American Indian Library Association

American Indian Library Association
Founded	1979
Location	United States
Focus	Library services for Native Americans in the United States

American Indian Library Association. Established in 1979, it is a professional organization dedicated to addressing the library and information service needs of Indigenous peoples, particularly within the United States. It operates as an affiliate of the American Library Association and works to promote the development of culturally appropriate library resources and services. The association advocates for improved representation and participation of Native American people within the broader library science profession.

History

The organization was founded in 1979 following discussions at the White House Pre-Conference on Indian Library and Information Services On or Near Reservations, which was part of the 1979 White House Conference on Library and Information Services. Key early figures in its formation included Lotsee Patterson, a Comanche librarian and professor, who became its first president. The establishment was a direct response to the documented lack of adequate library services for Native American tribes and the underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples within institutions like the American Library Association. Its creation paralleled the growth of other ethnic library associations, such as the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and the National Association to Promote Library Services to the Spanish Speaking.

Mission and goals

Its primary mission is to improve library, cultural, and information services in school, public, and academic libraries that serve Native American communities. Core goals include promoting the education and professional development of Native Americans within the field of library and information science. It actively works to disseminate information about Native American culture, languages, and history through libraries and to foster the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems. Another fundamental goal is to advocate for the protection of intellectual freedom and the sovereignty of tribal libraries and cultural centers.

Activities and programs

The organization sponsors a biennial conference that provides a forum for networking, professional development, and discussion of issues relevant to tribal libraries, archives, and museums. It presents several awards, including the American Indian Youth Literature Award, which honors writing and illustration by and about Indigenous peoples of the Americas. It also offers scholarships, such as the AILA/MLA Scholarship, to support Native American students pursuing degrees in library science. The association frequently organizes programs and presentations at the annual conference of the American Library Association, focusing on topics like collection development of Indigenous materials and database access for remote communities.

Publications

It publishes a newsletter that communicates with members about organizational news, upcoming events, and relevant issues in the field. The association has been involved in creating professional guides and bibliographies, such as those related to collection development for Native American materials. It has also contributed to major reference works, including the *Guide to Reference Sources for the Study of the Native Peoples of the Americas*. Collaborative publications with entities like the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution have helped to improve access to Indigenous resources.

Governance and structure

The association is governed by an elected executive board, which includes positions such as President, Vice-President/President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. Membership is open to individuals, both Native American and non-Native, as well as to institutions such as tribal libraries, university libraries, and museums. Committees focus on specific areas like awards, scholarships, publications, and conference planning. Its bylaws outline procedures for elections, meetings, and the establishment of partnerships with other professional organizations in the United States.

Affiliations and partnerships

It maintains its primary affiliation as an official affiliate of the American Library Association. The organization collaborates closely with other groups serving Indigenous communities, such as the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums. It has also partnered with federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, on grants and initiatives to support tribal libraries. International connections exist with similar organizations in Canada, such as those serving First Nations library services, fostering the exchange of ideas and strategies across borders.

Category:Library associations in the United States Category:Native American organizations Category:American Library Association affiliates Category:Organizations established in 1979