The American Library Association (ALA) was founded in 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world. As such, it provides conferences, continuing education, networking, news, and advocacy resources for its members. ALA also reaches out to all librarians and library users with literacy programs and advocacy for the free flow of information. Their stated purpose is to foster the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services. ALA also oversees the quality of education of American librarians by accrediting library science graduate programs.