Librarian’s Library: Knowledge creates power

Araceli Mendez Hintermeister Araceli Méndez Hintermeister writes: “Libraries serve as important connectors for patrons navigating how to be active citizens in their communities. By providing knowledge and resources, libraries can play a role in social change and empower patrons to comprehend and tackle issues at large. These featured books underscore the various ways libraries can help cultivate stronger societies through civic engagement and community development.”

American Libraries column, Sept./Oct.

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Aviva Bechky writes: “Every day in public libraries across San Francisco, patrons find their way to a discreet shelf and pick up titles including Alcoholics Anonymous’ Big Book, Narcotics Anonymous, and The Zen of Recovery by Mel Ash. Then, without checking out these titles, these patrons leave. They may mark up the books they take. They won’t return the materials. And, according to Doreen Horstin, manager of San Francisco Public Library’s Park branch, this is just fine.”

American Libraries Trend, Jan./Feb.
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Debbie Gluzband writes: “Video editing can mean different things to different people. Are you just trying to put some clips together for a social media post? Maybe you want to add some background music, or some text on the screen too? The more video effects you want to add, the more complicated your edit will become. Video editing software doesn’t need to be super complex, or expensive. If you’re looking for something that will get the job done without all the confusing bells and whistles, there are some great free software options to help you get started.”

How-To Geek, Jan. 30
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Thanks to support from members and other library supporters, the ALA Disaster Relief Fund is sending $5,000 to the Library Foundation of Los Angeles to assist in rebuilding the destroyed Palisades branch of Los Angeles Public Library, and $5,000 to the Connected Wellness initiative launched by Altadena (Calif.) Library Foundation and the Los Angeles County Library Foundation to purchase Wi-Fi hotspots and other essential items for those impacted by the recent wildfires. The fund has also provided support to libraries in North Carolina and Tennessee ravaged by flooding from Hurricane Helene.

ALA Chapter Relations Office, Feb. 4
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During this year’s ALA election, members will be asked to vote on two bylaw amendments Council approved during ALA’s 2024 Annual Conference and 2025 LibLearnX. The first reduces the size of the Executive Board from 15 members to 13 and eliminates language designating Board seats for members representing different membership categories. The second removes a requirement for annual estimates of income to be submitted to the Executive Board for approval with the annual budget. The election will run March 10–April 2; the ALA Presidential and Treasurer Candidates forum will take place via Zoom February 25 at 9:30 a.m. Central.

ALA Governance Office, Feb. 4
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Elissa Malespina writes: “On the surface, DeepSeek seems like a game-changer—a free, open-source artificial intelligence (AI) model with capabilities that rival ChatGPT and Gemini. Teachers, librarians, and students are beginning to explore how it can help with research, lesson planning, and academic support. However, as with any powerful technology, there are ethical and security concerns to consider. A recent investigation by Wired revealed troubling issues related to data privacy, censorship, and security risks.”

The AI School Librarians Newsletter, Feb. 3; Wired, Jan. 27
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Amy Gallo writes: “Research shows that teams where people feel safe to disagree outperform other teams. They make better decisions. And the friction that accompanies disagreement—even if unpleasant at times—allows for creativity and growth. At the same time, there is a difference between healthy and unhealthy conflicts. So what can a manager do to encourage more healthy conflict? It starts with acknowledging that conflict is expected and inevitable, and not only tolerating the normal tensions that all teams face, but also surfacing and leaning into them. Here are a few approaches for doing that.”

Harvard Business Review, Feb. 3
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On February 3, the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader announced the appointment of Mac Barnett as the 2025–2026 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He succeeds Meg Medina, who served as the National Ambassador from 2023 through 2024. During his two-year term, Barnett will celebrate the children’s picture book through his platform, Behold, The Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden will inaugurate Barnett February 6 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern, which will be streamed live.

Library of Congress, Feb. 3

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