Bi g Ideas for Small Business - Decolonizing - American Libraries Magazine
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November/December 2021
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Big Ideas for Small Business
Decolonizing p. 22
the Catalog p. 38
When Boards
Clash with
Libraries p. 28
PLUS: Padma Lakshmi,
Virtual Interview Lab,
Cafés with a Conscience
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November/December 2021
American Libraries | Volume 52 #11/12 | ISSN 0002-9769
COVER STORY
22 Big Ideas for
Small Business
How libraries
strengthened their
small business
programs to reach
those who needed
them most
BY Claire Zulkey
FEATURES
28 A Conflict of Values
How to prevent clashes
between trustees and
librarianship tenets
BY Cass Balzer
32 Conversations
Creating Change
Small and rural libraries
win grants to transform
their communities
28 BY Phil Morehart
38 Decolonizing
the Catalog
RUSA webinar explores
avenues for antiracist
description practices
42 The Necessity of
Collaboration
How to make large-scale
42
library initiatives more
32
successful with partnerships
BY Valerie Horton
ON THE COVER: Illustration by
Gaby FeBland
16
14 56
UP FRONT TRENDS PERSPECTIVES
3 From the 14 Cafés with a Conscience ACADEMIC INSIGHTS
Editor Libraries partner with social justice 46 Fighting Medical Racism
From Our Table groups on meals and missions BY Naomi Bishop
to Yours BY Emily Udell
DISPATCHES
BY Sanhita SinhaRoy
16 Broadcasting the Past 47 Diagnose and Fix
6 From Our Library podcasts explore local history BY Carson Block
Readers BY Bill Furbee
ON MY MIND
SPOTLIGHT 48 Building a Better Tomorrow
ALA 18 Acing the Interview BY Carolyn Schubert
4 From the Tech library assists locals in finding jobs
LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY
President by providing access to digital tools
Solidarity on BY Michael Sauers 50 Up to the Challenge
BY Allison Escoto
Sustainability
NEWSMAKER
BY Patricia “Patty”
M. Wong 20 Padma Lakshmi SOLUTIONS
TV personality reveals her two
5 From the greatest loves in life
52 In Your Neighborhood
Executive BY Terra Dankowski
Tools for bringing local history online
BY Carrie Smith
Director
Membership as a PLUS
Movement PEOPLE
15 By the Numbers
BY Tracie D. Hall 19 Global Reach 54 Announcements
8 Update 21 Noted & Quoted
What’s THE BOOKEND
happening 56 The Right Track
at ALA
20
OCLC Cover 4 | OverDrive 36–37 | Percussion Play 11 | San José State University 13 | Scripps National Spelling Bee 27 | American Library Association Conference
Services 49 | Development Office Cover 2 | Public Library Association Cover 3
THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Address:
225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
Website:americanlibraries.org
From Our Table to Yours
S
Email: americanlibraries@ala.org
Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension
Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org mall businesses, much like libraries, are a main-
stay of communities across the country. Almost
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
A pot two years into the pandemic, many of these
Winter Sanhita SinhaRoy
ssinharoy@ala.org | x4219 of chili
comfort companies continue to struggle. In “Big Ideas
food? MANAGING EDITOR
Terra Dankowski
Cheese for Small Business” (cover story, p. 22), Claire Zulkey
tdankowski@ala.org | x5282 fondue talks with library workers who are developing creative
SENIOR EDITORS solutions to assist small business owners, especially
Amy Carlton
Vegetarian acarlton@ala.org | x5105 BIPOC and non-English-speaking entrepreneurs.
shepherd’s pie Norwegian
Phil Morehart
bacalao stew
In various parts of the country, public libraries are
pmorehart@ala.org | x4218
facing challenges—not from some external threat but
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sanhita SinhaRoy
Twice-baked from their very own boards and trustees. In “A Conflict
Sallyann Price
potatoes sprice@ala.org | x4213 of Values” (p. 28), Cass Balzer explores this troubling
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE trend of locally elected members who are advocating
Carrie Smith Potato soup for the removal of materials and pushing for agen-
casmith@ala.org | x4216
das that counter the tenets of librarianship. “What
Caldo verde ART DIRECTOR
Rebecca Lomax we’re seeing with library boards is not happening in a
My husband’s rlomax@ala.org | x4217
vacuum,” says Megan Murray Cusick of ALA’s Public
mac n cheese CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Policy and Advocacy Office. “It’s happening ... across
Anne Ford
Warm chocolate Lucas McGranahan Cornish pasty our country and with our civic discourse.”
chip cookies On a lighter note, our Newsmaker this issue (p. 20) is
ADVERTISING
Michael Stack mstack@ala.org | 847-367-7120 Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi. The TV personality and
Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement.
ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. author talks with Managing Editor (and foodie) Terra
PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT Dankowski about her relationship with libraries and
Peanut sauce Mary Mackay
on rice how her grandparents inspired her passions for cooking
Associate Executive Director
A hamburger and reading. Hear more of our interview with Lakshmi
Mary Jo Bolduc
Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 on a food-themed episode of Call Number with American
Pumpkin MEMBERSHIP Libraries in mid-November (bit.ly/CallNumberPodcast).
bread Melissa Kay Walling, Director
In “Cafés with a Conscience” (p. 14), Emily Udell
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Sian Brannon (Chair), Jason K. Alston, Shanna Hollich,
In parts of reports on how some libraries are converting unused or
new space in their facilities into cafés to help address
Jasmina Jusic, Shelley O’Rourke, Emily Wagner
Committee associates: Lori Bryan and Peter J. Egler
the country,
hunger in the community and provide workforce train-
Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2
public libraries ing for people who have faced barriers to employment.
INDEXED
Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, H. W. Wilson, are facing Partnering with local social justice groups and schools,
LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR. these mission-minded cafés are also opening the door
SUBSCRIBE challenges— to the resources that libraries have to offer.
