American Library Association

American Library Association advances libraries’ role in digital equity as FCC shapes Learn Without Limits programs

In these comments to the Federal Communications Commission, the American Library Association affirms support for including Wi-Fi hotspots and services in the E-rate program, ALA urges the FCC to:

ALA to Launch New Digital Inclusion Working Group for Library Workers

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Policy and Advocacy Office and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) announced a new Digital Inclusion Working Group for library workers to exchange knowledge around digital equity work taking place in all library contexts. The working group will meet monthly, facilitated by PPA staff members Megan Janicki and Emily Durkin.

Digital Public Library Ecosystem 2023

The Digital Public Library Ecosystem is the network of digital book collection and circulation specifically through public libraries. Three factors contribute to current confusion about the digital public library ecosystem. One, essential terms like reading, library use, circulation, and holds have been inconsistently defined across the industry and in other reports. Two, the digital public library ecosystem is complex, and different elements of the ecosystem do not necessarily work or communicate with each other directly.

Public Library Association awards $1.27 million to more than 200 Public Libraries for digital literacy and ACP workshops

Powered by a contribution from AT&T, the Public Library Association (PLA) has selected more than 200 public libraries across 45 states to host digital literacy and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) workshops.

The Public Library Association awards $1.1 million to 160 public libraries for digital literacy workshops 

The Public Library Association (PLA) has selected 160 public libraries to host digital literacy workshops across the country.

Applications Open for the Public Library Association Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive

The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications for public libraries to receive funding to conduct digital literacy workshops using DigitalLearn resources. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive Program, supported by AT&T, provides up to $7,000 to support outreach and training in local communities.

Keeping Communities Connected: Library Broadband Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The American Library Association released its new report "Keeping Communities Connected: Library Broadband Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic." Key takeaways include:

Public Library Association, AT&T team up to bring digital literacy training to families

The Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association, and AT&T have announced a collaboration to improve digital literacy and promote broadband adoption among families and communities, particularly those who are newly connected to the internet and navigating home schooling, employment and other activities made challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic.