Reference works contain entire worlds, arranged, indexed, and designed to support research and exploration. These aids—hefty both in physical form and in depth and resonance—provide new interpretations, offer access into decades of academic work, and foster fresh ways of thinking.
On March 14, the American Library Association (ALA) released its most recent book challenge data for 2023. According to ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, which tracks challenges and acts of censorship in public schools and libraries across the United States, the number of targeted titles rose 65 percent from 2022—once again, the highest levels ever documented by ALA. In public libraries, numbers increased 92 percent over the previous year; school libraries saw an 11 percent increase. Challenged titles featuring the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47 percent of those targeted in censorship attempts.
Libraries are incorporating collaboration, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to create accessible and inclusive spaces. Also, LJ looks at EBSCO's academic ebook accessibility findings.
Libraries deserve a reasonably priced, modern cataloging utility that provides efficient, easy to use features combined with strong, high-quality records coverage at the time of purchase.
These performing arts memoirs feature Judi Dench’s insights, personal experiences, and knowledge about Shakespeare’s plays and RuPaul baring his soul about his dysfunctional family and the battles he has fought.
Databases foster deep research, expansive reading, and a myriad of inquiry avenues. These 10 tools, covering food, Shakespeare, study skills, and much more, are our selections for the best databases of 2023.
“The numbers represented 983 challenges to 4,240 unique titles in both schools and libraries, topping 2022’s high of 2,571. Libraries alone saw 1,247 demands to censor, relocate, or restrict books, materials, and resources. In both schools and libraries, groups and individuals targeting multiple titles—often dozens or hundreds at a time—drove this surge.”
A settlement in the case against Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law has clarified that library books cannot be removed under the law as long as they aren't part of the curriculum; queer publishers navigate book bans; Ohio district keeps two books on shelves; and more.
People are always a library’s greatest assets. The trained and experienced staff who interact with patrons, answer questions, recommend resources, lead story hours, and oversee workshops are what make libraries a vibrant and essential part of their communities. But librarians can’t be everywhere all at once. This is where technology can help.
Multiple vampire tales, including ones from Johnny Compton, Rachel Harrison, and Kiersten White; a gothic horror from LJ Best Booker Olesya Salnikova Gilmore; and YA authors Lilliam Rivera and Vincent Tirado make their adult debut.
Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting is named the Nero Gold Prize Book of the Year. The shortlist for the Aspen Words Literary Prize, the longlist for Jhalak Prize for British writers of color, and the longlist for the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction are announced. PEN International is among signatories of a joint statement on freedom of expression and the freedoms to read and publish. Zando has launched a romance imprint called Slowburn. Dan Wakefield, “multifaceted writer on a spiritual journey,” has died at 91.
People’s book of the week, Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle, leads holds this week. Also getting buzz are titles by James Patterson and Nancy Allen, Percival Everett, Chris Bohjalian, and Steve Cavanagh. The 2024 Future Worlds Prize shortlist is announced. The April LibraryReads list arrives, featuring top pick The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. People highlights Dua Lipa’s book club. Christine Blasey Ford discusses her new memoir, One Way Back. Plus, author Jo Nesbø will adapt his "Harry Hole" series for Netflix.
The winners of the Writers’ Prize are announced: Book of the Year The Home Child by Liz Berry, The Wren, by Anne Enright, and Thunderclap: A Memoir of Life and Art and Sudden Death by Laura Cumming. Elizabeth McCracken wins the Wingate Literary Prize for The Hero of this Book. The finalists are announced for the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards for small-press books. Tanith Lee is the recipient of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association’s Infinity Award, a posthumous lifetime achievement award. The Atlantic launches “The Great American Novels” project.
M.G. Lord's Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll is a starred social sciences selection. "This thorough, consideration of the Barbie world is as relevant now as it was 30 years ago." In self-help, The Black Woman’s Guide to Coping with Stress: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Skills to Create a Life of Joy and Well-Being, by Cheryl L. Woods Giscombé, is a starred title. "Giscombé’s commitment, expertise, and compassion is evident as she shares her methods for Black women to experience joy and well-being." And in romance, Hate To Fake It to You, by Amanda Sellet, is a starred selection. "In her first romance book geared to adults, Sellet (Belittled Women) captures the banter and antics of an old Hollywood screwball romantic comedy while bringing the North Shore of Oahu to life. A perfect beach read."
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