The Scoop

Council III: Strategic Plan Approved

Resolution underscores need for Merritt Fund support
By Paula Mauro | July 1, 2025
Own the Digital Space

Hoopla VP on robust digital collections
By Carrie Smith | July 1, 2025
Think Creatively

Panelists offer nontraditional options for library development
By Greg Landgraf | July 1, 2025
Avenues to Advocacy

Retired librarians discuss how to effect change for literacy and libraries
By Terra Dankowski | June 30, 2025
Endangered Expression

Evolving challenges to intellectual freedom in 2025
By Carrie Smith | June 30, 2025
Generative Generations

Looking at tech trends in 2025
By Carrie Smith | June 30, 2025
Censorship Can Happen Anywhere

Academic librarians discuss intellectual freedom threats
By Greg Landgraf | June 30, 2025
Council II: Interpretations of Library Bill of Rights Approved

ALSC and YALSA to be reunified
By Paula Mauro | June 30, 2025
Civic Lessons

Building strong relationships with local government
By Carrie Smith | June 30, 2025
Revisiting the Golden State Killer

Prosecutor Thien Ho sheds light on some of California’s darkest crimes
By Sallyann Price | June 30, 2025
A Home for History

School librarians share practical programming opportunities
By Greg Landgraf | June 29, 2025
Figurative Fathers

Comedian Roy Wood Jr. talks about becoming a dad and his new memoir
By Sallyann Price | June 29, 2025

Latest Library Links

3h

Brett Bonfield writes: “As my colleagues and I offer guidance on the ALA’s more than $60 million in investments, some of the questions that arise are the same ones you may consider when managing a personal retirement account. How much to take out of the account each year as a distribution is significant, because it affects how long the money will last and continue to grow, and it’s the one I will discuss in this column.”

American Libraries Online, Feb. 9
19h

Rosie Newmark writes: “Hands flew, timers ticked, and tensions ran high. In 33 minutes and 23 seconds, team Piece Out triumphed in the inaugural speed puzzling tournament at Mid-Columbia Libraries (MCL) in southeastern Washington last January. Speed puzzling, or the practice of assembling a jigsaw puzzle as fast as possible, has become an unlikely hit at public libraries. What began as a social media curiosity and niche hobby has turned into a low-cost way to engage patrons of all ages—especially during colder months.

American Libraries Trend, Jan./Feb.
23h

Lisa Varga writes: “After the threats to federal library funding in the past year, the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills signed by President Trump on February 3 included an increase in federal funding for libraries. Less than a year ago, an executive order threatened to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only source of federal funding dedicated to libraries. Thanks to advocates, IMLS still exists today, and Congress just passed a $1.4 million increase for library programs run by IMLS through the Library Services and Technology Act

American Libraries Online, Feb. 6
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Amelia Bryne and Megan Janicki write: “The 30th anniversary of the E-Rate program is a time to both celebrate what it has achieved for libraries and focus our work to preserve its future. About 73% of all public libraries and more than 96% of public schools in the United States receive E-Rate discounts on internet and telecommunications services and equipment, totaling more than $2 billion per year. But the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service Fund, which includes E-Rate and three other communications programs, is facing challenges, in part because of how it is funded.

American Libraries Online, Feb. 6
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Brett Zongker and Deb Fiscella write: “The 2025 National Film Registry has been announced, showcasing a group of 25 films spanning 118 years and including fan favorites such as The Thing, Clueless, The Big Chill, and The Incredibles. The Library of Congress’s annual addition to the list of films to be preserved for their cinematic and cultural heritage starts with the 1896 silent film, The Tramp and the Dog, and stretches to the 2014 Wes Anderson picture The Grand Budapest Hotel. Since Congress established the registry in 1988, 925 films have been added.”

Library of Congress, Jan. 29
4d

Tony Phillips writes: “In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone seems to be in a rush, displaying data in a way that can be easily interpreted and analyzed—such as in a heat map—is essential. Excel lets you automatically color-code figures to demonstrate their relationship with one another, using darker colors for higher numbers and lighter colors for lower numbers, for example. This means you can see trends and anomalies at a glance.”

How-To Geek, Feb. 2
5d

The RAILS regional library system in northern Illinois has published advocacy tools for libraries to build awareness about the challenges of e-book and audiobook pricing. These documents include an advocacy flier, sample social media graphics, and sample copy that libraries can use to make their communities aware of this growing problem. Libraries are also welcome to download a Canva template to customize graphics with their own logos.

RAILS, Jan. 30