In response to results of the 2024 United States election, the American Library Association (ALA) has vowed to continue its defense of the core values of librarianship in the face of political threats.
“We know that many of our members are concerned that the election results portend attacks on libraries, library workers, and readers,” ALA President Cindy Hohl said in a statement on October 6. “Whatever happens, ALA will stand up for all Americans’ freedom to read—and we will need everyone who loves libraries to stand with us.”
The core values of librarianship articulate the profession’s principles and highest aspirations. They guide and unite library workers who contribute their talents, expertise, and dedication to furthering the library mission and declare a shared set of ideals and professionalism that unites and motivates library workers, volunteers, trustees, and advocates throughout the nation.
What are the core values?
Access
Access provides opportunities for everyone in the community to obtain library resources and services with minimal disruption. Library workers create systems that ensure members of their community can freely access the information they need for learning, growth, and empowerment regardless of technology, format, or delivery methods.
Equity
Library workers play a crucial role in fostering equity by actively working to dismantle barriers and create spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and beneficial for all. This is accomplished by recognizing and addressing systemic barriers, biases, and inequalities to create inclusive library environments where everyone can benefit from the library's offerings and services.
Intellectual freedom and privacy
Intellectual freedom empowers people to think for themselves and to make informed decisions while respecting each individual’s dignity and independence. Library workers encourage people to cultivate curiosity and form ideas by questioning the world and accessing information from diverse viewpoints and formats without restrictions or censorship. The right to privacy is a crucial safeguard to this freedom, ensuring everyone has the right to develop their thoughts and opinions free of surveillance.
Public good
Public good is working to improve society and protect the rights to education, literacy, and intellectual freedom. Libraries are an essential public good and are fundamental institutions in democratic societies. Library workers provide the highest service levels to create informed, connected, educated, and empowered communities.
Sustainability
Sustainability means making choices that are good for the environment, make sense economically, and treat everyone equitably. Sustainable choices preserve physical and digital resources and keep services useful now and into the future. By supporting climate resiliency, library workers create thriving communities and care for our common good for a better tomorrow.
If you'd like to help support ALA's advocacy and defense of intellectual freedom, please consider donating. ALA helps build a world where libraries, both physical and virtual, are central to lifelong discovery and learning and where everyone is a library user. By giving to ALA, you are helping to improve library and information services and the profession of librarianship to ensure access to information for all.
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