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Established in October of 1876, the American Library Association, or ALA, is the largest and oldest association of its kind anywhere in the world.  The development of the American Library Association was the result of a need to expand, grow, develop, and maintain libraries as a venue for learning and to provide greater access to information for Americans.

In 1998, the American Library Association's council voted on a manifesto which focused on five key areas.  In 2010, the key areas were expanded to include eight key areas of focus.  The areas identified by the council as of 2010, were the Advocacy for librarians and the profession, diversity, education and lifelong learning, equitable access to information and library services, intellectual freedom, literacy, organized excellence, and transforming libraries.

All of these areas fall under the focus of the ALA, and are part of their ongoing cause to realize the preservation and promotion of these ideals.  Each year, the ALA holds a conference in order to advance these goals, and to refresh these objectives in the minds of its members and the public at large. 

2013 American Library Association Conference

This year, the American Library Association Conference will take place in Chicago's own McCormick Place from June 27th until July 2nd.

This year's conference is set to include discussions on some key areas important to the ALA including a focus on technology in libraries, and digital content such as eBooks.  Other topics of discussion will be issues such as community engagement, library advocacy, and library marketing.

In addition to conferences and discussion on issues important to the American Library Association, this year's conference is set to include a number of fun activities as well as presentations and exhibits by some of our members.  The American Library Association Conference is an excellent opportunity to garner awareness, take part in some exciting events, and do a great deal of networking.

American Library Association Conference 2013 Schedule

2013 marks the 137th year that the American Library Association has held its annual conference.  This year, the theme for the event is "transforming our libraries, ourselves".  This year, the line-up of presenters is astounding.  Guests, such as Dan Cohen of the Digital Public Library of America, and Rich Harwood of the Harwood Institute, will be on hand to share their views about how to influence change in America's libraries.  Other speakers set to take part in this event include: Stevan Levitt, Jaron Lanier, Khaled Hosseini, Ping Fu, Oliver Stone, Alice Walker, and Octavia Spencer. 

In addition to some exciting and informative speakers, the ALA will also welcome a number of exhibitors and authors.  There will also be special events aimed at promoting community engagement such as the Think Fit 5K Run & Walk which will take place the morning of Sunday June 30th. 

For a complete list of events as well as information on how you can be a part of the American Library Association Conference, please visit the event's official webpage.

While visiting Chicago for the 137th annual American Library Association conference, the Ramada Chicago Hotel located near Downtown offers guests the most conveniently located accommodations complete with all the comforts of home and a breath taking view of Lake Michigan.  While staying with the Ramada Chicago Hotel, guests enjoy unparalleled services which put them as top priority, and a location right in the center of all that Chicago has to offer. The Ramada Chicago Hotel's location, which is conveniently close to McCormick Place offers visitors to the American Library Association 2013 Conference the best possible accommodations during this exciting event.

For more information on being our guest, please contact us by calling toll free, 1-800-237-4933 or visit our website at www.ramadachicagohotel.com today!