Author Archive: Bobbi L. Newman

Care and Consideration

By Bobbi L. Newman | September 1, 2023

Physical space. All library staffers should have an ergonomic work station. If you have access to an external ergonomics evaluation, arrange for your library to have one. Be prepared to purchase the equipment and furnishings necessary to meet the resulting recommendations. Ideally, this would come from the library budget, but you may need to consider … Continue reading Care and Consideration →

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The Urban Libraries Council’s (ULC) 2024 Library Insights Report, which captures trends in patron engagement with library programs and services, found strong increases in library usage last year. The survey found that libraries recorded an average 24% increase in visits in 2023, a trend expected to continue in 2024. Room reservations among libraries surveyed increased by 52% and surpassed pre-pandemic levels, and program attendance increased by 53%. The report reflects survey responses from 115 ULC member libraries, representing almost 2,300 locations serving more than 87.5 million people in the US and Canada.

Urban Libraries Council, Nov. 19
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Ashley Belanger writes: “Late November 20, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed its proposed final judgment, officially recommending a broad range of remedies to end Google’s search monopoly. Predictably, Google is not happy with the DOJ’s plan, which requires the company to sell its Chrome browser [and may impact Android and artificial intelligence endeavors]. Google will have plenty of time to argue against the DOJ’s proposed final judgment before final revisions are filed by March 7, 2025.”

Ars Technica, Nov. 21
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Megan Janicki writes: “More than half of all public libraries each year apply for E-Rate funding to support the broadband capacity needed to serve our communities nationwide. Recent legal challenges threaten this program. Consumers’ Research has brought suits against the Federal Communications Commission in several appellate courts across the country, alleging that the Universal Service Fund [of which E-Rate is a part] contribution factor is unconstitutional. Now, the case is headed to the Supreme Court.” Share stories about what the E-Rate has meant for your community by emailing mjanicki@ala.org to contribute to amicus briefs ALA anticipates filing in support of the E-Rate.

Public Libraries Online, Nov. 22; Broadband Breakfast, Aug. 6
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ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and the Writers Guild Initiative are hosting a unique series of writer’s workshops that help participants use writing to reflect on experiences, share insights, identify a path forward, and make their voices heard. The workshops will pair 25 librarians with professional film and television writers. All librarians are invited to apply by December 16. Participants will be randomly selected for the four-session online series taking place from February 1 through March 8, 2025.

Office for Intellectual Freedom, Nov. 20
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Cass Balzer writes: “What would you do to keep your child clean, dry, and healthy? Skip meals? Miss bill payments? Take on an extra job? For nearly half of US families with young children, the answer is: All of the above and more. A National Diaper Bank Network study found that in 2023, an unprecedented 47% of families with young children nationwide struggled to afford diapers. In response, libraries have stepped up to distribute these critical supplies. Though they can be challenging to fund and coordinate, these programs are immensely popular and—for many communities—vital.”

American Libraries Trend, Nov./Dec.
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Ana Ndumu writes: “For more than a century, American libraries of all types have helped immigrants integrate, worked with municipalities to cultivate welcoming communities, and supported laws to shape our immigration system. With immigrants making up 13.8% of our population, the US is more racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse than ever before. But for many library workers, staying abreast of the fraught immigration policy landscape is challenging. Laws shift rapidly, with initiatives introduced or eliminated according to political agendas. Here are additional resources library workers can use to educate themselves or network with others administering to immigrant communities.”

American Libraries column, Nov./Dec.
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Michael Kan writes: “Are you still using ‘chocolate,’ ‘naruto,’ or ‘monkey’ for your passwords? You really need to stop. All three are among the most commonly used passwords, putting your accounts at risk of hacking, according to new data from NordPass. The password manager’s sixth annual list of the top 200 most commonly used passwords is pulled from a 2.5TB dataset of stolen logins taken from various sources.” ZDNet offers tips for creating stronger passwords and improved security measures.

PC Mag, Nov. 14; NordPass, Nov. 13; ZDNet, Nov. 14

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