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Last April, Choice convened the virtual panel “Affirmative Action and the Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).” Moderated by Fatima Mohie-Eldin, social sciences editor for Choice, the panel explored how these coalescing issues are impacting academic librarians and information scholars.
The following are edited excerpts of their discussion, which considered how institutions can pursue and reaffirm their commitments to DEI principles, the murky legal and political territory around education and information, and how collaboration can support access and inclusion....
American Libraries feature, Jan./Feb.
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Larry Neal writes: “When I volunteered to serve as ALA treasurer, I knew it was going to be one of the greatest challenges of my career.
Only a few months in, it has already exceeded my expectations.
ALA’s financial picture is not a pretty one.
And it’s a similar picture currently seen at many other associations and nonprofit organizations.
Fiscal year 2025, which ended in August, saw a deficit of $15.4 million. If this sounds like a financial crisis, it is.
If it sounds like significant change is needed, it’s long overdue. If it sounds hopeless, it isn’t.”...
American Libraries column, Jan./Feb.
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Each year ALA’s Youth Media Awards—including the Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards—honor outstanding books, videos, and other materials for children and teens. The 2026 Youth Media Awards will be held on Monday, January 26, at 10 a.m. Central at the Hilton Chicago hotel. The event will be free and open to the public, but
registration is required by Wednesday, January 21, for in-person attendance. The announcement will also be live streamed at
ala.unikron.com and on the
ALA Facebook page....
ALA Youth Media Awards
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Step into the pages of your favorite Eric Carle books and experience them as an artist, reader, and character.
The
Very Eric Carle Exhibit invites visitors to explore hands on activities inspired by Carle’s classic Very series.
Then dive into the imagination and humor of Mo Willems in
The Pigeon Exhibit, featuring beloved characters Elephant & Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and, of course, The Pigeon.
Visit our website to learn how to share these beloved stories with your community as dynamic interactive experiences that complement the books they know and love.
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The ALA Presidential Candidates Virtual Forum offers an opportunity to learn about ALA presidential candidates Becky Calzada and Tamika Barnes and their visions for ALA.
The forum will take place at 2 p.m. Central on February 9.
Register to attend the forum. You may also
submit a question in advance. Following the forum, ALA members will have the chance to participate in a virtual meet-and-greet with each candidate.
The event will also be recorded and shared on
ALA’s YouTube channel.
Learn more about the candidates....
ALA Governance Office
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Haley Cole and Tylar Kerstetter write: “Libraries are institutions that excel at both formal and informal learning.
Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPG) lend themselves to supporting learning in a variety of ways.
They can help with basic math skills, spatial awareness and tactics, how to properly use an index or appendix to efficiently find information, and even communication or conflict resolution.
TTRPG players are often practicing soft skills, self-regulation, empathy, and problem solving while roleplaying.
If you’re interested in integrating TTRPGs into your library or classroom, there are a number of resources out there to support you.”...
ALA Games and Gaming Round Table, Jan.
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Lisa Shin writes: “As someone who grew up being scared to present in front of an audience, even in front of family during holiday karaoke time, I never thought I would turn into an ambivert of sorts.
Alone time is much appreciated; however, there is this heartwarming feeling that is so unique to meeting and connecting with people with similar interests, passions, and experiences.
As I slowly wade into the winter semester of my first year as an academic librarian, I wanted to share some anecdotes in hopes of helping out a fellow introvert!”...
ACRLog, Jan. 17
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Daniel Pfeiffer writes: “Pew publishes two social media reports at the end of every year, one on
American adults, and the other on
American youth. The results aren’t altogether surprising, but they offer some guidance on social media strategy for library outreach, advocacy, and promotion for the coming year.
Below are the findings that stood out to me: Facebook is still kicking, video platforms reign supreme, and Reddit and LinkedIn may be worth a try.”...
Choice 360: LibTech Insights, Jan.
14
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Laurie Robinson writes: “A new national resource is available to help libraries prepare for major community emergencies—including pandemics, natural disasters, and societal crises—before they hit.
Centering Community: Library Staff Responding to Crisis—A Field Guide, developed through the University of Maryland’s Ready NOW project, provides practical strategies and examples to help libraries support their communities before, during, and after disruptions of varying scale.
The Field Guide introduces a set of nonsequential, iterative practices that libraries can revisit over time.”...
University of Maryland College of Information, Jan.
14
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Todd Bishop writes: “The Microsoft Library in Redmond, Washington, has long been a quiet anachronism in the middle of the high-tech campus, a place where authors gave talks and employees checked out old-fashioned paper books, including titles recommended by CEO Satya Nadella and other execs.
That chapter of the company’s history is now closing.
The Verge [paywalled] broke the news January 15 that Microsoft’s traditional library is going away as part of what Microsoft described internally as a shift to a ‘modern, AI-powered learning experience.’”...
GeekWire, Jan. 15; The Verge, Jan. 15
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Martin Austermuhle writes: “Ebooks—both the digital and audio versions—are more expensive than their physical counterparts.
It’s a fiscal challenge public libraries across the country are facing.
A
bill being considered by the D.C. Council would broadly restrict DC Public Library from buying ebooks from publishers that charge excessive prices or attach conditions on their use.
The bill includes a provision saying it would only take effect if 10 other states with a combined population of 50 million people pass similar measures.
Connecticut already has, and variations have been debated in
New Jersey and
Massachusetts.”...
The 51st, Jan. 15; Library Futures, May 20, 2025; Readers First, June 2, 2025; Massachusetts Sen. Paul Feeney, Nov. 14, 2025
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Teague Bohlen writes: “Working with the Colorado State Library’s Institutional Library Development group, Prison Motivators (PRISM) set out to answer relatively simple questions: Do prison libraries help people? And if so, how? The resulting
PRISM Project report shows that ‘sentiments regarding prison libraries from both currently and formerly incarcerated people were overwhelmingly positive,’ notes Charissa Brammer, director of Library Research Service with the Colorado State Library.
The report identifies 13 prosocial behaviors associated with prison library use.”...
Westword (Denver), Jan. 16
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Ann Baillie writes: “After nearly 10 years, Stranger Things has ended, and the patrons at my library can’t stop talking about it.
Our 7th- and 8th-graders are discussing the show the most.
These conversations usually end with a question: ‘Now what should I do?’ I always answer the question the same way.
‘Read a book perfect for Stranger Things fans, of course!’ If you also have some Stranger Things fans at your library, here are some great books to recommend.”...
ALSC Blog, Jan. 14
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