Libraries and other institutions: $75/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, and
Mexico; international: $85. Subscription price for individuals included not from Rounding out the mix is our Bookend interview
in ALA membership dues. Call 800-545-2433, email membership@
with T-Kay Sangwand, a librarian at UCLA Library
ala.org, or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: ALA Member Relations
and Services. Allow six weeks. Single issues $7.50, with 30% discount
some external who has a side gig as a DJ. Read about how her time in
for five or more; contact Carrie Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216 or
casmith@ala.org threat but the college radio scene influenced her library school
experience (“The Right Track,” p. 56).
PUBLISHED
American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times
from their very As 2021 winds down, our team at American Libraries
yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library
Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at
own boards. wishes you the happiest and safest of holidays.
Chicago, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER:
Personal members: Send address changes to American Libraries,
c/o Membership Records, ALA, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300,
Chicago, IL 60601. ©2021 American Library Association. All rights
reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or
republished without written permission from the publisher.
americanlibraries.org | November/December 2021 3
from the
PRESIDENT
Solidarity on Sustainability
The climate crisis requires we act and adapt now to avoid disaster
I
n early August, a major new scientific report libraries of all types in assessing opportunities
concluded that when it comes to global to make better choices on behalf of the local
warming, it may be too late to change course. and global community. In Longwood’s case, the
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate library prioritized sustainable design of its facility
Change, a body of scientists convened by the and grounds and engaged in a methodical review
United Nations, issued an assessment so stark, of policies, practices, services, and programs. In
the UN secretary-general called its findings a the process, it committed to the triple bottom
“code red for humanity” (bit.ly/UN-CodeRed). line—a concept in which decisions are reviewed
Writing in The New York Times in response to through the lenses of environmental sustainabil-
the report, Greta Thunberg and other young cli- ity, social equity, and financial feasibility.
Patricia “Patty”
mate activists took adults to task: “For children A big capital project or renovation offers obvi-
M. Wong
and young people, climate change is the single ous opportunities to make buildings greener, but
greatest threat to our futures. We are the ones small changes make a big impact too.
who will have to clean up the mess you adults In rural western Pennsylvania, Bailey Library
have made, and we are the ones who are more on the campus of Slippery Rock University has
likely to suffer now.” engaged in practices such as composting, paper
Climate change will also disproportionately reuse, printing reduction, and single-use plastic
impact those who are under-resourced and reduction (bit.ly/AL-SRU). Los Angeles Public
historically affected by systemic racism and prac- Library has changed the way prizes for reading
tices that hinder generational wealth accumu- challenges are selected and purchased, opting
lation, such as redlining. Librarians’ core values for practical US-made goods like reusable water
include a commitment to social responsibility, bottles rather than imported nonbiodegradable
Librarians’ sustainability, and equity. It’s not just essential plastic toys (bit.ly/AL-GreenSwag).
we step up at this crucial juncture—it’s our job. I’m not the only library leader to commit pub-
core values Libraries have important roles to play in pre- licly to sustainability or to call on colleagues to be
include a paring our communities for the impact of climate a part of the solution. International Federation of
change, and we must pledge to center sustain- Library Associations and Institutions President-
commitment
ability in our operational practices. We must Elect Barbara Lison will also focus on sustainabil-
to social decarbonize our facilities and lean into our roles ity in her presidential year, noting that climate
as providers of ongoing education. Libraries are change brings new threats to libraries and the
responsibility,
perfectly positioned to help cocreate community communities they serve (bit.ly/IFLA-sustain).
sustainability, resilience, both by modeling good choices and This is a time to stand together in solidarity—
and equity. convening events that help people come to terms with activists like Greta and colleagues like
with the realities of climate change so that we Barbara—to meet the enormous challenges of
It’s not just can all work together to plan for the future. the climate crisis and summon the effort to deal
essential we There is excellent work being done on these with its impact. Climate change is a unifying
fronts throughout the country. In Middle Island, issue for libraries across the globe, and we must
step up at New York, Longwood Public Library became the commit to doing all we can to prepare our
this crucial latest library to be certified through the Sustain- communities for its effects.
able Library Initiative’s Sustainable Library Certi-
juncture—
fication Program (bit.ly/Longwood-sustain). The PATRICIA “PATTY” M. WONG is city librarian at
it’s our job. first of its kind in the world, the program assists Santa Clara (Calif.) City Library.
4 November/December 2021 | americanlibraries.org
from the
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Membership as a Movement
To fulfill ALA’s social impact, we need strength in numbers
O
ver the past year, ALA has devel- In her writings on systems change, social scien-
oped the “Pathway to Transforma- tist Hildy Gottlieb asks, “What might be possible
tion,” a five-year strategic plan that … if socially minded organizations and businesses
launched this fall (bit.ly/ALAPivot acted more like movements than organizations?”
Path). It will culminate in 2026, the As she contends, “The more intentional organi-
year ALA turns 150, and is shaped by the Associ- zations are in structuring their end goals, leader-
ation’s mission and its 12 core values. ship, and means to become more movement-like,
Lately, however, we have faced mounting the more likely those efforts are to succeed in
external pressures against those core ideals. To creating a healthier, more humane world.”
name just a few: barriers placed on equitable ALA is recalibrating each stream of change
Tracie D. Hall
access, a persistent lack of diversity and equitable that Gottlieb cites: its “end goals” via the new
mobility in the US workforce, proliferating attacks strategic plan; “leadership” via the Transforming
against intellectual freedom with increased ALA Governance Task Force, which will conclude
challenges to LGBTQIA and antiracist content, the the restructuring work initiated by the Steering
pandemic’s disruption to education and employ- Committee on Organizational Effectiveness and
ment, and denials of climate change that stymie Forward Together; and “means” via the first
conversations about our environmental crisis. review of its operating agreement in more than
Associations have long been among the most two decades.
