This is the 15th year in which Library Journal has scored U.S. public libraries on the LJ Index of Public Library Service and awarded Star Library ratings. The 2022 scores and ratings are based on FY20 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey.
December 2022 The manifold pleasures of audiobooks continue to delight in the newest quarterly edition of LJ’s special focus on reviews for those who read with their ears. Soundscapes transport listeners deep into these works filled with sparkling banter, the uneasy expectations of characters on new ventures, and beautifully wrought prose delivered through the talents of myriad narrators.
Patrons have begun to expect 24/7 library services. With Ex Libris Library Mobile, the University of Liège is empowering patrons to access digital services and resources at any time and on any device.
Since April, users of the Llano County Library System, TX, have been waging a federal lawsuit against county commissioners, members of the recently reconstituted library board, and the library director. In May, they sought a preliminary injunction that would restore books removed last year from the library collection under pressure from a group of residents who objected to what they viewed as inappropriate content for children.
With two different, disconnected systems tracking different aspects of the university’s research activities, the staff of the Mario Rostini Library at LIUC saw an opportunity with Ex Libris Esploro to streamline workflows to comply with Italian laws, and to provide a better service to the university’s community of researchers.
Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair leads library holds this week. It is also a Library Reads pick. People’s book of the week is The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton. LitHub collates “The Ultimate Best Books of 2022 List.” Time looks forward to the most anticipated books of 2023. Alice Oseman tops the The Bookseller 150 list in the author/illustrator category.
“U.S. public libraries were affected dramatically by COVID shutdowns and restrictions. Obviously, that impacts the statistics they report, on which the LJ Index is based.”
The 2022 Canopus Awards finalists and the Prime Minister’s Literary Award winners are announced. Looking back, more end-of-the-year book lists abound. Looking forward, more new books arrive. Plus, there is an author interview with Rolf Potts and more author-powered book recommendations.
“Today’s library is so many things,” says Jennifer Charzewski, principal at the Charleston-based architecture firm Liollio. “It’s library as gathering place, as museum, as park, as school, as community center.” So, library designers are prioritizing flexibility for unforeseen future functions as they embark on both new builds and renovations.
By Dan Brooks, Marlene Harris, Cindy Stevens, and Nora Walsh
Into the West by Mercedes Lackey is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, by Michelle Obama, is a starred social sciences title. "This is wisdom, pure and simple, for everyone in search of the strength necessary to live expansive lives in a world that too often relegates people to the margins." Gray Love: Stories About Dating and New Relationships After 60 is a starred self-help selection. "This is not a how-to-date volume but one exploring different viewpoints for consideration. Best suited for a general audience of a certain age." Also in self-help, The Anger Toolkit: Quick Tools To Manage Intense Emotions and Keep Your Cool, by Matthew MacKay and others, is a starred selection "best suited for those interested in self-help, psychology, and social work." Matisse in the 1930s is a starred nonfiction title. "Recommended for those who love Matisse or are interested in the work of one of the major artists of the 20th century."
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