General Service Conference-approved publications · written and audiovisual
A guide to finding Conference-approved A.A. literature
Conference-approved literature is written or audiovisual material approved by the General Service Conference for publication by G.S.O. The official library and catalog help readers find the right subject, audience, language, and available format.
- General Service Conference approval
- Published by G.S.O.
- Recovery program and Fellowship information
- Formats and languages vary by title
Using Conference-approved literature
The term “Conference-approved” applies to written or audiovisual material approved by the General Service Conference for publication by the General Service Office. The official explanation says the process is intended to assure that a publication accords with A.A. principles and addresses the recovery program or information about the Fellowship.
The collection includes A.A.’s basic text, Step and Tradition essays, practical sobriety books, daily and topical readings, biographies, histories, and pamphlets presenting shared member experience. Individual title pages identify the subject and current access routes.
Readers can also search by immediate need or audience. The official library includes material for newcomers, groups, sponsors, people in corrections or treatment settings, professionals, families, and people encountering barriers to participation.
Format and language are part of access. Depending on the title, the official library or catalog may offer online text, print, large print, Braille, eBook, audio, video, ASL, or translations. Because availability differs by title, the title page and current catalog are the places to verify it.
Not every official item on AA.org is Conference-approved. G.S.O. service material, local central-office or intergroup publications, Grapevine, and La Viña have distinct roles and processes. Conference approval also does not imply disapproval of other material about A.A.
Four useful ways into the collection
Start with a title
Open the basic text, Twelve and Twelve, Living Sober, Daily Reflections, a biography, or another known publication.
Start with a need
Use the official library to find material for newcomers, groups, sponsorship, corrections, treatment, professionals, families, or access needs.
Check the designation
The item itself and G.S.O.’s official definition identify whether it is General Service Conference-approved.
Choose a usable format
Confirm current language, print, large-print, Braille, eBook, audio, video, or ASL options on the title page or in the catalog.