effective catalysts, carriers, and counters of Propelling these efforts are ALA members and
evolving social thought and political develop- staff who have shown incredible ingenuity and
ment. They serve as a “powerful instrument” dedication to bringing an unprecedented number
when “applied to a wider range of purposes,” as of grants, services, advocacy and policy victories,
French historian Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in and technical assistance supports to the field, as
the early 1800s in Democracy in America. well as to underwriting membership and confer-
It is that potential and ability to shift public ence registration for those financially affected
Associations policy—and inform practice and attitudes at the by COVID-19.
service level—that make ALA so necessary. The If ALA is to realize its mission “to enhance
have long
Association continues to advance LIS and social learning and ensure access to information for
been among practice in the areas of adult and family literacy, all,” at a time when both are so embattled, we
digital access, intellectual freedom, copyright, must seek to double our ranks and to question
the most
and services to people without shelter and those everything—old practices, biases, silos, binaries,
effective who are or have been incarcerated. (This fall the elephants in corners—that stands in the way of
catalysts, Association launched a comprehensive update to that. This is an extraordinary period, as ripe
its standards for library services to the incarcer- with opportunity as with challenge. When I
carriers, and ated and detained.) envision ALA’s sesquicentennial, I see a diverse
counters As new generations (my own, Generation X, and expanded body of visionary leaders rising.
as well as millennials and Generation Z) rise to The time is now to cultivate membership not for
of evolving leadership, they place new and necessary expec- its own sake but for the larger work of move-
social thought tations of social resonance and accountability on ment building.
associations. These shifting needs should inform
and political
areas where mobilization is needed and ensure TRACIE D. HALL is executive director of the American
development. long-term relevance. Library Association. Reach her at thall@ala.org.
americanlibraries.org | November/December 2021 5
from our
READERS
I love how the
The Unfolding Crisis
stories of the At the time of the attacks on Sep-
helpers continue tember 11, 2001, I was director
to grow and build of Arlington (Va.) Public Library.
the narrative of Arlington is a small, densely
populated community located
9/11. #NeverForget outside Washington, D.C., and
@KTLEWIS14 in response it’s home to the Pentagon. Our cases rather than desegregation
to “A Safe Haven in the fire departments were deeply Whitewashing History cases in the South in the 1960s,
Sea” (Sept./Oct., p. 34) involved in the response to the I was pleased to see the American and failing to acknowledge racist
attacks, and when I recently Library Association’s June 26, practices among white educa-
I have enjoyed attended the annual commemo- 2020, statement that it “accepts tion administrators in the South.
ration events here, it all felt close and acknowledges its role in (Read my article “Separate—and
listening to this and personal. upholding unjust systems of Unequal,” AL Online, Oct. 6,
#librarypodcast I appreciated the articles in racism and discrimination against 2020, for more on this).
and discovering American Libraries’ “The Legacy Black, Indigenous, and people For several years now I have
how hip-hop of 9/11” package (Sept./Oct., of color.” But, as I’ve written in been calling upon ALA to follow
p. 28) but felt something was at least one article I’ve published the example of other professional
music has missing. More attention should since, “It is impossible for mem- associations and establish a com-
become a part have been paid to what public bers of the nation’s library com- mission on racism. The findings
of the library. libraries did in response to the munity to fathom the full burden of such a commission may be the
incident itself as it was evolving, of that responsibility if such large only way to guard against such
@ITSARTISTCOOL in
response to Call Number and what was learned. I remain chunks of that past ... remain historically incorrect statements
with American Libraries deeply proud of Arlington Public unknown to the present.” as the one quoted above.
podcast’s “Libraries and Library’s immediate response to The August 18 statement I find it sadly ironic that in a
Hip-Hop” (Ep. 64, July 19) the attacks and its contributions by the ALA Executive Board, a statement opposing censorious
to the long-term recovery. reaction to the controversy over initiatives, ALA whitewashed its
The flexibility of public critical race theory, concludes own history.
libraries and their ability to act with this sentence: “For more Wayne A. Wiegand
and respond as a crisis is evolv- than 140 years, ALA has been Walnut Creek, California
ing is one of the often forgotten the trusted voice of libraries,
reasons that a public library advocating for the profession A Fond Farewell
plays such an important role in and the library’s role in enhanc- By the time I began working
its community. I was reminded of ing learning and ensuring access on my MLIS degree, circa 2010,
that recently when I learned from to information for all.” Meredith Farkas’s In Practice
a Washington Post article about That last statement is simply columns in American Libraries
public libraries distributing free not true, and there are numerous were already required reading for
COVID-19 tests. The commu- historical examples of the Asso- some of my courses. Moreover,
nity trusts public libraries, and ciation’s inaction on issues of as an early adopter of Twitter
libraries are to be commended equity and access: staying mum and netizen of the blogosphere,
for taking action. on a sit-in at a segregated white I connected with her writing in
Ann Friedman library in the late 1930s, choosing ways that spoke directly to my
Arlington, Virginia to file amicus briefs in censorship experience and interests. I have
WRITE US: The editors welcome comments about recent content, online stories, and matters FOLLOW US:
of professional interest. Submissions should be limited to 300 words and are subject to editing @amlibraries
for clarity, style, and length. Send to americanlibraries@ala.org or American Libraries, From Our facebook.com/
Readers, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601. amlibraries
6 November/December 2021 | americanlibraries.org
on our
WEBSITE
listened to Farkas speak more
than once on conference panels,
school libraries in New Jersey,
sharing that information not only
What You’re Reading
1
and she has always existed, for with NJASL members but also
2021 Library Design Showcase Our annual
me, in the pantheon of contem- with legislators and the New
celebration of the best new and renovated
porary library thought leaders. Jersey Department of Education.
libraries. bit.ly/LibraryDesign21
Because of this, I was saddened Knowing that ALA is inclu-
2
to read her final entry (“All Good sive of all types of libraries in
What Was Lost Examining the libraries
Things ...,” June, p. 54). its outreach is what makes my
and treasures that were destroyed on 9/11—
Upon reflecting on my own membership in ALA so valuable.
and the archival work that followed.
career and, in particular, per- Thank you for remembering the
bit.ly/AL-911Libraries
spectives on academic libraries, needs of school libraries.
