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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Ohio Library Board Reverses Decision to End ALA Membership for 'Leaning to the Left'
In seeking to end support for ALA, some library board members at the Medina County District Library in Ohio complained that the organization's support for racial and social justice issues was too politically partisan.
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We Need to Talk About Audible
Bestselling author Cory Doctorow on his crowdfunded effort to tip the scales against Audible's DRM-enforced market dominance.
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Turning Antiracist Knowledge and Education into Action
'PW' columnist Nicole A. Cooke on how allies for social and racial justice are choosing to 'stand in the gap.'
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The Library Is Open (Sort Of...)
'PW' columnist and White Plains (NY) Public Library Director Brian Kenney offers an update nearly a month after his library's partial reopening.
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Library Supporters Urge Action as Senate Recesses Without Relief Bill
With Congress now on break until September, ALA officials are urging library supporters to keep pressing lawmakers for a pandemic relief package that includes funding for libraries.
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Trump Administration Sues to Block California Net Neutrality Law
The Department of Justice asked a federal judge in California to block the state’s 2018 net neutrality law, contending that it countermands federal regulations.
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ALA Announces 2021 Midwinter Meeting Will Be Virtual Only
"Though we very much hoped to be able to meet in person in Indianapolis, the health and safety of conference attendees, ALA members and staff, exhibitors, and other stakeholders are the priority," said Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., ALA president, in announcing the move.
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Penguin Random House Extends Temporary E-book, Digital Audio Terms for Libraries
Terms of sale first enacted in March to help librarians during the Covid-19 crisis will now run through the end of the year.
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Canadian Libraries Respond to 'Globe and Mail' Essay Attacking Public Libraries
Canadian librarians push back against a recently published editorial arguing that public libraries are "a net harm" to literature.
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Internet Archive to Publishers: Drop ‘Needless’ Copyright Lawsuit and Work with Us
During a 30-minute Zoom press conference on July 22, Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle urged the four major publishers suing over the organization’s book scanning efforts to consider settling the dispute in the boardroom rather than the courtroom.
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