The American Library Association (ALA) is the voice of America's libraries and the millions of people who depend on them. Its 62,000 members are primarily librarians and library supporters. The mission of the ALA is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

The ALA has influenced the course of America's libraries since 1876 when Melvil Dewey, Justin Winsor and other luminaries issued a call to librarians to form a professional organization. For more than 134 years, the ALA has been a leader in promoting and developing library and information services via a broad-based program of legislative advocacy, professional education, publishing, awards and public awareness.

For more information on the American Library Association please visit www.ala.org.