technology Archives | Page 3 of 32 | American Libraries Magazine

Claire Nickerson, learning initiatives and open educational resources librarian at Fort Hays (Kans.) State University, discusses evolving library spaces.

Immersive Classrooms for All

By Carrie Smith | January 28, 2020

Immersive classrooms—spaces that use large displays and interactive elements to simulate environments—have been in use at large academic institutions for years. They generally require expensive screens, projectors, and interactive devices as well as expert-level development to design and adapt content. However, Fort Hays (Kans.) State University (FHSU) received a National Leadership Grant from the Institute … Continue reading Immersive Classrooms for All →

Elisa Rodrigues (left) and Anders Lyon Photo: Hanna Byrd Little

What Types of Technology Should Librarians Scrutinize?

By Hannah Byrd Little | January 25, 2020

The session, part of the Symposium on the Future of Libraries at the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting and Exhibits in Philadelphia on January 25, included both a presentation and a large-group discussion. The first significant item discussed was privacy. The presenters called attention to the seventh article of the ALA Bill of Rights: “All people, regardless of origin, … Continue reading What Types of Technology Should Librarians Scrutinize? →

Librarian's Library by Anna Gooding-Call

Digital Strategies for Librarians

By Anna Gooding-Call | January 2, 2020

Your Technology Outreach Adventure: Tools for Human-Centered Problem Solving By Erin Berman This title will guide professionals in exploring computer-focused library programming. While it provides good examples of tech programs that benefit from outreach, the bulk of the book deals with group planning and design. These are often applicable to any program series or project … Continue reading Digital Strategies for Librarians →

Graphic: Libraries use tech tools to fight fake news (Illustration: Drew Bardana)

Check Your Facts

By Jessica Cilella | November 1, 2019

The Albuquerque Journal’s coverage of the event was headlined “Drag Queens Dazzle at Library Storytime,” while enthusiastic parents voiced support on the library’s Facebook page. Other Facebook commenters voiced opposition, sharing links to conservative websites and articles with headlines like “Parents Beware—Registered Sex Offenders Are Performing for Small Children at Drag Queen Story Hours in Public Libraries” … Continue reading Check Your Facts →

Automatic for the People

By Claire Zulkey | September 3, 2019

But he says any move to automate would be about expanding services, not cutting staff. “I told that journalist, the conversation would regard whether we repurpose one of our staff, who is doing transactional work, to do more transformational work enhancing library resources and programs in senior living facilities or nursing homes or low-income housing … Continue reading Automatic for the People →

OverDrive supports library-driven digital book clubs through publisher negotiation and marketing materials.

Bringing Book Clubs Online

By Carrie Smith | September 3, 2019

OverDrive Digital Book Clubs Libraries that have digital collections from OverDrive are automatically part of the company’s global ebook club, the Big Library Read, which makes select titles available for unlimited checkouts for a limited period three times a year. In addition to this large-scale reading program, the company also provides support for community-wide and … Continue reading Bringing Book Clubs Online →

Clockwise from top left, logos for Sora, PBS Kids Scratch Jr., iCell, Chatterpix Kids, Mixerpiece, and iCivics Suite.

2019 Best Apps and Websites for Teaching and Learning

June 22, 2019

Recognized apps and websites foster innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration. They were also evaluated for their support of AASL’s “National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.” The apps recognized in 2019 are: Chatterpix Kids EarthViewer Equity Maps Figment AR Green Screen by Do Ink iCell iCivics – Suite Khan Academy … Continue reading 2019 Best Apps and Websites for Teaching and Learning →

Students at North Salem (N.Y.) Middle School and High School interact with a Google Home smart speaker. (Photo: North Salem (N.Y.) Middle School and High School)

Your Library Needs to Speak to You

By Carrie Smith | June 3, 2019

Paige isn’t a librarian. She’s not even human. She’s a chatbot—a basic virtual assistant, programmed with a decision tree of potential questions, their answers, and code telling the bot how to respond. Cynthia Sandler, library media specialist at North Salem (N.Y.) Middle School and High School, created Paige in 2017 to help her students interact … Continue reading Your Library Needs to Speak to You →

Library Systems Report (Illustration by (c)vladgrin/Adobe Stock and Rebecca Lomax/American Libraries)

Library Systems Report 2019

By Marshall Breeding | May 1, 2019

Outdated automation systems can reinforce work patterns that no longer reflect priorities as core library activities change. Bursts of innovation can create new products better aligned with current library realities. The products that emerge out of these creative booms then become mainstays that support the next phase of library operations. The academic library sector can … Continue reading Library Systems Report 2019 →

