To help coordinate and support the work of saving government data, ensure that individual efforts didn’t duplicate one another, and provide a secure, accessible repository for archived material, a group of concerned librarians created the Data Rescue Project (DRP). A “clearinghouse” for data preservation efforts, DRP builds on efforts that began during Trump’s first term. LJ spoke with DRP organizer Lynda Kellam about the project and to learn more about how to get involved.
The vital role libraries play in their communities has been well documented, yet many libraries are overlooked, and certainly underfunded, for their significant involvement in disaster preparedness and recovery. Each new disaster brings focus to the urgency around recognizing libraries as key climate resiliency partners. To that end, academics, practitioners, educators, and other leaders have created a body of work to help share stories that raise awareness.
Arab American Heritage Month In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, formally established by the Biden administration in April 2021, this reading list celebrates the varied cultures, achievements, and contributions of Arab American people. Through poetry, literary fiction, memoirs, and more, the following books reveal many facets of Arab American communities, histories, and experiences.
Autism Acceptance Month recognizes the deliberate shift away from the stigmatized term “autism awareness” toward an inclusive attitude of acceptance, respect, listening, parity, and empowerment. With romance, literary fiction, memoirs, and more, the following reading list honors the many experiences and voices of people within the autistic community.
“The other thing that’s as important as data rescues is data impact stories—collecting those in your community, having an understanding of how your local community or city or state uses data, and making sure to explain that to people in the community so that it doesn’t seem just like a library topic or a nerd topic, that the lack of that data is going to impact our communities. We need to make sure that our local politicians and people on the local level understand what that impact will be.”
Capturing and preserving information has long been part of the library mission. As the world grapples with the wide range of threats climate change presents to the environment, ecosystems, and society, we can make a difference by keeping people informed.
Last year, John Wilkin shared his essay Lyrasis in a Landscape of Radical Interdependence where he discussed the interdependence of libraries, archives and museums, and how Lyrasis is uniquely positioned to provide the connective tissue between them.
A compelling look at disasters and their aftermath, especially relevant in times of changing climate. Recommended for readers interested in climate narratives.
For readers wondering what it means for humanity to be both made of stardust and reaching for galaxies far beyond us, this book will provide history and science in a deeply personal, relevant way, sure to inspire flights of fancy and of facts.
An engaging thought experiment on what will be left behind from a society literally built on extracting and re-forming the biology and geology of our planet.
Looking to improve engagement and provide historical context in her Literature 155 course last fall, Professor Alisa Allkins of Harold Washington College used Gale Literature Resource Center to introduce her students to diverse primary sources connected to the book Passing by Nella Larsen. And she discovered a powerful strategy to counter AI-generated work.
A strong choice for any film collection. Smokler and his interviewees demonstrate just how profound an impact women directors have had on the cultural landscape, and readers who pick this up to dip into a discussion with a favorite director will likely walk away with new creators and works to explore.
The shortlist for the Women’s Prize for Fiction is announced, including Aria Aber, Miranda July, Sanam Mahloudji, Elizabeth Strout, Yael van der Wouden, and Nussaibah Younis. Bullaun Press wins the Republic of Consciousness prize for small presses. James by Percival Everett wins this year’s Tournament of Books in a championship matchup against Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar.
The shortlist is announced for the EBRD Literature Prize for European literary fiction translated to English. French Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal has been sentenced to prison in Algeria, allegedly for criticizing the country. Salman Rushdie will publish a new collection of stories, The Eleventh Hour, due out in November.
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