Why Librarians Matter to Poor People

This article reports on a 2008 online survey about library services to the poor conducted by the American Libarary Association (ALA) Office for Literary and Outreach Services (OLOS) committee. The survey is precedent to the preparation of an ALA action agenda for library work with poor persons that is going to occur through 2009‐10. Though limited in its scope and participation, the survey results do suggest many of the persistent issues that are involved in the development of successful library services for poor persons.