3h
Gena Parsons-Diamond writes: “The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) has published The State of US Academic Libraries: Findings from the ACRL 2025 Annual Survey. The annual Academic Library Trends and Statistics Survey gathers critical information about academic library staff, expenditures, collections, circulation, and information services. The data helps staffers and administrators evaluate library performance over time and make peer comparisons. It can also help articulate the value of academic libraries and their impact on higher education, demonstrating the core services libraries provide and the resources needed to support institutional missions.
ACRL Insider, Oct. 13
8h
Eliminating E-Rate would have serious negative effects on the US economy, according to a new economic study released October 8 by the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, ALA, and coalition partners. The analysis, conducted for SHLB by independent economic consulting firm The Brattle Group, estimates that removing roughly $2.6 billion in annual E-Rate support would reduce annual real GDP by about $4.2 billion, or about $1.60 in lost economic activity for every $1 of support removed.
ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Oct. 9
23h
Steve Tetrault writes: “Despite what too many adults continue to believe, students are not very good with technology. For the most part, their use and understanding of technology is surface-level. Their technological inabilities are compounded by the fact that many of the productivity tools adults use on a regular basis are not regularly used by students. Email? Why would they, when they have texting? Printing, and/or understanding file types? They carry a display screen on their person—no need to deal with files or printing. So the kids aren’t alright when it comes to ‘basic’ tech use.”
Knowledge Quest, Oct. 7
1d
Jaime Eastman writes: “Whether in the library or in our lives, stress often doesn’t come from one big thing. Instead, it comes from lots of little things happening at once, or the cumulative effect of those little things over time. To reduce stress, we need to identify and address those causes. Programming should be exciting, not exhausting. Time spent at the desk should encourage connection, not avoidance. Well-rested staff members bring more creativity and enthusiasm. Sustainable systems keep staff members and patrons engaged and appreciative. When we can reduce stress, we improve consistency, and everyone wins.”
ALSC Blog, Oct. 8
1d
Sam Suber writes: “Choice’s latest white paper, “The Optimized Library: Prescriptive Foundations for Resource Stewardship in an Era of Fiscal Austerity,” shows academic libraries how to navigate fiscal threats by bridging library science and operations research. Through case studies and by translating operational research concepts into practical collection strategies, the paper grapples with a tension many libraries are facing: They have the data to identify future fiscal threats but lack the mathematical framework to steer around them.”
Choice, Sept. 29
5d
Ricardo Serrano Denis writes: “New York Public Library (NYPL) has put together a list of the best new comics of 2026 based on librarian input and feedback. It’s a special list as it offers a glimpse into the reading habits, intellectual leanings, and potential fandoms shared among New York’s book ambassadors. As such, it is an infectious selection of comics. Manga and young adult comics have always had a strong presence in NYPL’s best new comics lists, especially in recent years. This year, the selection is more varied, running the gamut of genres.”
The Beat, Oct. 1
5d
Eamon O’Connor writes: “Calling on public spaces to be the savior for our crisis of social connection can seem like a tall order. Can we really expect library- and park-goers to become fast friends just because they’re sharing the same space? Maybe with time—but the key is understanding that friendship is not the only goal. Indeed, many studies are showing the value in the weak ties, the casual encounters and loose acquaintances in our orbit that keep us connected to community.”
Reimagining the Civic Commons, Oct. 6
