Author Archive: Rachel Gammons

“Family kits”—children’s backpacks filled with age-appropriate activities—are available for checkout at University of Maryland Libraries. (Photo: University of Maryland)

Helping Parents in a Pinch

Children are present in many types of libraries—not just the public variety. The expense and difficulties of arranging childcare means that even academic library patrons often need to bring young ones along when studying or browsing the stacks. Now, through the creation of a family study space and other amenities, University of Maryland Libraries has … Continue reading Helping Parents in a Pinch →

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Leigh Kunkel writes: “The legalization of marijuana in many states and municipalities in recent years has created a newly legal industry and budding entrepreneurs who can benefit from the expertise of business librarians. As soon as Washington state introduced an initiative to legalize recreational cannabis use in 2012, Seattle Public Library librarian Jay Lyman started fielding questions from potential entrepreneurs. Since then, 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational cannabis use, and 14 more have legalized medical use of cannabis. This cultural shift brings a new opportunity for libraries to step in with support services.”

American Libraries Trend, Mar./Apr.
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ALA launched its “Reader. Voter. Ready.” campaign, calling on advocates to sign a pledge to be registered, informed, and ready to vote in all local, state, and federal elections in 2024. Available resources include a 2024 voter engagement guide for libraries, a tip sheet to share with community leaders and partners, highlighting the ways libraries support voter participation and education, and a one-pager, “Voters Count on Libraries: The Numbers,” illustrating libraries as centers of civic lift and patron engagement with library services. ALA is collaborating with partners to provide nonpartisan resources and learning opportunities for librarians.

ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Apr. 10
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Joyce McIntosh writes: “Each year the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) distributes Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Programming Grants to organizations to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during Banned Books Weeks. Grants are awarded for $1,000 and applications are accepted through April 30. FRTF also offers the annual Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship for library school students and new professionals to attend ALA’s Annual Conference. The scholarship provides conference registration, transportation, six nights of housing, and a $300 stipend for meals and other expenses. The application deadline is April 26.”

Freedom to Read Foundation, Mar. 28, 29
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Bobbi L. Newman writes: “Psychological safety, a term coined to describe an environment where individuals feel free to express their thoughts without fear of repercussion, is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for workplace wellbeing. It fosters innovation, encourages the sharing of ideas, and supports mental health. Librarians can struggle with psychological safety because we prefer the veneer of niceness over almost all else. We often conflate niceness with kindness. It is hard to have psychological safety when teammates are afraid to express thoughts and be their authentic selves because any type of nonconformity is perceived as not nice.”

Librarian by Day, Apr. 5
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Joy DuBose writes: “Many people remember playing the original Oregon Trail in school to learn about the historical Oregon Trail and the tribulations of those who traveled it. But, unless you are familiar with games or know what to look for, you may not know what is currently available or how games have changed. Many games were created with education in mind, and there are a great deal more entertainment games that can also be used for education.” Examples include Super Algebrawl, Turing Complete, Kerbal Space Program, and even Stardew Valley.

Choice 360 LibTech Insights, Apr. 8
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“In 2022, as part of Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC), ALA launched a grant opportunity for hundreds of small and rural libraries looking to better serve the needs of patrons with disabilities. [Nonprofit research organization] Knology has been analyzing reports by LTC libraries to share what they are learning with the field. By hosting conversations with neurodivergent members of their communities, LTC libraries have been learning how to take into account their specific needs and priorities. Below, we draw on LTC libraries’ interim report data to present three priorities that neurodivergent patrons expressed wanting to see addressed at their library.”

Programming Librarian, Apr. 5
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Kelly Jensen writes: “Despite the fact that librarians are among the most trusted professionals, lawmakers across the country continue to infantilize and criminalize library workers. Louisiana continues these efforts in an ongoing move by politicians in the state to damage public libraries with House Bill (H.B.) 777. H.B. 777 was introduced March 25 by Louisiana Rep. Kellee Hennessee Dickerson (R-Denham Springs), who helped fund the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. The bill would criminalize library workers and libraries for [‘in any way expending public funds to or with’] the American Library Association.” The penalty is up to a $1,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

Book Riot, Apr. 3

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