150 YEARS STRONG

The Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights

A library worker helps a patron at the reference desk of Detroit Public Library, circa 1976. From the ALA Archives.
A library worker helps a patron at the reference desk at Detroit Public Library, circa 1976. From the ALA Archives.

During the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2026 Annual Conference in Chicago, 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.

Library workers are often the foundation of access to information, lifelong learning, an community service — yet they can face inequities, safety concerns, and professional disrespect. This Bill of Rights was developed to protect and empower those who uphold the mission of libraries and ensure that library workplaces reflect the values of democracy, inclusion, and intellectual freedom. It applies to all library workers—librarians, paraprofessionals, assistants, pages, technicians, administrators, and support staff—across public, academic, school, and special libraries.

Richard Ashby Jr., director of Sharon Hill (Penn.) Public Library and a leader in library equity and inclusion, developed the original concept and draft. He shared the initial document with his colleagues in the Professional Group of Directors and Managers for Diversity, who collaboratively refined, word-smithed, and contributed additional sections to strengthen the language and ensure it represented a broad range of library experiences.

The resolution, presented at Council Meeting I at ALA Annual, 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 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. 

“The passage of this resolution marks an important step forward in recognizing the rights, safety and professional dignity of library workers everywhere,” said ALA Past 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.”

150 YEARS STRONG

THE OFFICIAL ANNIVERSARY BLOG

Stationary used by George Nason with “Association” blotted out. From the ALA Archives,

The Curious Case of the Two American Library Associations

Cara Bertram November 5, 2026

In 1899, the American Library Association was notified that a small commercial traveling library was operating under the name “The American Library Association” under the tutelage of “a person of questionable character and unsavory reputation.” Thus began the curious case of the two American Library Associations.

The exterior of the McCormick Mansion. An inconvenient office space or a mansion overrun by ghosts? From the ALA Archives.

Was ALA’s McCormick Mansion Haunted?

Cara Bertram October 27, 2026

Halloween is approaching and during this spooky season, the ALA Archives has been meditating upon one of ALA’s old headquarters, the McCormick Mansion. Why would ALA want to move out of the McCormick Mansion so quickly and destroy it? Was it because the mansion was … haunted?

USA PATRIOT Act files in the Office for Intellectual Freedom Subject File at the ALA Archives.

15 Years of Fear: ALA and the Patriot Act

ALA Archives October 23, 2026

October 26, 2001, marked the beginning of a 15-year-long struggle for the privacy rights of library users as a result of the USA PATRIOT Act being signed into law by President Bush. Prompted by the possibility of government agents ordering libraries to turn over patron information, ALA’s Washington Office created the “Guidelines for Librarians on the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act: What to do before, during and after a ‘knock at the door?’” which provided guidance on consulting legal counsel and reviewing policies.

A group of foreign delegates in Atlantic City during the ALA Fiftieth Anniversary Conference, October 1926.

Librarians Go on a Road Trip! The 1926 Foreign Delegate Post-Conference Excursion

ALA Archives October 15, 2026

In early October 1926, almost 60 librarians from 25 countries gathered in Atlantic City and Philadelphia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American Library Association along with more than 2,000 American librarians. By all accounts, the conference was a great success. But the best part of this all-expenses-paid trip to the U.S. didn’t happen during the actual meeting: When the conference ended, about 30 international delegates went on a multi-state excursion, visiting 12 cities in the span of two weeks.

How I Library podcast with Betty Turock

Celebrating ALA’s Birthday in Conversation with Dr. Betty Turock

Phil Morehart October 6, 2026

In a special episode of the “How I Library” podcast commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Library Association, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with one of the key figures in the history of the Association and librarianship, Dr. Betty Turock.