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Meg Tapia writes: “[Australian] laws governing organized crime are effective because they focus on patterns and networks, not necessarily the commodities criminal syndicates trade in. Laws treating disinformation similarly would focus on scale, coordinated inauthentic behavior, financial patterns and systematic manipulation for profit or influence, not content or controlling platform access. This would target orchestrated disinformation infrastructure while preserving freedom of expression. The approach would allow governments, social media companies and their cyber allies to better tackle disinformation networks and actors.” -
Kiara Alfonseca writes: “The US Department of Education’s (DOE) Office for Civil Rights has announced that it is rescinding all past guidance issued against the removal of books and will no longer employ a coordinator to investigate instances of unlawful book removals. The department also announced that it has dismissed 11 book ban complaints and six pending complaints. According to the DOE, the complaints alleged that the removal of these books ‘created a hostile environment for students.’” DOE’s press release announcing these changes claimed it was “[Ending] Biden’s Book Ban Hoax.” ALA has issued a statement in protest. -
American Libraries is accepting submissions for the 2025 Library Design Showcase, our annual feature celebrating new and newly renovated libraries of all types and sizes. The showcase will appear in the September/October issue. We are looking for examples of innovative library architecture that address patrons’ needs in unique and effective ways. We are especially interested in submissions from libraries that are approaching design with sustainability, accessibility, and smaller budgets in mind. Partial renovations, projects under $1 million, and school libraries are encouraged to apply. To be eligible, projects must have been completed between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. -
On January 27, the American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books, digital media, video, and audiobooks for children and young adults—including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Printz awards—at ALA’s 2025 LibLearnX conference in Phoenix. The First State of Being (Greenwillow) by Erin Entrada Kelly received the Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature, and Chooch Helped (Arthur A. Levine), illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz and written by Andrea L. Rogers, won the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children. A complete list of the 2025 award winners follows. -
ALA launched Show Up for Our Libraries, a campaign to harness the collective power of library advocates to influence elected leaders and policymakers, January 22. ALA President Cindy Hohl said, “Many library advocates are rightfully concerned about what the next four years hold for our nation’s libraries. Libraries—and many people we serve—are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainty.” ALA kicked off the campaign with a proactive call for library advocates to get their elected leaders on the record about how they plan to protect the freedom to read and how they will support federal funding for libraries. -
ALA has selected James (Doubleday) by Percival Everett as the winner of the 2025 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon (Scribner) by Kevin Fedarko as the winner of the 2025 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction. The selections were announced during the Reference and User Services Association’s Book and Media Awards at ALA’s LibLearnX conference in Phoenix on January 26. -
Laura Schulte-Cooper writes: “It’s January! We all know what that means—time for ALA’s Youth Media Awards (YMAs) press conference. This year’s event takes place on Monday, January 27, at 8 a.m. Mountain during the LibLearnX conference in Phoenix. Whether celebrating with us or watching the stream online, the YMAs are sure to be the highlight of your month. Just for fun, here are some interesting statistics related to the 2024 Youth Media Awards and press conference.” -
Nick Tanzi writes: “From artificial intelligence (AI) disruption to increasing financial strain on our digital collections, the year 2025 promises to be filled with both challenges and opportunities for libraries. That said, what are the tech trends for libraries in 2025?” Tanzi identifies trends such as library-specific AI tools, a redefinition of computer literacy, a treacherous information environment, and a new approach to internet safety, as developments that will shape the coming year. -
Angela Hursh writes: “Winter Park (Fla.) Library’s (WPL) communications team manages a range of projects. To promote all that WPL has to offer, they need photos! In the past, they’d used a mixture of photos of past events and stock photos. When the library moved into a new building in 2021, the communications team was allocated extra marketing funds to produce a professional video. During that shoot, they worked with the production team to gather stock photos and videos for future promotions. That’s when an idea formed for their Stock Photo Day.” -
Martha Harris writes: “There are already certain things Utah schools prohibit students from bringing to campus—like certain electronics, vaping devices or rollerblades. Now, according to updated guidance from the Utah State Board of Education, banned books have been added to that list. This change was not due to action by board members. Instead, it is staff members’ interpretation of the law. There are currently 14 books banned statewide under a 2024 law. According to the state board’s updated FAQ, any books banned statewide are prohibited on any school property.” -
Misha Stone writes: “Post-election, #BookTok entered the political fray, and many media outlets took notice when popular accounts claimed that they were apolitical and that icky politics shouldn’t enter into reading spaces. More critically engaged #BookTok accounts and book influencers on a variety of other platforms pushed back on the notion that reading can or should be apolitical. While there are many reasons that people read, and readers’ advisors are charged to help readers meet those with stories that will entertain and engage them most, none of this is done in a neutral zone where politics do not exist.”RA For All, Jan. 20; Mashable, Nov. 12; Fast Company, Nov. 13
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Gabriel Dorner writes: “The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the schools, libraries, and consortia of schools and libraries participating in the agency’s $200 million Cybersecurity Pilot Program January 16. The experimental program will provide government officials with ‘data about the most effective and coordinated way to address the growing cyber needs of schools and libraries,’ then-FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel said. With limited funding, schools and libraries are especially vulnerable to cyberattacks.”Broadband Breakfast, Jan. 17; Federal Communications Commission, Jan. 16
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