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    A wooden kamishibai box, which contains illustrated cards (Photo: Geo1208)Diana Panuncial writes: “Kamishibai, or “paper theater,” is a form of storytelling that originated in Japan in the late 1920s. Storytellers would ride into villages on bikes, bang wooden sticks together, and gather an audience around the kamishibai box, a small stage containing a sequence of cards that illustrate traditional folktales. One by one, the storyteller pulls each card from the top of the box—either slowly to build suspense or quickly to make the audience gasp. Text on the back of the cards can help the storyteller along. The form has become popular in libraries for its flexibility and accessibility.”

    American Libraries Trend, Mar./Apr.

  • Latest Library Links

    • 6h

      Sunrise over waterMackenzi Klemann writes: “Hoosiers suffering mental health crises are visiting public libraries for help—transforming the role of librarians who act simultaneously as researchers, archivists, and quasi–social workers. Mental Health America of Indiana is stepping in to train librarians in how to respond to these crises and direct patrons to reliable information on suicide prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health disorders. Todd Grooten, a licensed social worker and co-chair of the Indiana Library Federation’s mental health committee, welcomed the opportunity as library staff like himself increasingly encounter people in crisis seeking internet access and other resources from public libraries.”

      Indiana Capital Chronicle, July 9

    • 10h

      Axe sticking out of a treeKelly Jensen writes: “If there were a single word to capture the state of library cuts across the US, it would be ‘rough.’ It’s rough not only for public libraries but also for school and academic libraries. This is not a comprehensive look at library cuts in 2026. It can’t be. Most of the time, these stories—especially ones about ‘smaller’ cuts to library materials budgets or to popular databases—don’t make the news. But this sampling is representative of what’s happening across libraries in the US right now.”

      Well Sourced, July 11

    • 12h

      Library shelvesThe Association of College and Research Libraries Instruction Section Teaching Methods Committee has added new committee-recommended sources to its Selected Resources for Teaching Methods and Instructional Design in Library Instruction and Selected Resources for Assessment in Library Instruction lists. The committee updates these lists with new resources and annotations annually. Resources included on this list are chosen for their innovative discussions of teaching methods, instructional design, and assessment tools or techniques in library instruction.

      Association of College and Research Libraries Instruction Section, July 7

    • 1d

      How library science principles power community AI literacyJose Ruiz-Vazquez writes: “Public libraries are dealing with budget cuts, book bans, and the usual existential questions about whether anyone needs physical collections when they can Google everything. And now artificial intelligence (AI) shows up, and everyone assumes libraries are about to get steamrolled by it too. But watch what’s happening at reference desks: Patrons ask how to determine whether an IRS email is real or a phishing attempt. Small business owners are trying to figure out which AI tool won’t steal their marketing copy. These aren’t edge cases. This is what reference work looks like now.”

      Public Libraries Online, July 12

    • 1d

      From the President by Maria McCauleyMaria McCauley writes: “For 30 years, E-Rate has been one of America’s most visionary programs, opening the doors of digital opportunity to every community in our nation. But now E-Rate is under threat. Opponents argue that because E-Rate has succeeded, we no longer need it. But just as our streets and roads require ongoing investment, so too does our digital infrastructure. A digitally connected America—across rural, urban, and tribal lands alike—is a stronger America.” Learn more about proposed changes to E-Rate and how to contribute to advocacy to protect the program at a webinar July 16.

      American Libraries column, July 14

    • 2d

      Library Marketplace at the American Library Association's 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago on June 26.<span class="credit">Photo: EPNAC</span>Sallyann Price writes: “Chicago was an apt host for the ALA’s 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition, marking both ALA’s 150th anniversary and the nation’s 250th birthday. At the Opening General Session, journalist, author, and podcaster Rachel Maddow set the tone for a convening that was both celebratory and deeply reflective on what’s happening in the world. Shifting demographics, rapid advances in technology, and the rise of authoritarianism are all affecting how libraries serve their communities. Maddow wasn’t the only speaker to draw inspiration from the challenges of these times.”

      American Libraries feature, July 14

    • 2d

      Woman examining computer windowWhitney Christopher writes: “As concerns about data privacy continue to grow and become increasingly difficult to navigate, libraries play an important role in helping patrons make informed decisions. A key challenge is ensuring patrons understand what happens to their data when they access third-party vendor websites, particularly in cases where tracking and data collection are not immediately visible. An ongoing project within Cornell University Library examines vendor privacy policies alongside the data collected by vendor platforms. The goal is to better align what vendors say in their policies with what their websites actually do, while also improving transparency for patrons.”

      Choice 360 LibTech Insights, July 13

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