International Archives | Page 7 of 18 | American Libraries Magazine

How the Marrakesh Treaty Opens Vistas for Print-Disabled Readers

By Jonathan Band | September 10, 2013

As the first treaty devoted to copyright exceptions, the June 28, 2013, agreement represents a significant development in international copyright law. (The 1886 Berne Convention contains exceptions for quotations, illustration in teaching, and news reporting.) ALA worked closely with the US delegation throughout the negotiating process. Through the Library Copyright Alliance, ALA’s views were represented … Continue reading How the Marrakesh Treaty Opens Vistas for Print-Disabled Readers →

IFLA Closes Singapore Conference Looking to the Future

By Leonard Kniffel, with photos by Carlon Walker | August 23, 2013

The closing session of the 79th World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) August 22 offered the 3,750 attendees from 120 countries a recap of 224 sessions held over six days in Singapore. Along with thanks to the local organizers and volunteers for making the conference … Continue reading IFLA Closes Singapore Conference Looking to the Future →

Geo-Strategist Parag Khanna Ushers IFLA into the “Hybrid Age”

By Leonard Kniffel, with photos by Carlon Walker | August 22, 2013

Geo-strategist Parag Khanna, bestselling author of How to Run the World: Charting a Course to the Next Renaissance, asserted that the great ages of mankind are the Stone Age, the Agrarian Age, the Industrial Age, and the Information Age; but now, he said, we are entering the “Hybrid Age,” a time when technology is erasing … Continue reading Geo-Strategist Parag Khanna Ushers IFLA into the “Hybrid Age” →

At IFLA 2013, Singapore Journalist Cherian George Delivers Scathing Indictment of Mass Media

By Leonard Kniffel, with photos by Carlon Walker | August 21, 2013

“What is the fate of the public in an age of individual choice?” That’s the central question posed by Cherian George, journalist and professor at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. George’s speech launched the fourth day of IFLA’s 79th World Library and Information Congress. George … Continue reading At IFLA 2013, Singapore Journalist Cherian George Delivers Scathing Indictment of Mass Media →

New Report Portends Global Societal Trends, as IFLA Continues in Singapore

By Leonard Kniffel, with photos by Carlon Walker | August 21, 2013

It’s designed to assess “the impact of new technology on our global information environment,” said IFLA President Ingrid Parent, introducing the new IFLA Trend Report August 19 during the World Library and Information Congress in Singapore. Commissioned in 2012 and involving social scientists, economists, business leaders, educators, legal experts, and technologists, Riding the Waves or Caught … Continue reading New Report Portends Global Societal Trends, as IFLA Continues in Singapore →

IFLA Opener Showcases Singapore’s Asian Multiculturalism

By Leonard Kniffel, with photos by Carlon Walker | August 20, 2013

The 79th World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), whose theme is “Future Libraries: Infinite Possibilities,” began with a bang August 18 in Singapore. Beating drums and a long, colorfully lit dragon welcomed some 3,500 delegates from around the world with the music and dance of … Continue reading IFLA Opener Showcases Singapore’s Asian Multiculturalism →

American Caucus Strategizes as IFLA Prepares to Open in Singapore

By Leonard Kniffel, with photos by Carlon Walker | August 19, 2013

Some 200 US delegates to the August 17–23 IFLA annual conference in Singapore caucused August 16 at the Suntec convention center to identify top programs and developments in international librarianship. Speakers named a forthcoming trends study, a new online library, conference programs designed to engage new professionals in international librarianship, and the election of an … Continue reading American Caucus Strategizes as IFLA Prepares to Open in Singapore →

Disaster Relief … with Books

By Leonard Kniffel | July 16, 2013

The activists behind Libraries Without Borders (Bibliothèques Sans Frontières) understand that priority must be given to food, water, shelter, and medicine. They also recognize that little attention is paid to another basic human necessity: the knowledge resources needed to cope with catastrophe. Founded in Paris in 2007, Libraries Without Borders (LWB) provides targeted books and … Continue reading Disaster Relief … with Books →

ALA Celebrates 50th Anniversary of “Letter from Birmingham Jail”

By Mariam Pera | April 16, 2013

On April 16, ALA staff members gathered for a reading of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” as part of a worldwide celebration marking its 50th anniversary. ALA was one of 207 sites around the world where King’s letter was being read aloud today. Although part of a larger, international … Continue reading ALA Celebrates 50th Anniversary of “Letter from Birmingham Jail” →

International Libraries Confronted by Ebook Library Lending

By Alan S. Inouye | April 4, 2013

ALA Immediate Past President Molly Raphael had the opportunity to visit China last fall to speak to the library community there about some of the struggles that many American libraries face as they try to provide ebooks and digital content to the public. Her speaking tour included stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Dongguan, … Continue reading International Libraries Confronted by Ebook Library Lending →

In Central America, Community-Minded Libraries Become Community Funded

By Carol A. Erickson | February 27, 2013

The homicide rate in Honduras is among the highest in the world. Decades of corruption have gnawed through government and police forces from top to bottom. Trafficking of cocaine and drugs—destined north to Mexico and the United States—is rampant, as is underemployment throughout the country. And as in any culture, Honduran children are especially susceptible … Continue reading In Central America, Community-Minded Libraries Become Community Funded →

Romania’s New National Library Remains a Dream Yet to Come True

By Hermina Anghelescu and Leonard Kniffel | January 28, 2013

Visible from nearly half a mile away, an enormous rooftop Samsung banner leads the casual observer to suppose that the imposing new building in Bucharest is the Romanian headquarters for the electronics giant. Not so. A small plaque near one of the massive entrance doors says that this is the National Library of Romania. The … Continue reading Romania’s New National Library Remains a Dream Yet to Come True →

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“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
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Heidi 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
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Kelly 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
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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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Jennie Langberg writes: “When I started as a school librarian, I inherited a wonderful group of student volunteers: the Library Squad. The previous librarian sent me the names of her seven most trusted volunteers to help with shelving, bulletin boards, and a variety of library projects. Eager to offer volunteer opportunities to more students, I promoted Library Squad during English class orientations and was met with overwhelming interest. I learned a great deal about running a volunteer program from this experience and want to share the highs and lows with you.”

The Library Lab, June 29
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Katherine Gregory writes: “Mississippi State University, where I work as an assistant professor and director of the Mississippi Political Collections, is part of a national network of universities that hold and steward congressional papers. But support for this stewardship is in jeopardy. With the White House’s proposed elimination of independent granting agencies such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, it is unclear what money will be available for this work in the future.”

The Conversation, June 30
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Steve Tetrault writes: “In February 2024, I shared about the reintroduction of a physical library space into my middle school after five years without one. This past school year was the first September since 2018 that my middle school had a physical library space. That space came a longway in a year! In our first year of operation, our new library space increased circulation by more than 50%. It is incredible what a difference having physical access to books makes.”

Knowledge Quest, July 8; Feb. 8, 2024

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