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Recruiting

Intellectual Advocates Freedom Manual Updates p. 22 Under 40 p. 14 International Innovators p. 18

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American Libraries | Volume 52 #7/8 | ISSN 0002-9769

COVER STORY 14 Recruit, Retain, and Engage UFL webinar highlights strategies for cultivating younger library advocates

FEATURES UP FRONT TRENDS 18 2 From the Editor NEWSMAKER 2021 International Innovators Making a Connection 12 Savala Nolan ALA Presidential Citations honor BY Sanhita SinhaRoy Debut author pens personal forward-thinking global libraries and political essays on race, 6 From Our Readers BY Phil Morehart gender, and the body BY Terra Dankowski ALA 22 13 Noted & Quoted Intellectual Freedom: 4 From the President A Manual for Library Workers Libraries Connect Us

Editors and contributors BY Patricia “Patty” PEOPLE discuss the latest edition M. Wong 32 Announcements BY Amy Carlton 5 From the Executive Director THE BOOKEND 26 A Deeper Look: A Little Light to See By 34 Beyond Words Censorship beyond Books BY Tracie D. Hall Confronting challenges to 8 Update ON THE COVER: Photo by other library resources What’s happening ©Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock at ALA BY Kristin Pekoll

30 Catalog Locally, Share Globally RDA’s cataloging evolution continues with the 3R Project BY James Hennelly 22

American Library Association Booklist Cover 3 | Graphics 29 | JobLIST Cover 4 | Public Library Association 3 | TechSource Cover 2 THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Address: 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300 Making a Connection Chicago, IL 60601 Website: americanlibraries.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension f all generations, millennials have the highest Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org rates of public library use, according to a EDITOR AND PUBLISHER 2017 Pew Research Center report. Why, then, Sanhita SinhaRoy Espresso What’s your [email protected] | x4219 Oreo are so few of them represented in library ice cream O MANAGING EDITOR Rainbow Friends groups, boards, and foundations? For some order? Terra Dankowski cookie on a answers—and possible remedies—turn to “Recruit, [email protected] | x5282 waffle cone Retain, and Engage” (cover story, p. 14). In this excerpt SENIOR EDITORS from a United for Libraries webinar, the four coauthors Chicago Diner Amy Carlton vegan chocolate [email protected] | x5105 of All Ages Welcome (ALA Editions, 2020) discuss ways milkshake Phil Morehart Lemon sorbet to include younger people in library advocacy groups. [email protected] | x4218 Sanhita SinhaRoy As Patricia “Patty” M. Wong begins her term as ALA ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sallyann Price president, her inaugural column (“Libraries Connect Twist cone [email protected] | x4213 with nuts Us,” p. 4) highlights four initiatives that will “focus on EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE equity at the intersection of service.” And to remain Carrie Smith Goat cheese [email protected] | x4216 effective advocates, ALA Executive Director Tracie cashew caramel ART DIRECTOR D. Hall reminds us to practice self-care and “nurture the Rebecca Lomax Turtle Blizzard Cookies [email protected] | x4217 fire that lights the way” (“A Little Light to See By,” p. 5). and cream First published 47 years ago, the Intellectual CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Peanut butter Anne Ford cup sundae Freedom Manual was rereleased earlier this year. On Sea salt Lucas McGranahan and a doggy caramel truffle ice cream page 22, Senior Editor Amy Carlton interviews the ADVERTISING 10th edition’s coeditors and contributors about the Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. latest challenges in the field, including the pandemic’s ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. effects on access, surveillance, and privacy. PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT Mary Mackay If you missed any of the speakers or programs at the Black walnut Mint caramel Associate Executive Director virtual 2021 Annual Conference and Exhibition, we’ve Mary Jo Bolduc chocolate got you covered. Read our team’s coverage on The Scoop Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 chip From blog, in the Daily Scoop e-newsletter archive, on social Cookie dough MEMBERSHIP recruiting media, or in our conference wrap-up (bit.ly/AL-AC21). Melissa Kay Walling, Director ADVISORY COMMITTEE Among the many amazing featured speakers was Sian Brannon (Chair), Jason K. Alston, Shanna Hollich, new library author Savala Nolan, our Newsmaker this issue (p. 12). Jasmina Jusic, Shelley O’Rourke, Emily Wagner Nolan talks with Managing Editor Terra Dankowski Committee associates: Lori Bryan and Peter J. Egler advocates Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 about being part of the “in-between” and how libraries INDEXED to reaching can help each of us find our story. Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, H. W. Wilson, new users Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library Children’s Librarian LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR. Tenzin Kalsang knows a thing or two about helping SUBSCRIBE Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, and worldwide, people find stories (Bookend, p. 34). A native Tibetan Mexico; international: $84. Subscription price for individuals included speaker, Kalsang and her online bilingual storytimes in ALA membership dues. Call 800-545-2433, email membership@ connection ala.org, or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: ALA Member and became an overnight sensation early in the pandemic, Customer Service. Allow six weeks. Single issues $7.50, with makes attracting tens of thousands of viewers from around 30% discount for five or more; contact Carrie Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216 or [email protected] the world—including monks in Nepal. While surprised, libraries PUBLISHED she takes it all in stride, reminding us that every library American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library possible. has the potential to cross cultures and borders. Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at 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.

2 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org

from the PRESIDENT

Libraries Connect Us Equity at the intersection of service

onnection—across our diverse back- how the ALA-APA partnership has empowered grounds, experiences, and futures— individual librarians to do amazing work in their is a theme of my presidential year, communities. and it is a necessary conversation. My third major initiative is to champion Demographers predict that by 2050, literacy, which is a core value of the Association CAfrican Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders, and, together with equity, must be the corner- Latinx, and Indigenous people will constitute the stone of all work done throughout ALA. I plan to majority of Americans. So how does the Ameri- institute stronger literacy programs supported can Library Association (ALA) fit into our rapidly by the Association, including equity-based evolving democracy? How can we connect to traditional literacy programs as well as digital, Patricia “Patty” one another as librarians and use the tools of our health care, and financial literacy programs. M. Wong profession to foster connections with others? Literacy is critical for success at every stage of Taking on the struggle against racism, preju- life; throughout the year I will share the value of dice, stereotyping, and discrimination is central credentialed school librarians and the need for to ALA’s mission of fostering cultural under- school libraries as a foundation for literacy and a standing and defending equity, diversity, and love of reading. inclusion. In that spirit, my presidential plans The fourth major area of focus is sustainabil- focus on equity at the intersection of service. ity. To thrive and evolve into the future, ALA During my term, I will advocate for four initia- must adopt the “triple bottom line” mindset of tives, collectively called “Libraries Connect.” sustainability: We must embody practices that The first focus area will be digital equity. The are environmentally sound, economically fea- inequitable access to broadband in this country sible, and socially equitable. Planned outcomes came into sharp focus during the pandemic, and include a basic briefing on sustainability for the our members responded by passing a strong field, a course to help provide the foundational resolution calling for broadband internet access knowledge necessary for library workers to think to be considered a human right. more sustainably, and a partnership with the As I take the Continuing in the path of my predecessor, Sustainable Libraries Initiative to open the door Julius C. Jefferson Jr., who worked throughout for public, academic, and school libraries across president’s his year to highlight tribal, rural, prison, and his- the country to participate in their Sustainable gavel, I do torically Black college and university libraries, we Library Certification Program. will visit libraries across the country to spotlight As I take the president’s gavel, I do so with the so with the library workers as unsung heroes. Our goals are privilege of being the first person of Asian privilege of to bring attention and recognition to libraries and American origin to hold this role. As a young library workers—the challenges they face and person I did not see many positive images of being the the need for credentialed, diverse staff to serve people who looked like me, who represented my first person our communities—and to showcase their work. cultural community. I hope that in serving in As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the such a visible leadership position within the of Asian American Library Association–Allied Profes- library world I can be the connection, inspira- American sional Association (ALA-APA), I cannot think of tion, and example I once sought. origin to hold a more appropriate focus. Both my successor, President-Elect Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo- PATRICIA “PATTY” M. WONG is city librarian at this role. Lozada, and I share this commitment to highlight Santa Monica (Calif.) Public Library.

