2d
Megan Bennett writes: “The atmosphere was charged at the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago. At the center of it all, as usual, was its popular Library Marketplace. Thousands of attendees marveled at the rows of vendor booths that hosted signings and mascot meet-and-greets, promoted new book releases, and demonstrated innovative library products. At the specialty stages, library workers gathered for author and illustrator talks, presentations, and enlightening panel discussions. Here are some high-voltage moments from the exhibition floor.”
American Libraries, July/August
2d
Jessica Fitzpatrick writes: “As a high school librarian, one of my primary goals is to help learners develop effective study habits. By providing tips on time management, note-taking, and test preparation, we can empower learners to excel academically. Educating our learners about various strategies for different learning styles and resources available in the library is vital to supporting their learning journey. I also strive to create a school library environment conducive to learning, so learners can study and focus without distractions.”
Knowledge Quest, July 28
3d
Jake Peterson writes: “Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are the talk of the tech town right now, and there are a ton of apps hitting mobile stores either designed entirely around AI, or at least implementing the new tech in a major way. Unsurprisingly, considering the noise around this emerging tech, many of these apps are garbage, designed at best to take your money, or, at worst, to install malware on your device. But at least some of these new apps use AI in ways that are actually useful.”
Lifehacker, July 31
3d
Ella Creamer writes: “A longlist of 13 ‘original and thrilling’ books offering ‘startling portraits of the current’ are in contention for the 2023 Booker Prize, the UK’s most prestigious literary award. The longlist features four debut novelists and six others who have been longlisted for the first time. The shortlist of six books will be announced on September 21, and the winner will be revealed on November 26.” See the full list and 13 facts about the titles on the Booker Prize website.
The Guardian, August 1; Booker Prize
4d
Caralee Adams writes: “For fans wanting to relive an epic concert or discover upcoming bands, there are now more than 250,000 recordings in the Live Music Archive to enjoy. The collection has steadily grown over the past 20 years as a collaborative effort between Internet Archive staff and dedicated, music-loving volunteers. The Live Music Archive reached the one-quarter million recording mark in June, and now takes up more than 250 terabytes of data on Internet Archive servers. More than 8,000 artists have given permission to have recordings of their shows archived.”
Internet Archive Blog, July 31
4d
Tracie D. Hall writes: “I recently attended an Institute of Museum and Library Services convening focused on the role of libraries in expanding information literacy. At a break, one participant and I agreed that a key factor in libraries becoming an equalizing force in information literacy is serious and intentional workforce planning. If we want those working in libraries to join and lead discussions about equity, diversity, and inclusion; intellectual freedom; and digital inclusion, then we must create more visible pathways to librarianship as a career.”
American Libraries, July/August
5d
Chris Higgins writes: “The Des Moines (Iowa) Register obtained a list of 374 books that the Urbandale Community School District believes could violate Senate File 496, which, among other changes, requires teachers and administrators to review their libraries and classrooms for books that depict sex acts and prohibits them from buying them in the first place. The law also prohibits schools from providing instruction about gender identity or sexual orientation before seventh grade, which Urbandale officials believe includes books, according to instructions provided on the list.”
Des Moines (Iowa) Register, July 31