3
I cannot help but notice how Mary Moyer Stubbs
Millville, New Jersey
A Safe Haven in the Sea Tiny Gander (New-
much my own journey mirrored foundland) Public and Resource Library
hers. All along the way, her played an unexpected role during the cha-
columns provided mentorship Thanks, Obama otic week after 9/11. bit.ly/AL-Gander
and inspired me to think more Former President Obama’s talk
broadly about user experience, was a wonderful conclusion to
technology, empathy for col-
leagues, and work–life balance.
ALA’s Annual Conference and
Exhibition Virtual. Obama’s
In Case You Missed It
I appreciate her willingness to description of libraries as “citadels Uptick in First Amendment
step aside to make space for new of knowledge and empathy” gives Audits Public libraries in the North-
and more diverse voices. Many librarians a lens through which to east report a recent rise in encounters.
more of us in this profession need view our own programs. How are bit.ly/AL-1A-audits
to follow her example. Thank you, we viewing issues of access and
Meredith, for all you’ve given us. safe spaces for all of our patrons, Can the Library Protect Itself
Onward and upward. including those that haven’t yet from Copyright Suits? Lawyer-
John M. Jackson walked through our doors? What librarian fields legal questions on how
Los Angeles does this look like virtually? libraries can immunize themselves.
Obama encouraged us to bit.ly/AL-CopySuits
Back to School Libraries rethink our libraries as institu-
I wanted to say thank you to tions that have underlying values Follett School Solutions Sold to
ALA Executive Director Tracie but also must remain relevant to Private Equity Firm What does the
D. Hall for her monthly columns the communities they serve. In acquisition of the dominant library
in American Libraries. I look for- the same conversation, Obama management solutions provider mean
ward to seeing what new insights and his interviewer Lonnie G. for K–12 libraries? bit.ly/AL-Follett
she brings each month, her Bunch III, secretary of the Smith-
thought-provoking comments on sonian Institution, discussed how
the impact of libraries, and chal- Americans examine the past Coming Soon
lenges to the library community and present as a way to explore
Our preview of the inaugural LibLearnX Virtual,
regarding how they can expand our future. The same general
January 21–24, and team coverage on The Scoop.
outreach to their constituents. As sentiment could be applied to
the legislative consultant for the libraries. We should be constantly Referenda Roundup, our annual recap of library
New Jersey Association of School rethinking how patrons engage initiatives on the ballot around the US.
Librarians (NJASL) and a retired with our institutions.
school librarian, I also want to say Kudos to Obama for making Look back at library news with our 2021 Year in
thanks for always including some- us all better through this Review.
thing related to school libraries conversation.
in her columns. I regularly use Tom Bober
that information to advocate for St. Louis AMERICANLIBRARIES.ORG
americanlibraries.org | November/December 2021 7
ALA Praises Senate Passage of Infrastructure
Bill, Introduction of Connectivity Bill
T
he American Library Association (ALA) praised the pas- “It will be critical that libraries collaborate with state and
sage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by local partners to implement this historic expansion of high-
the US Senate in an August 10 statement. The legislation, speed internet service for libraries and library patrons,” Wong
which heads next to the House for consideration, would pro- said. “Elected officials and leaders across the country under-
vide critical funding for libraries to expand high-speed broad- stand the value of libraries, and library leaders must continue
band service and provide digital skills training to patrons. to work with them to expand the reach and effectiveness of
“[The bill] recognizes libraries as key partners in advancing library resources and programming.”
digital equity,” said ALA President Patricia “Patty” M. Wong ALA also welcomed the introduction in the Senate of the
in the statement. “Technology is only as good as the user Securing Universal Communications Connectivity to Ensure
is proficient, but connecting communities is at the heart of Students Succeed (SUCCESS) Act. The bill would extend
what libraries do. Beyond providing access to Wi-Fi, hotspots, the Emergency Connectivity Fund by five years and provide
and connected devices, libraries enable new users to adopt $8 billion annually to libraries and schools.
technology and build lifelong digital skills.” “Today’s libraries are committed to improving internet
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes nearly access and providing the digital literacy support essential
$2.8 billion for the Digital Equity Act, which calls on states to advancing educational and economic opportunity for
to develop actionable plans to connect individuals lacking all,” Wong said in a July 22 statement. “The promise of the
access to affordable internet, and nearly $43.5 billion for SUCCESS Act means more libraries will have access to critical
broadband deployment at eligible households and institu- funding to sustain or initiate broadband equity programs
tions, including libraries. through the Emergency Connectivity Fund.”
Booklist Reader Launches encourage patrons to explore them in library programming by exploring what
Booklist, ALA’s book review publication, their local libraries. program impact looks like for libraries
in September launched Booklist Reader, a The first two issues are now available and communities, and how libraries
digital, patron-facing magazine featuring at booklistonline.com and will be freely partner with other organizations and
diverse readers’ advisory recommenda- available to all through 2021. (Booklist leaders to achieve that impact, especially
tions for readers of all ages. Reader will be available to Booklist sub- through the pandemic.
Each month, Booklist Reader will scribers only in 2022.) The initiative is The project—a collaboration with
showcase top 10 lists, must-reads, inter- supported by a generous grant from the nonprofit research organization Knology
views with (and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. and administered by ALA’s Public Pro-
articles by) top grams Office (PPO)—will bring together
authors and IMLS Funds More Research researchers and advisors to collect and
illustrators, and on US Library Programming interpret data through surveys, focus
adult, youth, ALA has received $498,805 in funding groups, and interviews. The process
and audio from the Institute of Museum and Library will be based in the Transformative
recommenda- Services (IMLS) to conduct a founda- Paradigm, a research framework that
tions. Booklist tional three-year research project into emphasizes social justice and supports
Reader also library programming, the second phase the inclusion of marginalized voices.
plans to high- in ALA’s National Impact of Library Public Insights will be shared widely with the
light authors Programs Assessment (NILPPA). The library field through a white paper, blog
and books that library patrons might assessment’s second phase will advance posts, webinars, conference presenta-
not have otherwise discovered and to the library field’s understanding of tions, and tools.
