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For daily ALA and library news, check the American Libraries website or subscribe to our RSS feed.
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Diana Panuncial writes: “For librarians at universities with videogame design programs, maintaining a large, accessible gaming collection isn’t a Final Fantasy. It’s a Call of Duty. Beginning a collection may be as easy as pressing start to play, but storing and preserving complex materials is a tough battle—and academic librarians want to level up. The University of Michigan’s Computer Video and Game Archive in Ann Arbor boasts more than 8,000 videogames and 60 consoles dating back to the 1970s.” Public libraries also have big collections. Jenn Bartlett, head of reference and adult services at Manchester (Conn.) Public Library, in 2014 launched what is now the largest library board game collection in the state....
American Libraries feature, Nov./Dec.; American Libraries Bookend, Nov./Dec. |
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Terra Dankowski writes: “A straight cis boy falls in love with a trans girl. A community reacts to the shooting of an unarmed black teen. A self-proclaimed fat athlete deals with self-image issues. A male teen struggles with drug abuse and what it means to be masculine in today’s society. These seemingly disparate narratives found themselves on stage together at the opening session of YALSA’s Young Adult Services Symposium on November 1 in Memphis.” Other symposium sessions covered advocacy, wellness, and science fiction....
AL: The Scoop, Nov. 4 |
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On November 4 ALA announced the six books shortlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction, awarded for the previous year’s best books written for adult readers and published in the US. The two medal winners will be announced on January 26, 2020, at the RUSA Book and Media Awards during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. Carnegie Medal winners will each receive $5,000. The medals, established in 2012, serve as a guide to help adults select quality reading material....
AL: The Scoop, Nov. 4 |
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ALA is opening a call for applications for $300 minigrants to school and public libraries to facilitate an Hour of Code activity for youth using Google’s CS First Hour of Code activity. Libraries Ready to Code, an ALA initiative sponsored by Google, aims to ensure libraries have the resources, capacity, and inspiration to embrace activities that promote computational thinking and computer science among our nation’s youth. To apply for a minigrant, visit the Ready to Code website. ALA is also accepting online applications for Library Census Equity Fund minigrants that will provide 25 libraries with $2,000 each to bolster their service to hard-to-count communities. The deadline is November 22....
ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Nov. 1, 4 |
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Emily Udell writes: “Libraries have traditionally had voter registration forms on hand and served as polling places. But as the next election cycle approaches, many libraries are kicking up their voter engagement and outreach in creative and thoughtful ways. Efforts include educating citizens about the practicalities of registering to vote and casting a ballot, connecting with marginalized communities, and even getting people on opposite political sides to have civil conversations in this polarized environment.”...
American Libraries feature, Nov./Dec. |
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Essayist and New York Times contributor Lindy West (right), who writes about feminism and pop culture, moved into television this year with the premiere of Shrill on Hulu. Inspired by her memoir of the same name, the series—which follows a young, plus-sized journalist—has been renewed for a second season. Meanwhile, West’s second book, The Witches Are Coming (Hachette Book Group, November), unleashes her lacerating wit on misogyny, patriarchy, and racism. American Libraries spoke with West about the book, body politics, and social media....
American Libraries Newsmaker, Nov,/Dec. |
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The Citrus County (Fla.) Library had what seemed like a modest wish: A digital subscription to the New York Times. For about $2,700 annually it could offer their roughly 70,000 patrons an easy way to research and catch up on the news. But when the request came before the Citrus County commission on October 24, local officials literally laughed out loud. One commissioner, Scott Carnahan, declared the paper to be “fake news.” “I agree with President Trump,” he said. “I will not be voting for this. I don’t want the New York Times in this county.” The subject has garnered more public reaction than any other story in the history of Crystal River’s Citrus County Chronicle newspaper....
Washington Post, Nov. 5; Citrus County (Fla.) Chronicle, Nov. 3 |
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Two new additions to the Penn Yan (N.Y.) Public Library grounds offer convenience to a variety of commuters. A new horse shelter was installed the week of October 7, while an electric vehicle charging station was installed the week of October 14. The upgrades are a cooperative effort between the library and Yates County. Mennonite community members are frequent library users, and the new horse shelter will let them access library resources using their traditional mode of transportation. The attractive brick-red structure suits the downtown architectural profile. The charging station will help the county qualify for a state Clean Energy Community designation....
Penn Yan (N.Y.) Chronicle-Express, Nov. 3 |
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A new collection of materials available to the public at Montana State University’s Library covers numerous aspects of the popular sport of fly fishing, from the motivations of why individuals fish to casting and how to tie a fly. The collection, acquired from Fly Fishers International, consists of books, periodicals, promotional materials, and other items that relate to the study and practice of fly fishing. It includes an estimated 2,000–3,000 volumes dating from the 19th century to today. Fly Fishers International is a nonprofit based in Livingston that focuses on conservation, education, and community....
Montana State University, Nov. 1 |
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On November 1, the Illinois Department of Corrections adopted new rules on how books, magazines, and other publications entering prisons will be reviewed. The directive comes after months of public outcry following the Danville Correctional Center’s removal of about 200 books, many of which deal with issues of race. “Publications shall not be disapproved solely because its content is religious, philosophical, political, social, or sexual content, or because the content is unpopular or repugnant,” the new directive states. The policy also directs the educational facility administrator to conduct an initial screening of publications for educational programs....
The Appeal, Nov. 4; Illinois Public Media, Aug. 15 |
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Brewster Kahle writes: “The Internet Archive has transformed 130,000 references to books in Wikipedia into live links to 50,000 of its digitized books in several Wikipedia language editions including English, Greek, and Arabic. And we are just getting started. By working with Wikipedia communities and scanning more books, both users and robots will link many more book references directly into Internet Archive books. For example, the Wikipedia article on Martin Luther King Jr. cites the book To Redeem the Soul of America by Adam Fairclough. That citation now links directly to page 299 inside the digital version of the book provided by the Internet Archive.”...
Internet Archive Blogs, Oct. 29 |
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Abby Hargreaves writes: “The intersection between book lovers and library lovers is a big one. Whether we see libraries as magical places or as just one of the simpler pleasures in life, there is no shortage of nice things to be said about the spaces and those who safeguard those hallowed reading rooms. Whether you’re looking for the perfect line to tattoo on your body or wish to bask in the lovely warm feelings that are these institutions, this collection of 59 quotes about libraries and librarians will lift and inspire you.”...
Book Riot, Nov. 4 |
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