The American Library Association i.e. the ALA

The American Library Association MissionThe ALA Constitution, adopted in 1892 and reinstated by the ALA Council in 1988,  states that the mission of the ALA is “to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.”

The Official ALA Motto:
"The best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost."
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/missionhistory/mission/index.cfm

The ALA has also committed to eight Key Action Areas to focus the Library's energies and resources:  Access,  Confidentiality/Privacy,  Democracy,  Diversity,  Education and Lifelong Learning, Intellectual Freedom,  Preservation, and The Public Good.

The Goals of the ALA
The ALA equips and leads advocates for libraries, library issues and the library profession, and plays a key role in formulating legislation, policies and standards that affect library and information services.
ALA promotes excellence and diversity in the library field.
ALA provides leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services in a dynamic and increasingly global digital information environment.
ALA provides an environment in which all members, regardless of location or position, have the opportunity to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from engagement in their association.
ALA operates effectively, efficiently, creatively and in a socially responsible fashion to accomplish its mission.
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/governance/policymanual/updatedpolicymanual/section2.pdf

I am relieved to see how dedicated the ALA is to the survival of the library.

While the library has traditionally held the position of cataloging the world's information, it is not competing or claiming to compete with Google in maximizing easy access to information. The library is about people helping people, providing the open access needed to close the digital divide. The library provides "the human touch"--something I believe will be even more crucial in the digital future.

"Respectfully connecting people to the information they seek" is how I see the library.

The library is dependent on the public's perception of its usefulness, and their willingness to devote local, state and federal tax dollars to sustain them. While libraries are still valued, they have experienced steady budget cuts. Will people still see a need for the library as a physical place, and sustain this place in the future?