8 November/December 2021 | americanlibraries.orgNOV. 5–7
Young Adult Services Symposium
Inaugural LibLearnX Event Virtual and Reno, Nevada
ala.org/yalsa/yasymposium
Will Be Virtual NOV. 7–13
International Games Week
T
he ALA Executive Board announced in a games.ala.org
September 15 statement that the first-ever JAN. 21–24
LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experi- LibLearnX Virtual
alaliblearnx.org
ence (LLX), scheduled for January 21–24, 2022,
in San Antonio, will take place virtually. It is the MAR. 23–25
fourth Association-wide conference to shift to PLA 2022 Conference
Portland, Oregon
an online format since early 2020.
placonference.org
“Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
APR.
and surge of its variants, coupled with the size,
School Library Month
scope, and location of LibLearnX, it is necessary ala.org/aasl/advocacy/slm
to cancel the in-person portion of the event,” said ALA President Patricia
APR. 3–9
“Patty” M. Wong in the statement. “As such, the Executive Board voted to
National Library Week
transition the in-person portion of LLX in January 2022 to a virtual-only ala.org/nlw
conference.”
APR. 5
LibLearnX, ALA’s all-new January event, is a member-focused conference National Library Workers Day
designed to inspire and engage discussions that will shape the future of ala-apa.org/nlwd
libraries and their communities. LibLearnX will feature active and applied
APR. 6
learning, networking opportunities, and celebrations of the positive impact National Library Outreach Day
libraries have on society. Register and learn more at alaliblearnx.org. bit.ly/NatlOutreachDay
The NILPPA Phase 1 white paper and supported by an IMLS grant, ALA for the development of a programming
(bit.ly/NILPPA-1), published in 2019, convened a task force of 12 leaders in curriculum. Read the final report at
shared a categorization framework libraries and library education to explore bit.ly/ProgrammingSkills.
of public programs and a set of nine how library programming skills can be
skills areas required for effective public taught in library degree programs and AASL Award Applications Open
programming. Building on this work, professional development trainings. Applications for the American Associa-
Phase 2 seeks to develop a national stan- Their discussions resulted in recom- tion of School Librarians’ (AASL) 2022
dard for measuring and comparing the mendations for learning objectives awards and grants are now available at
results of library programming. within nine core library programming ala.org/aasl/awards, along with detailed
competency areas: organizational skills, criteria. AASL members are encouraged
New ALA Report on Library knowledge of the community, interper- to nominate a colleague or themselves
Skills and Competencies sonal skills, event planning, creativity, for their outstanding talent and dedica-
In September, ALA released Skills content knowledge, outreach and mar- tion to the profession. AASL awards and
for 21st-Century Librarians: Learning keting, financial skills, and evaluation. grants recognize excellence and show-
Objectives for Library Programming, a (The task force’s work builds on NILPPA’s case best practices in the school library
report marking the Association’s next first phase.) field in categories that include collabora-
steps toward the creation of a program- The report proposes specific learning tion, leadership, and innovation.
ming curriculum for library workers objectives within each competency area Applications for the National School
and students. and offers resource recommendations Library of the Year Award are due Janu-
Through its Skills for 21st-Century based on suggestions from the library ary 1; all other applications and nomina-
Librarians project, administered by PPO field. The report also proposes next steps tions (such as those for the AASL Chapter
americanlibraries.org | November/December 2021 9UPDATE
of the Year Award and the Collaborative
School Library Award, among others) are
due February 1. Survey Highlights Role of
60 Libraries Selected for Libraries in Digital Equity
NASA Partnership
A
The Space Science Institute’s National new report from the Public Library
Center for Interactive Learning, the Association (PLA) published on
Lunar and Planetary Institute, the Edu- August 31 details how public
cation Development Center, and ALA libraries are expanding their technology
have announced that 60 libraries in 32 services and resources in the face of ongo-
states have been selected to participate ing pandemic limitations. The 2020 Public
in NASA@ My Library, a program that Library Technology Survey report provides
provides resources, training, and support the most current and complete picture
to increase STEM learning opportunities of how libraries serve as digital equity
for library patrons. NASA@ My Library hubs. View the summary report at bit.ly/
is made possible through the support of PLA-report-20.
the NASA Science Mission Directorate, as “Library workers make technology more
part of its Science Activation program. accessible for every person of every age in
The libraries, selected through a our communities, including students, job
competitive application process, will host seekers, and the millions of Americans who
around three NASA events—beginning still lack broadband access and skills,” said PLA President Melanie Huggins in
with the launch of NASA’s newest tele- an August 31 statement. “The new survey report details how our nation’s public
scope in December—and programming, libraries serve as critical infrastructure for bridging digital divides, empowering
have access to a university subject matter lifelong learning, and advancing economic recovery.”
expert to support patron engagement, Results show that more than half of respondents report circulating technol-
and receive $1,600 for programming ogy (such as hotspots, laptops, and tablets) for patron use off-site; a similar
expenses through September 2022. percentage had provided streaming public programs (such as storytimes and
See the full list of libraries at bit.ly/ author events) in the previous 12 months. Many libraries also offered 24/7
NASAlibrary. internet access by leaving on or extending their Wi-Fi signal while facilities were
closed. The report also includes data on libraries providing services like digital
Nominations Open for literacy training, employment assistance, homework help, and mobile printing,
IFRT Oboler Award as well as the pandemic-era boom in ebook checkouts.
