Author Archive: Aviva Bechky

Doreen Horstin, manager of San Francisco Public Library’s Park branch, adds a book to the Read to Recovery shelves, which provide free addiction recovery materials to patrons.

No Questions Asked

By Aviva Bechky | January 2, 2025

Then, without checking out these titles, these patrons leave. They may mark up the books they take. They won’t return the materials. And, according to Doreen Horstin, manager of San Francisco Public Library’s (SFPL) Park branch, this is just fine. These patrons are participants in Read to Recovery, an SFPL program that has been providing … Continue reading No Questions Asked →

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Laura Schulte-Cooper writes: “It’s January! We all know what that means—time for ALA’s Youth Media Awards (YMAs) press conference. This year’s event takes place on Monday, January 27, at 8 a.m. Mountain during the LibLearnX conference in Phoenix. Whether celebrating with us or watching the stream online, the YMAs are sure to be the highlight of your month. Just for fun, here are some interesting statistics related to the 2024 Youth Media Awards and press conference.”

ALSC Blog, Jan. 7
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Nick Tanzi writes: “From artificial intelligence (AI) disruption to increasing financial strain on our digital collections, the year 2025 promises to be filled with both challenges and opportunities for libraries. That said, what are the tech trends for libraries in 2025?” Tanzi identifies trends such as library-specific AI tools, a redefinition of computer literacy, a treacherous information environment, and a new approach to internet safety, as developments that will shape the coming year.

The Digital Librarian, Jan. 21
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Angela Hursh writes: “Winter Park (Fla.) Library’s (WPL) communications team manages a range of projects. To promote all that WPL has to offer, they need photos! In the past, they’d used a mixture of photos of past events and stock photos. When the library moved into a new building in 2021, the communications team was allocated extra marketing funds to produce a professional video. During that shoot, they worked with the production team to gather stock photos and videos for future promotions. That’s when an idea formed for their Stock Photo Day.”

Super Library Marketing, Jan. 21
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Martha Harris writes: “There are already certain things Utah schools prohibit students from bringing to campus—like certain electronics, vaping devices or rollerblades. Now, according to updated guidance from the Utah State Board of Education, banned books have been added to that list. This change was not due to action by board members. Instead, it is staff members’ interpretation of the law. There are currently 14 books banned statewide under a 2024 law. According to the state board’s updated FAQ, any books banned statewide are prohibited on any school property.”

KUER-FM (Salt Lake City), Jan. 21
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Misha Stone writes: “Post-election, #BookTok entered the political fray, and many media outlets took notice when popular accounts claimed that they were apolitical and that icky politics shouldn’t enter into reading spaces. More critically engaged #BookTok accounts and book influencers on a variety of other platforms pushed back on the notion that reading can or should be apolitical. While there are many reasons that people read, and readers’ advisors are charged to help readers meet those with stories that will entertain and engage them most, none of this is done in a neutral zone where politics do not exist.”

RA For All, Jan. 20; Mashable, Nov. 12; Fast Company, Nov. 13
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Gabriel Dorner writes: “The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the schools, libraries, and consortia of schools and libraries participating in the agency’s $200 million Cybersecurity Pilot Program January 16. The experimental program will provide government officials with ‘data about the most effective and coordinated way to address the growing cyber needs of schools and libraries,’ then-FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel said. With limited funding, schools and libraries are especially vulnerable to cyberattacks.”

Broadband Breakfast, Jan. 17; Federal Communications Commission, Jan. 16
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Morgan Matzen writes: “Four librarians and members of the South Dakota Library Association testified before the Senate Education Committee on Thursday about how cuts to the state library would devastate readers, especially in rural communities, and increase costs for local libraries. Gov. Kristi Noem has proposed reducing the state library’s general budget by more than $1 million, full-time employment by 12.5 positions and federal funding by more than $1.3 million.” Doland Community Library (DCL) Director Natasha Noethlich testified that DCL’s usage has grown from 250 people in 2018 to 6,000 last year thanks to state library resources and funding.

Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader, Jan. 16; Keloland.com, Jan. 17

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