The ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office (formerly the Washington Office) is charged with tracking and influencing policy issues, legislation, and regulations of importance to the library field and the public. The Public Policy and Advocacy Office helps ensure that libraries are consistently involved in the policy decision-making process by informing government of the needs and concerns of the library community; providing library supporters with up-to-date information on government actions or proposals; and building coalitions with Washington-based representatives of other groups with similar interests. Related materials can be found under Record Group 17 at the ALA Archives.