Navigating the Future of Libraries: How ALA Presidential Candidates Envision Progress
"Discover how the candidates for ALA president aim to make academic and research libraries more relevant, vital, and financially sustainable for the future."
The American Library Association (ALA) plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of libraries across the United States. As libraries evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities, the ALA's leadership is more important than ever. In this article, we delve into the perspectives of the candidates for ALA president, Wanda Brown and Peter Hepburn, as they address critical questions about the future of academic and research libraries.
Brown and Hepburn, both accomplished ACRL members, share their insights on topics ranging from diversity and inclusion to advocacy and membership engagement. Their responses offer a glimpse into their leadership styles and their visions for ensuring that libraries remain relevant, vital, and financially sustainable for years to come.
Whether you're a library professional, a student, or simply someone who cares about the future of libraries, this article provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing these essential institutions and the leaders who will guide them forward.
Standards and Advocacy Tools
The American Library Association’s standards and guidelines are intended to guide and support improvements in library service. ALA also provides advocacy resources, including an updated workbook described in 2023 by Committee on Library Advocacy chair Eboni Henry as an essential tool for libraries of all types. The cited materials describe these resources as support for library service and community advocacy, but do not specify their limitations.
A Century and a Half of Advocacy
ALA’s advocacy history is described in the sources as spanning 150 years, beginning with the association’s 1876 founding. ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy office published a history highlighting milestones and accomplishments, with impacts across school libraries, access to government information, copyright, civic engagement, library workers, and the freedom to read. A separate account also identifies library education and accreditation as parts of ALA’s history and points to sesquicentennial celebrations in 2026.
How Can Libraries Better Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
Both candidates emphasize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in libraries. Wanda Brown highlights her commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of librarians through initiatives such as drafting diversity and inclusion strategic plans and partnering with programs to recruit minority students to the field. She also advocates for mentorship programs to guide individuals in respecting all human elements.
- Implement diversity and inclusion training for staff: This helps to create a more welcoming and understanding environment for both employees and library patrons.
- Develop collections that reflect diverse perspectives and experiences: Ensure that the library's collection includes materials that represent a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints.
- Partner with community organizations to reach underserved populations: Collaborate with local groups to offer programs and services that meet the specific needs of diverse communities.
Research Trends and Presidential Priorities
The ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee produces a document every other year on top trends in higher education as they relate to academic librarianship; the cited item is “2018 Top Trends in Academic Libraries.” Candidate statements in the sources also identify workforce wellbeing, peer mentoring, and resource development as priorities, citing isolation and low morale as pressing barriers for academic library workers. Another candidate says they would work with ACRL leadership to bring academic freedom, equitable information access, research integrity, data privacy, and responsible AI use into ALA’s advocacy and public policy messaging.
Organizational and Funding Challenges
In a 2018 candidate profile, Peter Hepburn identified declining membership, falling conference attendance in recent years, and Publishing’s difficulty setting and reaching budget targets as challenges for ALA. Separately, OCLC described a study supported by a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant to examine attitudes and perceptions about library funding and assess the potential of a large-scale marketing and advocacy campaign to increase U.S. public library funding. The sources describe organizational and funding concerns, but do not establish whether the proposed campaign increased funding.
The 2019–2020 Presidential Election
In the 2019–2020 ALA presidential election, Wanda Kay Brown received 6,066 votes and opponent Peter Hepburn received 4,066. ALA’s 2018 elections booklet reports that Brown had been an ALA member for 30 years and was active in ACRL, ALCTS, and LLAMA. The listed sources provide these election results and biographical details, but do not offer a like-for-like comparison of the candidates’ platforms.
The Path Forward for Libraries
As libraries navigate an evolving landscape, the vision and leadership of organizations like the ALA are crucial. The insights shared by Wanda Brown and Peter Hepburn offer a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By prioritizing diversity, advocacy, and member engagement, libraries can continue to serve as vital hubs of knowledge, innovation, and community for generations to come.
Member-Centered Leadership
A 2023 episode of Circulating Ideas features ALA presidential candidates discussing their backgrounds in librarianship and what motivated them to run. They address financial transparency, engagement with members across library types, and advocacy amid increasing censorship battles. The source also describes shared values around member-centered leadership.