ALA—American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is a national organization in the United States that represents professionals in the library field. It was established in the late 19th century, and its founder was Dr. Melvil Dewey, known for creating the Decimal Classification System. ALA is the largest association of its kind in the world, with its headquarters located in Chicago. It has around 40,000 members, including individuals and organizations. The association is administered by a council consisting of 150 members, and it employs approximately 300 staff members. The main goal of ALA is to support and improve the well-being of library professionals in the country. It also aims to foster connections and friendships among library professionals worldwide.

Functions, Activities and Contribution of ALA 

1. Melvil Dewey, the founder of ALA (American Library Association), started the world's first training program for librarianship at Columbia University in America.

2. The progress and advancements we see today in the field of library science are largely thanks to the establishment and collaboration of ALA. ALA has played a crucial role in almost every important development in library science.

3. One of ALA's main functions has been to provide professional education and training for library staff.

4. ALA's activities primarily focus on advancing and improving the management of library services in the country to achieve its goals.

5. The Library Bill of Rights, established by ALA, ensures that every American citizen has the freedom to access and consult any materials available in the library.

6. ALA worked towards passing the Censorship Bill in 1953, with the cooperation of the Book Publisher's Council of America. This bill proved beneficial for librarians in protecting their personal interests.

7. ALA consistently encourages the adoption and utilization of modern technology in libraries across the country.

8. ALA promotes the publication of professional literature by both external publishers and through its own publishing initiatives.

9. A significant achievement of ALA was the passage of the Library Service Act in 1956 in America, which was later revised in 1964.

10. In 1965, the Council of ALA approved its federal policy, which aimed at advancing and developing all types of libraries in the country.

11. ALA has established standards for public libraries over time. In 1956, it prescribed seventy survey principles for the standards of public library services and systems.

12. ALA has a strong history of publishing library literature, including more than 2000 articles to date. Examples include the ALA catalogue, AACR, American Library Laws, and Books for college libraries. The main periodical published by ALA is American Libraries, issued eleven times a year. They have also started publishing a magazine called the Journal of Information Science and Library Automations.

13. ALA actively cooperates and coordinates with other national and international associations in its efforts and initiatives.