University Library News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 6, 2026 

Contact: Roy Cummings, Georgia State University Library, rcummings16@gsu.edu 

ATLANTA, GA — Georgia State University (GSU) Library is proud to announce that Tamika Barnes, Associate Dean, Perimeter College Library Services has been elected President-Elect of the American Library Association (ALA), the world’s oldest and largest library association. Barnes will begin her leadership role following the conclusion of the 2026 ALA Annual Conference and will serve as ALA president during the 2027–2028 term. 

The American Library Association represents more than 49,000 library and information professionals across the United States and around the world. As president, Barnes will help guide the association’s strategic priorities and serve as a national advocate for libraries, library workers, intellectual freedom, and equitable access to information. 

“I am delighted that Tamika has been elected as the next President-Elect of the American Library Association,” said Jeff Steely, dean of the Georgia State University Library. “She is one of the most thoughtful and collaborative colleagues I have had the privilege of working with, and she brings to this role extensive experience, a calming presence, and a genuine passion for the profession. Tamika will be an outstanding leader for the ALA.” 

In her current role at GSU, Barnes provides leadership for library services supporting student success, research, and community engagement. She brings more than two decades of experience to the role and has held numerous leadership positions within ALA and state library organizations, including service on the ALA Executive Board and ALA Council. Her professional work is grounded in advancing equity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and responsible stewardship of the profession. 

Throughout her career, Barnes has emphasized the importance of libraries as trusted civic institutions, especially amid growing challenges such as censorship efforts, funding pressures, staffing shortages, and rapid technological change. Key priorities for her presidency include unified advocacy for libraries at all levels, inclusive leadership development, and continued commitment to equity, access, and the freedom to read. 

“Libraries continue to be critical spaces for learning, connection, and democratic engagement,” Barnes said. “I am honored by the trust ALA members have placed in me, and I look forward to working collaboratively with library workers across all types of libraries to strengthen our profession and amplify our collective impact.” 

Founded in 1876, the American Library Association is the leading voice for libraries and library workers, advocating for public policy, professional development, and the essential role libraries play in society. 

Barnes’ election highlights GSU’s national leadership in librarianship and its commitment to public service, access to information, and academic excellence. 

For more information about the American Library Association, visit www.ala.org. 

About Georgia State University Library

The Georgia State University Library supports teaching, learning, and research across the university’s six campuses by providing access to expert librarians, innovative technologies, and rich scholarly resources dedicated to student success. The Library houses more than 1.9 million physical volumes, 700,000 ebook titles, 230,000 serial titles, and 280 online databases. Special Collections and Archives document the history of Georgia State University, Atlanta, and life in the South, with particular strengths in social change movements of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The 300,000‑square‑foot Atlanta Campus Library offers seating for more than 2,000 users, 55 group study rooms, an outdoor terrace, and access to leading‑edge computing and visualization technology. Learn more at library.gsu.edu.