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...
Passage of American Rescue Plan Boosts IMLS, Federal Library Funding
The bold $1.9 trillion measure signed into law yesterday includes $200 million in pandemic relief funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the largest single increase in the agency's history. 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.
-
LibrariesALA Announces $1.25 Million Grant Fund for Libraries Impacted by Covid-19
Under the ALA COVID Library Relief Fund, libraries can apply for grants ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 to bolster a wide range of library operations and services.
-
Libraries
PRH Extends Temporary E-book, Digital Audio Terms for Libraries
Under the terms of its program, which PRH began more than a year ago, libraries have the option to license e-books and digital audio for one-year terms at a 50% prorated price as an alternative to the existing two-year term (for e-books) or perpetual access (for digital audio).
-
Libraries
The Awesome Power of Picture Books
Sari Feldman reflects on how these “wizards of the literary world” can be the key to a lifelong love of reading.
-
Libraries
Season Two of 'The Skillset Podcast' With R. David Lankes & Nicole A. Cooke
In the wake of a tumultuous year, the new season of 'The Skillset Podcast' will focus on 'collective care' within the library community.
-
Libraries
ALA Releases 2020 Most Challenged Books List
For the third year in a row, Alex Gino's 'George' has topped the American Library Association's list of most challenged books in American libraries.
-
Libraries
Letter to the Editor: 'Surprised' by AAP Reaction to PW Article
In a letter to the editor, AAP's general counsel called lawyer Jonathan Band's take on Maryland's library e-book legislation as a "false statement." Band responds.
-
Libraries
ALA to Biden Administration: Don't Overlook Libraries in Infrastructure Plan
ALA President Julius C. Jefferson Jr. said that not including libraries in the administration’s plan would be a “missed opportunity” and urged librarians to contact the White House.
-
Libraries
Library E-book Bill Clears Maryland Legislature, Heading to Governor
After passing the Maryland General Assembly unanimously on March 10, the bill sailed through the final steps of reconciliation this week.
-
Publisher News
Amazon, Big Five Publishers Face Yet Another Antitrust Suit—From Booksellers
Similar to the claims made in a concurrent e-book price-fixing case, the suit turns on Amazon’s use of Most Favored Nation clauses in its contracts with the Big Five publishers, which, lawyers claim, “have the intent and effect of controlling wholesale prices of print trade books and preventing competition with Amazon in the retail sale of print trade books.”
-
Libraries
After a Year of Historic Challenges, the Texas Library Association Looks to the Future
For a second straight year, the Covid-19 pandemic will force the Texas Library Association Annual Conference to be online only (April 22–24). But in true Texas fashion, TLA organizers have risen to the challenge with an expansive virtual program that features a slate of strong speakers and sessions.
