Even Librarians Live in Information Silos | Back Talk By Wayne A. Wiegand Between September 22 and 28, the nation’s library community once again “celebrated” Banned Books Week, an annual event established in 1982 by the American Library Association (ALA) to profile acts of censorship and book banning in schools and libraries across the nation. Beginning with a “Library Bill of Rights” that ALA adopted in 1939, library leaders worked hard during the 20th century to hone a national image as defenders of intellectual freedom, opponents of censorship, and proponents of the freedom to read. But between 1939 and 1982 that image evolved to become an information silo of librarianship’s own making, one that was silent on or indifferent to issues of race and libraries. | SPONSORED BY MIT PRESS Direct to Open Impact Report 2024 We’ve been shaking things up at the MIT Press for over 60 years, changing how knowledge flows between academics and the world. Reflecting and amplifying the values of an educational institution that places a premium on experimentation and open knowledge, the MIT Press has been a leader in open access publishing for decades.
Read more>>> | Call for Nominations | LJ Movers & Shakers 2025 The editors of Library Journal need your help in identifying emerging talents in the library world—both great leaders and behind-the-scenes contributors who are providing inspiration and model programs for others. Our 23rd annual round of Movers & Shakers will profile up-and-coming individuals from around the world who are innovative, creative, making a difference fighting against censorship, and helping improve their workplace. From librarians and non-degreed library workers to publishers, vendors, coders, entrepreneurs, reviewers, and others who impact the library field—Movers & Shakers 2025 will celebrate those people who are moving all types of libraries ahead! Deadline to submit: October 18, 2024 | SPONSORED BY EX LIBRIS, PART OF CLARIVATE Navigating Technology Change: Librarian Leaders Share Their Best Practices Putting off adoption of new technologies puts libraries at risk of falling behind in serving their users effectively. For libraries tackling new initiatives, the ability to manage change is crucial. We spoke with several library leaders to learn how they reduce organizational stress and navigate change at both the organizational and individual levels. Read more>>> | Preparing Libraries for Natural Disasters By SLJ Staff As the devastating scenes come in from Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia in the wake of Hurricane Helene and we seek ways to assist with recovery and rebuilding the impacted communities, it is a reminder of the need to prepare for natural disasters. Syracuse University worked with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, FEMA, and librarians to create a list of tips for libraries to prepare for natural disasters and have a plan for after the emergency when libraries often become a community hub for recovery. | National Book Award Finalists Are Announced | Book Pulse By Kate Merlene The National Book Award Finalists are announced, as are the longlist for the Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation and Audiofile’s October 2024 Earphones Award winners. The 2024 slate of MacArthur Fellows includes writers Ling Ma, Juan Felipe Herrera, Jason Reynolds, and Jericho Brown. | SPONSORED BY MIT PRESS MIT Press’s Direct to Open (D2O) At the MIT Press, we believe that everyone deserves access to scholarship. Our dedication to this mission remains strong as we head into the fourth funding cycle for Direct to Open (D2O), our model for open access monographs. Libraries and consortia can commit to support the program through November 30, 2024.
Read more>>> | REFERENCE PREMIUM The Craft of Research By Wayne C. Booth & others This reference guide is an accessible addition to any undergraduate reading list, but it will be particularly useful for social sciences students. It is well-written, clearly structured, and easy to read and use. The Library Friends, Foundations, and Trusts Handbook By Diane P.Tuccillo An invaluable purchase for libraries of all kinds and sizes. Tuccillo’s advice is practical and timely, allowing libraries to foster vibrant, inclusive, and productive library support groups. | Call for Nominations | LJ Librarian of the Year 2025 The LJ editors are seeking nominations for the 36th annual Library Journal Librarian of the Year Award, sponsored by Baker & Taylor, to honor a professional librarian for outstanding achievement and accomplishments reflecting the loftiest service goals of the library profession. Deadline to submit: October 23, 2024 | Modern Library Marketing | Editorial By Hallie Rich My journey into librarianship was a bit unusual: Unlike those who began as a page or in an LIS role fresh out of grad school, my library career started in marketing. It was my job to understand the many ways the library brought value to the community and to develop stories and campaigns that shed light on the best aspects of our work. I was so inspired by what I saw in our branches that I eventually pursued a library degree. And as I deepened my knowledge, I saw that libraries could benefit from more attention to external communication. | Job Zone utilizes unique job matching technology to help you find the perfect job (and employers find the perfect candidate), whether you’re actively seeking or just keeping an eye out for your possibilities. Log on today and check out our newest features, including automated job and candidate matches, and email alerts. JOB OF THE WEEK
SMU Libraries is seeking a Library Cataloger. | |