Blog | American Libraries Magazine

Another Hidden Figure in Library History

The untold story of Autherine Lucy Foster
By Wayne A. Wiegand | January 20, 2023
2023 LibLearnX Preview

Conference convenes January 27–30 in New Orleans
By Alison Marcotte | January 3, 2023
Crescent City Cuisine

Dining, New Orleans–style
By Tami Fairweather | January 3, 2023
2022 Year in Review

A look back at the news that affected libraries and library workers
January 3, 2023
Referenda Roundup 2022: Final Report

How states performed on library ballot measures
By Bill Furbee | January 3, 2023
Making a Statement

Libraries bring debate clubs to new audiences
By Megan Bennett | January 3, 2023
Embracing Expression

Gender-affirming closets offer youth a space to explore identities
By Emily Udell | January 3, 2023
Under Pressure

Why three library directors resigned following community challenges
By Lara Ewen | January 3, 2023
Newsmaker: Rebecca Makkai

Prize-winning novelist on trying to understand what goes on in other people’s heads
By Donna Seaman | January 3, 2023
By the Numbers: Presidents’ Day

Stats about the books, libraries and collections that recognize our nation’s leaders
By Megan Bennett | January 3, 2023
Bookend: Beats from the Bayou
By Diana Panuncial | January 3, 2023
One Voice

Using collective power to advocate for libraries and democracy
By Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada | January 3, 2023

Latest Library Links

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Gary Phillips writes: “In an effort to combat the rise of misinformation, Garden State students are getting a new addition to their curriculums. Governor Phil Murphy signed bipartisan legislation (New Jersey Senate Bill 588) Wednesday that requires K–12 instruction on information literacy under the implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. In doing so, the Democrat made New Jersey the first state with such a mandate. Under the new bill, students will develop critical thinking skills while learning how to find information, produce and spread information online, and the difference between facts and opinions. Per a news release, information literacy includes digital, visual, media, textual, and technological literacy.”

New Jersey Monthly, Jan. 5
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ALA Treasurer Peter Hepburn writes: “We are approximately one-third of the way through ALA’s fiscal year, which runs from September 1, 2022, to August 31. The most uncertain days of the pandemic seem to be behind us. Like many of our libraries and, indeed, many of us, the Association has been through a lot. A lot. With some sense of relief, and even excitement about times ahead, I bring you an overview of the current state of ALA finance.”

American Libraries column, Jan./Feb.
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ALA President Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada writes: “When faced with unprecedented and seemly insurmountable obstacles in the world and in libraries, I ask myself: What is our professional responsibility to one another to overcome shared challenges? The answer is often to connect to institutions of collective cooperation, like our democratic society and our member-led Association. One of our greatest strengths is the simple and singular tool of using our united voice. When we unite our voices, we have the volume and power of a choir to amplify messages and make positive changes.”

American Libraries column, Jan./Feb.
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As we greet 2023, American Libraries caps off 2022 with its Year in Review. Our staffers have compiled a list of the stories that affected libraries and librarians over the past year. From continued book challenges and the reversal of Roe v. Wade to preservation efforts in Ukraine and wins for rural and tribal libraries, the profession was at the forefront of some of 2022’s biggest news stories.

American Libraries feature, Jan./Feb.
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Alison Marcotte writes: “Last year, ALA debuted LibLearnX virtually because of the pandemic. This year, for the first time, the conference will be held in person. LibLearnX—which will take place January 27–30 in New Orleans—is intended for members and nonmembers to engage in collaborative learning activities, networking opportunities, celebrations, and author talks. Designed for active learning, the conference will offer more than 120 educational sessions in various formats, created by and for library professionals. Additionally, LibLearnX sees the return of ALA’s Symposium on the Future of Libraries, as well as an all-new Governance Institute geared toward prospective leaders.”

American Libraries feature, Jan./Feb.
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Emily Martin writes: “It’s time to expand your horizons, RPG-lovers! Whether you’re looking for the best fantasy RPGs aside from Dungeons & Dragons or whether you want to explore something entirely different, this list of tabletop role-playing games has a little bit of everything for you. We’ve got mysteries. We’ve got superheroes. We’ve got teen gangs. We’ve got vampires. We’ve got aliens. We’ve got cyberpunk. And so much more.”

Book Riot, Dec. 29
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Lyndsay Wasko writes: “Here are some entirely satirical classes I would have liked to see in my MLIS course catalog. This list is based on my program, so your curriculum might have actually included a few of these. Jealous!” Wasko’s course offerings include Fantastic Cardigans and Where to Find Them, Dunking on Dewey, and Reluctant-But-Viral Librarian TikToking.

Hack Library School, Dec. 27