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Cass Balzer writes: “Libraries are often gateways to new experiences, and a growing number are now offering patrons the chance to see the world in full color—literally. In recent years, libraries of all sizes have begun adding color-corrective glasses to their Library of Things collections. Made possible primarily through partnerships with manufacturers, patrons can test these glasses out before committing to purchasing their own pair.”...
American Libraries Trend, Jan./Feb.
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“Sociologist, author, and New York University professor Eric Klinenberg believes that libraries are the greatest social infrastructure our country has. ‘I don’t know of another institution that has the capability to make such a diverse set of people feel dignified and welcome when they walk in the door,’ Klinenberg told attendees at the outset of United for Libraries Virtual, a three-day virtual conference hosted by United for Libraries July 30–August 1, 2024. American Libraries highlights some key takeaways from the conference.”...
American Libraries feature, Jan./Feb.
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During this year's ALA election, members will be asked to vote on two bylaw amendments Council approved during ALA's 2024 Annual Conference and 2025 LibLearnX.
The first reduces the size of the Executive Board from 15 members to 13 and eliminates language designating Board seats for members representing different membership categories.
The second removes a requirement for annual estimates of income to be submitted to the Executive Board for approval with the annual budget. The election will run March 10–April 2;
the ALA Presidential and Treasurer Candidates forum will take place via Zoom February 25 at 9:30 a.m. Central....
ALA Governance Office, Feb. 4
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With 25,000+ full-text publications available free to search and download, statistical datasets to leverage, and customization to bookmark favorites and set alerts, make sure every research inquiry starts at the IMF eLibrary. This is global economics at your fingertips.
Visit IMF eLibrary now!
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Thanks to support from members and other library supporters, the
ALA Disaster Relief Fund is sending $5,000 to the Library Foundation of Los Angeles to assist in rebuilding the destroyed Palisades branch of Los Angeles Public Library, and $5,000 to the
Connected Wellness initiative launched by Altadena (Calif.) Library Foundation and the Los Angeles County Library Foundation to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots and other essential items for those impacted by the recent wildfires. The fund has also provided support to libraries in North Carolina and Tennessee ravaged by flooding from Hurricane Helene. ...
ALA Chapter Relations Office, Feb. 4
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Heidi Yarger writes: “Memorizing poetry has allowed me to focus on the words in front of me, bit by bit, in profound ways. Much like aspects of librarianship, the process is iterative and reflexive. As I’m learning a new poem, I often find myself re-reciting the lines I’m trying to get down throughout the day in moments when I would’ve checked my phone. I must stay present and attentive to each word. I truly feel the process has been good for my health these last few months.”...
ACRLog, Jan. 29
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The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section (LPD) is producing
Guidelines for Inclusive Library Services for Persons with Print Disabilities. The Guidelines are designed to serve as a tool and a resource for libraries and library workers, enabling them to begin to provide, continue to provide, or enhance existing accessible and inclusive library services for persons with print disabilities in their library communities. LPD is seeking feedback on the draft document by March 7....
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, Jan. 31
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Jon Brodkin writes: "US Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) announced a
Congressional Review Act resolution January 27 that would nullify the hotspot rule issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) [allowing libraries and schools to use E-rate funds to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots for lending]. The FCC voted to adopt the rule in July 2024 under then-Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, saying it was needed to help kids without reliable Internet access complete their homework.”
Cruz claimed the rule “undermines parental control” and “heightens the risk of censoring kids’ exposure to conservative viewpoints.”...
Ars Technica, Jan. 28; ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, July 18, 2024; US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Jan. 27
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Jason Koebler writes: “[More than 2,000] datasets aggregated on Data.gov, the largest repository of US government open data on the internet, have disappeared since Donald Trump was inaugurated as president. Because Data.gov is an aggregator that doesn’t always host the data itself, this doesn’t always mean that the data itself has been deleted. Archivists who have been working on analyzing the deletions and archiving the data it held say that while some of the deletions are surely malicious information scrubbing, some are likely routine artifacts of an administration change, and they are working to determine which is which.”...
404 Media, Jan. 30
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Isabela Weiss writes: “Hundreds of people on January 27 protested the termination of the Susquehanna County (Pa.) Library’s administrator and demanded for the protection of LGBTQ+ books. A majority argued that Administrator/Librarian Kristina Ely’s termination was a political move to enable library board members censor books they feel are inappropriate or offensive. On Dec. 16, 2024, the Board of Trustees of the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association laid off Ely by a 6–4 vote during an executive session. Their decision sent shockwaves through the board, as several members were absent that day due to illness.”...
WVIA-TV (Pittston, Pa.), Jan. 28
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Anna Washenko writes: “The Video Game History Foundation has unveiled its
digital library, a massive undertaking that makes the organization's own materials as well as some private collections available for anyone to read. The library includes out-of-print publications like Electronic Gaming Monthly and Nintendo Power alongside industry trade magazines, which casual players might never have the chance to read otherwise. There are also materials from behind the scenes of game development, such as video recordings of developer Cyan's work on the landmark game Myst and interviews with the team.”...
Engadget, Jan. 30
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Elissa Malespina writes: “On the surface, DeepSeek seems like a game-changer—a free, open-source artificial intelligence (AI) model with capabilities that rival ChatGPT and Gemini. Teachers, librarians, and students are beginning to explore how it can help with research, lesson planning, and academic support. However, as with any powerful technology, there are ethical and security concerns to consider.
A recent investigation by Wired revealed troubling issues related to data privacy, censorship, and security risks.”...
The AI School Librarians Newsletter, Feb. 3; Wired, Jan. 27
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On February 3, the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader announced the appointment of Mac Barnett as the 2025–2026 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He succeeds Meg Medina, who served as the National Ambassador from 2023 through 2024. During his two-year term, Barnett will celebrate the children’s picture book through his platform, Behold, The Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden will inaugurate Barnett February 6 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern, which
will be streamed live....
Library of Congress, Feb. 3
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