American Library Association Council Introduces Resolution to Establish Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights; American Library Association (ALA), June 28, 2026

American Library Association (ALA) ; American Library Association Council Introduces Resolution to Establish Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights

" The American Library Association (ALA) Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption and recognition of the Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights, a landmark framework affirming the dignity, safety and professional rights of library workers across all sectors.

The resolution, presented at Council Meeting I during the 2026 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, responds to growing concerns about the treatment and working conditions of library professionals nationwide. It underscores the essential role librarians and library workers play as champions of intellectual freedom, equitable access to information, and lifelong learning. 

“The passage of this resolution marks an important step forward in recognizing the rights, safety and professional dignity of library workers everywhere,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “At a time when library professionals are facing unprecedented challenges, ALA is affirming that those who serve our communities deserve respect, support and protection as they uphold intellectual freedom and access to information for all.

The resolution highlights the escalating challenges faced by library workers, including harassment, censorship pressures, and workplace inequities and calls on library systems at all levels to formally adopt the Bill of Rights as a guiding document for policy and practice. 

The Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights 

Article I: The Right to a Safe, Respectful, and Discrimination-Free Workplace 

All library workers have the right to perform their duties in an environment free from harassment, bullying, discrimination, and threats to personal safety. 

Article II: The Right to Recognition and Respect for the Librarian’s Role in Fostering Intellectual Freedom

Librarians and library workers shall not be censored, silenced, or punished for upholding intellectual freedom and professional ethics. 

Article III: The Right to Fair Compensation and Ongoing Professional Development 

All library workers deserve fair pay, professional respect, and opportunities for continued growth within their field. 

Article IV: The Right to Reflect and Respect the Diversity of the Human Experience. 

Librarians and library workers shall strive to represent the diversity of their communities in the materials they collect, in the displays they create, and the programs and services that they offer. 

Article V: The Right to Protection from Workplace Harassment and Threats 

No library worker shall endure intimidation, violence, or bullying from patrons, colleagues, or administrators. 

Article VI: The Right to Fair Treatment and Due Process 

Library workers shall be guaranteed transparency, fairness, and access to representation in all disciplinary or termination actions. Together, these principles aim to create stronger, more inclusive library environments that benefit both staff and the communities they serve.

The resolution urges libraries, governing boards, and affiliated organizations to formally endorse and integrate the Bill of Rights into organizational policies, training, and strategic planning."

CCAC’s push to sell off library books leaves empty shelves; Pittsburgh's Public Source, May 5, 2026

Jamese Platt, Pittsburgh's Public Source ; CCAC’s push to sell off library books leaves empty shelves

This year the Community College of Allegheny County culled around 30,000 books from its collection, and library staff claim they had little say. Experts say academic book weeding should be a careful, gradual process.

"The Community College of Allegheny County has culled 35,000 books from its library collection. Some library staff members said they never received a clear explanation for the large and fast-paced “book weeding” — a common process in libraries, but one usually done gradually, according to some library management professionals.

On March 10, CCAC’s website announced an upcoming book sale taking place for one week across the college’s main and branch campuses. Books, DVDs and CDs were available for $1, with proceeds supporting a textbook fund for CCAC students.

“New media, such as electronic media including databases, e-texts and streaming media are in higher demand now as sources of information in community college libraries,” wrote Stephen Wells, CCAC’s provost and chief academic officer, in response to questions from Pittsburgh’s Public Source. “We are shifting resources to provide the resources our students need...

Bryanna Biehl, a CCAC student studying microbiology, worked as a volunteer during the book sale. She said she feels conflicted about the current state of the library. While she found the book sale enjoyable and was glad to increase her book collection, empty shelves on the Boyce Campus in Monroeville upset her. 

“Seeing it after the sale, it’s kind of heartbreaking,” Biehl said. “I frequent the library a lot. I would like a physical space to read … That’s what you expect when you go to the library, but seeing all those empty shelves that used to be full of books, it sucks as a student, as a reader, really.”

According to Jenkins, what remains of the CCAC libraries is a skeleton of its former self. “We don’t really have a real collection,” he said. “The damage that has been done, you can’t heal that.”

Threats to Library Funding End With Settlement by Trump Administration; The New York Times, April 13, 2026

Jennifer Schuessler , The New York Times; Threats to Library Funding End With Settlement by Trump Administration

"The Trump administration has reached a settlement with the American Library Association and a union of cultural workers, bringing to an end its yearlong effort to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency.

The settlement, reached by the Justice Department last week, affirms that the agency will continue issuing grants and operating its programs, which provide support to institutions in every state and territory. The Trump administration reaffirmed that it had reinstated all previously canceled grants, in keeping with a separate legal ruling last year, and reversed all staff reductions. It also promised not to take any further steps to reduce the agency.

Sam Helmick, the president of the American Library Association, said the threats had set off “a chain reaction” of cuts in services and called the settlement a victory for “every American’s freedom to read and learn.”

“This settlement protects life-changing library services for communities across the country,” Helmick said."