Nominations are now open for the
Intellectual Freedom Round Table’s
(IFRT) inaugural Eli M. Oboler Memo- level in English or English translation. Awards range from $2,500 to $8,000
rial Award, honoring journal articles in The articles should be dated either per student per year. They include
even-numbered years (starting in 2022) 2020 or 2021. scholarships for those interested in chil-
and books in odd-numbered years (start- The nomination form and selection dren’s librarianship, youth librarianship,
ing in 2023). The award is $500 and a criteria are available at ala.org/rt/ifrt/ federal librarianship, new media, and
certificate and will be presented at ALA’s oboler. The deadline for submissions library automation. In addition, there
Annual Conference each year. is December 1. are scholarships available for those
The Oboler committee is now seek- belonging to minority or underrepre-
ing nominations for the 2022 award 2022–2023 ALA sented groups, persons with disabilities,
honoring a journal article. The award Scholarships Available and people who are already employed in
honors a literary work or series of works If you require financial help to com- libraries but do not have an MLS.
in the area of intellectual freedom. This plete your graduate program, more To be considered for one of these
can include ethical, political, or social than $300,000 in scholarship funds is scholarships, applicants must be enrolled
concerns related to intellectual freedom. available to students pursuing master’s in an ALA-accredited, master’s-level
The article may be stand-alone or a degrees in library science or school program in library and information
series of thematically connected articles library media through ALA’s Scholar- science. Applicants interested in school
published on the local, state, or national ship Program. librarianship must be in a program that
10 November/December 2021 | americanlibraries.orgUPDATE
meets AASL/Council for the Accredita- and support materials, virtual training received by November 5; recipients will
tion of Educator Preparation curricu- on the LTAI model (originally launched be notified in February.
lum guidelines. by ALA in 1982), a suite of online Funded projects have included “A
The deadline to apply is March 1. Visit resources, and more. Resource Guide about Disabilities,
ala.org/educationcareers/scholarships To qualify for this grant, funded Disability Theory, and Assistive Tech-
for details. through the National Endowment for nologies” and “A Bibliography for Queer
the Humanities, the applying institution Teens,” among others.
Apply for Women’s Suffrage must be a library (public, tribal, school,
Discussion Series academic, or special) in the US or its ALA Partners to Promote
In September, PPO announced a new territories. Library workers should apply Vaccine Confidence
grant for libraries designed to spark con- by December 1 at ala.org/ltai. ALA is partnering with Communities
versations about American history and for Immunity, a collaboration between
culture through an examination of the Carnegie-Whitney Grants for libraries and museums to boost
women’s suffrage movement. Library Resource Guides COVID-19 information and vaccine
Through Let’s Talk About It (LTAI): Through the Carnegie-Whitney Grant confidence in communities across the
Women’s Suffrage, participants will read awards, the ALA Publishing Commit- US. Communities for Immunity provides
a series of books curated by humanities tee annually provides up to $5,000 for funding to libraries, museums, science
scholars and discuss the people and the preparation of print or electronic centers, and other cultural institutions,
events related to this topic. Twenty-five reading lists, indexes, or other guides to with support from the US Centers for
libraries will be selected to receive a library resources that promote reading Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
$1,000 stipend to support program- or the use of library resources at any and IMLS, and leverages resources
ming costs, 10 copies of five themed type of library. Learn more and apply at and research disseminated through
books, access to programming guides bit.ly/CW-grants. Applications must be the Reopening Archives, Libraries, and
Reinventing what
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americanlibraries.org | November/December 2021 11UPDATE
Executive Board Recommits to Social Justice
O
n August 18, the ALA Executive Board released a opposing any legislative proposal or local initiative intended
statement opposing initiatives to censor information to ban instruction, consideration, or discussion about the role
resources, curricula, and programs addressing racial of racism in the history of the United States, or how systemic
injustice, Black American history, and diversity education. racism manifests itself in our schools, workplaces, and gov-
“As members of a profession committed to free and ernment agencies.”
equitable access to information and the pursuit of truth, we The statement continues: “We commit to supporting
stand firm in opposing any effort to suppress knowledge, libraries, library workers, schools, and universities facing
to label ‘controversial’ views, or dictate what is orthodox in these challenges and to develop tools that will prepare library
history, politics, or belief,” the statement reads. “A commit- workers to defend their collections, counter falsehoods, and
ment to intellectual freedom and social justice requires that engage their communities in these important conversations.”
libraries not only protect the truth from suppression but also For a list of the organizations opposing legislative
prevent its distortion. Consequently, ALA has joined other efforts to restrict education about racism, visit bit.ly/
educational institutions and civil liberties organizations in PENstatement.
Museums project from IMLS, OCLC, US: Cultural Organizations for Commu- Building on the many ways libraries
and Battelle. It also builds on existing nity Health initiative and efforts from the have supported their communities during
resources and efforts, including the CDC, the US Department of Health and the pandemic, the partnership supports
Smithsonian Institution’s Vaccines and Human Services, and others. institutions as they create and deliver
evidence-driven materials and develop
resources, programs, and approaches
specifically designed to engage diverse
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation audiences in vaccine confidence. The
In compliance with the Extent and nature of circulation Average no. copies No. copies of single national coalition of partners is also cre-
each issue during issue published
United States Postal
preceding 12 months nearest to filing date
ating a community of practice to develop
Service requirements,
Total number of copies (net press run) 48,599 47,167
and refine vaccine education resources
the following statement
is published as it Paid circulation
that will be shared with the broader
was submitted to Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions 43,660 42,483 library and museum community. Learn
the postmaster on
Mailed in-county paid subscriptions 0 0 more at bit.ly/AL-immunity.
PS Form 3526.
Paid distribution outside the mails 1,526 1,410
Publication title
American Libraries
Paid distribution by other classes of mail AASL Research on Admin
through the USPS 0 0
Publication number Total paid distribution 45,186 43,893
Support for School Librarians
0002-9769 Research published in August from
Free or nominal rate distribution
Filing date
AASL’s peer-reviewed online journal
Outside-county copies 0 0
September 17, 2021 In-county copies 0 0
School Library Research explores how
Issue frequency Copies mailed at other classes through school district administrators can foster
6 issues annually the USPS 59 48 information literacy by supporting school
Mailing address Distribution outside the mail 656 655 librarians. Articles can be accessed for
225 N. Michigan Ave. Total free or nominal rate distribution 715 703
free at ala.org/aasl/slr.