4 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A Little Light to See By Self-renewal and institutional impact go hand in hand

confession: I had intended to write it is that I take time to nurture the fire that lights about the strategic planning work the way. When library leaders and stewards that we have been engaged in across allow our light to dim, the path forward becomes the Association for the past year. It’s harder to discern and serves no one. work that centers on the financial In her book Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Astability and membership growth required to Feeling Good, brown writes, “I have seen, over achieve ALA’s goals of universal broadband (and and over, the connection between tuning in to the educational, employment, and public health what brings aliveness into our systems and being access that depend on it); racial and ethnic diver- able to access personal, relational, and commu- sity in library services, and equity and inclusion in nal power. Conversely, I have seen how denying Tracie D. Hall its workforce and leadership ranks; and the pres- our full, complex selves—denying our alive- ervation of, and funding for, libraries of all kinds. ness and our needs as living, sensual beings— I was almost through with a first draft when a increases the chance that we will be at odds with nagging truth asserted itself, insisting I speak to ourselves, our loved ones, our coworkers, and it: that the challenges, uncertainties, and indeed, our neighbors on this planet.” opportunities we have faced during and emerg- As I slowly reconnect with friends and col- ing from the pandemic have taken their toll on leagues I have not seen since before the pandemic, us, in the form of worry, fatigue, and stress. And I am struck by the paths people have followed to yes, though I firmly and sincerely believe that ignite their spirits and keep themselves grounded. better days lie ahead for ALA, libraries, and the There’s the corporate manager, for instance, who, LIS workforce, I recognize that the constant in the midst of shifting at top speed, decided course correction, solution-finding, and unpack- to finally pursue the yoga certification—now ing of what authors adrienne maree brown virtual—they had been bucket-listing for years. and Henry Mintzberg, separately, have called Or the nonprofit leader who, after learning that a emergent strategy—or the unplanned patterns grandfather who’d died before their birth had not that develop in an organization over time—have only operated a small brewery but also created a made workdays feel interminable and weekends beer for a world’s fair, unearthed the recipe, part- nearly indistinguishable from the workweek. nered with a local beer distributor, and reissued When library So, before I talk about the pivot strategy the beer with zero prior experience, all during the leaders and that will guide the Association’s path to trans- course of the pandemic. “I had to do something to formation over the next few years, leading up pull myself out of a slump,” they shared. stewards to its 150th anniversary, I have to speak to the So, though my next two columns will be about allow our light prerequisite most essential to its success: focused the strategy we are building to ensure ALA is in and energized members, leaders, and staff. the best possible position to help library workers to dim, the Author Anne Lamott reminds us of the order and the libraries and institutions they power path forward in which effective change-making must come: remain strong, this one must begin with the “First find a path, and a little light to see by. Then reminder that our institutions are only as viable becomes push up your sleeves and start helping.” as the people who guide them. harder to As someone innately attracted to meaning- How are you lighting your way? discern and ful, people- and community-centered work and galvanized by opportunities to help and to serve, TRACIE D. HALL is executive director of the American serves no one. I sometimes have to be reminded how essential Library Association. She can be reached at [email protected].

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 5 from our READERS

I really, really appreciate that A True Partnership Marshall Breeding’s annual @nhannahjones survey of library systems is credits her high always informative. However, I school teacher, am writing to shed light on a mis- leading point regarding FOLIO in by name, with this year’s entry (May, p. 22). fueling her In most cases it makes sense arrangement that does not pro- should be filled with exciting imagination to group systems by company, vide strong collaboration. new courses. about the date but not with FOLIO. In Breeding’s In contrast, EBSCO’s rela- In addition, librarians should report, FOLIO is grouped under tionship to FOLIO is a true make connections with various #1619 by giving EBSCO, which, to me, implies partnership. EBSCO contributes community centers that comple- her the right that EBSCO owns FOLIO, and this to the software in the same way ment the library’s overall mission. book, at the right is not the case. The IP for FOLIO that development contributions These community centers can be time, that ignited is owned by the Open Library may come from Texas A&M barbershops and hair salons or Foundation, an independent University Libraries, where I organizations that can provide her inquiry. nonprofit, and FOLIO’s software work, for example; the priorities clothes for job interviews. Having @WORLDLIBRARIES, in is open source. EBSCO has made and direction of the software implemented such programs in response to Call Number critical and generous contribu- are determined by the FOLIO my library, I have found that not with American Libraries' tions to FOLIO’s development, to community of libraries. having appropriate attire can bonus episode “A Con- be sure, but the company does David Carlson be a barrier. versation with Nikole not manage or own the software. College Station, Texas Google, LinkedIn, and Hannah-Jones (Apr. 28) The article also states that Microsoft have begun offering “company representatives serve Leveling Up training courses online that can on the board of the Open Library With the pandemic waning and provide patrons with the skills Foundation,” of which I’m a the job market picking back up, needed to get back to work member. Only one of the board’s we’re finding a large number of [see p. 11]. I found them to be eight voting members is an individuals who have not worked phenomenal, and I added skills EBSCO employee; there are two since COVID-19 or before and are to my toolkit that I have since other EBSCO employees who now seeking help with upskilling taught many times. perform administrative tasks for or reskilling. As librarians, we Daniel A. Sabol the board, but they do not vote. should constantly seek ways to Dobbs Ferry, New York Library operations are bring new skills into the library to intimately linked with vendors: teach our patrons. State of ALA? publishers, software develop- Library directors should be I have been a member of ALA ers, and others. There are few holding weekly meetings and since 1979 and have enjoyed meaningful partnerships between asking each staffer to bring one excellent American Libraries libraries and vendors; more often, article about a skill that could be articles throughout my entire it’s a vendor seeking input in teachable, and they should ask career. As a working librarian, I’ve development of a beta release librarians what courses they’ve been stimulated by the various or some new functionality, and taken recently and what courses ideas presented and have built in return the library receives var- they’re offering patrons. The library services based on many ious discounts. It’s a superficial weekly programming calendar of the programs and services

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 [email protected] or American Libraries, From Our facebook.com/ Readers, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601. amlibraries

6 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org on our WEBSITE

showcased. I also read to keep up In Council, I hear robust with various trends and happen- discussions that I don’t hear What You’re Reading ings in the profession. Now, as a in meetings of more focused To Survive, We Must Transform ALA retired librarian, I read American divisions and committees, Executive Director Tracie D. Hall says Libraries to understand new which inform my opinions on change requires accountability in a “post- developments in librarianship my professional duties and role 1 pandemic” America. bit.ly/AL-Transform as well as information on retire- as a librarian. Without Council’s ments, promotions, and deaths in dialogues—and with only stand- The Reader’s Road Trip Celebrate 35 years our field. ing committees and assemblies of United for Libraries’ Literary Landmarks For a few years I have heard in which to air ideas—I believe with this curated, cross-country journey. many rumors from many dif- that siloed thinking would 2 bit.ly/AL-RoadTrip ferent sources regarding ALA’s be reinforced and broader financial problems, including professional issues ignored. Chronicling the Black Experience the need to sell the building, With all disputes being settled Librarians and archivists are collecting the selling of the building for by a small, insular group, there and telling their own stories rather than an alleged below-market price, would be no outlet for ideas 3 participating in institutional archives. the move to an inadequate from Council’s diverse member- bit.ly/AL-BlackExp space, and staff issues, including ship. Council receives critical, furloughs. I cannot understand ongoing input from general why American Libraries does members and leaders, when In Case You Missed It not inform membership of the given a chance. I think Council’s current state of ALA. As a service policy and operation manuals 2021 Annual Conference and to ALA members, please explore should be reviewed periodically Exhibition Virtual Read our team these issues. so that the policies, goals, and coverage of this year’s speakers and Miriam Pollack values of ALA may be affirmed, programs. bit.ly/AL-alaac21 Northbrook, Illinois rejuvenated, or retired. ALA entices members by Getting Outdoors Episode 63 of In Defense of Council advocating for our priorities, our Call Number podcast features The work of the Steering providing a beacon for our conversations on the joys of being Committee on Organizational profession and a voice for outside, from beach reads to Brood X Effectiveness (SCOE) has been our shared values. High-level cicadas. bit.ly/AL-CallNumber63 necessary to address the suc- discussions and decision making cessful future of ALA. The com- to assist members and society COVID-19 Relief Grants The ALA mittee’s work has been insightful should be the work of Council. COVID Library Relief Fund distributed and informative, and in many But we need some changes to $1.25 million in emergency grants to areas, I agree with its findings. Council so we can make chang- 34 libraries in June. bit.ly/AL-COVIDRelief We need to be an effective, es to modernize the Association. nimble, inclusive, fiscally sound, Jennifer Boettcher member-driven association. Laurel, Maryland Coming Soon The one point where I disagree See the best new and renovated libraries in our is the proposed role of the Board CORRECTIONS annual Library Design Showcase. of Directors; SCOE recommends “Pelayo-Lozada Wins 2022– it replace the Executive Board as 2023 ALA Presidency” (June, On the 20th anniversary of September 11, look the sole decision maker of this p. 8) incorrectly states that Lessa back at how libraries and library workers were volunteer-driven organization. Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada is affected by this tragic event. But SCOE is forgetting that ALA a member of the Association of founding documents created Library Services to Children. She Council (of which I am a member- is a member of the Association at-large) for a reason. for Library Service to Children. AMERICANLIBRARIES.ORG

