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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House Introduces Bill Seeking $5 Billion for Library Facilities
The Build America’s Libraries Act was introduced in the House of Representatives this week by Reps. Andy Levin (D-MI) and Don Young (R-AK) and would provide $5 billion to address decades of needed repairs, updates, as well as the construction of modern library facilities in underserved and disadvantaged communities.
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'Arms' Race: Where We Stand One Year into the Covid-19 Crisis
As we approach the one year anniversary of the first U.S. Covid-19 lockdowns, PW spoke with Columbia University epidemiologist Jeffrey Shaman, who offered a frank assessment of where we stand in our battle against Covid-19.
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OverDrive CEO: Publishers, Librarians Still Searching for Fair E-book Lending Models
In a post this week, OverDrive CEO Steve Potash said he was proud of some of the “incremental gains” made in the library e-book market in 2020 but insisted that the work of establishing “fair, flexible, and reasonable terms” for libraries and schools to acquire and lend digital content is far from over.
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PW Webinar Series 'Live from the Library Lounge' Returns March 4
The free webinar series for librarians will resume with a discussion exploring how Covid-19 has impacted public libraries, including the successes, failures, the hard lessons learned, and the challenges and opportunities yet to come as we approach year two of this global public health crisis.
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Macmillan Learning Announces Winners of First Annual “Black History, Black Stories” Contest
The contest was created by Macmillan Learning "to elevate Black voices in education and in recognition of the fight for social justice inspired by the #BlackLivesMatter movement."
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James McBride, Rebecca Giggs Win ALA's 2021 Carnegie Medals
The awards, which were established in 2012, have become a highly coveted literary honor, reflecting the expert judgment and insight of library professionals and booksellers who work closely with adult readers.
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Why 2021 Is Setting Up to Be a Pivotal Year for Digital Content in Libraries
In the wake of a historic pandemic, the library community must make progress in the ongoing quest for equitable access to digital content.
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New Bill Proposes $5 Billion for Library Infrastructure
If passed, the bill would be Congress's first dedicated funding boost for library facilities since 1997 and comes as libraries nationwide are facing new infrastructure challenges related to Covid-19.
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ALA Announces 2021 Annual Conference Will Be Virtual Only
“We had hoped that by this summer it would be safe to meet again in person. However, that is clearly not the case," said ALA president Julius C. Jefferson Jr.
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New Nonprofit to Advocate for Digital Content in Libraries
Among the group's priorities will be to advocate for “less restrictive" e-book licenses and new digital licenses that would allow libraries to "own" digital works with the same associated rights as print materials.
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