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Sally Stieglitz writes: “The breadth and depth of Jewish cultural heritage and history were explored at the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) Conference 2022, held in Philadelphia June 27–29. Aptly titled ‘Together Again,’ the event was AJL’s first in-person conference since 2019. Attendees gathered at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History for programs that covered wide-ranging Jewish collections, books, and experiences.”...
AL: The Scoop, July 1
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On June 24, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Federal Communications Commission signed a
memorandum
of understanding to jointly promote federal funding options for broadband internet in an effort to close the digital divide. The two agencies are committed to generating public awareness for the E-Rate and Emergency Connectivity Fund programs, among other goals.
ALA released a June 24 statement in support: “We are pleased by today’s move by the FCC to recognize the role libraries play in bringing digital equity to communities across the country. The closer the connection between the FCC and IMLS, the closer America comes to closing learning gaps,” stated then–ALA President Patricia “Patty” M. Wong....
FCC, June 24; ALA, June 24
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Amanda Girard writes: “There have been many instances of books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters and themes or written by LGBTQIA+ authors being challenged or banned. Which is why a blatant censorship attempt from an organization called CatholicVote called ‘Hide the Pride’ is so alarming. In an
announcement on the
organization’s website published earlier this month, CatholicVote calls for people to ‘reclaim your public library’ by openly targeting Pride Month displays in children’s and young adult sections.”...
Intellectual Freedom Blog, June 27
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Steve Tetreault writes: “Let’s be clear up front: I’m talking about things that might seem like cheating because they make professional development easier. But they’re better described as ‘productivity hacks’—ways to increase your efficiency. And pretty much all the ‘cheats’ I’m going to share are possible because there are so many digital opportunities for professional development. You’ll have to find out whether or not your district will accept these opportunities as counting toward any professional development hour requirements. It may be worth having a conversation with your supervisor.”...
Knowledge Quest blog, July 1
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Kelly Greenwood writes: “After violent events like the shootings in Uvalde, Laguna Woods, or Buffalo, everyone’s mental health is affected. Even if you weren’t physically present, the trauma is still real. Combined with a constant news cycle and the tendency to doomscroll on social media, this can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Violence and the fear of violence causes both trauma and toxic stress, which are contributing factors to mental health conditions. All of that doesn’t magically go away when we’re at work.”...
Harvard Business Review, June 29
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Worcester (Md.) County Library writes: “Staff at Worcester County Library were offering workforce development services for their community when they learned how many patrons encounter roadblocks due to their previous criminal history. Staff also knew that expungement—the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal record—could be helpful. Learn how you might begin to set up an expungement clinic at your library in this 10-minute interview with Elena Coelho and Marshall Shord from Worcester County Library and Chris Sweeney from the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service.”...
WebJunction, June 28
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Bethany Dietrich writes: “Anyone else not so great with the paint and markers and the crayons but still know they need to create eye-catching stuff in the library? If this is you, you probably already know about Canva, a free graphic design website where you can create social media posts, fliers, brochures, postcards, and so much more. Because Canva isn’t exactly new, I wanted to share with y’all some of the tricks and tips I’ve picked up on since I’ve been using Canva since 2014.”...
Teen Services Underground, June 27
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Jonathan M. Gaffney, Eric N. Holmes, and Chris D. Linebaugh write: “On June 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced the
American Data
Privacy and Protection Act (H.R. 8152), which would create a comprehensive federal consumer privacy framework. Some commentators have noted the bill’s novel compromises on two issues—whether to preempt state privacy laws and whether to create a private right of action—that
have impeded previous attempts to create a national privacy framework.”...
Congressional Research Service, June 30
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Sandy Writtenhouse writes: “When you have a dozen tasks to do before lunchtime, any shortcut to speed things up is welcome. Here are several time-saving features for Google Docs (including multiple text selections, text shortcuts, task assignments, and document outlines) that can help make creating and editing documents go quicker.”...
How-To Geek, June 28
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Neely Tucker writes: “The 2022 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction will be awarded to Jesmyn Ward, whose lyrical works set in her native Mississippi feature the lives of Black people finding a way to endure and prevail over a world of harsh racism and violence. At 45, Ward is the youngest person to receive LC’s fiction award for her lifetime of work. ‘Jesmyn Ward’s literary vision continues to become more expansive and piercing, addressing urgent questions about racism and social injustice being voiced by Americans,’ said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.”...
Library of Congress Blog, June 30
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“This survey of book design represents perhaps the longest-standing legacy in American graphic design. Beginning in 1923, the Fifty Books of the Year competition was a yearly mainstay of AIGA. Even in an era of digital books and Insta stories, AIGA understands the timeless, magnetic power of design to engage readers and encourage them to turn the page. That is why the AIGA 50 Books | 50 Covers competition continues to recognize the best of book and book cover design from around the world.”...
AIGA, June 21
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Wesley Straton writes: “I have thought a lot, over my decade-plus of drinking and working in bars, about what makes any one establishment stand out over another. It always, in the end, comes down to the bartender. The bartender defines your experience as a guest: They shepherd you through your night, they feed and water you, they look out for your comfort, your safety, and your joy. If you’re very lucky, you get to know them a little bit too. The novels below understand this, and have created compelling, magnetic bar personalities.”...
Electric Literature, June 27
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