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 7 ALA Welcomes FY2022 Budget Proposal, Pushes for Build America’s Libraries Act n a May 28 statement, the American Library Association bicameral Build America’s Libraries Act would provide (ALA) praised the White House’s fiscal year 2022 budget $5 billion in federal funds to support long-term improvements Iproposal submitted before Congress, which includes to library facilities, including improvements that address $265 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services needs that have arisen from COVID-19 and will enable libraries (IMLS). ALA is hopeful that Congress will continue its eight- to better serve rural, low-income, and underserved areas, year trend of increasing funding for IMLS and the Innovative people with disabilities, and other vulnerable library users. Approaches to Literacy program. “Public libraries have long been roads to opportunity and “The return on investment in libraries has never been more education, and they are as vital to our nation’s infrastructure clear,” said then–ALA President Julius C. Jefferson Jr. in the as highways and bridges,” Jefferson said in a May 20 state- statement. “Word has spread that libraries offer valuable ment. “Libraries are also on the front lines of digital inclusion, services, information, and technology, both on and off their but many of them are doing so with 20th-century facilities. premises. Over the past year, millions of Americans have used We must ensure that our libraries are safe, healthy, and acces- libraries to register for vaccines, secure stimulus checks, com- sible to everyone, not only today, but for decades to come. plete homework assignments, telework, and experience their Federal support outlined in the Build America’s Libraries Act first telehealth appointments.” would be a strong start.” America’s approximately 17,000 public libraries, which As the annual appropriations process moves forward, ALA receive 1.3 billion visits each year, need $32 billion for con- and library advocates nationwide will continue engaging with struction and renovation, according to a data brief released decision makers to sustain critical investments. Learn how to May 20 by ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office. The participate at bit.ly/ALA-advocacy.

C&RL News Moves Online Published 11 times a year and hosted awarded a set of books and a program- College & Research Libraries News (C&RL through Open Journal Systems by ALA ming stipend to implement the program News), the official publication of the Production Services, C&RL News features in their communities. Association of College and Research online open access to a near-complete ALA first launched the LTAI model on Libraries (ACRL), will adopt an online- run of the magazine’s contents from a national level in 1982 with NEH fund- only publication model beginning in 1967 to the present. To view contents ing. To date, ALA has developed LTAI January 2022. The December 2021 and sign up for alerts, visit the C&RL programs on 42 themes, and programs issue will be the final print issue of News website at bit.ly/C-RL-News. have been implemented in thousands the magazine. of libraries across the country, reaching The ACRL board of directors and the NEH Grant to Support Women’s more than 4 million people. editor in chief of C&RL News sought input Suffrage Programming The women’s suffrage program will from the ACRL Budget and Finance Com- ALA’s Public Programs Office (PPO) provide opportunities for communities mittee, C&RL News editorial board, ACRL announced in June a $249,999 grant to deepen their knowledge of American Publications Coordinating Committee, from the National Endowment for the history and culture by examining events ACRL Membership Committee, and ACRL Humanities (NEH) to implement Let’s and individuals who shaped the women’s Section Membership Committee on Talk about It (LTAI): Women’s Suffrage, suffrage movement. Facilitated discus- potential publication models. These rep- a humanities discussion project. The sion will focus on a series of books and resentative member groups agreed that project corresponds to A More Perfect questions curated by project scholars. the transition to an online-only model is Union, an NEH initiative to demonstrate Additional information and appli- in the best interest of the publication and the critical role the humanities play in cation guidelines will be released in Association moving forward. American life. Up to 25 libraries will be September at bit.ly/AL-LTAI.

8 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org SEPT. National Library Card I Love My Librarian Award Sign-Up Month Nominations Open ala.org/librarycardsignup SEPT. 26–OCT. 2 ibrary users are invited to nominate their favorite Banned Books Week librarians for the I Love My Librarian Award, bannedbooksweek.org which recognizes outstanding librarians work- L SEPT. 29 ing in public, school, college, or university libraries. Banned Websites Nominations are accepted online through Septem- Awareness Day ber 27 at ilovelibraries.org/lovemylibrarian. ala.org/aasl/advocacy/bwad ALA member leaders will select 10 librarians from the nominations. Each will receive $5,000 and be hon- OCT. ored during LibLearnX 2022 in San Antonio. Winners will TeenTober also receive complimentary LibLearnX registration and a $750 travel stipend. ala.org/yalsa/teentober The award is sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, with support OCT. 7–9 from New York Public Library. Core Forum | Baltimore Since its inception in 2008, the award has netted 21,000 nominations from alacore.org/forum library users nationwide detailing how librarians have transformed their communities, including efforts to improve inclusivity, digital access, and literacy. To OCT. 17–23 date, 130 librarians have received the honor. National Friends of To be eligible, nominees must hold a master’s in library and information Libraries Week science from an ALA-accredited program or a master’s with a specialty in school bit.ly/alafolweek library media from a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation OCT. 21–23 of Educator Preparation. Each nominee must currently work as a librarian at a AASL National Conference qualifying institution in the US: a public library, a library at an accredited two- or Salt Lake City four-year college or university, or a library at an accredited K–12 school. national.aasl.org

OCT. 25–31 Open Access Week New Distribution seals, such as the Newbery, Caldecott, openaccessweek.org Arrangement Announced Printz, and Carnegie medals seals. Visit NOV. 5–7 Effective July 1, the nonprofit Chicago bit.ly/CDC-addresses for the most up-to- Young Adult Services Distribution Center (CDC) will provide date mailing addresses for ALA Store Symposium | Reno, Nevada customer service and fulfillment for the orders, checks and payments, product ala.org/yalsa/yasymposium ALA Store. CDC, a division of Univer- returns, and inquiries. sity of Chicago Press, is a distribution JAN. 21–24, 2022 and fulfillment operation that provides NASA STEAM Programming LibLearnX | San Antonio a full range of services to more than for Public and Tribal Libraries alaliblearnx.org

150 client publishers and their custom- Through a partnership between PPO MAR. 23–25, 2022 ers worldwide. and the National Center for Interactive PLA 2022 Conference Materials distributed by CDC include Learning at the Space Science Institute, Portland, Oregon books published by ALA Editions/ALA public and tribal libraries can apply for placonference.org Neal-Schuman, ACRL Publications, and NASA@ My Library, a STEAM educa- other ALA units; posters, bookmarks, and tion initiative that will increase learn- JUNE 23–28, 2022 READ-branded and other items that pro- ing opportunities for library patrons ALA Annual Conference and mote literacy and libraries published by across the country, including geo- Exhibition | Washington, D.C. ALA Graphics; and ALA’s physical award graphic areas and populations currently alaannual.org

