The American Library Association (ALA) is committed to advancing the professional development of librarians and supporting the inclusion and diversity within the profession. Although specific mission details are not provided, their actions, such as awarding the Spectrum Scholarship, indicate a commitment to these principles.
The "Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities" grant aims to enrich the lives of people with disabilities in small and rural communities by making library facilities, services, and programs more accessible. This initiative encourages libraries to actively engage with community members, including library patrons, residents, and local organizations, to collaboratively address and improve upon issues affecting community welfare. The program offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 to support library projects that focus on enhancing accessibility and community engagement. Recipients of these grants also receive training, a suite of online resources, and ongoing technical support from the ALA Public Programs Office to aid in project development, execution, and evaluation. Projects should specifically target the needs of people with disabilities, fostering an inclusive dialogue about accessibility and striving to meet the identified needs and priorities throughout the project's implementation.