intellectual freedom Archives | Page 3 of 29 | American Libraries Magazine

ALA Announces Steps to Support LGBTQIA+ Library Workers

August 9, 2023

The American Library Association reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the values of equity and inclusivity within libraries nationwide. In response to recent concerns surrounding discriminatory practices faced by LGBTQIA+ library workers, ALA stands united in support of these dedicated professionals, advocating for a workplace free from prejudice and discrimination. Discrimination against library workers based … Continue reading ALA Announces Steps to Support LGBTQIA+ Library Workers →

Simon & Schuster Senior Vice President and Publisher Justin Chanda (left) interviews author Judy Blume at the 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition.

2023 Annual Wrap-Up

By Sallyann Price | July 19, 2023

The unprecedented rise in book ban attempts at schools and libraries across the country in recent years—particularly challenges against titles by and about the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color—was top of mind throughout the conference, imbuing a familiar topic with fresh urgency. Participants continued to explore crucial questions for libraries: What do inclusive, accessible … Continue reading 2023 Annual Wrap-Up →

Photo of ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall. Text says "From the Executive Director by Tracie D. Hall"

Growing Our Own

By Tracie D. Hall | July 19, 2023

At a break, one participant and I agreed that a key factor in libraries becoming an equalizing force in information literacy is serious and intentional workforce planning. To reach individuals and communities that most need support, we need to grow capacity within the field, both in terms of skill set and demographics. This is especially … Continue reading Growing Our Own →

President Barack Obama at Washington, D.C.'s Anacostia Neighborhood Library, being interviewed by a sixth-grade student while other students look on.

Open Letter from Former President Obama Supports Librarians

July 17, 2023

“In a very real sense, you’re on the front lines—fighting every day to make the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and ideas available to everyone,” he wrote. “Your dedication and professional expertise allow us to freely read and consider information and ideas, and decide for ourselves which ones we agree with.” The full text … Continue reading Open Letter from Former President Obama Supports Librarians →

Becky Calzada wearing a blue blouse, glasses and holding right hand in air as she speaks into microphone

Become Challenge-Ready

By Sanhita SinhaRoy | June 26, 2023

By working on these two areas, libraries can better prepare for potential materials challenges at their institutions, according to panelists on “Is Your Library Challenge-Ready?” a June 26 program at the American Library Association’s 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago. “We can’t just hope it doesn’t happen and not be prepared for it,” said … Continue reading Become Challenge-Ready →

James Patterson on Libraries, Librarians, and Book Bans

By Greg Landgraf | June 26, 2023

Patterson’s upcoming book, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading (Little, Brown, 2024), shares stories from dozens of librarians and booksellers. But he attended American Library Association’s 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago largely in support of Amina Luqman-Dawson, whose Freewater won both the Newbery Medal and … Continue reading James Patterson on Libraries, Librarians, and Book Bans →

Pictured: Erin MacFarlane wearing an orange jacket and has yellow hair speaks into microphone as Becky Calzada, wearing glasses with dark hair and a yellow shirt, listens

Louder Together

By Sanhita SinhaRoy | June 24, 2023

With the unprecedented number of book challenges in the United States this past year, “the rubber meets the road on advocacy when we’re working at the local and community levels,” said moderator Kent Oliver, retired Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library director and senior policy fellow in ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office. Oliver and a panel … Continue reading Louder Together →

Comic Relief

By Diana Panuncial | June 24, 2023

“As someone who grew up loving comics but often hiding them from my peers,” said Giles, whose book Static: Up All Night based on the DC superhero will be released this November, “it was exciting to know that this was gonna be something happening in a place where I used to go to feel safe … Continue reading Comic Relief →

Judy Blume at the Opening Session of the American Library Association's 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago on June 23.

‘What Is It about This Book That Scares You?’

By Diana Panuncial | June 23, 2023

“When I wrote [Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.] in 1970, I gave three copies to my children’s elementary school,” she said. “The male principal took them off the shelf. I think he gave them back to me. And he said, ‘We can’t have these books here.’” Blume recalled such attempts throughout her career … Continue reading ‘What Is It about This Book That Scares You?’ →

Until We Meet Again

By Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada | June 1, 2023

As I contemplate the future of libraries, I am reminded of adrienne maree brown’s book Emergent Strategy. In the chapter “Intentional Adaptation: How We Change,” she describes the need to be an active participant in change—to not resist but embrace it—and to be as intentional as possible during the process while being in community with … Continue reading Until We Meet Again →

Photo of Ava Kirtley, who raised money to purchase books from frequently banned lists and gave them away to teens in Walla Walla, Washington.

