Changes to ABA Ends Policies

ABA has updated its Ends Policies as of September 2021. Below are the updated Ends Policies, as well as the previous Ends Policies, which were updated in January 2021.

Ends Policies as of September 2021. Changes are notated in red text.

The American Booksellers Association exists so that its core membership of independent bookstores can operate successfully as sustainable businesses and constitute a vital channel in the U.S. book market. This will be achieved at a level that justifies the resources invested while ensuring the association’s long-term financial sustainability. This also will be done in a manner that demonstrates a commitment to antiracism, equity, access, and representation. 

The ABA has four broad tasks — education, promotion, partnership, and advocacy. Accordingly, the association will work to ensure that: 

1. Core members have the necessary skills, education, technology, community (including other independent businesses), and resources to be successful and financially sustainable. 

1(a). Core members have the resources in support of their right to freedom of expression.
1(b). Core members understand that the welfare of all booksellers is essential to sustainability.
1(c). All booksellers have the necessary resources to enable them to succeed.

​2. The general public have an awareness and understanding of the cultural and economic value of independent bookstores. 
3. The book industry views independent bookstores as vital and valued partners. 
4. Legal and regulatory policies reflect the interests of independent bookstores in such areas as antitrust action and small business assistance. 

Ends Policies as of January 2021

The American Booksellers Association exists so that its core membership of independent bookstores can operate successfully as sustainable businesses and constitute a vital channel in the U.S. book market. This will be achieved at a level that justifies the resources invested while ensuring the association’s long-term financial sustainability. This also will be done in a manner that demonstrates a commitment to antiracism, equity, access, and representation.

The ABA has four broad tasks — education, promotion, partnership, and advocacy. Accordingly, the association will work to ensure that:

1. Core members have the necessary skills, education, technology, community (including other independent businesses), and resources to be successful and financially sustainable.
2. The general public have an awareness and understanding of the cultural and economic value of independent bookstores.
3. The book industry views independent bookstores as vital and valued partners.
4. Legal and regulatory policies reflect the interests of independent bookstores in such areas as antitrust action, small business assistance, and the First Amendment right to disseminate information as it relates to the bookselling industry.