Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services Call for Conference Proposals
The Association of Bookmobile & Outreach Services (ABOS) is now accepting program proposals for their annual conference, “Rising Up and Reaching Out” to be held October 4-6 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Selected programs will be announced in early June 2022. The deadline for program proposals is Friday, May 27 at 4:00 p.m. MDT.
Libraries Build Business Playbook Now Available
Over the past 22 months, the American Library Association’s Libraries Build Business cohort has been developing and implementing innovative small business programming. Now, you can learn from their stories with the new Libraries Build Business Playbook (PDF), a comprehensive look at how the programs developed.
Big Talk From Small Libraries Recordings Now Available
Recordings of all Big Talk From Small Libraries 2022 sessions are now available. Don’t forget to complete the conference evaluation. They’re looking for input from people who attended the live conference or watched the archived recordings. And mark your calendars now – next year’s conference will be on Friday, February 24, 2023.
Libraries Transforming Communities Call for Advisors
The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking 10 librarian advisors for Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities. Advisors will be selected for their experience with community engagement, disability services, and developing local programs for public audiences. Library work experience and individual membership in ALA or ARSL required; MLIS is preferred. Submissions are requested by May 2, 2022.
Overcoming Unconscious Biases and Promoting Diversity
Psychology Today defines bias as “a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone” (para. 1, n.d.). Bias can be negative or positive and is often formed through personal and second-degree experiences. Everyone holds bias, many unconsciously so! Learn different types of biases likely to be found in a library setting and find links for further information.
Get Free “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” Materials
The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program just released their revised milestones and tips to support children’s development. Free materials are available.
How to Start a Sensory Support Group at Your Library
Want to start a sensory support group for your neurodiverse patrons? Resources are available to help you get started, learn the types of
activities that happen during a sensory support group meeting, develop partnerships, and more, thanks to this LibGuide from the State of Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services. Additional resources may be found from Libraries and Autism.
Find Strategic Planning Resources for Public, Academic, and School Libraries
The Massachusetts Library System has created a guide to strategic planning for public, academic, and school libraries. Find sample plans, survey tools and advice, tips and techniques, and more in this helpful online resource. While some of this guide is tailored to Massachusetts libraries, much will be useful to libraries anywhere.
Navigating Waves of Censorship: Resources for Public and School Libraries
We’ve all seen the recent headlines highlighting a startling rise in censorship: legislation banning teachers from discussing racism, lists of books to pull from school and public libraries, and politicians threatening to withhold library funding. This blog post from the Colorado Virtual Library offers extensive advice and resources for anticipating and responding to challenges.
Native American Read-In Taking Place in April
Join a virtual family-friendly celebration of the work of Native American creators on Sunday, April 24. The read-in will feature multiple Native authors, artists and storytellers. Attendees will enjoy reading/telling sessions, Native art and music, and live Q&A with the artists. All are welcome for this #OwnVoices read-aloud event. The read-in is sponsored by sponsored by the University of Washington iSchool and Read-a-Rama.
Boost Reading Challenge Participation with 6 Research-Backed Tips
With a wide range of reading challenge customization options, it can be difficult to know what choices will help boost participation and sustain engagement in your community. That’s where Beanstack’s 2021 Summer Reading Report comes in. They looked at data from thousands of diverse libraries and users around the globe to create six evidence-based reading challenge tips to keep your community reading.
New Report Spotlights Creative Library Broadband Services During the Pandemic
A new report released by the American Library Association shows the impact of broadband access through the nation’s nearly 17,000 public libraries during the pandemic, as well as the need for continued long-term investments in broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion programming. “Keeping Communities Connected: Library Broadband Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” part of the ALA Policy Perspectives series, illustrates how libraries found ways to continue their most important services as well as to innovate new ones to meet emerging needs.
2022 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition Offers a Virtual Opportunity
New at the American Library Association’s 2022 Annual Conference & Exhibition is The Digital Experience, a virtual offering for guests who cannot attend the conference in Washington, D.C., June 23-28, 2022. Registrants will have access to 42 education sessions, 14 News You Can Use sessions, and four main stage speakers, including on-demand access through August 31, 2022. Registration is open.