Meeting The Challenge

By Emily Udell | May 1, 2023

In summer 2021, several parents and community members challenged a handful of books at the school, including the memoir Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. In response, Kirtley and about 40 of her peers met that fall at a student-run social justice club to discuss how to respond. They made plans to attend the next school … Continue reading Meeting The Challenge →

An image of Minecraft's Uncensored Library.

By the Numbers: Freedom of the Press

By Megan Bennett | May 1, 2023

30 Number of years World Press Freedom Day has been observed. In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly deemed May 3 a day to honor, evaluate, and defend freedom of the press around the world, as well as pay tribute to journalists who have died as a result of their work. 9 Number of boxes … Continue reading By the Numbers: Freedom of the Press →

Latest Library Links

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The Urban Libraries Council’s (ULC) 2024 Library Insights Report, which captures trends in patron engagement with library programs and services, found strong increases in library usage last year. The survey found that libraries recorded an average 24% increase in visits in 2023, a trend expected to continue in 2024. Room reservations among libraries surveyed increased by 52% and surpassed pre-pandemic levels, and program attendance increased by 53%. The report reflects survey responses from 115 ULC member libraries, representing almost 2,300 locations serving more than 87.5 million people in the US and Canada.

Urban Libraries Council, Nov. 19
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Ashley Belanger writes: “Late November 20, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed its proposed final judgment, officially recommending a broad range of remedies to end Google’s search monopoly. Predictably, Google is not happy with the DOJ’s plan, which requires the company to sell its Chrome browser [and may impact Android and artificial intelligence endeavors]. Google will have plenty of time to argue against the DOJ’s proposed final judgment before final revisions are filed by March 7, 2025.”

Ars Technica, Nov. 21
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Megan Janicki writes: “More than half of all public libraries each year apply for E-Rate funding to support the broadband capacity needed to serve our communities nationwide. Recent legal challenges threaten this program. Consumers’ Research has brought suits against the Federal Communications Commission in several appellate courts across the country, alleging that the Universal Service Fund [of which E-Rate is a part] contribution factor is unconstitutional. Now, the case is headed to the Supreme Court.” Share stories about what the E-Rate has meant for your community by emailing mjanicki@ala.org to contribute to amicus briefs ALA anticipates filing in support of the E-Rate.

Public Libraries Online, Nov. 22; Broadband Breakfast, Aug. 6
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ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and the Writers Guild Initiative are hosting a unique series of writer’s workshops that help participants use writing to reflect on experiences, share insights, identify a path forward, and make their voices heard. The workshops will pair 25 librarians with professional film and television writers. All librarians are invited to apply by December 16. Participants will be randomly selected for the four-session online series taking place from February 1 through March 8, 2025.

Office for Intellectual Freedom, Nov. 20
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Cass Balzer writes: “What would you do to keep your child clean, dry, and healthy? Skip meals? Miss bill payments? Take on an extra job? For nearly half of US families with young children, the answer is: All of the above and more. A National Diaper Bank Network study found that in 2023, an unprecedented 47% of families with young children nationwide struggled to afford diapers. In response, libraries have stepped up to distribute these critical supplies. Though they can be challenging to fund and coordinate, these programs are immensely popular and—for many communities—vital.”

American Libraries Trend, Nov./Dec.
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Ana Ndumu writes: “For more than a century, American libraries of all types have helped immigrants integrate, worked with municipalities to cultivate welcoming communities, and supported laws to shape our immigration system. With immigrants making up 13.8% of our population, the US is more racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse than ever before. But for many library workers, staying abreast of the fraught immigration policy landscape is challenging. Laws shift rapidly, with initiatives introduced or eliminated according to political agendas. Here are additional resources library workers can use to educate themselves or network with others administering to immigrant communities.”

American Libraries column, Nov./Dec.
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Michael Kan writes: “Are you still using ‘chocolate,’ ‘naruto,’ or ‘monkey’ for your passwords? You really need to stop. All three are among the most commonly used passwords, putting your accounts at risk of hacking, according to new data from NordPass. The password manager’s sixth annual list of the top 200 most commonly used passwords is pulled from a 2.5TB dataset of stolen logins taken from various sources.” ZDNet offers tips for creating stronger passwords and improved security measures.

PC Mag, Nov. 14; NordPass, Nov. 13; ZDNet, Nov. 14

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