Why Libraries Are Committing to Systemic Change
"The crises we face today—in public health, in our economy, and in confronting the structural racism in our society—demand that we rethink everything," writes author and library educator R. David Lankes. more...
Changes Loom as Public Libraries Begin to Reopen
Observers in recent years have argued that if public libraries didn’t already exist in America, we wouldn’t be able to invent them. In the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, the question now is: Can we reinvent them? more...
All By Ourselves
As states push to reopen, many libraries are having to figure out their own way forward. more...
Is the Covid-19 Crisis a Watershed Moment for Library E-books?
Why the rapid shift to digital library services necessitated by the Covid-19 crisis could help chart a new, more productive course for the digital library market long term. more...
Reading Is Only a Step on the Path to Anti-Racism
Anti-racist reading lists are trending, but becoming anti-racist requires action, writes librarian Nicole A. Cooke. more...
Libraries Must Draw the Line on E-books
Recent developments suggest a grim future for digital content in libraries, writes Sari Feldman, unless library supporters find a way to respond. more...and more.
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Now Is the Time to Finally Close the Digital Divide
The incoming president of the Association of Rural & Small Libraries argues that Covid-19 has shown us the urgent need for a national broadband strategy and a more equitable, sustainable digital library market.
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The Skillset Podcast #6: Melanie Townsend Diggs Reflects on the 2015 Uprising in Baltimore
On April 27, 2015, Melanie Townsend Diggs was heading up the Pennsylvania Branch of the Enoch Pratt libraries in Baltimore when she found herself at the epicenter of the uprising caused by the death of Freddy Gray in police custody. In this interview she talks about keeping the library open in the midst of police confrontation and the burning of stores. And she talks about the next day when her team’s commitment to the community became clear.
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ALA Announces Finalists for 2021 Andrew Carnegie Medals
The two medal winners will be announced by selection committee chair Bill Kelly at the Reference and User Services Association’s Book and Media Awards (BMAs) event, which will take place online on February 4, 2021, 3-4pm CST.
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Poets House Suspends Operations Amid Pandemic; Employees Cry Foul
Poets House, the poetry library in lower Manhattan founded in 1986, has suspended operations indefinitely, citing budgetary issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and its executive director has announced his retirement for 2021. A group of laid-off staffers have disputed the organization's account.
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For Libraries, a Time of Caution and Optimism
As Covid-19 cases surge, librarians are putting safety first and finding a path forward.
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As Covid-19 Cases Surge, PRH Again Extends Temporary E-book, Digital Audio Terms for Libraries, Schools
Penguin Random House executives this week confirmed that the publisher is extending its "temporary" digital license terms for e-books and digital audio in libraries and schools through March 31, 2021.
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ALA Announces Longlist for 2021 Andrew Carnegie Medals
In all, a total of 46 books (26 fiction, 20 nonfiction) were selected, with a six-title shortlist—three each for the fiction and nonfiction medals—to be announced on November 17. The two medal winners will be announced during an online event set for February 4, 2021.
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Three Candidates to Run for 2022-2023 ALA Presidency
The American Library Association this week announced that three candidates will vie for the association's 2022-2023 presidency: Stacey A. Aldrich, Ed Garcia, and Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada.
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Panorama Project Names New Project Lead, Announces Free Webinar
The Panorama Project, the OverDrive-funded cross-industry initiative devoted to “data-informed insights on public libraries’ role in the publishing ecosystem” has announced the appointment of Daniel Albohn as the new Project Lead, replacing Guy LeCharles Gonzalez, who has taken a full-time position as Chief Content Officer at upstart service provider LibraryPass.
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With Virus Resurgent, PRH Extends Open License for Online Readings Through March 2021
With the Covid-19 pandemic resurgent around the globe, Penguin Random House this week announced that it is extending its Open License for online story time and read-aloud videos through March 31, 2021.
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