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Emily Udell writes: “In 2019, ALA adopted sustainability as one of the
Core Values of Librarianship to help guide members seeking to develop more sustainable institutions.
ALA’s Sustainability Round Table, the
ALA and Sustainability LibGuide, and
a 2022
sustainability briefing are among the ongoing actions to provide scaffolding for these efforts. American Libraries reached out to five library workers leading sustainability initiatives and research within the profession. They discuss how staff members can implement sustainability efforts, what frameworks help drive this work, and what pitfalls may occur.”...
American Libraries feature, Mar./Apr.
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The ALA Nominating Committee has selected three nominees to run for ALA president in the upcoming election. The candidates running for the 2026–27 term are
Lindsay Cronk, dean of libraries at Tulane University in New Orleans;
Andrea Jamison, assistant professor of school librarianship at Illinois State University; and
Maria McCauley, director of libraries at Cambridge (Mass.) Public Library. Read the statements provided by the candidates, and by 2025–28 ALA treasurer candidate
Larry Neal, in the March/April issue of American Libraries, and attend the online
candidates forum March 7 at 9:30 a.m. Central. ALA members may vote in the 2025 election from March 10–April 2....
ALA; American Libraries, Mar./Apr.
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Leslie Burger writes: “I’m an optimist by nature, a true believer that anything is possible and can be accomplished with ingenuity, creative problem solving, collaboration, and hard work. ALA, as an organization, has survived and thrived for nearly 150 years—through wars, economic downturns, changing political environments, and pandemics. With each of these challenges, we rose to the occasion with strong leadership, consistent messaging, and a membership base that devoted its efforts to sharing stories about the important work of all libraries and how they support the communities they serve.”...
American Libraries column, Mar./Apr.
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IMF member countries face significant challenges when it comes to improving the effectiveness of their fight against terrorism financing. This book identifies key challenges and good practices for enhancing the effectiveness and integrity of counter terrorism financing frameworks.
Chapters cover issues such as improving the understanding of terrorist financing risks and international cooperation in combating the financing of terrorism.
Learn more.
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ALA, in partnership with Gallup, released
Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change: Advancing
Diversity within Librarianship on February 27. The study draws on qualitative research from 50 library professionals representing various genders, race, tenures, ages, and geography to highlight areas of growth for improving diversity across the library field. The findings of this report set the foundation for new and innovative projects, continuing education, more professional development opportunities for library workers, and research initiatives that speak to the various identities of this profession....
ALA Communications, Marketing, and Media Relations Office, Feb. 27
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Jenni Diaz Garcia writes: “After sending out what felt like her hundredth job application, Rachel refreshed her inbox, waiting for any sign of hope. For nearly a year, she cast her resume into the depths of the job market, hoping for a bite—any bite. The process was exhausting, demoralizing, and, at times, surreal. As a queer MLIS graduate who went straight from undergrad to grad school, she knew the job search wouldn’t be easy. But she hadn’t expected it to take ten months before securing a full-time position. For those currently searching, Rachel offers a few pieces of advice.”...
ALA New Members Round Table Notes, Feb. 28
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Nicole Hennig writes: “In late 2024, I taught a six-week, asynchronous online course called
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Literacy for Library Workers. There have been many calls to increase AI literacy in libraries, as hands-on experience with AI tools and foundational knowledge are essential for developing effective policies and practices. However, many library staff lack the time or support for this learning. This post will give some insight into librarians’ current attitudes and training based on my participants’ backgrounds and highlight several of the lessons that resonated most powerfully with them and deepened their understanding of AI.”...
Choice 360 LibTech Insights, Mar. 3
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Phil Morehart writes: “As far back as the 1930s, Black librarians would gather in hotel rooms at ALA conferences to discuss the injustices they experienced at work and the lack of leadership opportunities for them. At the suggestion of children’s librarian, educator, and activist Effie Lee Morris, Black librarians met at ALA’s 1968 Annual Conference to discuss their concerns about not having a voice in the Association. At a meeting the following year, the Black Caucus was formed to address these concerns, and in 1970 the Black Caucus of the American Library Association was founded by Morris, E. J. Josey, Thomas E. Alford Sr., and others.”...
I Love Libraries, Feb. 26
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Grace Swisher writes: “The Fayetteville (Ark.) Public Library board of trustees has proposed a new ban prohibiting employees from walking as a library or representing the library during any parade, including this year's Pride parade. In the past, the library actively participated in Northwest Arkansas Pride, with staff hosting inclusive events for the parade and the library sponsoring Fayetteville Pride activities. A discussion on the issue was initially scheduled for the board of trustees meeting February 17. However, it was later removed from the agenda with no reason given to those who planned to speak on the ban.”...
University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) Traveler, Feb. 25
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Mackenzie Huber writes: “The South Dakota Legislature’s Joint Committee on Appropriations
softened the proposed cuts to the State Library on February 27, but library advocates still have concerns. The
original proposal would have cut $1 million in state funds from the State Library, cut the state Department of Education’s ability to seek $1.4 million in federal funding for the library and laid off a dozen employees. The legislation still dissolves the South Dakota State Library Board with plans to cut about $825,000 in the library’s budget and 3.5 full time positions.”...
South Dakota Searchlight, Feb. 27; Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader, Jan. 16
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Claire Grunewald writes: “There's a readathon underway at Livingston (La.) Parish libraries. The parish library shelves reserved for young adult books are temporarily empty, while librarians read tens of thousands of the books to hopefully resolve concerns about children having access to potentially sexually explicit books at the parish's libraries.” Fifteen librarians are reviewing the books, in a process expected to last until June.
Sabrina
Baeta, senior manager in PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, commented, ‘What’s happening in Livingston Parish Libraries shows the harrowing impact that vague legislation and a manufactured moral panic around obscenity can have on a community.’”...
Nola.com, Feb. 23; PEN America, Feb. 26
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Emily Drabinski writes: “Many library workers have recently run for elected office, seeking to have a more direct say in the policies that govern their work. They say their experience as librarians gives them insights into what communities most need, while the skills that make them good at their jobs—a capacity for deep listening and a discerning eye for the truth—translate well in politics. And they say more librarians should throw their hats in the ring. As frontline public sector workers, librarians have immediate familiarity with the human ramifications of policy decisions.”...
Truthout, Mar. 2
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Jon Martindale writes: “Next to Windows, Word might just be Microsoft’s most iconic software throughout PC history. Who hasn’t used Word at least once in their life? And how many of us have to use it every week—maybe even every single day—as we stare at white pages and that blinking cursor? You might think you’re proficient with Word. But there are so many small-yet-useful features that you might’ve glossed over, and those features can boost your productivity further if you let them.”...
PC World, Feb. 26
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