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  • 1y

    Binders of policy documentsRhea Kelly writes: “Last year, the University of Kentucky (UK) in Lexington announced the formation of a new task force to study generative artificial intelligence (AI) and make recommendations for its responsible use. Dubbed UK ADVANCE, the committee brings together experts from all over campus to provide ongoing guidance on use of the technology in teaching and learning, research, and more. The group has published guidelines for faculty and researchers, with plans to update the recommendations as the technology evolves. We sat down with Trey Conatser, director of the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching and co-chair of UK ADVANCE, to find out more.”

    Campus Technology, Feb. 21

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    • 24m

      purple flowersLen Bryan writes: “People generally fall into one of two camps when it comes to weeding library collections. Either a person approaches weeding with great enthusiasm and a desire to clean up the collection and make it more accessible for students, make the space more inviting, create places for displays, and secure additional library funding. Or they approach weeding with great dread and trepidation, afraid they are going to throw away something that someone might need someday, that they may never get the funding needed to replace weeded books, and of possible pushback from teachers or parents about the process.”

      Knowledge Quest, July 14

    • 5h

      Research Community Bingo facilitator's guideChelsea Heinbach writes: “The Librarian Parlor team knows how important it is to foster connection and community with fellow researchers, so we developed Research Community Bingo as an open resource that can be adapted for various contexts. I tested Research Community Bingo at my institution, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After a brief introduction explaining the rules, participants received their bingo cards and began mingling. The energy in the room quickly shifted from initial hesitation to enthusiastic conversations.”

      The Librarian Parlor, July 11

    • 9h

      Ebook readerMichael Blackwell, Jennie Rose Halperin, Catherine Mason, and Carmi Parker write: “The data forces us to conclude, reluctantly, that not only does print still offer libraries a far better bang-per-book than digital, but that for most popular titles, digital collections are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. Some smaller and independent publishers are, however, now more likely to be present in the market and offer some hope for long-term and cost-effective holdings.” ReadersFirst has additional data and analysis that was cut for space from the published article.

      Computers in Libraries, July/Aug.; ReadersFirst, July 7

    • 3d

      Part of the cover of The Girl who Figured It Out“Disability Pride Month is a time to honor the history, achievements, and diverse experiences of people with disabilities. This curated collection features fiction and nonfiction titles for all ages that explore disability through the lens of pride, empowerment, and identity. Highlighting both visible and invisible disabilities, these stories reflect the richness and resilience of the disability community and the ongoing movement for inclusion and equal rights. Explore the display and celebrate the voices that challenge stigma, expand understanding, and inspire change.”

      Baltimore County Public Library, July 1

    • 3d

      Illustration of a group of people meetingHeidi Blackburn, Chris Magee, and Trevor Watkins write: “George Mason University Libraries launched a yearlong Artificial Intelligence (AI) Community of Practice for library employees in fall 2024, focused on the use of specific AI tools for work and research best practices. We didn’t just explore what AI could do—we also asked what it should do, and how to use it responsibly in service to our patrons and profession. After participant feedback, the community was modified to focus on task-based themes. Prior experience with communities of practice made the creation of yet another community easier, but not without challenges.”

      Choice 360: LibTech Insights, July 7

    • 4d

      Sculpture of a hand supporting a tree branchKelly Jensen writes: “After the Supreme Court ruled on Mahmoud v. Taylor on June 27, there were so many bad and misinformed takes. Is this a case that is going to be used to justify a lot more censorship, quiet and loud, and create a chilling effect in public schools? Absolutely. But we don’t need to bow to this case. ‘I’m scared’ and ‘What does this mean?’ Those responses are ones that are far more productive in the fight. There’s room to have legitimate feelings and room to talk about the next steps.”

      Well Sourced, July 5

    • 4d

      Part of cover of "When Aiden Became a Brother"Katie Burkholder writes: “After 15 years of working at the Pierce County Public Library in Blackshear, Georgia, where she advanced from part-time clerk to branch manager, Lavonnia Moore was unexpectedly and abruptly fired due to a display featuring a trans-inclusive children’s book. The patron-led display aligned with Georgia’s summer reading theme, ‘Color Our World.’ When a child at the library asked her to include the book When Aidan Became a Brother, she didn’t hesitate. Unbeknownst to Moore until her termination, this decision inspired an online hate campaign from the Alliance for Faith and Family.”

      Rough Draft Atlanta, July 5

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