Ethical Issues in Libraries: An International Conference
Combating rampant misinformation in the age of internet and social media, as well as dilemmas regarding how best to serve the most vulnerable populations, were key topics of discussion.
News & Opinion
Blurred Line Between Safety and Service
As the pandemic continues, how do library workers stay safe and still
provide the services desperately needed in our communities?
Libraries Celebrate Community with New Murals
In 2020, through the global pandemic and the rise of voices for social justice, libraries across the country found their own means of expression through art. In particular, three libraries celebrated the diversity of their communities with the creation of new library murals.
Job Searching During a Pandemic: Flexibility is Key
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the recruitment process upside down for both job seekers and employers. Here’s how to cope.
Naming the Elephant
I am public library social worker. This may be the first time you’ve heard of such a position, but helping professionals like me are now working within roughly three dozen library systems around the United States. As our institutions continue to serve the public during a global pandemic and other stressors, I am very concerned about burnout and staff mental health.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Allen County Public Library has strategically incorporated logic models and outcome measurement in planning and evaluating programs and services in a relatively short amount of time by using Project Outcome tools as a central part of an overall shift to a more outward-facing approach to library services.
New Research Explores How Public Libraries Can Best Combat Misinformation
New research published in the Journal of Librarianship and Information Science adds pieces to the puzzle of how public libraries can best address rising tides of misinformation within their communities. Most recently, misinformation surrounding COVID-19 has demonstrated how complex the issue can be and how serious- even lethal- the consequences.
Not open? No problem. Rural Libraries Push WiFi Into Community Spaces
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, those who live in such remote areas may have been among the hardest hit. Getting access to WiFi safely – outdoors and away from crowds – can relieve the isolation. It’s something the Gilbreath library (along with more than 60 other libraries in rural regions) can now more easily facilitate, thanks to a $120,000 grant program offered by the Public Library Association (PLA) and Microsoft.
Open to Change: Libraries Pivot to Serve Small Businesses
Libraries, as critical local infrastructure, are always tuned into the emerging needs of their communities and are ready to respond with timely and relevant resources and services. This includes support for the local business community. Existing and aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs can leverage library resources and programming to bolster their businesses.
Online Learning Opportunities for Babies
Eight months have gone by since the beginning of the pandemic. This means that anyone younger than 8 months has probably not been inside of a library. If they have it hasn’t been the library experience their older brothers and sisters experienced. We are not getting to know our infant patrons in the same manner […]
A Story Walk in the Park
Many libraries across the country and around the world are bringing story-time outside in a way that is safe, fun for the whole family, and encourages a healthy lifestyle through StoryWalks®.
Wildfires Damage Libraries
“We are open regular hours- except of course the branch that burned to the ground.”
Be Like RBG – Lessons from a Life
Like countless others, I admired the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG), Supreme Court Justice and human rights icon. In 2017 I painted her portrait as part of a series on human rights leaders. I had a quality art print made from the original and mailed it with a letter of appreciation. To my delight, I […]
Bookmobile Conference Goes Virtual
For the first time in its history, the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services’ annual conference will be conducted virtually this year. Learn more about this organization and the benefits of outreach professionals swapping trade secrets.
A Pandemic Side Effect: Low Morale in Public Libraries
Employee morale takes another hit in the age of COVID.