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 9 UPDATE

underrepresented in STEAM education. Support comes from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate as part of its Science ALA Calls for Review of Activation program. Sixty public and tribal libraries in the Loan Forgiveness Program US will be selected through a competitive application process to become LA joined nearly 100 national and state organizations in signing a letter NASA@ My Library partners, who will to US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in April requesting that receive training and resources to imple- Athe Department of Education undertake a review of the federal Public ment NASA events and programming; Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Created in 2007, the PSLF program access to a university subject matter forgives the remaining balance on direct student loans after a borrower has expert to support patron engagement; made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying and a $1,600 programming stipend to government or nonprofit employer. Since the first PSLF workers became eligible purchase materials for NASA STEAM for debt cancellation in 2017, 98% of applicants have been rejected. activities or presentations. “Congress, in a bipartisan fashion, made a promise more than a decade ago Applications will be accepted through that public service workers who choose to give back to their communities and July 21. View the project guidelines and our country wouldn’t be locked in a lifetime of debt,” the letter states. “It is clear, apply online at bit.ly/ALA-NASA. ALA however, that this promise has been broken.” members and nonmembers are encour- The coalition letter calls on Secretary Cardona to review the PSLF student aged to apply. loan accounts, take steps to streamline participation, and end mismanagement from some loan holders. The letter also calls on Cardona to cancel student debt YALSA and IBM Partner owed by those who have already served 10 or more years but have not qualified on Career Prep because of government mismanagement and loan industry abuses. The Young Adult Library Services Associ- ALA has worked since 2017 to oppose efforts to sunset PSLF. In May 2020, ation (YALSA) and IBM are collaborating ALA joined coalition efforts to ensure that suspension of loan payments due to to offer a series of skills-based trainings COVID-19 would not adversely affect participants’ PSLF payment schedules. and webinars aimed at helping teens from underserved communities acquire key technical and professional skills. IBM will offer librarians and teens Applications Sought for to explore gaps in research that will affiliated with YALSA’s network access ALSC Research Grant contribute to practical applications and to IBM’s free Open P-TECH digital The Association for Library Service to advocacy for the profession. The grant skills and career readiness platform Children (ALSC) invites library workers will continue that work by developing (ptech. org). Open P-TECH offers teens and academics in the field of library and and disseminating emerging research. and their caregivers the opportunity to information science to apply for the ALSC build baseline skills in emerging tech- Research Agenda Grant, a pilot grant Nominations Accepted for nologies and learn about topics ranging supporting research for innovative and ALA Honorary Membership from artificial intelligence to cloud meaningful efforts in libraries. Nominations are being accepted for ALA computing. The platform also offers The grant provides up to $4,000 in honorary membership, the Association’s courses on how to build a professional seed funds for research that aligns with highest honor, which is bestowed on résumé and apply design thinking to the ALSC National Research Agenda for living citizens of any country whose solve challenging problems, and digital Library Service to Children (Ages 0–14). contributions to librarianship or a related badges for completion. Applications will be accepted through field are so outstanding that they are of As part of the collaboration, IBM will July 20 and an award will be made at significant and lasting importance to the run live training sessions for librarians to the end of August. View the full grant field of library service. understand how they can leverage Open guidelines and apply online at bit.ly/ Honorary members are elected for life P-TECH with teens at their libraries, from ALSC-grant. Applicants must be personal by vote of the ALA Council upon recom- tracking student progress to activating members of ALSC. mendation of the ALA Executive Board. discussion forums, as well as offer live The ALSC Research Agenda provides a Nominations will be reviewed during the webinar opportunities that connect teens review of existing research in six priority ALA Executive Board’s 2021 fall meeting to IBM professionals on topics that are research areas and poses questions and presented to Council for vote during relevant to them. that allow practitioners and academics LibLearnX 2022. Newly elected honorary

10 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org UPDATE

from PLA’s digitallearn.org training site, addressing critical skills such as web Emergency Connectivity Fund searching, navigating a website, using passwords, and avoiding scams. New con- Implementation to Begin tent will focus on using mobile devices and video conferencing. All courses and he Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released in May the order related classroom training materials establishing the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The $7.17 billion program, will be available in English and Spanish. T funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will enable schools and libraries Courses will be available virtually for to purchase laptop and tablet computers and Wi-Fi hotspots and expand broad- everyone and offered in person at public band connectivity for students, school faculty and staff, and library patrons in libraries and locations including commu- need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The application window is open through nity centers and other learning spaces. August 13. For resources on this program, visit ala.org/advocacy/ecf. PLA’s DigitalLearn, launched in “After months of advocacy by ALA, we are pleased the FCC has released 2013 with funding from the Institute of the rules that will govern the $7 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund. Since Museum and Library Services, is a grow- the dial-up days, libraries across the country have stood in the digital gaps to ing collection of 27 courses made up of connect our communities, especially for people who would otherwise be left narrated videos and resources written behind,” said then–ALA President Julius C. Jefferson Jr. in a May 11 statement. in plain language at an elementary-to- “The pandemic has brought to light the yawning depth of those digital gaps as middle school reading level. For library well as the extent to which Americans rely on libraries to fill them.” staff and other instructors, the site also “The Emergency Connectivity Fund presents an unprecedented funding includes slide templates, handouts, and opportunity for libraries to improve digital equity,” said Larra Clark, deputy planning tools for live or virtual training. director of ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office, in a June 15 statement. “Now is the moment to think big about how your library can use new funding to PLA, Microsoft Promote boost current technology lending efforts to reach more people or launch new Upskilling for In-Demand Jobs services to connect your community.” PLA, with support from Microsoft, is promoting tools to help people seeking careers in high-growth fields through its nationwide Skilling for Employment members will be formally recognized topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Post–COVID-19 initiative, which con- at the Opening General Session during mental health, public land use, and the nects public libraries and their commu- ALA’s 2022 Annual Conference and Exhi- climate crisis. Grants may be used to nities to specialized online training and bition in Washington, D.C. cover a range of expenses, including certifications. In April, the initiative Members who wish to submit nomi- staff time and collections and technol- announced the addition of new targeted nations must complete the online ALA ogy purchases. More than 500 libraries programs in Cleveland; El Paso, Texas; Honorary Member nomination form by in 48 states have received grants in Memphis, Tennessee; and New York City. September 1 (bit.ly/ALA-hon-mem). the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive job losses, with disproportionate More Grants for Small PLA, AT&T Team Up for effects on people of color, women, and Rural Libraries Digital Literacy Training younger workers, and those with less ALA’s Public Programs Office announced The Public Library Association (PLA) and formal education. COVID-19 also has in April the 317 recipients of nearly AT&T have announced a collaboration accelerated reliance on technology and $1 million in funding, the second grant to improve digital literacy and promote digitally enabled services, deepening the distribution of the Association’s Libraries broadband adoption among families and need to build digital skills. This initiative Transforming Communities: Focus on communities, particularly those who provides free and reduced-cost access to Small and Rural Libraries initiative, in are newly connected to the internet and career learning paths, low-cost certifica- partnership with the Association for navigating home schooling, employment, tions, and other tools through Microsoft, Rural and Small Libraries. Apply for the and other activities made more challeng- LinkedIn, and GitHub. This offer has next round of 100 grants by Septem- ing by the COVID-19 pandemic. been extended through December 31. ber 16 at ala.org/LTC. Beginning this summer, PLA and AT&T Learning paths are available at aka.ms/ The funding will enable libraries to will offer a specially curated collection of MyLearningPath. For more information lead community engagement efforts on digital literacy courses based on content and resources, visit bit.ly/AL-skilling.

