For the past four years, EveryLibrary has been working to fight the book-banning movement. A large part of that fight is developing effective messaging against book bans, as well as conducting extensive message testing, surveys, and focus groups to understand the impact of messaging and determine which messages perform best.

Find ideas for getting cozy this fall, with books featuring a hygge-inspired home, harvest recipes, warm drinks, book nooks, and more.

 

My journey into librarianship was a bit unusual: Unlike those who began as a page or in an LIS role fresh out of grad school, my library career started in marketing. It was my job to understand the many ways the library brought value to the community and to develop stories and campaigns that shed light on the best aspects of our work. I was so inspired by what I saw in our branches that I eventually pursued a library degree. And as I deepened my knowledge, I saw that libraries could benefit from more attention to external communication.

On October 3, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) announced the six North American public libraries named as Top Innovators for 2024 as part of its annual Innovations Initiative. 

From the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA): The Strategy provides a structure and reference for the work of IFLA, including of course its roughly 60 volunteer groups. As our survey work for its preparation has underlined, it can also be a tool and stimulus for IFLA’s members in preparing their own plans. […]

From The Shreveport-Bossier City Gazette: Digging through unique and iconic bits of digital Louisiana history has just gotten a lot easier, thanks to a digital collaboration. After 15 years in the works, Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Louisiana State Archives are now part of the relaunch of the Louisiana Digital Media Archive. LPB says it is […]

An Evaluation of Cutting-Edge AI Research Tools Using the REACT Framework (via CIL) Google Lens Has A Brilliant New Feature That Lets You Search the Web With a Video (via BGR) Microsoft’s Copilot AI Gets a Voice and the Ability to See Websites You Browse (via Engadget) ||| Many More Details via MSFT Blog Post […]

Canada Buying Print Books in Canada 2023 (via BookNet Canada) Dictionaries 200 New Words and Definitions Added to Merriam-Webster.com (via M-W) Ex Libris Ex Libris Introduces Specto, an AI-Powered Digital Asset Management Solution Prisons/Jails San Francisco Public Library and hoopla Bring Free E-Resources to County Jails (via CIL) Reading Freedom to Read Community Day of […]

AI provides a new level of destructive capability to undermine trust in government and public institutions, and unfortunately yes, even in libraries. This episode focuses on these AI tools, their corrosive effects, and ways that libraries and librarians can help to repair the damage.

TikTok! Used regularly by over half the US population, why do so many either love or loathe TikTok? Is it simply a fun and terrific platform for creating, sharing, and consuming content? Is it an addictive, mental health hazard destroying America’s youth? Is it a major national security threat of Chinese infiltration? Is it all of the above…and more?

In this episode, we return to one of our favorite topics– the new AI. But rather than focus on the latest “gee whiz” or OMG capabilities, we turn to the societal implications and impact side of the topic.

Percival Everett’s James and Adam Higginbotham’s Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space win Kirkus Prizes. A shortlist is released for the Laurel Prize for environmental and nature poetry. Plus, interviews with Randy Newman, Emily Witt, and Colin Kaepernick, a new memoir by Pope Francis, and new title bestsellers.

Get ready to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November with a display shelf of fiction from Indigenous authors.

Find a hauntingly good read with these titles featuring ghosts.

The Waiting by Michael Connelly is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.