Policy issues and legalities aside, what I find concerning are the abusive communication and behavior patterns I see being used by many who attempt to challenge books, ban books, and “protect children.” Here are the patterns I have pointed out to my staff: Character assassination. This includes smear campaigns designed to intimidate and destroy the … Continue reading Fighting Words
LGBTQIA+ Books for Children and Teens, 2nd edition By Kathleen Breitenbach and Liz Deskins This resource text provides suggestions for librarians wanting to choose a variety of titles across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, while contextualizing the significance of these collections. It includes an overview of the history of LGBTQIA+ children’s and YA literature with perspectives from … Continue reading Confident Readers’ Advisory
This milestone is about more than looking back; it is about the momentum we carry into the next era. When we talk about shaping what’s next, we are acknowledging that the radical act of keeping library doors open for everyone requires constant, courageous innovation. In the hallways of McCormick Place, you will feel a renewed … Continue reading Sparking a New Era
While this is my first Annual as executive director, I attended the conference last summer in Philadelphia. There, I was blown away by the sheer number of participants, the depth of quality programming, and the infectious enthusiasm and energy from morning to night. This year, we expect approximately 15,000 conference attendees. As in previous years, … Continue reading Summer Connections
ESG investing refers to the practice of incorporating environmental impact, social issues, and corporate governance into investing decisions. A series of United Nations–sponsored reports popularized the term in 2004, although some earlier investment funds practiced socially responsible investing. Some that remain popular and influential include: Calvert’s social investment fund, launched in 1982; TIAA’s CREF Social … Continue reading Principled Investments
Today, we stand at 150 years, a century and a half of voices lifted, stories shared, and doors opened. We celebrate not just survival but triumph. For libraries are not just buildings; they are the pulse of democracy, the heart of community, and the echo of our collective soul. Through wars and unrest, through the … Continue reading ALA at 150
I invite you to join your colleagues at Annual to observe our past, reflect on our present, and envision our future. Attendees will have the opportunity to gather for the “ALA150: A Celebration for Our Libraries” reception on Saturday evening and immerse themselves in a variety of sessions highlighting key library moments under the ALA150 … Continue reading Rebirth and Reaffirmation
Within these limitations, though, library workers can develop their legal reference skills and provide appropriate referrals. The American Association of Law Libraries’ (AALL) 2014 report Law Libraries and Access to Justice offers tips for how to do this. In the decade since this report was released, demand for services has remained high, with many low-income … Continue reading The Rules of Law
Winning Grants, 3rd edition By Stephanie K. Gerding This comprehensive, accessible guide offers practical advice focused exclusively on library fundraising, with information about grants of all types. The book distills information in an easy-to-understand format and covers such topics as the grant cycle process, planning a project for funding, and researching the most appropriate funding … Continue reading Finding Funds
According to the American Library Association’s Libraries Build Business 2022 report, libraries offer three advantages for budding businesses: reach, resources, and collaboration. They are embedded in every community, open to all, and equipped with infrastructure such as computers, meeting rooms, high-quality databases, and access to skilled staff—resources that many small businesses and entrepreneurs could not … Continue reading Good for Business
Indeed, the American Library Association (ALA) exists because of a shared desire for a professional community and coordinated advocacy. In my early interactions across the many facets of the Association, I have seen firsthand the deep drive and commitment our members bring to this work. At events like the American Association of School Librarians National … Continue reading Advocacy Unites Us
What investments should I choose (e.g., stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds)? Which financial services company fits my needs (e.g., Charles Schwab, Fidelity, TIAA, Vanguard)? How much will I take out of my account each year as a distribution? That last decision is significant, because it affects how long the money will last and continue … Continue reading Making Sense of Endowment Distributions