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 11 Virginia and UC Berkeley Library, Savala Nolan who helped you learn about your Debut author pens personal and political ancestors. What role do libraries essays on race, gender, and the body play in helping people answer questions about identity? I am more thankful than I can ever say to s a woman who is of mixed race, has experienced elite schools and generational libraries and everyone who keeps poverty, and has been thin and fat at different times in her life, Savala Nolan has them running. When you’re looking Along felt that she occupies in-between spaces in society. The lawyer, speaker, and at family history, there’s the lore writer explores this liminal territory in her debut collection, Don’t Let It Get You Down: and stories passed down, but if you Essays on Race, Gender, and the Body (Simon & Schuster, July), touching on topics such want to authenticate that or go as dating, motherhood, and police brutality. American Libraries spoke with Nolan, execu- deeper than what Grandma remem- tive director of the Thelton E. Henderson School of Social Justice at Berkeley (Calif.) Law, bers, you need someone to help you about identity, representation, and how libraries can help each of us find our story. locate relevant material, ask the right questions, and physically get your hands on the material. BY Terra Growing up, did you encounter away from this entry? This essay The space of the library is an Dankowski stories of other people who, like focuses on my response to a white unsung hero. It created an atmo- you, hold overlapping identities? friend using—without appropriate sphere that let me concentrate in a When I was a kid, people weren’t sensitivity and awareness—a pow- way that sitting on my couch with thinking about identity the way we erful Black-centric song [Beyoncé’s my dog and my kid and my laptop do now. I was Black and white and “Freedom”] and the TV on would not have Mexican in an era when we were MORE ONLINE out of context. facilitated. If you have a question expected to choose one lane. I was For the extended But I think about who you are, there’s either a put on diets frequently, but then interview, visit you can say book that will help you figure it out as diets do, they would implode. I bit.ly/AL-Nolan. this essay is or you should write the book that went to wealthy private schools, but about the will help you figure it out. Libraries my dad was so poor that his home premise of whiteness. Whiteness, come into play in either case. Photo: Andria Lo Photo: didn’t have running water. I did not at least in this country, is premised feel like anyone was with me on on a sense of having a right to every that journey. space and every thing. When I say The exception that proves the whiteness, I am not talking about rule: I was maybe 10 years old, and white people, but being white my brother [got] me an auto- means embodying this set of graphed headshot of Mariah Carey. habits and assumptions. She’s Black, white, and Venezue- What I’m encouraging white lan, and in that way, she was like readers to question are the habits me. I remember being ecstatic of expecting centrality and feeling that she existed. When I think entitled to any space. And I hope back on how attached I became to for people who are Black, [the Mariah Carey, one of the things essay] provides voice and language that tells me is that I was starving to an incredibly common shared for validation around all the ways I experience in a way that is healing was in-between. and validating. And there are people who aren’t Black or white, Your essay “Dear White Sister” and I hope they see themselves in addresses the ways white feminism this piece too. appropriates from women of color, and the emotional labor Black In your book, you women are often saddled with. thank staffers of What do you hope readers take the Library of

12 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org FROM THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION’S 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION VIRTUAL

“I do believe libraries are citadels of knowledge and empathy, and they’ve been extraordinarily important in my life.… I want to thank all the librarians out there. Whether you’re in a small town [or] big city, you opening up the world for our children, giving them access to possibilities that they might not otherwise have, creating safe spaces where reading is cool—you mean a lot to not just those individuals who benefit from your work but [also to] our democracy and our country.” FORMER US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA in the Closing Session on June 29.

“I boarded my Freedom Ride not only “Everybody says they’re a library fan, but because there was no seat for Blacks I think I’m the biggest library fan. I will at lunch counters, on buses, and in fight other people if they want to contest me over my library fandom.” restrooms. There was no seat for me at Sociologist and professor EVE L. EWING in her the Atlanta Public Library. So I boarded Featured Speaker session on June 25. my bus to help change America. Your work guides people to the bus they “In general, libraries are where veterans go for help or where veterans are sent to receive help. need to board. You open the door to I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard ‘I didn’t buses leading to learning.” know where else to go or who else to turn to.’ ”

Civil rights activist CHARLES PERSON in his BRIAN CONN, lead medical librarian at Minneapolis VA Featured Speaker session on June 25. Healthcare System and US Army Reserve and US Air Force veteran, in the on-demand session “Continuing to Serve: Librarian Veterans Serving Military Patrons.” “I like to move away from this whole discussion as to ‘should libraries be neutral’ “LIBRARIES ARE SOCIETY’S because quite frankly they never really have VAULT OF KNOWLEDGE. been neutral.… We can’t separate what’s going LIBRARIES PROVIDE A SECOND on in the nation, in the world, from its impact WAVE OF EDUCATION FOR in libraries, because it all affects ibrariesl .” AN AMERICAN PUBLIC RENATE CHANCELLOR, chair and associate professor at SEEKING UNDERSTANDING.” Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in the on-demand session “Confronting the Myth of Neutrality: Author ISABEL WILKERSON during the

Photo: Pari Dukovic Pari Photo: Academic Libraries, Advocacy, and Free Speech.” ALA President’s Program on June 27.

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 13 Recruit, Retain, UFL webinar highlights strategies for cultivating and Engage younger library advocates

14 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org n February 19, United for Libraries (UFL) hosted “Friends and Trustees under 40: Recruit Them, Retain Them, Engage Them,” a webinar featuring tips for attracting millennials and younger adults to Friends groups, trustee boards, and foundations. The session was moderated by Jillian Wentworth, UFL’s manager of marketing and membership, and Opresented by members of UFL’s Millennial Engagement Task Force, which first began working on the subject of under-40 advocacy as part of an Emerging Leaders project in January 2018. Presenters included Lina Bertinelli, workforce librarian at Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Maryland State Library Resource Center in Baltimore; Madeline Jarvis, adult and information services manager at Marion (Iowa) Public Library; Kathy Kosinski, member services and outreach manager at Califa Group, a consortium of California libraries; and Tess Wilson, community engagement coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Middle Atlantic region. For the full webinar, visit bit.ly/UFLwebinars. The panelists are coauthors of All Ages Welcome: Recruiting and Retaining Younger Generations for Library Boards, Friends Groups, and Foundations (ALA Editions, 2020). The title is available for purchase at the ALA Store with a United for Libraries Action Planner PLUS+ Package that comes with the ebook plus hands-on activities and resources (bit.ly/AllAgesWelcome).

Why is it important that libraries We also want to make sure we are retaining the develop their under-40 advocacy and younger folks we recruit, which led us to additional recruit millennials to their boards, questions: How can we provide support to advocacy Friends groups, and foundations? groups who want to increase millennial engage- BERTINELLI: According to a 2017 Pew Research ment? And how can we support millennials who Center report, more millennials use the public want to get involved? library than any other adult generation. If mil- We had some ideas about why younger genera- lennials use the library so much, why are they so tions would want to serve on a board or in a underrepresented in library advocacy groups? In Friends group. We thought, being new the task force’s original research, we surveyed cur- to the workforce, they might want rent and past members of library boards, Friends to network or add something to groups, and foundations, and more than half of their résumé. But ultimately, across the 866 respondents said there wasn’t a single generations, our survey respon- millennial involved in their organization’s boards, dents said they got involved with Friends groups, or foundations. the library for altruistic reasons. It’s not intentional: 82% of respondents to our They joined because they wanted survey said that having a diverse membership was to make a difference in their com- important to them, and not just so they could say munities and that their organization is diverse. If millennials because they Lina Bertinelli are core library users, we should want them to get love the library, involved behind the scenes and to fill us in on their or perhaps because their kids perspectives and needs. love the library. Photo: ©Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock ©Prostock-studio/Adobe Photo:

