Field Guides by Lorcan Dempsey

Predicting the Unpredictable

March 4, 2024

Scholars Michael Barrett and Wanda Orlikowski note in a March 2021 paper that technologies deployed at scale have both constructive and problematic outcomes. As library decision makers position the library as a source of advice and expertise, as they determine the products and services to invest in, and as they consider the welfare of their … Continue reading Predicting the Unpredictable


From left, Patchogue-Medford (N.Y.) Library's Community Engagement Librarian Emily Spizzirri, Head of Community Engagement Michelle Cayea, and Head of Promotions and Development Laura Accardi, at the "Learn Interactive Marketing with Augmented Reality" session at the 2024 LibLearnX conference in Baltimore on January 21.

A Whopper of a Campaign

January 22, 2024

“We’re located on a busy Main Street in the heart of Patchogue village, with loads of vehicle and foot traffic, so we are seen,” said Karen McCahey, promotions library assistant. “But one of the challenges that’s ongoing is to get people in the front door.” McCahey, along with Community Engagement Librarian Emily Spizzirri, Head of … Continue reading A Whopper of a Campaign


2023 Year in Review graphic

2023 Year in Review

January 2, 2024

Another record year for book challenges Preliminary data from the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) through August 31 showed a 20% increase in reported book challenges for 2023—surpassing the record set in 2022. The data also showed an increase in challenges that targeted multiple titles, with libraries in 11 states receiving challenges that included 100 or … Continue reading 2023 Year in Review


Colorful icons arranged in a grid representing a 3D printer, a person using a computer, a cloud, a book with a cursor clicking, and a mobile phone

2023 Public Library Technology Survey

November 7, 2023

Do you have digital media or maker production equipment for patron use at your library? What types of technology-based equipment does your library circulate? Do you provide space for patrons to conduct individual telehealth sessions? What are the greatest challenges your library faces in providing digital literacy assistance or training? What factors affect your library’s … Continue reading 2023 Public Library Technology Survey


The Library Marketplace at the American Library Association's 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition, held June 22–27 in Chicago. Photo by Rebecca Lomax at American Libraries.

Trending Upward

July 19, 2023

From energetic demos and mascots to giveaways and games, vendors continue to invest in their exhibit hall spaces for the opportunity to interact with current and potential customers. Additionally, many businesses act as sponsors, contrib­uting to the overall success of Annual Conference and the Association. While this wasn’t a year for breaking news in the … Continue reading Trending Upward


An image of 24 icons representing different technology devices and processes for the 2023 Library Systems Report

2023 Library Systems Report

May 1, 2023

Interest in open systems has been growing within the library world for at least 15 years, and recent procurements reflect important breakthroughs. The selection of the open source library services platform (LSP) FOLIO by Library of Congress (LC), the MOBIUS consortium, the National Library of Australia, and others has solidified FOLIO’s position as a major … Continue reading 2023 Library Systems Report


Photo of Librarian's Library columnist Andy Gooding-Call

Decoding the Web

January 3, 2023

Learning from Libraries That Use WordPress: Content-Management System Best Practices and Case Studies By Kyle M. L. Jones and Polly-Alida Farrington The first part of this indispensable resource is an overview of WordPress. Not only does it cover the basics of this popular content management system, but it also includes the decision-making process for starting … Continue reading Decoding the Web


Daphene Keys, public services librarian at Houston Community College, with the Baker & Taylor mascots

A Marketplace of Ideas

July 20, 2022

ALA mandated COVID-19 vaccinations and face masks for conference attendees, which lent some confidence for personal interactions on the exhibit floor. While some vendors noted lighter traffic than in past years, there appeared to be a sense of appreciation for the return of a live marketplace—and a consensus that virtual conferences have not been able … Continue reading A Marketplace of Ideas


Library System Report

2022 Library Systems Report

May 2, 2022

The emergence of such a large business at the top of the industry has accelerated consolidation among mid-level players that aim to increase scale and efficiency to remain competitive. This was a banner year for consolidation of midsize competitors, with more acquisitions than any prior year. These deals raise concerns about weakened competition, but they … Continue reading 2022 Library Systems Report


Ways to Connect

January 3, 2022

Most libraries use one or more library engagement platforms—such as newsletters, mobile apps, or reservation systems—for communications like notifying customers about upcoming events or inviting them to browse materials and check something out. These interactions are touchpoints where the library and customer connect, not unlike a physical reference or circulation desk. Let’s consider how libraries … Continue reading Ways to Connect


Follett School Solutions Sold to Private Equity Firm

September 8, 2021

Follett School Solutions’ products include the Destiny Library Manager used by many US K–12 school libraries, the Aspen Student Information System, and the Titlewave ecommerce platform, which it uses to distribute print and digital content for educational institutions. The company was acquired from Follett Corporation, a family-owned business based in Westchester, Illinois. While divesting its … Continue reading Follett School Solutions Sold to Private Equity Firm


Photo of Dispatches author Jarrod Bogucki

Head in the Cloud?

September 1, 2021

As access remains limited and fewer staffers work onsite than before the pandemic, launching a digital repository via traditional, onsite hardware may be impractical or even impossible. Our world may be opening up again, but trends such as remote working and online education are likely to continue. To host cultural resource collections in a remote … Continue reading Head in the Cloud?