ALA, ATALM applaud FCC order simplifying E-Rate access for small, rural, and tribal libraries

ALA and the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums applaud the Federal Communications Commission’s advancement of the “Improving the E-Rate Rules and Processes for Tribal Applicants” Order. The effort will make it easier for tribal libraries, as well as other small and rural libraries, to participate in the E-Rate program. The FCC, ATALM, and ALA will jointly hold a webinar at 2 p.m. Eastern on August 10 to review updates to the E-Rate program for Tribal applicants and others interested in understanding the new guidelines.

ALA's Public Policy and Advocacy Office, July 20

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Ashley Mowreader writes: “As with many technological advancements, academic libraries have been spurred to respond to the evolution of generative artificial intelligence (AI). A September 2024 report found 7% of academic libraries are implementing AI tools, but 32% of the librarians and library-adjacent professionals surveyed said no AI training was available at their universities. A recent guide from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque offers a foundation for librarians to support student thriving in an AI-embedded world.”

Inside Higher Ed, Feb. 10; University of New Mexico, Jan. 9
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Drew Dodson writes: “Donnelly (Idaho) Public Library, along with students, librarians, parents, and several of the world’s largest publishing companies, are suing the State of Idaho. A complaint filed February 4 in US District Court says HB 710, adopted last year by the Idaho Legislature violates federally protected free speech rights by censoring books available in public libraries.” Similarly, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas filed suit in US District Court on behalf of Patty Hector, former Saline County (Ark.) librarian, who was fired in October 2023 over her opposition to censorship efforts, and LeEllen Condry, former dean of students at Elizabeth (Colo.) Middle School who was fired in October 2024 after protesting the removal of library books, has filed complaints with the Colorado Civil Rights Division and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Boise (Idaho) Dev, Feb. 4; Arkansas Times, Feb. 3; ALA Governance Office, May 8, 2024 KMGH-TV (Denver), Jan. 31
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Robin Camille Davis writes: “How well is your library website working for your users? Even if you don’t have time right now to conduct user research (like user interviews or a usability study), you can still run five tests to ascertain the health and user-friendliness of your website. Is it accessible? How does it look on Google? How does it look on a phone browser? Do all the links work? And is it down for everyone, or just me?”

Choice LibTech Insights, Feb. 10
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Megan Bennett writes: “ALA recently received the largest gift in its 150-year history: a $25 million bequest from Washington, D.C.–based financial advisor James W. Lewis. The bequest from Lewis, whose love for libraries dates back to his childhood in North Carolina, will provide needs-based scholarships for those training to be librarians. The gift will help fund ALA’s Spectrum Scholarship Program, which provides money for students of color pursuing their master’s degrees in library and information science. American Libraries spoke with Lewis about his memories of libraries and how he hopes future scholarships will address the profession’s current sociopolitical challenges.”

American Libraries Trend, Feb. 11
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Tiara Allen writes: “As February arrives, so does Black History Month, a time to honor the rich history and contributions of Black and African Americans. How a library celebrates Black History Month will vary widely on the community it serves, what resources are at its disposal, and what bandwidth its staff members have available to plan events. However, no matter how many or few resources libraries have available, there is a wide variety of activities a library can do to celebrate, ranging from in-person programs to virtual programming. This article offers ideas to incorporate into your programming repertoire.”

Public Libraries Online, Feb. 6
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On February 10, ALA launched For Our Libraries, a new supporter program that invites the public to join the fight to protect libraries and library professionals at a pivotal moment in our country’s history. The “Become a Supporter” link on Ilovelibraries.org allows supporters to make one-time or recurring donations to help advance key ALA initiatives, including advocating for library funding, providing grants to small and rural libraries, fighting censorship, and advocating for broadband funding. Supporters who make a $10 recurring monthly donation can receive perks including a tote bag, access to virtual author talks, and an online subscription to Booklist Reader.

ALA Communications, Marketing, and Media Relations Office, Feb. 10
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ALA Council has elected K. C. Boyd, Tatanisha Love, Janice Moore Newsum, and Ziba Pérez to serve on the ALA Executive Board. Elected board members will begin a three-year term in July 2025 and conclude in June 2028. Boyd is a school librarian at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington, D.C.; Love is a school library media specialist at Southwest Academy in Baltimore; Newsum is a retired associate professor at University of Houston; and Pérez is a young adult librarian at Los Angeles Public Library. The ALA Executive Board manages the affairs of the Association.

ALA Governance Office, Feb. 7

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