Research

5. Libraries as Solution Providers
Data from The Public Library Funding &
Technology Access Study (Gates Funded)
gathers a wide range of data related to
computer and Internet access in U.S.
public libraries - including the number
of computers, barriers to high-speed
Internet access, Internet services and
trainings available, and funding for
technology.
The Study research team is develops
and publishes topical briefs related to
issues affecting communities’ access to
technology in our public libraries.

6. Libraries and Government Services

7. New Digital Content Initiatives
Digital Content and Libraries Working Group
Supporting the “Transformation” of libraries is a priority of the
Association’s 2015 Strategic Plan, and the rapid shift from print to digital
content is one of the more dramatic developments now transforming
libraries of all types
New report examining critical issues underlying equitable
access to digital content through our nation’s libraries. In the
report, titled “E-content: The Digital Dialogue,” authors
explore an unprecedented and splintered landscape in
which several major publishers refuse to sell ebooks to
libraries; proprietary platforms fragment our cultural record;
and reader privacy is endangered.

8. State of America’s Libraries

9. Office For Library Advocacy (2008)
Popular Resources
• Advocacy & Legislation
I Love Libraries
Advocacy University
• Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit
• Add It Up: Libraries Make the Difference in Youth Development and
Education
• Budget in the Crosshairs? Navigating a Challenging Budget Year
• Coalition Building
• Cultivating Your Local Notables
• Frontline Advocacy
• Frontline Fundraising
• Library Snapshot Day Primer
• Making Budget Presentations

10. I Love Libraries-
Website and More for the Public
Website, bi-weekly
newsletter , facebook
page, tied to
advocacy software

11. Snapshot Days
About Library Snapshot Day
The concept originated in New Jersey as
a joint effort between the New Jersey
Library Assn. and the New Jersey State
Library. Soon after, many states began
emulating the effort.
2010 ALA take this initiative to a national
level, asking that states across the
country find a date to conduct their own
Library Snapshot Day.
Library Snapshot Day Primer, on how to
facilitate a Library Snapshot Day.

12. Initiatives Talk to End User

13. Reaching Teenagers-Teen Read Week
and Teen Tech Week
-started 2007

14. Teen Read Week Partners
Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury Children’s Books and Walker Books for Young Readers, both divisions of Bloomsbury Publishing USA, are general
interest publisher of children’s books for all ages. Titles published include picture books, nonfiction and middle-grade and teen
fiction.
Carolrhoda Lab
Carolrhoda Lab™ is dedicated to distinctive, provocative, boundary-pushing fiction for teens and their sympathizers. Carolrhoda
Lab™ probes and examines the young-adult condition one novel at a time, affording YA authors and readers an opportunity to
explore and experiment with thoughts, ideas, and paradigms in the human condition.
Cinco Puntos
With roots on the U.S./Mexico border, Cinco Puntos Press publishes great books which make a difference in the way you see the
world. We’re celebrating 25 years of great books in 2010! Learn more at www.cincopuntos.com.
Viz Media
VIZ Media, LLC is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing,
animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content.
Teen Read Week Nonprofit Supporters
AdLit.org
American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
American Booksellers Association (ABA)
Cable in the Classroom (CIC)
International Reading Association
Kids Care
KIDSNET
Los Angeles Young Adult Authors (LAYAs)
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
National Education Association
National School Boards Association (NSBA)
readergirlz
SmartGirl
Speak Up Press
Swept Away TV/The Rock Star Stories
TeenInk
•

15. ALA as Affiliated Partner

16. Electronic Continuing Education
• Now Hundreds of
Courses Each Year
• Low cost, no travel
• Certified

17. New Resources for Librarians and Libraries

18. New Initiatives and New Partners

19. I Love My Librarian Contest
1,700
nominations
nationwide last
year

20. More Faster Communication With
Members

21. ALA Connect
Workspace of
the Association
and its
members-
formal and
informal groups

22. Spanish Twitter Site

23. Emerging Leaders Program

24. New Group for Not So New Members
ALA has
over 1,500
Retired
members
and its
growing

25. Publications Targeted To General Public
• This authoritative guide—with a core
focus on reading readiness and helping
position children to succeed in school—
offers more than 300 age-appropriate and
subject-specific book selections from
librarians for reading time with children.
From board and picture books to hot new
books, these recommendations reflect
family, community, play, and the
environment. Mirroring a child's world as
they grow and mature, chapters include
segments on reading together, friendship,
places near and far, and making believe.
These titles have been culled from the
American Library Association's “best” lists
and professional review journals.

26. Transforming Libraries Website