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The countdown is on! In just a few days, some of the greatest minds in the industry will be packing their bags and heading to ALA’s 2016 Annual Conference from June 23 - 28. Hailing from around the globe, ALAAC is a unique chance for librarians to get together and do what they do best: find new ways to transform their libraries so that their libraries can transform communities. What’s not to love about that?
If you haven’t already, it’s time to check out all that’s on deck for ALAAC and create your schedule. With more events than one person could ever possibly attend (trust us, we’ve tried!), you can customize a unique schedule that addresses the opportunities and challenges facing your library today. And don’t forget to pencil in some time — or a lot of time — to meet & greet with the hundreds of exhibiting organizations in the Exhibit Hall. You’ll meet groups that can help you learn, network, and grow your professional development. From the Diversity Pavilion to a hub of relevant mobile apps, there’s something for every librarian to check out. The Exhibit Hall is also where you’ll find us — be sure to stop by booth #551 to talk with your favorite Mangos about the latest and greatest in language and culture learning resources for libraries.
With featured speakers like Margaret Atwood, Maya Penn, and Jamie Lee Curtis, this year’s conference is as star-studded as it is thoughtful. Industry leaders will deep-dive into topics like internationalizing your library, managing budget and finances, and forming an ALA Feminist Task Force. Sound like a lot to manage? Download the ALAAC mobile app to keep track of conference events, attendees, and your customized schedule. All things ALAAC will be right at your fingertips.
This year, ALAAC takes place in Orlando, Florida. In light of the tragic mass shooting in Orlando this month, ALA has vowed to stand in defiance of fear, intolerance, and ignorance, and instead amplify their continued efforts to serve their communities with dignity, equity, and respect. As one united community, we stand together.
The conference also takes place during LGBTQ Pride Month and Immigrant Heritage Month, and ALA takes that seriously. From teen LGBTQ activist Jazz Jennings to actress and immigrants’ rights activist Diana Guerrero, you’ll find meaningful stories and inspiring panels at every turn. Dig into ALA’s GLBT Book Month celebration, and discover work from authors that reflect the genuine experiences of those in the gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender community — stories that you can bring back to your community. By the time you leave ALAAC16, expect to have an abundance of take-away points that will help you better support diversity and inclusion at your library. Our communities depend on us, and now more than ever, we’re committed to learning how to serve them, protect them, and honor them.
Looking for specific ways to support Orlando and the families affected by the tragedy? Us, too. ALA has gathered resources for ways to support the community, while you’re in Orlando for ALAAC and beyond.
This upcoming conference is one of the most important yet. In just a few days, we’ll all be gathered together to further our commitment to transform libraries into safe, meaningful spaces for our communities. That cause is more urgent than ever before. We’re honored and proud to be heading to Orlando this week to support our libraries in creating positive action. Stop by our booth or strike up a conversation with us on Twitter, and let’s talk transformation.
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