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Valerie Byrd Fort writes: “Now that we are in the middle of ALA Annual Conference, you might find yourself feeling a little tired. The excitement of getting here is over. You have spent at least one full day learning, meeting people, attending social events, and walking the Exhibit Hall while lugging around heavy bags of books. Today, you might start to feel conference burnout and you might be tempted to hide out in your hotel room. Don’t do it! There is still much to enjoy. But, if you find yourself feeling less than excited for another full day—here are some tips to get you through the rest of conference.”
ALSC Blog, June 23
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OverDrive Education has been selected by AASL President Kathryn Roots Lewis as a 2019 recipient of the AASL Crystal Apple. The Crystal Apple honor is given at the discretion of the AASL president to an individual or group that has had a significant impact on school libraries and students. OverDrive Education’s generous support enabled AASL to launch a two-year initiative to engage with an audience vital to the success of school librarian advocacy: school administrators.
AASL, June 21
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Marina “Marney” Welmers, retired middle school librarian, has been selected as a 2019 recipient of the Crystal Apple by AASL President Kathryn Roots Lewis. The Crystal Apple honor is given at the discretion of the AASL president to an individual or group that has had a significant impact on school libraries and students. Since 2016, Welmers has sponsored the Inspire Collection Development and Inspire Special Events Grants that provide funds for school libraries to extend, update, and diversify their collections.
AASL, June 21
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On June 21, Reforma named Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.Mex.) its Legislator of the Year for his ongoing commitment to improving library services at the national and local levels. Luján gained the attention of the Reforma Legislative Committee when he introduced US House Bill H.R. 3496 (Public Library Innovation Space Act) to promote the development of makerspaces in public libraries. Although the bill did not become law, Reforma acknowledges the work that Rep. Luján has done to improve library services for all, including the Latino and Spanish-Speaking communities in his area.
Reforma Blog, June 21
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Charlotte Mitchell writes: “For almost a week, Sudan has been almost completely cut off from the internet. It started slowly, with a series of intermittent disruptions during months of protests against former President Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year rule. A blackout happens when a country’s access to the internet is completely cut, preventing people from getting online. In countries where traditional media is tightly controlled, the free flow of information online can be seen as a threat. Limiting or completely blocking access is one tool authorities can use to control both citizens and the narrative around an event.”
Al Jazeera, June 16
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Rebecca Hill writes: “The Jeffersonian notion of an informed citizenry is essential to a democracy. But what makes an ‘informed citizenry?’ How is an informed citizenry created? Where do libraries fit in today’s democracy? I talked to former ALA President Nancy Kranich, Rutgers University School of Communication and Information, and here are her thoughts on a library’s role in a democracy.”
Intellectual Freedom Blog, June 20
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Whitson Gordon writes: “Whether you’re working hard or playing hard, multiple monitors can give you a lot more space to get things done. You can write a document on one screen while referencing web pages on your other screen, or game on one while chatting in Discord on the other. But don’t just plug in a second display and call it a day—here are a few tips to making that multi-monitor setup work for you.”
PC Magazine, June 20
