Archives

55 Moments That Redefined Librarianship

By Sallyann Price | May 1, 2026

Though not a comprehensive timeline of library history, the milestones collected here demonstrate lasting impact and how libraries and the profession are intertwined with the American story itself—as repositories of memory, arenas of debate, and enduring instruments of democratic life. 1876–1889 On October 4, 1876, a group of 103 librarians and advocates assembled at the … Continue reading 55 Moments That Redefined Librarianship →

Posters of Progress

May 1, 2026

1917–1919 World War I and Library War Service a. Knowledge Wins (1918) b. Books Wanted (1918) c. “Hey Fellows!” (1918) 1920–1939 ALA’s 50th anniversary and early promotional posters d. Hospital Library Service (1925) e. Public Libraries: An American Contribution to Civilization (1926) f. 50 Years: The University of the People (1926) g. Library Work: The … Continue reading Posters of Progress →

A Seat at the Table

By Anne Ford | May 1, 2026

Robert Wedgeworth Wedgeworth served as ALA’s first Black executive director (1972–1985). In virtually all my professional positions, I was the only Black person. I never had problems as a result, because almost everybody accepted that I had to be exceptional in order to be in the position I was in. Earlier, as an undergraduate in … Continue reading A Seat at the Table →

Librarian and archivist Colleen Barbus is wearing black and seated in a blue comfy chair in front of rows of low bookshelves making up the ALA Library

Bookend: A Library for Librarians

By Anne Ford | May 1, 2026

The rabbit-warren days are over. Since ALA headquarters moved in 2020 to its present location at Chicago’s 225 North Michigan Avenue, Barbus has presided over a completely reimagined in-house library. Visitors step off the elevator to find a large, open, bright area that’s home to not only the office’s main reception desk but also row upon … Continue reading Bookend: A Library for Librarians →

ALA at 150

By Sam Helmick | May 1, 2026

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 →

Rebirth and Reaffirmation

By Dan Montgomery | May 1, 2026

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 →

Latest Library Links

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Marydee Ojala writes: “Contingency plans should start with the premise that no library is completely immune from attack. In the case of the Canvas attack, the library can take on the role of help desk, as students may not know where else to turn for accurate information and will need advice, explanations, and a personalized roadmap of what to do next. This was not simply downtime; this was a major security breach. Warn students about the possibility of phishing emails. Look at existing collections that can provide alternatives to data provided on the Canvas platform.”

Information Today Europe, May 12
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Phil Morehart writes: “Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, The Go-Go’s, Vince Gill, Chaka Khan, and Weezer are some of the most successful musical artists in the world, and they’ve now been enshrined in the Library of Congress. On May 14, Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen announced the latest round of recordings that will join the National Recording Registry. The 25 selections were chosen as audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.”

I Love Libraries, May 15
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“From wartime appeals to celebrity-studded reading campaigns, library posters have long captured the evolving role of libraries in American life. This feature traces ALA’s history through some of its most iconic visuals—the patriotic mobilization of ALA’s Library War Service, the pop-culture energy of its READ posters, the spirited encouragement of the ‘Wake Up and Read’ campaign, and the fearless advocacy of Banned Books Week. Together, these images chart a story of the profession’s unflinching ideals of access, literacy, and intellectual freedom, showcasing how libraries continue to reimagine their place in public life.”

American Libraries feature, May
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Sarah Hunter writes: “This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. But the Declaration of Independence wasn’t an isolated event. As young readers confront the meaning of America’s 250th birthday, it’s important to allow them to see the wider picture beyond the keystone document and the familiar roster of ‘founding fathers’ that fill the pages of history textbooks. The following titles together offer a rich variety of perspectives on the decades leading up to and following the American Revolution.”

I Love Libraries, May 6
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Nicole A. Cooke writes: “Imagine a 14-year-old sitting on the floor of a library, flipping through a book they found almost by accident. The main character shares something deeply personal with them. For the first time, their life is not treated as unusual or controversial. It is simply there. Then the book is removed. No announcement. No explanation. Just absence. The message lands anyway. Your story is a problem. This moment captures what is often missing from public conversations about censorship. When books disappear, the impact is not abstract. It shapes how young people understand themselves, how they understand others, and how they learn to think.”

Information Matters, May 3
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Gary Brannan writes: “Special collections and heritage services in higher education institutions face a familiar accumulation of problems. We are seen as appealing only to an undefined body of ‘elite’ researchers [with declining usage]. This is the position we found ourselves in at the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York, England. Our experiences suggest that, in addition to financial control, staffing resilience, and adaptability, special collections and heritage services should also consider their capacity for visibility, cultural repositioning, and pedagogical integration.”

Katina, May 6
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Sam Stuart writes: “If you have ever worked with a middle schooler, you know they love graphic novels. Now more than ever, they are also demanding manga, or Japanese graphic novels, as well as manhwa (South Korea), manhua (China), and other works from around the world. I have never been able to dedicate as much money as I would have liked to this section of the library. A Vision to Reality Grant from the Association of Independent School Librarians gave me the flexibility to explore new releases, expand on popular authors, and even work on expanding lengthy manga series.”

AISL Independent Ideas, May 11

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