Latest Library Links
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The Yale University Beinecke Library’s extensive holdings in children’s literature will soon grow with the addition of the archive of renowned YA writer Judy Blume, opening new opportunities for future research, teaching, and exhibitions. The Judy Blume archive spans more than four decades and documents the writing of more than 20 of her books. In addition to manuscript material, it also documents the reception of Blume’s work, from censorship and banning to grateful outpourings from legions of fans.
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Ashley Cooksey writes: “Are you celebrating Digital Citizenship Week, October 16–20? In a world where we are constantly bombarded with fake news, Photoshopped pictures, social media at its peak, and multiple digital devices in almost every household, it is imperative that we, as digital leaders, instruct students in digital citizenship. How can we instill positive digital citizenship in our students while making meaningful, personal connections?”
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Powerful wildfires fanned by strong winds ravaged parts of Northern California’s wine country on October 9, killing at least 11 people and destroying some 1,500 structures. One of those buildings was Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa. The tragedy struck as its 600 students were getting ready for homecoming, which will likely at least be delayed. The school’s principal estimates that up to 18 of the 35 classrooms were burned, including the school library.
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An Oregon man was banned for six months from the Baker County (Oreg.) Public Library after he admitted to hiding DVDs that contained LGBTQ content. Starting in October 2016, librarians noticed DVDs disappearing from the shelves. Over the course of about seven months, seven DVDs were found misplaced in odd places. Staff soon realized all of the hidden movies involved same-sex couples and they eventually discovered the culprit, a patron who had complained about materials he objected to.
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AASL invites school library professionals, educators, and subject experts to submit proposals for webinars between 30–60 minutes in length. Live presentations will take place between January 1 and May 31, 2018, and presentations will be archived as part of AASL’s eCOLLAB professional development library. Submissions may be made using the AASL Get Involved form.
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Only days remain to secure advance registration for the AASL National Conference and Exhibition. Attendees finalizing their registration prior to October 12 save $50 over late and on-site rates for the conference, taking place November 9–11 in Phoenix, Arizona. More information, including a Make Your Case to Attend infographic can be found at national.aasl.org.
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“Not to lend books is a type of homicide,” according to Stephen Langton’s commentary on Deuteronomy. There is a popular perception that medieval libraries comprised rows of chained books, which were never allowed out of sight. Such chained libraries did exist (an example is that at Hereford, and many British Library manuscripts were clearly once chained), but people have always exchanged, borrowed, and shared their books. Here are some examples drawn from the British Library’s collections.
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Since 1996, the FCC has been required to release reports assessing the country’s state of advanced telecommunications capability and to adopt measures to further broadband deployments. On October 6, ALA submitted comments to the FCC raising two issues particularly relevant to libraries: first, the criteria and standards for broadband deployment to public institutions like libraries and schools; second, the role of mobile internet access in connecting consumers to information.
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A new article examining how social influences can foster avid book reader identification is now available in volume 20 of the AASL peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research. In “Becoming a Reader: Significant Social Influences on Avid Book Readers,” Margaret K. Merga continues her 2015 International Study of Avid Book Readers with a particular focus on early influences. She found that maternal instruction is the most prevalent source of early reading teaching.
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The “Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More” grant honors the work of Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected cofounder Meg Kolaya for her contributions in promoting inclusion. Each year, a total of $5,000 will be awarded. All types of libraries in the US or Canada are encouraged to apply. Proposals can fund projects and services directed to any age group. Applications will be accepted through December 1.
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On October 7, the Indianapolis Public Library celebrated its 100th anniversary with the unveiling of a time capsule from 1917. Many of the capsule’s contents, some of which date back to the 1860s, were on display at the celebration. The time capsule, a cornerstone box made of copper and tin, was concealed in a southwest wall two floors below the Simon Reading Room, where the centennial celebration took place. Many of the artifacts are in pristine condition because the tightly sealed box was coated in charcoal.
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Kate MacMillan writes: “School libraries can be safe havens for LGBTQ students. Libraries can provide materials that reflect their realities and resonate with their situations. Shannon Oltmann’s JRLYA paper, “They Kind of Rely on the Library”: School Librarians Serving LGBT Students, talks about the need for LGBTQ materials. She also cites some discouraging studies showing that ‘a lack of LGBTQ-themed literature can send a message to LGBTQ teens that the school library is not the place for them.’”
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