If libraries are to be their best, their services and staff must reflect both the people they serve and the larger global community. Today's libraries provide a wide range of opportunities for people with diverse needs and interests. These include cultural heritage collections, materials in alternate formats such as large print, also multilingual Internet training, bilingual storyhours, English as Second Language classes and many other creative and resourceful programs. As a profession, librarians are committed to providing information and resources that serve the diverse needs of their communities and reflect the diversity of human knowledge and experience. Librarians preserve, organize and make accessible the printed, oral and visual histories and experiences of people throughout time.
Librarians keep libraries open and accessible to everyone.
Why ALA Diversity is a fundamental value of the American Library Association. This is reflected in our commitment to recruiting people of color and people with disabilities to the profession and to developing library collections and services for all people. ALA has a long tradition of supporting equal rights for everyone. These beliefs are embodied in policy statements that guide the association's work. They include support for equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, disability, individual lifestyle or national origin.