Blockchain Reaction

By Carrie Smith | March 1, 2019

That year, Alman, a lecturer at SJSU, and Hirsh secured an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant to facilitate a national conversation on blockchain’s potential in libraries. By the time they hosted a national forum in summer 2018, cryptocurrency markets had soared and then tumbled, and the news had shifted to “crypto winter.” But … Continue reading Blockchain Reaction →

How Technology Helps Foster Research Connections

By Lindsay Gypin | January 28, 2019

Ngoc-Yen Tran, research impact librarian, and Emily Chan, interim associate dean for research and scholarship, both from San Jose State University, presented a plethora of data from various studies indicating that collaborating on research is up, and single author publication is down. In the first five years of College & Research Libraries’ existence, less than … Continue reading How Technology Helps Foster Research Connections →

Penn State University student Luz Sanchez Tejada uses the school's microcredentialing platform in Pattee Library to earn badges as part of her peer research consultant training. Photo: Steve Tressler

The Making of a Microcredential

By Emily Rimland | January 2, 2019

In the last two years, Penn State University Libraries has seen rapid adoption of its information literacy microcredentials among students. Microcredentials—transferable forms of metadata-encoded, performance-based educational credits—are not new; they started gaining traction in academic libraries around 2012. What is different at Penn State is that to help manage the sudden volume of badge submissions, … Continue reading The Making of a Microcredential →

Latest Library Links

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Megan Bennett writes: “Rick Riordan is best known for his Greek mythology–inspired Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, which has since inspired a larger franchise. In May he released The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure (Hachette) with coauthor Mark Oshiro, about the son of Hades and his boyfriend on a journey to the Underworld. And September 26 Riordan returns to his original protagonists with The Chalice of the Gods (Disney Hyperion), chronicling Percy’s efforts to get into college. Riordan spoke with American Libraries about his newest works and the longevity of Percy Jackson.”

American Libraries Trend, Sept./Oct.
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ALA has released a new LibGuide designed to help library workers use Library of Congress (LC) digital collections in programming and educational opportunities. “Programming with Library of Congress Digital Collections,” is designed to help all types of libraries explore primary sources available from LC’s online collection and connect with their communities through programming and educational opportunities. The guide focuses on eight LC collections (Arts, Civics, Folklife, History, Literature, Maps, Military Experience and STEM) with collection highlights and suggested program ideas that are accessible and adaptable for various library types and audiences.

ALA Public Programs Office, Sept. 18
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Anne MaiYee Jansen writes: “It’s hard to find fault with librarians, those lovably nerdy folk who make a career of recommending books to readers in the community, even when they’re fictional. After all, what’s not to love about someone who passes their days in some of the only remaining quiet spaces in big cities and small towns alike? Since I am talking about fictional librarians in literature, there are some less-than-amazing ones out there. Despite the presence of one or two duds in the pages of all manner of novels, they’re worth taking a look at.

Book Riot, Sept. 18
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Leo S. Lo writes: “As libraries navigate the complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial that they not only adapt to the existing policies, but also actively engage with them and develop best practices for AI use. Here are some practical recommendations for libraries: Establish an AI ethics committee, advocate for inclusive policies, develop best practices for AI use, and provide AI literacy education and training. The proposed AI policies from the US, UK, European Union, Canada, and China serve as a pivotal road map for libraries navigating the intricate terrain of AI.”

IFLA Journal, Aug. 27
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Neely Tucker writes: “Some of the most important works by Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Frederick Douglass, Willa Cather, Zora Neale Hurston and Cesar Chavez will be the focus of a new television series being produced by C-SPAN and the Library of Congress. The 10-part series—Books That Shaped America—starts on Sept. 18 and will examine 10 books by American authors published over a span of nearly 250 years and that are still influential today. It will be hosted by Peter Slen, the longtime executive producer of C-SPAN’s BookTV.”

Library of Congress: Timeless, Sept. 18
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Chase Ollis writes: “It’s finally September, which means summer is waning and fall is approaching. It also means only a few weeks remain to submit your nomination for the 2024 I Love My Librarian Award. More than 1,000 nominations are received for the award every year, so submitting a strong nomination is key to making your librarian stand out among the crowd. Here are a few tips for making your nomination the best it can be and giving your librarian their best shot at receiving the award.

I Love Libraries, Sept. 5
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Beloved reading advocate, writer, and television and film star LeVar Burton will lead this year’s Banned Books Week, which takes place October 1–7. Burton is the first actor to serve as honorary chair of Banned Books Week. He will headline a live virtual conversation with Banned Books Week Youth Honorary Chair Da’Taeveyon Daniels about censorship and advocacy at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, October 4. The event will stream live on Instagram; see bannedbooksweek.org for more details. Burton also led a coalition of entertainers in signing a September 19 open letter against book bans.

ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, Sept. 20; The Hill, Sept. 19; MoveOn, Sept. 19

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