printed-PPE

April 6, 2020 970 × 647 Using 3D to Make PPE

A component of personal protective equipment, 3D-printed by Waterloo (Iowa) Public Library

Latest Library Links

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Matt Wilson writes: “Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas says it won’t remove or review 676 books the school system’s former superintendent committed to purging earlier this summer. In May Mission CISD, like other Rio Grande Valley districts, received an email from local representatives of a conservative advocacy group. Former Superintendent Carol G. Perez unequivocally agreed to remove all the books on the group’s list minutes after receiving their email. Perez, however, left her position as the district’s chief last month and Mission’s new superintendent says no books were removed or are going to be removed based on the group’s request.”

Progress Times, July 28; June 13
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ALA has opened applications for volunteers for ALA standing committees for the 2025–2027 term, and for the 2025 class of Emerging Leaders. Committee membership offers ALA members opportunities to gain leadership experience, make an impact on key issues and policies, engage with colleagues nationwide, and build their resume. Volunteer via the ALA volunteer form by September 30. Emerging Leaders is a leadership development program that enables newer library workers to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. Apply by September 6.

ALA Governance Office, July 29; ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment, July 29
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Marshall Breeding writes: “ALA’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition brought 13,532 registrants to sunny San Diego for educational programs, featured speakers, business meetings, and celebrations. The conference attracted more than 550 vendors to the Library Marketplace, the largest commercial exhibition aimed at the global library community. Vendors displayed a near-comprehensive range of products and services available to libraries, both physical and digital. Representatives were on hand to demonstrate solutions for use in the library, as well as services that can be offered virtually to patrons or deployed beyond building walls.”

American Libraries feature, July/August
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Heather Love Beverley writes: “Library science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programs give kids a chance to explore and experiment in a safe and judgment-free zone: They get all the fun of science, without having to worry about grades. And while science can seem like it’s daunting, in reality, STEAM programs are some of the most fun programs you can offer in the library. They are creative, chaotic, and challenging in the best way, and one of the things I love best about it is that you really can’t make a mistake–even if a project doesn’t work out, it really is just an experiment!”

ALSC Blog, July 27
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Dan Goodin writes: “Google is redesigning Chrome malware detections to include password-protected executable files that users can upload for deep scanning, a change the browser maker says will allow it to detect more malicious threats. Google has long allowed users to switch on the Enhanced Mode of Safe Browsing, a Chrome feature that warns users when they’re downloading a file that’s believed to be unsafe, either because of suspicious characteristics or because it’s in a list of known malware. Under the new changes, Google will prompt users to provide any password needed to open the file.”

Ars Technica, July 25
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Ron French writes: “In an escalation of Michigan’s book wars, the Alpena County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday began the process of firing all members of its public library board over their handling of a handful of children and teen books with sexual themes. The move comes two weeks before voters in this politically conservative community in northern Michigan go to the polls to decide on a millage request to keep the library open. An organized campaign against the tax includes yard signs urging voters to ‘Vote NO on Library Grooming.’”

Bridge Michigan, July 23
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The US Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced July 24 the availability of nearly $1 billion to fund programs that ensure communities have access to devices and skills needed to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances. This is the first funding opportunity from the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program and is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Eligible applicants include city and county governments, Native entities, community anchor institutions, and local educational agencies. Applications are due September 23.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration, July 24

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