Suite 1300 Total distribution 45,900 44,596
Chicago, IL 60601
In “Enabling School Librarians to
Copies not distributed 2,699 2,571
Total 48,599 47,167 Serve as Instructional Leaders of Mul-
Editor/Publisher
Sanhita SinhaRoy Percent paid 98.44% 98.42% tiple Literacies,” researcher Melanie
Managing Editor Electronic copy circulation Lewis explores how school district
Terra Dankowski Paid electronic copies 0 0 leaders can foster the development of
Owner Total paid print copies 45,186 48,762 effective school libraries. Lewis, assis-
American Library Total print distribution 45,900 44,596 tant professor of media at University of
Association Percent paid 98.44% 98.42%
West Georgia in Carrollton, collected
data from district-level personnel and
12 November/December 2021 | americanlibraries.orgUPDATE
building-level school librarians using developing the content and points of to submit proposals for webinars and
interviews, focus groups, documents, interest of the tour, and how to publi- online courses to be added to RUSA’s
and observations. Results demonstrated cize the visit to relevant audiences on digital learning offerings. The division
that positive relationships serve as social media. particularly encourages submissions that
significant support for enabling school With several important discussions address innovative services and trends,
librarians to function as instructional and legislative opportunities for libraries emerging technologies, management and
leaders of multiple literacies. currently being negotiated—such as leadership, or staff training in the areas
Lewis undertook this research to fill a ensuring that funding for library facilities of reference services, user instruction,
gap, as she notes that very little research is incorporated in an infrastructure plan assessment of services, collection devel-
has been conducted to examine the sup- through the Build America’s Libraries opment, resource discovery and usability,
port needs of in-service school librarians. Act—ALA encourages library advocates resource sharing and interlibrary loan,
from libraries of all types to conduct and trending topics.
New Resource on library tours, particularly during periods Proposals for webinars (bit.ly/
Legislator Tours when legislators are likely to be in their RUSA-webinar) and online courses
ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office districts. Download the checklist at (bit.ly/RUSA-course) are accepted
has published “How to Conduct an bit.ly/AL-tours, and browse more advo- year-round. Webinars and online courses
In-Person Library Tour,” an updated cacy resources at ala.org/advocacy. approved for presentation will be offered
checklist to help library advocates as they through August 31, 2022. Webinar
meet with their elected officials during RUSA Accepting Webinar presenters and online learning instruc-
congressional recesses. The resource and Course Proposals tors are compensated for their work and
walks advocates through best practices The Reference and User Services will receive training and support for the
and steps for requesting and scheduling Association (RUSA) invites experienced Zoom platform and Moodle, the online
a library tour, things to consider when librarians and subject matter experts tool used for courses.
americanlibraries.org | November/December 2021 13Foodlink Community Café in Roch-
ester (N.Y.) Public Library’s Central
Library provides culinary training
and work experience for people who
have faced barriers to employment.
rent and had absorbed it into
our budget.”
“This program and the café
are nonjudgmental,” says Olvin
Cortez, who has been working with
Foodlink in Rochester for two years
and hopes to one day open his own
restaurant. “If you come from a
hard place, they’re here to help.”
RPL is one of several libraries
around the country that are using
café space on their campuses to
house mission-driven food and
beverage service to library patrons
and community members.
Cafés with a Conscience Creating community stars
At Gadsden (Ala.) Public Library
Libraries partner with social justice (GPL), teens with disabilities
groups on meals and missions have been preparing and serving
scratch-made vegetarian meals at
the Beautiful Rainbow Café since
A
BY Emily Udell fter the last of a revolving have faced barriers to employment, 2017. The collaboration between
door of businesses left the including those with histories of GPL and Gadsden City High School
existing café space in the substance abuse, formerly incarcer- began after a café and bookstore
Central Library of Rochester (N.Y.) ated individuals, and immigrants vacated their space in GPL’s former
Public Library (RPL), staffers con- and refugees. Foodlink Commu- genealogy wing. At the time, spe-
sidered how the retail space could nity Café opened in RPL’s Central cial education teacher Chip Rowan
be used to serve the community Library in May after COVID-19 was already running a gardening
more than just coffee. lockdowns postponed plans to open and culinary program for students
“We talked about how we could in spring 2020. At the café, the with disabilities—first through the
make things better in our neighbor- menu of soup, sandwiches, salads, city’s middle school, then through
hood,” says Patricia Uttaro, director sides, and cookies changes each the high school—and inviting
of RPL and Monroe County Library week, with a focus on homemade, community leaders to sample their
System. “We have been doing a lot nutritious fare. The library waives creations. He hoped to eventually
of work with our library on social the rent for the café, which runs on open a full-service restaurant.
justice and conversations on race. a pay-what-you-can model: Patrons “Our [program’s] mission is
We wanted to find a solution there.” can pay nothing, a suggested price, education—isn’t that a library’s
RPL collaborated with Foodlink, or extra to cover others’ costs and to mission as well?” Rowan says. “It
a local nonprofit food bank that support Foodlink’s mission. seemed like a no-brainer.”
Photo: Foodlink
addresses community hunger and “It seemed like the right thing The program pays the city $1
provides training and experience to do,” Uttaro says. “We’d gone annually for rent; the school system
in the culinary arts for people who several years with no income from pays Rowan’s salary; and grants
14 November/December 2021 | americanlibraries.org“I’ve seen students with grab-and-go food in a bustling
locale. Last year DCPL concluded a Libraries and Food
go from being large-scale renovation of its Martin
very withdrawn
Luther King (MLK) Jr. Memorial
branch—a 1972 Ludwig Mies van
350
Number of classes offered annually through
der Rohe building that was in dire
Free Library of Philadelphia’s (FLP) Culinary
to being stars in need of modernization—including
Literacy Center. According to FLP, this kitchen
a counter built for the café.
the community.” “MLK is very well positioned—
classroom is the first of its kind created at a
public library in the US.
it’s right in the middle of the city.
