Nancy Kranich

former president, American Library Association

Nancy Kranich served as President of the American Library Association in 2000-2001, focusing on the role of libraries in democracies. A tireless champion of the public's information rights, Nancy has led the library community's efforts to promote civic engagement, open access, and free expression. Prior to her presidency, she spearheaded ALA's telecommunications advocacy, formed the Coalition on Government Information, and established the James Madison Awards honoring champions of the public's right to know. Since leading ALA, Nancy has continued to promote democratic participation, launching ALA's civic engagement membership initiative, moderating public forums, participating in Kettering's US/Russia dialogue, and teaching about civic engagement. In 2004, she moved to State College, PA where she now chairs of one of the oldest National Issues Forum groups in the country.