Dennis Pierce

Libraries have always been much more than just repositories for books and other materials. They’ve also been centers for community learning and brought people together to improve their lives. This goal has become even more important in the digital era.

Libraries have always been much more than just repositories for books and other materials. They’ve also been centers for community learning and brought people together to improve their lives. This goal has become even more important in the digital era.

"Audio is the fastest-growing format in the industry,” says HarperAudio Associate Publisher Brad Hill. This rapid growth has encouraged publishers to experiment with audiobook production. For instance, publishers are releasing more audiobook originals, adding more music and sound effects, and creating multicast productions that resemble radio plays.
 

Independent book publishing is thriving, and it’s not hard to see why. Indie presses meet a need for an eclectic array of works—sometimes too niche for corporate publishing—that cater to a broad range of interests and tastes.

Now is an exciting time for fans of Christian fiction. Readers looking for spiritual messages embedded within compelling stories have a wide variety of subgenres to choose from, from Regency-era romances to contemporary rom-coms, mysteries, and even political thrillers.

For library professionals, keeping up with a constantly changing information landscape can be demanding. A master’s in library and information science (MLIS) degree program prepares librarians with the skills they’ll need to navigate this shifting landscape successfully, both now and in the future.

Lifestyle-related content experienced a huge surge in interest during the pandemic, as people learned new hobbies and skills as a strategy for coping during the height of COVID. However, life and style topics continue to be quite popular among consumers, even as the pandemic recedes as a public health emergency.

One of the biggest takeaways from the pandemic is the sheer number of people whose needs aren’t being met by traditional library programs. As libraries seek to expand opportunities for the patrons in their community, technology tools and resources play a critical role in ensuring access to valuable information, items, and services.

With an ever-increasing volume of misinformation circulating online, students and adults alike need help navigating the information landscape and finding accurate data sources. Reference books and databases are critical in filling this need.