CHIP ROWAN, special education teacher
It’s central to all Metro
$9,000
whose students work at Gadsden (Ala.)
Public Library’s Beautiful Rainbow Café lines, there are a ton
of bus lines right
Amount that Chattanooga (Tenn.)
there,” says Linnea
Public Library spent on
Hegarty, director
a Charlie Cart—a mobile kitchen
cover student wages, food service of events, exhibits,
that includes a convection oven, an
equipment, and gardening supplies. and development at
induction cooktop, a rinse station,
Sales sustain the food operation DCPL. “We knew a
and utensils—for its Flavor Lab pro-
and generate extra funds that get café would be a place
gram. The kitchen is used to teach kids from all
reinvested into the café. Much of to attract patrons to stay at
socioeconomic levels about cooking.
the produce used in the seasonal the library longer.”
fare is harvested from a garden After an open procurement
across from GPL. The garden is also
tended by Rowan’s students, who
process, DCPL chose the estab-
lished antihunger and antipoverty
4.5 million
Number of copies that the novel Like Water for
participate in a cooperative educa- nonprofit D.C. Central Kitchen to Chocolate (1989) by Laura Esquivel has sold.
tion program that allows them to run the café. Fellowships to work The book, which has been translated into 35 lan-
use part of the school day for paid, at Marianne’s are awarded to guages, is noted for its combination of romance,
on-the-job training. applicants who have an interest in magical realism, and Mexican recipes.
“When the bus arrives in the the culinary arts and face barriers
morning and drops the kids off, to employment, such as a history
220
Photo: Emily Buckler/University of Michigan Library; Illustration: The Charlie Cart Project
they are all smiles,” says GPL Direc- of homelessness, incarceration,
tor Craig Scott. “It’s not drudgery. or trauma. They will receive paid, Number of seed varieties available for loan
They are eager to work.” hands-on culinary and job-readiness at St. Thomas (Ont.) Public Library. Patrons
The program is geared training and support to launch their can check out up to 10 packets a year and are
toward students with disabilities careers in the food service industry. encouraged to plant, grow, and harvest seeds to
ages 16–21 who are in need of “Revenue was not our driving return to the seed library.
community-based employment. decision-making factor,” Hegarty
“We try to focus on the lower-
functioning students,” says Rowan.
says. “We structured the contract
in a way that advantages both part- 20
Many students go on to get jobs at ners if the café is successful, but it Number of individually wrapped Kraft
area businesses. “I’ve seen students doesn’t put an onus on D.C. Cen- Singles slices bound together in
go from being very withdrawn to tral Kitchen.” the book 20 Slices of Ameri-
being stars in the community.” She says rent is offered to their can Cheese by Ben Denzer.
nonprofit partners below market The copy in the special
Building a thriving city rate, and café revenue should cover collection at University
Marianne’s, a café in development the cost of operations. Pandemic of Michigan’s Art, Archi-
in the D.C. Public Library (DCPL) precautions delayed the launch tecture, and Engineering
system, will provide workforce Library in Ann Arbor is one
training while enticing patrons Continued on page 17 of only 10 in the world.
americanlibraries.org | November/December 2021 15Jeff Whalen, special collections
librarian at Long Beach (Calif.) Public
Library, records an episode of Don’t
Know Beach about History: Short His-
tories of Long Beach in August.
to the many free tools that are now
available for recording, editing, and
hosting podcasts.
Labor of love
Shoshanna Wechter,
reference librarian
at Ypsilanti (Mich.)
District Library, created
the podcast Ypsi Stories
in November 2020
to explore over-
looked aspects of the
Broadcasting the Past
town’s history.
“It was an opportu-
nity to showcase different experi-
Library podcasts explore local history ences, narratives, and histories that
you don’t normally see in a history
book or even from local history
K
BY Bill Furbee eloni Parks, manager of was inspired by two events: the organizations,” she says.
Cincinnati and Hamilton construction of a soccer stadium Ypsi Stories was inspired by
County (Ohio) Public that further displaced many West the local history programs that
Library’s (CHCPL) West End branch, End residents and the death of local the library had hosted before the
is passionate about West End his- author John W. Harshaw Sr., who pandemic. When in-person events
tory. Her father was born and raised wrote the book Cincinnati’s West became impractical or impossible,
in the area, and Parks used to visit End: Through Our Eyes (2011). Wechter turned to podcasting to
family and friends there regularly “Memories [were] erased with fill the void. The monthly show fea-
while growing up. “The West End [Harshaw’s] passing, and the fur- tures local historians and experts
was one of the few places in the ther destruction of the community discussing everything from city
city where African Americans could really lit the fire to get the project infrastructure and Black liberation
reside,” she says. “[It] was dense, started,” she says. to organizational histories and per-
vibrant, and thriving.” Parks is one of several librarians sonal narratives. The library sup-
That all changed in the 1950s, across the country using their plements each episode with related
when parts of the neighborhood research and tech skills to create videos, photos, bibliographies,
were partially destroyed to make podcasts that capture community and biographies on its website.
way for Interstate 75. “[The area] histories—especially those per- “Ypsilanti has a rich and diverse
will never be what it was,” she says. spectives that are often forgotten or history,” Wechter says, “and there
In an effort to share this history marginalized. Many in the profes- are many people working on telling
with her city, Parks started The West sion find that podcasting is easy this history from different angles
End Stories Project, a monthly pod- to learn, and that audio brings a and through different lenses.”
cast that preserves the fading nar- vibrance and immediacy that often One common thread running
Photo: Ryan Rogers
ratives of African Americans who can’t be replicated with the written through these podcasts: It’s a
grew up in the area, before their word. Another reason for this medi- labor of love.
stories are lost to time. The podcast, um’s popularity is the low barrier “Doing a history podcast takes
which debuted in September 2020, to entry, as library staffers are privy much longer than anyone probably
16 November/December 2021 | americanlibraries.orgYou can also read