July/August 2021 15 What are some barriers to recruiting millennials? forming a junior trustee board or Friends group. If library orga- BERTINELLI: One of the largest barriers to service that we nizations have enough content, they can start a Facebook page found was inconvenient meeting times or inefficient meetings. or website that includes an online membership application. Most of our survey respondents were baby boomers, and many Groups should essentially want everyone in the community to of them joined their group or board after retirement. Someone know who they are and to give the best first impression. For who is early on in their career might not be able to take off example, if a library group hasn’t updated anything online in six work on a Monday afternoon. to eight months, it may look like it’s no longer active. Organizations should consider alternating when and People need to understand that these groups exist and buy where meetings are held, and asking themselves: Is everyone into their missions. Most people reading this know what a prepared going into the meeting so that we can focus on trustee board or Friends group is in relation to the library; not action items? Is everyone allowed to contribute, and everyone in the community has that same knowledge. The is everyone being taken seriously? most veteran members, and ideally community members who Other barriers arise from differences in gen- love the library, should be able to confidently describe to new- erations’ methods of operation, thinking, and comers what the group does in easy-to-understand terms. leadership. This doesn’t apply to every person, People like to know what they’re doing is making an impact of course, but generally each generation on the world. They want to see themselves represented in approaches work slightly differently—from organizational statements. They want activities that will allow communication style to making decisions. If for personal growth, whether that’s running a 5K or picking up an organization can’t adapt or continues marketing skills to help promote library events. People should to follow outdated processes because know how their work connects to the library’s mission. it’s the way they’ve always been done, An acronym the volunteer firefighters use to describe an it might not be a space where new ideal volunteer is FIRE: fully informed and ready to engage. members will feel welcomed or Volunteers need to feel empowered to take direct action, make Kathy Kosinski most productive. decisions, and initiate change. For a closer look at generational differences, we recommend the 2013 book Sticking Points: How How can groups create welcoming, engaging to Get Four Generations Working Together in the 12 Places They spaces to encourage diverse leadership and Fall Apart by Haydn Shaw. meaningful representation across library organizations? How do organizations outside the library world WILSON: To address equity, diversity, and inclusion within our recruit and retain their volunteers? What can be boards, we need to understand how these principles consis- learned from these approaches? tently work toward a more equitable environment within our KOSINSKI: One of the things that kept coming up in our sur- groups. The behavior and makeup of a board will likely trickle veys and interviews was that library boards and Friends groups down and influence the library organization as a whole, so this wanted active volunteers, they wanted active trustees, not work shouldn’t be siloed. someone who just shows up to the meeting. We figured this idea of active service would be a great way to tie volunteer fire- fighting to libraries. The US Fire Administration reports that up to 86% percent of fire squads are either entirely or mostly “If a voice is present staffed by volunteers. A little more than half of these volunteer firefighters are under 40. but not heard, How can libraries attract young people committed to active service? They need to relearn their ABCs: accessibility, buy-in, what real progress and confidence, a framework described by Scott W. Blue in a 2016 article in Fire Engineering magazine (bit.ly/FireEnMag) is being made?” about reviving volunteer programs. TESS WILSON, community Accessibility, as it pertains to recruiting and retaining engagement coordinator volunteers, has two facets. First, is the group easy to join? And for the National Network second, is its work easy to understand? Library groups need to invite people personally and should try community mailings, of Libraries of volunteer fairs, open houses, and local newspaper columns. Fire Medicine Middle Tess Wilson Engineering mentions junior firefighter clubs; maybe consider Atlantic region

16 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org We took a lot of inspiration from resources beyond the library. One 2011 article in the Iowa Law Review (bit.ly/ “If a young professional ILR-hiring) suggests best practices for hiring and retaining diverse law faculty. The basis for this research shines doesn’t know how long a light on barriers that might affect library boards as well. Author Kellye Y. Testy states, “What’s most difficult they’re going to stay about making progress in diversity is that the institution in one community, a must work against the structural and systemic inequal- ity that plagues every area of our society. As a result, the six-year term length institution must apply even more sustained and aggressive pressure in order to overcome the significant and ubiquitous could be an automatic barriers to diversity and equality.” The first step is to avoid tokenism. In our research, we turn-off.” heard testimonials from millennial board members who felt as though they had been recruited to help with social media, for MADELINE JARVIS, adult and example. Or let’s say there is one teen member on the board— information services manager how comfortable will that teen feel sharing their opinion in a at Marion (Iowa) Public Library Madeline Jarvis room full of adult professionals? If a voice is present but not heard, what real progress is being made? library associations are a great resource as well. Groups should Another thing to consider is intersectionality. People are think about which basic duties or functions they’re struggling multidimensional and complicated. By boiling someone down with—fundraising, personnel issues—and let that drive their to one quality—their age—we reduce them to a persona. This recruitment. Where are the challenges and, more importantly, is unfair to that complex individual but also to the board, where does the group thrive? How can the group capture that which is missing out on an enriching engagement with a excitement to bring in new members? whole person. And second, build that pipeline. Does the library have a Broadly speaking, what are the effects of a more diverse and teen advisory council? If not, Friends groups could work with inclusive board? According to a 2013 study published in Equal- library staffers to create one. Task forces are another easy ity, Diversity, and Inclusion (bit.ly/AL-nonprofits-EDI), a board avenue for community engagement, particularly for busy that values inclusive behaviors contributes to the “creation of young professionals who might not have the time to serve on a a positive organizational culture of inclusion.” Another study board or older volunteers with passion projects. found that nonprofits that embrace diversity and prioritize As groups and boards advertise term length and limits, inclusion tend to be more active participants in advocacy. This make sure that the terms are viable for all ages. For example, suggests that an increasingly diverse board will be more deeply if a young professional doesn’t know how long they’re going involved in the community it serves and will advocate for a to stay in one community, a six-year term length could be an more diverse body of users. automatic turn-off. Does a board term need to be that long? Isn’t that a great way to sum up our intentions? That even- Could this work be done in three years? When boards cycle off, tually, our board will be engaged in the type of advocacy that a greater variety of voices can be heard. attracts new, diverse members and that it will be doing that Think about that feedback cycle, and make sure there are work so publicly and in such an immersive way that potential opportunities for members to share ideas and to ask questions. members will hear about it and be excited by it. Encourage new members to keep a log or a journal of their first 90 days and write down all the questions that they encounter Where do Friends groups, trustee boards, and during the onboarding process to help shape future orienta- foundations go from here? How should they tions. Think about board mentorship or buddy programs. If a handle strategic recruitment and new-member library group doesn’t know any young parents, why not reach onboarding? out to the children’s librarian to make a plug at a storytime, JARVIS: Recruitment is an ongoing process, a year-round asking for volunteers? activity; libraries can’t just start when they need a body. Ultimately, library groups should be flexible. They shouldn’t Start right now. just accept how things have always been done. Rather, they There are two things library groups should do before they should look at the talent within their communities, empower start looking at these relationships. First, groups should exam- their members, and make sure they recruit folks who are ine their strategic plan and goals. United for Libraries has a excited and willing advocates—who have voices and are able Tess Wilson great guide to board self-evaluation (bit.ly/UFLeval), and state to use them.

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 17 ALA Presidential ive libraries earned this year’s American Library Associ- ation (ALA) Presidential Citation for Innovative Inter- Citations honor national Library Projects. The winning projects include forward-thinking F programs that offered online academic aid and games to college students during the pandemic; examined the signifi- global libraries cance of historic lighthouses and maritime history; established lifelines to senior citizens; and provided digital literacy kits to BY Phil Morehart help combat social isolation. The citations began as an initiative of former ALA President Loriene Roy (2007–2008). Presented by the International Rela- tions Round Table, the awards recognize exem- plary services and projects that draw attention to libraries that are creating positive change, demonstrating sustainability, and providing a model for others. The winners are Nazarbayev University Library in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan; Red River College Library in Winnipeg (Manitoba), Canada; Run Run Shaw Library at City Univer- sity of Hong Kong; South Shore Public Libraries in Bridgewater (Nova Scotia), Canada; and Vancouver Island Regional Library in Nanaimo (B.C.), Canada.

PHIL MOREHART is a senior editor of American Libraries.

