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Raymond Pun writes: “For the first time, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions World Library and Information Congress was held online because of the continuing global pandemic. Between August 17–19, the virtual conference drew thousands of attendees from around the world to more than 150 sessions with topics that ranged from digital controlled lending to new skill sets for school librarians to climate impact on libraries.”
Read coverage of other sessions and closing ceremonies. During the conference, IFLA also
issued a statement on the situation in Afghanistan and selected Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo, Norway, as
Public Library of the Year....
AL: The Scoop, Aug. 25; IFLA, Aug. 19
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Tess Wilson writes: “United for Libraries’ 2021 Virtual Conference—a three-day event dedicated to the issues facing trustees, Friends, and foundations—kicked off August 17. The conference featured speakers and networking opportunities, and covered topics such as equitable collection development, fundraising collaborations, and inclusive leadership practices. Sessions underscored that stories—of individuals, of libraries, of communities—are at the core of library advocacy.”...
AL: The Scoop, Aug. 23
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On August 18, the ALA Executive Board
issued a statement opposing initiatives to censor information resources, curricula, and programs addressing racial injustice, Black American history, and diversity education....
ALA Communications and Marketing Office, Aug. 18
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Librarians in the US serve different populations, each with a distinct set of needs. Among those are veterans, who often face unique challenges when returning to civilian life after their military service ends. Many of them turn to the library for help and resources, so it’s essential for library workers to know more about this community to better serve its members. On Episode 65 of Call Number with American Libraries, we look at library services to veterans....
AL: The Scoop, Aug. 20; June 27
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A 17-year-old page at the Prairie du Chien (Wisc.) Memorial Library said they felt threatened and intimidated after Republican congressional candidate Derrick Van Orden complained about displays celebrating Pride Month. Van Orden, who recently moved to Prairie du Chien, visited the library June 17 and began to “aggressively” question the pride display in the library’s children’s section, the page said in an interview August 17, adding that Van Orden eventually obtained a library card and checked out all but one book from the display....
La Crosse (Wisc.) Tribune, Aug. 22
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If people have a problem with certain books in the Campbell County (Wyo.) Public Library, they need to go through the proper channels to challenge those books. That was the message that the library board had for the audience and county commissioners at a special meeting August 12. The meeting was well attended, but no public comment was allowed. Outside the building were library supporters protesting any censorship. It’s the latest episode in the controversy over the library’s inclusion and promotion of LGBTQ material to teens....
Gillette (Wyo.) News Record, Aug. 17
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Two proposed policy changes made by a Craighead County (Ark.) Library Board member were defeated during the board’s August 9 meeting. Board member Mark Nichols proposed a new policy that would have the board responsible for approving library displays and guest speakers. The debate arose when state Rep. Dan Sullivan (R-Jonesboro) responded to the library Pride display after constituents notified him of the issue. Library Director David Eckert said the policy change would mean board members would be responsible for reading through and approving approximately 250 items. The proposal was defeated 3–2....
Jonesboro (Ark.) Sun, Aug. 10
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Paul Murphy writes: “The scene at Jacksonville (Fla.) Public Library’s main branch was haunting, Louis Lopez recalled. As he waited for a COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment, he saw people so sick they couldn't even stand. Lopez said that he arrived at the library just before his noon appointment and spent more than two hours with dozens of others waiting to get the treatment. One woman in line was so sick that she couldn't even stand, Lopez said. Because she couldn't stand, he said she crawled over to the wall.”...
CNN, Aug. 20
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Sonia Sarkar writes: “For 11-year-old Husna, books are her only source of happiness. Her school in Wat village is closed for summer holidays until September. But no one knows for sure when it will reopen, due to the clashes between Afghan nationalist forces and the Taliban that have ensued since troops from the United States began withdrawing in May. Now, Husna’s only ray of hope is the mobile library run by the Pen Path Civil Society, a nongovernmental organization whose motorcycle-riding volunteers travel across areas ravaged by fighting to distribute books and stationery to children.”...
South China Morning Post, Aug. 14
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Team USA soccer star and activist Megan Rapinoe has started a new book club on the Literati platform. The Call In focuses on human stories, both fiction and nonfiction, that inspire readers toward meaningful action. The pick for September is Unbound by Tarana Burke....
Literati
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The Dance Music Archive has gone live, documenting 30 years of club and rave culture online. Visitors to the website can sort by decade and year to discover leading music news and specially curated Spotify playlists based on the biggest tracks of that time. Alternatively, search by artist, DJ, or radio show to be presented with historic recordings, many from original DAT tapes....
DJ Mag, Aug. 18
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Claire Sewell writes: “I’m a librarian, and throwing away books is a big part of my job. I love it! Why? Because it means more space on the shelves for new books and other materials that are of current interest to our patrons. Weeding is a fundamental part of the life cycle of the library, but I get it. The decisions librarians make to get rid of books are often confusing and mysterious, especially when a photo of a dumpster full of books starts making the rounds on the internet.”...
Claire Sewell, Aug. 10
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