International Relations Office

IRO promotes greater understanding of international librarianship and international library issues within ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ.
International Relations Office logo

Our Mission

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The mission of the International Relations Office (IRO) is to increase ALA's presence in the global library community, to implement ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ policies concerning international librarianship, to promote greater understanding of international librarianship and international library issues within ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ, and to manage international library activities on behalf of the ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ.

Featured

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Developing a multi-year strategic plan to increase participation by libraries in efforts to achieve the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

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Promotes the exchange of professional information, techniques & knowledge, personnel & literature.

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Promotes interest in library issues, develops programs & activities, provides hospitality & information to visitors from abroad.

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Thanks for following IRO.

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Join IRRT Online for a webinar series.

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Review eligibility & join us!

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ALA encourages U.S. libraries to form partnerships with libraries in other countries. Developing a Sister Library relationship can be a great opportunity for each library to learn about the work and lives of librarians from other countries.

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The ALA International e-newsletter focuses on ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ’s international members & features news about libraries and librarians around the world.

ALA International Resolutions

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International Resolutions - The ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ deplores the destruction of libraries, library collections and property, and the disruption of the educational process by that act, whether it be done by individuals or groups of individuals and whether it be in the name of honest dissent, the desire to control or limit thought or ideas, or for any other purpose. (¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ Policy 53.7 Intellectual Freedom- Destruction of Libraries)

Popular International Resources

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  • - The Campaign for the World's Libraries is a public education campaign of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ and libraries around the world to speak loudly and clearly about the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st century. It showcases the unique and vital roles played by public, school, academic and special libraries worldwide. Join today!
  • - List of library associations around the world.
  • - If you are interested in donating books to countries overseas, there are several organizations that distribute books to other countries.
  • - IFLA is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession.

Oversight Groups

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International Relations Committee (Standing, Council) - IRC sets ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ priorities in the international area, promoting a global exchange of ideas, knowledge, personnel, and literature. Committee members represent Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Eurasia and Central Asia, Near East and South Asia, Europe and the Americas.

International Relations Round Table - IRRT is your link to ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ. Round table members organize international programs for ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ Conferences, sponsors international discussion lists, match sister libraries, and produce the quarterly International Leads newsletter.

Just for fun!

Snapshot

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- Take a look at some of the pictures that our members have taken throughout the years, including the International Librarians Reception and the presentation of the ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ Presidential Innovative Awards.

Contact

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225 N. Michigan Ave
Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601-7757
USA

Telephone/Fax: +1 312-280-3201
Email: intl@ala.org

Staff

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Michael Dowling
Director
mdowling@ala.org
Tel: 312.280.3200


Delin Guerra
Program Manager
dguerra@ala.org
Tel: 312.280.3201