18 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org Virtual Library InfoLit Race Challenge Nazarbayev University Library in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan ince 2018, the InfoLit Race Challenge has Shelped students at Nazarbayev University hone information literacy skills and learn about the library through a series of speed-based activities. The annual challenge moved online in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the virtual environment didn’t prevent students from finding reliable and authoritative information; exploring and expanding their knowledge of scholarly materials in the library; and becoming responsible researchers. The virtual challenge consisted of a series of stations where participants used their knowledge of the library to answer questions. (“What are five tools for literature review?” or “What are the tools for virtual mapping?,” for example.) Each completed station earned players a clue to be used at the next station. The student that finished fastest and with the most clues won the race. •

Warm Up Week Red River College Library in Winnipeg (Manitoba), Canada ed River College is Manitoba’s largest polytechnic community college, with almost 22,000 Rstudents. When it delayed the start of its 2021 winter semester by a week because of the pandemic, the library stepped in with Warm Up Week, an online environment where students could gather and proactively focus on developing cocurricular and academic skills that would encourage success heading into their second term. Held January 4–8, the event included seminars and workshops on writing, time management strategies, goal setting, and research skills. Partnerships with the college’s School of Indigenous Education, mental health and wellness center, the Centre for Inter- national Education and Global Partnerships, employment services, and the Student Association yielded many collaborations: Indigenous elder drop-ins, résumé writing workshops, immigration advice, yoga classes, and mindfulness sessions. •

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 19 Lighthouse Heritage Research Connections Run Run Shaw Library, City University of Hong Kong nitiated in 2015, Run Run Shaw Library’s Lighthouse Heritage IResearch Connections is a research center that gives library patrons a chance to curate materials and exhibits about Hong Kong’s lighthouses and the area’s maritime history. The library serves as the central activity hub for the project, which brings together patrons and university faculty to conduct research, help with transcription and translation of archival documents, create digital renderings and artworks, participate in study trips, document photographs, produce film documentaries, and act as curators and orga- nizers of events and exhibitions. The library also invited blind and visually impaired patrons to contribute to creating more accessible content. •

VIRL Connects Vancouver Island Regional Library in Nanaimo (B.C.), Canada ancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) created the VIRL VConnects program to help combat social isolation and foster digital literacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for community members living in eldercare facilities, homeless shelters, domestic violence centers, and dayhomes (childcare services run from private homes). Using grants from local foundations, VIRL purchased hardware and subsidized support services to create care packages with digital products like Chromebooks, Chrome- cast, smart TVs, and support from VIRL staff to help recipients set up products, connect to library services, and learn about the content and services available through the library’s website. To date, more than 30 facilities have received the packages. •

20 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org Caring Calls Project South Shore Public Libraries in Bridgewater (Nova Scotia), Canada outh Shore Public Libraries S(SSPL), located on the south shore of Nova Scotia, has a service population of 60,000 residents. In August 2020, the library began the Caring Calls project, wherein SSPL staffers call library members over age 65 to engage in meaningful conversations, decrease social isolation and feelings of loneliness, and increase a sense of belonging in the community. As of January 2021, SSPL had completed calls to 95% of those members. The program has been so successful that it has been expanded to allow local service organizations and families to make call referrals for senior friends and family. SSPL is also creating an online portal where families and caregivers can request check-in calls for family members and loved ones. •

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 21 INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM: A Manual for Library Workers

BY Amy Carlton

Editors and irst published in 1974, the Amer- contributors ican Library discuss the latest FAssociation’s (ALA) Intellectual Free- edition dom Manual has become an essential reference for library workers who need dependable answers to thorny questions about book challenges, patron privacy, and policy development for their institutions. The 10th edition, coedited by Martin Garnar, director of Amherst (Mass.) College Library and former president of the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF), and Trina Magi, library professor and reference and instruction librarian at University of Vermont, was released under the direction of ALA’s Office for Intellec- tual Freedom (OIF) earlier this year. American Libraries spoke with Garnar and Magi, as well as several of the manual’s contributors, about the latest challenges to intellectual freedom that library workers face. Helen R. Adams is a retired Wisconsin school librarian and online instructor in intellectual freedom, privacy, and copyright; Deborah Caldwell-Stone is director of OIF and executive director of FTRF; and Theresa

Chmara is general counsel of FTRF. Stock ©Narith Thongphasuk38/Adobe Photo:

22 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org more types of censorship occur- What were some of the biggest changes in ring than that of the manual—such as new laws, policy updates, books. Censorship privacy rules, and technology issues—since the attempts are made ninth edition in 2015? against digital MARTIN GARNAR: One of the biggest changes was the databases, pro- Theresa Chmara sheer number of new interpretations of the Library Bill of grams (author Rights—eight in total, with topics ranging from religion programs in schools are a and politics to internet filtering and equity, diversity, and prime example, as are drag queen Helen R. Adams inclusion. These interpretations reflect the ever-evolving programs), displays (including understanding of how our professional principles and values student artwork or LGBTQ material should be applied in our daily library work. We also saw the displays), and library bibliographies or first revision of the Library Bill of Rights since 1980 with the reading lists. addition of an article on privacy in 2019. The expiration of parts of the USA Patriot Act in 2020 meant that the authors of our legal essays had to make significant revisions to their How did you solicit input or feedback from contributions to the manual. library workers in writing your sections? What new issues were they dealing with on the TRINA MAGI: The new edition includes information about ground that they needed guidance on? self-service hold practices, new guidelines on when to call the police, expanded content about developing library pol- MAGI: During the years between the publication of the icies that support intellectual freedom, and a significantly prior edition and the preparation of the manuscript for the expanded glossary of terms. The essay on the law regard- 10th, I made lots of little notes about content that should be ing privacy and confidentiality in libraries was updated to added or changed. Over time, my copy of the 2015 edition include information about the European Union’s General became full of yellow Post-it notes reminding me of ideas for Data Protection Regulation and information about threats to new or revised content. These ideas came from my reading privacy from third-party vendors. of library literature, from my own use of the manual, and from questions that library workers asked when they called THERESA CHMARA: From a legal perspective, the Deeper for help about intellectual freedom concerns. Look entries that focus on the law provide updated information about how courts have dealt with those particular CHMARA: As general counsel for FTRF, I interact with issues. For example, the ninth edition offered legal informa- librarians often during the course of my legal representation about meeting rooms that was expanded in this edition tion. I am also a frequent speaker to library groups. Addi- to provide case law information about social tionally, I recently taught an ALA e-course that addressed media. The Deeper Look section explores legal issues confronting libraries and received feedback how courts have addressed cases where from librarians about the types of legal issues they have government entities subject to First to address. Amendment strictures, like ADAMS: In July 2019 I conducted an informal survey for public libraries, removed purposes of updating my essay “Internet Filtering and posts or blocked speakers. School Libraries” and received responses from librarians HELEN R. ADAMS: The in 41 states. Although restrictive filtering still occurs in Martin Garnar essay “Censorship many schools, in 2019 there was a more nuanced view of beyond Books” is filtering by school librarians. Whatever one’s opinion significant [see of internet filtering in schools, students have legitimate excerpt on p. 26]. information needs. The latest edition of the manual offers It acknowledges school librarians multiple strategies to lessen the negative Trina Magi that there are impact of filters.

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 23 part of my identity as a librarian. I believe that libraries are still regarded as one of the few places that care about The 10th edition includes a section on law privacy because of our efforts around the Patriot Act, though enforcement and libraries, including guidelines it is a never-ending task to stay on top of all the ways our on when library workers should call the police. privacy can be breached or compromised. Does the manual offer any new guidance As for the future, it will be interesting to see if Congress on policing and libraries from a racial justice takes action to reauthorize Section 215. I hope they honor perspective? the spirit of the sunset provision, which was that it should MAGI: The section “Visits and Requests from Law Enforce- have been a temporary measure in the wake of 9/11 and not ment” is not new, but the guidelines on when library work- a permanent change to our expectations around privacy. ers should call the police are a new addition to that chapter. At the end of those guidelines is a highlighted box referring What are some of the practical ways library readers of the manual to an important American Libraries workers can use the information in the manual article by Jarrett Dapier and Emily Knox, “When Not to Call in their work, as opposed to just reading it once the Cops” (bit.ly/AL-DapierKnox, The Scoop, July 8, 2020). or keeping it on a shelf?

