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Heidi Blackburn, Chris Magee, and Trevor Watkins write: “George Mason University Libraries launched a yearlong Artificial Intelligence (AI) Community of Practice for library employees in fall 2024, focused on the use of specific AI tools for work and research best practices.
We didn’t just explore what AI could do—we also asked what it should do, and how to use it responsibly in service to our patrons and profession.
After participant feedback, the community was modified to focus on task-based themes. Prior experience with communities of practice made the creation of yet another community easier, but not without challenges.”...
Choice 360: LibTech Insights, July 7
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Steve Tetrault writes: “In February 2024, I shared about the reintroduction of a
physical library space into my middle school after five years without one.
This past school year was the first September since 2018 that my middle school had a physical library space.
That space came a long way in a year! In our first year of operation, our new library space increased circulation by more than half.
It is incredible what a difference having physical access to books makes.”...
Knowledge Quest, July 8; Feb. 8, 2024
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Jessica K. Anderson and Yan Quan Liu write: “Public libraries are institutions that connect individuals with resources.
However, not all patrons see themselves reflected in the selected books, and others struggle to discover relevant results in the catalog due to outdated or problematic search terms.
Two emerging strategies to address these issues are diversity audits and critical cataloging.
Although there is substantial literature on both individually, there is a lack of studies examining the relationship between the two.
Our aim was to identify choices among libraries that have conducted collection audits to reveal patterns that can inform institutions with similar needs.”...
Library Resources & Technical Services, vol.
69, no. 3, July
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Aryssa Damron writes: “One of the joys of being a school librarian is the unsupervised fun you can get up to when given the chance, the partnerships you can make, and the adventures you can bring into your school through books.
I had the unique pleasure in May of bringing author and illustrator Juana Medina in for an artist’s residency in partnership with An Open Book Foundation.
After 12 classes over four days, my 2nd graders and I feel filled with adventure and creativity.”...
ALSC Blog, July 6
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Katherine Gregory writes: “Mississippi State University, where I work as an assistant professor and director of the Mississippi Political Collections, is part of a national network of universities that hold and steward congressional papers.
But support for this stewardship is in jeopardy.
With the White House’s proposed elimination of independent granting agencies such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, it is unclear what money will be available for this work in the future.”...
The Conversation, June 30
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“On July 7, the Mellon Foundation announced the appointment of Carla Hayden as a senior fellow.
Hayden will pursue scholarship, writing, and research projects while also serving as a strategic partner and counsel, working in collaboration with Foundation leadership and staff.
She will advise on opportunities to support and advance libraries, archives, and other organizations in the public knowledge ecosystem.
Hayden’s year-long appointment comes as libraries and public knowledge institutions navigating both historic challenges and transformative advances, including artificial intelligence and digital technologies, the need to ensure equitable access to information, decreasing federal funds for libraries, and escalating censorship efforts.”...
Mellon Foundation, July 7
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Kate Heston writes: “A federal grant that allowed the Flathead County (Mont.) Library to loan out internet hotspots dried up this week, and library trustees appear disinclined to continue the program.
The hotspots first became available in 2020 via a Digital Competitive Grant from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration [which ended June 30]. Continuing the hotspot program struck Flathead County Library Board Trustee Doug Adams as inappropriate.
‘I am philosophically opposed to expanding welfare programs at any level of government,’ Adams said at the board’s June 26 meeting. ‘That’s exactly what this is.’”...
Daily Inter Lake (Kalispell, Mont.), July 1
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Jennie Langberg writes: “When I started as a school librarian, I inherited a wonderful group of student volunteers: the Library Squad. The previous librarian sent me the names of her seven most trusted volunteers to help with shelving, bulletin boards, and a variety of library projects.
Eager to offer volunteer opportunities to more students, I promoted Library Squad during English class orientations and was met with overwhelming interest.
I learned a great deal about running a volunteer program from this experience and want to share the highs and lows with you.”...
The Library Lab, June 29
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Katie Burkholder writes: “After 15 years of working at the Pierce County Public Library in Blackshear, Georgia, where she advanced from part-time clerk to branch manager, Lavonnia Moore was unexpectedly and abruptly fired due to a display featuring a trans-inclusive children’s book. The patron-led display aligned with Georgia’s summer reading theme, ‘Color Our World.’ When a child at the library asked her to include the book When Aidan Became a Brother, she didn’t hesitate. Unbeknownst to Moore until her termination, this decision inspired an online hate campaign from the Alliance for Faith and Family.”...
Rough Draft Atlanta, July 5
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Kelly Jensen writes: “After the Supreme Court ruled on
Mahmoud v. Taylor
on June 27, there were so many bad and misinformed takes.
Is this a case that is going to be used to justify a lot more censorship, quiet and loud, and create a chilling effect in public schools? Absolutely. But we don’t need to bow to this case.
‘I’m scared’ and ‘What does this mean?’ Those responses are ones that are far more productive in the fight.
There’s room to have legitimate feelings and room to talk about the next steps.”...
Well Sourced, July 5
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Oguz Kayra writes: “An ancient marvel, unique in design and history, is being unearthed in the heart of southwest Türkiye. Archaeologists working in Stratonikeia, a vast ancient city located in Muğla Province and listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, have uncovered significant portions of a rare Roman-era library, shedding light on the intellectual and architectural grandeur of the time.
Nestled at the intersection of four major streets in the city center, the library was originally constructed during the Hellenistic period and later redesigned in the Roman era.”...
Arkeonews, June 24
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“Disability Pride Month is a time to honor the history, achievements, and diverse experiences of people with disabilities.
This curated collection features fiction and nonfiction titles for all ages that explore disability through the lens of pride, empowerment, and identity.
Highlighting both visible and invisible disabilities, these stories reflect the richness and resilience of the disability community and the ongoing movement for inclusion and equal rights.
Explore the display and celebrate the voices that challenge stigma, expand understanding, and inspire change.”...
Baltimore County Public Library, July 1
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