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 Welcomes SUCCESS Act, Proposed Federal Funding Increases for Libraries
“Congress is getting the message that libraries of all kinds are key to the vitality of communities,” said ALA president Patty Wong in a statement.
-
Libraries
War Is Over (If We Want It)
In his new book, 'Forged in War: How a Century of War Created Today’s Information Society,' author and library educator R. David Lankes explores how a century of war has shaped our knowledge infrastructure—and why we must chart a new, more humane course for the future.
-
Publisher News
Plaintiffs Oppose Discovery Delay in E-book Price Fixing Case
Lawyers for a potential consumer class alleging an e-book price-fixing conspiracy among Amazon and the Big Five publishers told the court this week that they will oppose an expected bid to delay discovery in the case.
-
Libraries
Kodansha Inks Major Distribution Deal with LibraryPass
In a huge boost to manga fans, more than 200 titles are available now in Comics Plus, with more to be added to the collection over the summer.
-
Libraries
With Acquistion Complete, HarperCollins to Change Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Library E-book Terms
In a notice sent to library customers this week via their vendors, e-book titles from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will soon be available via a 26-lend metered access model, a change from its previous perpetual access terms.
-
Libraries
B&T to Offer ‘Diversity Analysis’ Tool for Library Collections
Powered by the wholesaler's collectionHQ technology, Baker & Taylor’s “Diversity Analysis” tool will help identify opportunities for libraries to evaluate their collections against industry-accepted diversity subjects.
-
Publisher News
Amazon, Publishers Seek to Delay Discovery in E-book Price-Fixing Case
In a filing this week, Amazon and the Big Five publishers said the plaintiffs' claims of an e-book price-fixing conspiracy are "implausible."
-
Libraries
S&S Applauds SCOTUS Decision in First Amendment Case
The publisher prevailed in the nearly five-year defamation case, but in separate dissents Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch lashed out at the current media landscape and said that a key protection for authors and journalists should be revisited.
-
Libraries
ALA 2021: Barack Obama Tells Librarians Their Work Is 'More Important Than Ever'
In a powerful close to the 2021 ALA Annual Conference, the 44th president of the United States praised libraries as "citadels of knowledge and empathy" and said the work of librarians is more vital than ever as we seek to rebuild "the unifying story of America."
-
Libraries
Knight Foundation Invests $5 Million in 'Library-Centered' Digital Platform
The funding will support the Palace Project, a nascent partnership between LYRASIS and the Digital Public Library of America to develop digital tools and services for libraries.
