Flannery, Susan | American Libraries Magazine

April 1 Susan Flannery retired as director of Cambridge (Mass.) Public Library after 23 years.

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Phil Morehart writes: “An ALA delegation attended the United Nations (UN) High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development last week to advocate for libraries as essential partners in advancing the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The delegation’s participation culminated July 15 at the public program ‘Libraries as Catalysts: Driving Equitable and Innovative Action for the SDGs,’ which explored how libraries contribute to resilient communities, informed decision making, sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration.” According to the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, one-third of countries reporting on SDGs highlighted the contribution of libraries.

I Love Libraries, July 14; International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, July 20
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Dan Johnson writes: “Multnomah County (Ore.) Library has been hosting graphic-novel book clubs for 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th, and 6th to 8th grade readers since 2022. When this initiative began, following the pandemic, student reading scores in the area were at an all-time low. We wanted to provide an opportunity for struggling readers to build their literacy skills in a less intimidating format. Research indicates that the visual nature of graphic novels helps remove barriers for these readers and effectively improves overall reading abilities.”

Book Links, July
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Jeehyun Davis, Alayne Mundt, and Leslie Nellis write: “This article presents a case study of a pilot project conducted at American University Library to evaluate JSTOR Seeklight, an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tool designed to generate descriptive metadata and transcription for digitized archival materials. Our experience suggests that AI tools can function as meaningful workflow enhancements that support, rather than replace, professional expertise. Seeklight generated useful baseline titles and descriptions, but authority control, contextual interpretation, and metadata standardization continued to require professional intervention.”

Library Resources & Technical Services, vol. 70, no. 3, July
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The Public Library Association has released “Family Engagement for Spanish-Speaking Community Members” a new workbook that provides case studies and planning tools to help library workers better engage Spanish-speaking families. The guide is available for free download in English and Spanish and includes templates, worksheets, best practices, and other easy-to-implement resources for moving programming from involvement to true engagement, exploring a multitude of Spanish-speaking identities, utilizing resources on community mapping and partnership development, and engaging families in community conversations.

Public Library Association, July 16
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Alejandro Marquez writes: “The immediate aftermath of a hospital visit is a whirlwind of logistics—coordinating care, offering support, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy. And then, I have to go to work. The shift in focus is jarring. Suddenly, I’m expected to compartmentalize, switch gears, leave behind the anxieties swirling in my mind, and focus on instruction, deadlines, and research consultations. I am arguing for a fundamental shift in how we acknowledge and address the impact of life’s challenges on our work lives.”

Choice Toward Inclusive Excellence, July 14
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Rachel Rosenberg writes: “Regardless of what kind of library you work in, you’ll likely have to provide readers’ advisory, a task that can be as daunting as it is fun. It can feel like a gamble to suggest books you haven’t read yourself or in an unfamiliar genre, especially when there’s so much out there. Here are a few books that will help level up your skills.”

American Libraries column, Summer
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ALA’s Council has adopted “Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries,” a new resource designed to help libraries develop and revise policies for the ethical, human-centered use of artificial intelligence. Developed by ALA’s AI Policy Working Group, the guidance reflects the perspectives and expertise of members from across the Association. The working group considered the practical, philosophical, ethical, and operational implications of AI for libraries and library workers. The adopted guidance affirms ALA’s role in supporting libraries of all types as they navigate emerging technologies while maintaining a humanistic approach to library service.

ALA Communications and Media Relations Office, July 16

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