Leading with Purpose. Advocating for All.

MEET THE CANDIDATE

Transparent Leadership. Trusted Advocacy

Tamika Barnes is the Associate Dean for Perimeter Library Services at Georgia State University, where she leads libraries across five metro Atlanta campuses supporting more than 30 associate-degree pathways. A nationally recognized library leader, she has served on the American Library Association Executive Board and recently chaired ALA’s Budget and Review Committee.

Tamika is also President of the Georgia Library Association (2026). She holds degrees from UNC Chapel Hill and North Carolina Central University and is an adjunct faculty member with Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies.

Stronger Libraries. Stronger Communities. Stronger ALA.

I am honored to stand for election as President-Elect of the American Library Association. My career has been shaped by a profound belief in the power of libraries to advance equity, expand opportunity, and strengthen our democracy. For more than two decades, I have served in leadership roles across ALA, state associations, and professional divisions, and throughout that journey, my commitment has remained consistent: to champion libraries and library workers through advocacy, inclusion, and responsible stewardship.

ALA’s mission—to provide leadership in the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession—has guided my work from the beginning. Whether serving on the ALA Executive Board, chairing the Budget and Review Committee, supporting the Spectrum community, or leading state and divisional organizations, I have seen firsthand how ALA’s values of equity, diversity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility are lived out every day by library workers across the country. These values have shaped my own leadership: collaborative, grounded in integrity, and centered on community impact.

Today, libraries face unprecedented challenges. School and public libraries are experiencing historic levels of censorship and political pressure. Many institutions struggle with insufficient funding, staffing shortages, and increasing demands for digital access and community services. Academic libraries face rapid technological and pedagogical change while working to demonstrate their essential role in student success and research innovation. And yet, despite these pressures, libraries continue to stand as trusted institutions committed to access, learning, and connection.

If elected, my presidency will center on four priorities aligned with ALA’s strategic directions:

Building Belonging. Advancing Access. Leading Change.

UNIFIED ADVOCACY

We must strengthen our collective voice at the local, state, and national levels. I will champion advocacy that equips every library worker—from K–12 school librarians to academic, special and public library staff—with tools, training, and confidence to speak effectively about our impact. Together, we can advance policies that protect the freedom to read, expand digital equity, and secure sustainable funding.

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Our profession thrives when new voices are welcomed, supported, and empowered. I will expand pathways for leadership development and mentorship, particularly for those historically underrepresented in the field. Investing in people is essential to the future of our profession.

EQUITY, ACCESS, AND INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM

These pillars must remain nonnegotiable. I will advocate for policies and partnerships that protect intellectual freedom, ensure inclusive collections and services, and expand access to information and technology for all communities.

TRANSPARENCY & STEWARDSHIP

ALA’s strength depends on trust. I will prioritize transparency in governance, clarity in communication, and the responsible alignment of resources with our strategic priorities.