Equity, Diversity, & 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.

ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS) has provided guidance for conference attendees who may be interested in sessions targeting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The sessions are grouped by session type with definitions to guide attendees through the selections. Please note that this information was curated by ODLOS specifically, there may be some flexibility in each session’s categorization and/or level of understanding. The links below can help you find relevant sessions based on the type of event you wish to attend.

Programs and Meetings of Interest for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

With a full schedule of events, it can be difficult to find sessions that center equity, diversity, & inclusion as part of their discussion. The links below can help you find relevant sessions that focus on important EDI topics in our profession.

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. Click here to learn more about the indigenous communities of the region.

Diversely-Owned Businesses

Additionally, ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services would like to honor the individuals who make Washington, D.C. a diverse, vibrant, and dynamic city through its restaurants, museums, cultural centers, and businesses. View the map of the region’s diversely-owned businesses.

If there is a business or organization you think we should add to our map, please e-mail your suggestion to [email protected].