The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world.
Founded on October 6, 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the mission of 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.”

Mission

The ALA Constitution states the purpose of ALA as, “The object of the American Library Association shall be to promote library service and librarianship.” The stated mission 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.”

Motto

The best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost.

Core Values

In pursuing our mission, the Association’s core value statements define our deepest aspirations and how we approach our work together. They are:
 

• Extending and expanding library services in America and around the world
• All types of libraries – academic, public, school and special
• All librarians, library staff, trustees and other individuals and groups working to improve library services
• Member service
• An open, inclusive, and collaborative environment
• Ethics, professionalism and integrity
• Excellence and innovation
• Intellectual freedom
• Social responsibility and the public good
• Sustainability

Explore a Career in Libraries

If you’re looking to enter the library profession, or furthering an existing career in libraries, you’ve come to the right place.

People with varying levels of education and a wide variety of interests work in libraries. Librarians and library workers help people find information and use it effectively for personal and professional purposes. They must have knowledge of a wide variety of scholarly and public information sources and must be on the cutting edge of technology trends in order to serve their patrons.

Consider joining the 400,000 librarians and library workers who deliver library services every day to the communities they serve. Start your exploration now.