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On July 9, 1963, a 15-year-old boy and four classmates walked into the Bradley Memorial Library in Columbus, Georgia, took books from a shelf, and sat down to read. They were black. The library was white. The 15-year-old, Charlie Porter, was there because he had been taught the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution and took it seriously. Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation, was nine years old and Columbus was still completely segregated. It wasn’t long before police arrived and took them to the police station. On February 6–7, Columbus will honor these hometown civil rights heroes with two events.
Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer, Jan. 17
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Chandra Steele writes: “Whether you’ve been with Instagram since the beginning or just started gramming, we’ve rounded up a few tips that could make your photos stand out and garner you acclaim—or at least a like or two more than before. There have been many (Snapchat-influenced) upgrades to the platform since it was sold to Facebook; so many that Instagram’s cofounders resigned without warning. Kevin Systrom often stressed that what he loved most about his creation was its simplicity. Now Instagram is anything but simple, but these tips can help.”
PC Magazine, Jan. 21
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Lynn Serafinn writes: “In this article, we examine some of the misconceptions people have about DNA tests, how relationship estimates are formed to identify ‘DNA Matches,’ and the many the challenges around identifying your connections with DNA matches. We’ll also look at the technique of ‘triangulation,’ as well as how ‘endogamy’ can sometimes blur relationship estimates. Many people have the impression that DNA testing can give them answers to genealogical questions (names and details about specific ancestors). But barring a few exceptions, which we’ll look at shortly, this simply isn’t true.”
Trentino Genealogy, Jan. 14
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Harford County (Md.) Public Library is inviting federal workers affected by the government shutdown to visit any of its 11 libraries to use its resources and services. The library system will also waive fees and fines for those affected by the shutdown. Computers are available at the libraries and can be a resource for those dealing with the shutdown. Staff will help with questions about food, utilities, legal matters, finances, and other concern that may arise. “During this difficult time for many, we want the community to know we are here for them,” said Alex M. Allman, chair of the library board of trustees.
Harford County (Md.) Aegis, Jan. 21
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OCLC, along with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, has named five librarians selected to participate in the Jay Jordan IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship Program for 2019. The program supports library and information science professionals from countries with developing economies. The Fellows are John Oluwaseye Adebayo, Chrisland University, Nigeria; Samar Jammoul, Safadi Public Library, Lebanon; Davaasuren Myagmar, National Library of Mongolia; Tracey-Ann Ricketts, National Library of Jamaica; and Ramiro Jose Rico Carranza, Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, Bolivia.
OCLC, Jan. 21
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Renee Grassi writes: “Assistive technologies are tools that help individuals with disabilities live independently. One type of assistive tech tool that is especially useful for youth and families to use in the context of libraries is noise-reducing headphones. There may be a variety of reasons why children are sensitive to sounds, including the fact that they may experience sensory processing or sensory integration disorder. Noise-reducing headphones can help children with sensory processing disorder or sensory sensitivities by reducing the amount of auditory input that child receives.”
ALSC Blog, Jan. 19
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Emily Hampton Haynes writes: “In the academic library, the switch between semesters gives us a chance to start over—in the classroom, with our colleagues, and with our student workers. The questions I’ve been asking myself have to do with my role as a student supervisor: What do I owe these students and what should I expect from them? Our student workers view us as a stable presence that can help them navigate campus resources and personal dilemmas. Even as I recognize the emotional labor cost of this work, I believe we owe our students a mentoring relationship, as well as interest in their lives and success. It’s worth our time, and absolutely part of our job.”
ACRLog, Jan. 21
