Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services supports library and information science workers in creating safe, 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.
As library and information services practitioners seek to make their institutions more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and just—here are just a few of the dozens of panels and learning opportunities that will be featured at the conference in support of that work.
- Beyond the Visible Spectrum: Intersectional Diversity in LGBTQIA+ Young Adult Literature
- The Butterfly Project: Libraries Uplifting Black and Brown Trans Women
- Connecting to Diverse Communities for Health Literacy
- Deaf Culture: Libraries Connect A Library Strategy for Inclusive Deaf Community Engagement
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Special Projects Showcase
- Envisioning iBlackCaucus: An Interactive, Working Session to Strengthen MLIS Student Engagement
- Everyone is Welcome: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility in Library Buildings
Recognition of Indigenous History of Washington, D.C.
The American Library Association would like to acknowledge the indigenous history of Washington, D.C. We recognize the Piscataway Conoy tribe, Pamunkey Indian tribe, Nentego (Nanichoke) tribe, the Confederation of Sovereign Nanticoke-Lenape tribes, Mattaponi tribe, Chickahominy Indian tribe, Monacan Indian nation, and the Rappahannock tribe. Learn more about the Indigenous communities of the region.
Directory of Diversely Owned Businesses
ALA's Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services has compiled a selection of minority, women, disability, and LGBTQIA-owned businesses that attendees may wish to explore while in Washington, D.C. This information was compiled from Intentionalist, the DC Beacon, and the Washingtonian. This is not an exhaustive list, so help us grow it by submitting businesses to the directory!