GARNAR: In Part I, there are checklists—with actual check This year marks the 20th anniversary of the boxes—to guide library workers through the policy creation Patriot Act. Can you talk about how that law has and revision process. The Issue at a Glance sections at the affected libraries over the past two decades and start of each chapter in Part II include discussion questions what the future might hold? designed to be used for professional development. CHMARA: Over the last 20 years, libraries have had Part III contains information about what to do in a to draft policies on how to address Patriot Act crisis and whom to contact for help or advice. requests and other requests from law enforce- MAGI: When a question or need arises, library ment. Additionally, they have had to address workers can quickly turn to the relevant chapter how they collect information, how long they and get a summary of key points, official ALA retain personally identifiable information about policy statements about the issue, and more patrons, and how to respond to other third-party Deborah in-depth essays about the library’s legal obli- Caldwell-Stone requests for information. Libraries also have had gations. And they can assign readings in the to expand training of library staff and volunteers to manual as a way to orient new employees, volunteers, address privacy and confidentiality issues. and trustees or as part of the library’s professional develop- DEBORAH CALDWELL-STONE: We faced a dilemma regard- ment program. ing the extensive information we included on Section 215 of CHMARA: While the manual does not constitute legal advice, the act, which authorized mass surveillance and data gath- it does provide legal information for librarians and their ering of citizens by the government. Congress had allowed legal counsel that can be used as a starting point when draft- Section 215 to sunset through inaction, but we could not ing new policies, analyzing current policies, and addressing predict if, during the waning months of the prior adminis- issues that arise at the library. tration, they would renew it. We added a text box to alert readers to the status of Section 215 and recommend that they check with OIF or their legal counsel on the status of the law. While some of the specific threats posed by the act have receded with the sunsetting of Section 215, other provisions remain in effect, and libraries must be prepared to defend against law enforcement agencies’ efforts to gain access to user records.

GARNAR: The Patriot Act has had a profound impact on how libraries and library workers view their role as privacy protectors and educators. I was just a few years out of library school when the law was passed, and I spent so much of my time giving presentations about its dangers and what libraries could do to protect user privacy. It was a formative

24 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org ADAMS: School librarians face many intellectual freedom GARNAR: The good news is that the committees work very issues, including challenges to print and nonprint resources, hard to develop language and guidance that remains useful author visits, and library displays. The manual can be a for some time after its adoption. Libraries supported online “first responder” resource for those situations. The essay learning before the pandemic, so while the breadth of our “How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns about Library concerns about privacy may have expanded, the core con- Resources” is a quick but practical read when immediate but cerns haven’t changed. Likewise, the interpretation on library- thoughtful action is needed. The section also gives guidance initiated programs (last amended in June 2019) already to librarians on weighing their options when a reconsider- acknowledges that our principles around programming are ation process is subverted or undermined. This is a resource the same whether the program is being presented in the to read repeatedly to be able to building, offsite with a partner, defend students’ right to read. or online. Still, it would have School librarians face mul- been great to reference the res- tiple complex situations while olutions adopted at Midwinter protecting students’ library [Library workers] can assign in 2021 about facial-recognition privacy. Many adults are not readings in the manual as a software and behavioral data supportive of minors’ privacy, surveillance. I would have loved and laws protecting minors’ pri- way to orient new employees, to add notes at various points vacy are not particularly strong volunteers, and trustees or as in the manual that emphasized and are frequently ambiguous. “This is still true for online and Often librarians are left with part of the library’s professional remote services during the Article VII of the Library Bill pandemic,” but I believe the of Rights and Article III of the development program. guidance is still sound. I imagine ALA Code of Ethics as defensive TRINA MAGI, coeditor of the Intellectual Freedom Manual the 11th edition will be careful justification. While professional to make this point, as I think codes provide ethical support, libraries will continue to explore they are not legal arguments. In how the virtual and remote chapter 7, Deborah Caldwell- services developed during the Stone’s essay “The Law Regarding Privacy and Confiden- pandemic can be part of our offerings going forward. tiality in Libraries” can provide substantial information to ADAMS: The topic of copyright was already within the educate and assist school library workers. manual, but school librarians are receiving more questions about fair use of online intellectual property. In chapter 5, Libraries have had to deal with unprecedented the essay “The Law Regarding Copyright” by ALA’s Director challenges in the past year around COVID-19 and of Public Policy and Advocacy Carrie Russell is useful, but the sudden explosion of virtual programming, having more in-depth information on fair use of resources online learning, surveillance from test-taking in K–12 schools would be beneficial to librarians who act as copyright consultants to teachers and students. platforms, and other issues. This book was already in production during 2020, but knowing CALDWELL-STONE: We need to acknowledge that the what we now know about the pandemic’s Intellectual Freedom Manual cannot cover every specific topic effects on intellectual freedom issues, what do or issue that might arise. We can, however, strive to provide you wish could have been addressed? sufficient guidelines, checklists, and information that give library workers, administrators, and trustees the ability to CALDWELL-STONE: While the pandemic generated many apply the broad principles espoused in the Library Bill of challenges for libraries, the most immediate intellectual free- Rights and the ALA Code of Ethics to new situations. dom challenges were related to access and privacy—for exam- I believe Martin and Trina have created a strong intellectual ple, should libraries be in the business of contact tracing? freedom toolbox that any person working in libraries can use What about mask wearing? Given the need for timely infor- to address any new challenge that arises in the course of mation, those specific topics were addressed through articles providing library service. posted on our blogs and the ALA website but did not make the final text of the manual. Addressing disinformation, misin- AMY CARLTON is a senior editor of American formation, and propaganda is another topic that might have Libraries. made a valuable addition to the manual. We’ll certainly consider these topics for coverage in the next edition and work on developing online materials that are responsive to them.

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 25 Programming such as drag queen story hours has been subject to challenges.

A DEEPER LOOK: Censorship beyond Books

ust as books are sometimes Confronting DATABASES AND challenged and banned in DIGITAL RESOURCES libraries, schools, universities, challenges to other Almost every library has at least one and public institutions, other library resources database subscription that offers curated library materials, resources, content published by reputable sources. Jand services have been challenged, can- BY Kristin Pekoll The target audience and content vary widely among databases, and because celed, or dismantled. People’s perception databases are digital resources, users can of offensive content is not limited to the access the content in various settings—in the written word. Censorship beyond books can library, at school, and at home. These factors can happen anywhere—in private and public institutions, cause confusion in determining whether content is appro- large school districts and small public libraries, rural uni- priate and to whom concerns should be addressed. Does versities, state prisons, and urban government buildings. responsibility for content rest with the library, the library’s The variety of resources and services challenged is just as parent organization (for example, the school district), or the broad, including films, videos, music, magazines, newspa- database vendor? While most parents have directed their concerns to the school district, in some cases complaints are pers, games, internet access, databases, programs, use of elevated to the level of elected officials, statewide systems, meeting rooms, exhibits, displays, artwork, reading lists, and even the courts. and online resources. Here are three examples of censor- In September 2018, a parent in Tooele, Utah, claimed ship beyond books that could happen at your library. to have found inappropriate content in EBSCO’s K–12 Ricard Jennifer Photo:

26 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org databases and complained directly to the Utah Education as GLBT Book Month), libraries often receive complaints Network (UEN). UEN connects all Utah school districts, about displays that celebrate Pride Month or recognize schools, and higher-education institutions with the goal of LGBTQ+ history, or programs that acknowledge gender providing high-quality educational resources. fluidity and diverse perspectives. After receiving the complaint, the network’s board quickly Sometimes the request to dismantle a display comes from voted to remove access to the K–12 EBSCO databases for an administrator in a preemptive attempt to avoid contro- every public school district in the state, potentially affecting versy or to placate informal concerns raised by someone more than 700,000 students. When trying to connect to the with power or influence. databases, users received this message: “Ongoing concerns In Leander, Texas, a drag queen story hour was canceled about content prompted action. The Utah Education and by the city, and a local church used Telehealth Network places a high priority on the safety and meeting space in the library to host well-being of students and is taking additional action to its own Leander Family Pride Festival address concerns about inappropriate content within EBSCO and Storytime. The security costs and services for K–12 students.” Many teachers did not know a public outcry led to a review of the about the decision until students tried to use the databases library’s meeting room policy. The city for homework assignments. council then changed the policy to limit Teachers, librarians, and parents, with strategic assis- meeting room use to city departments. tance from multiple organizations, sent thousands of email During the policy review, another messages and petition signatures to protest the ban and urge program was canceled: Leander Public This is an excerpt UEN’s board to restore access to EBSCO. Library had scheduled author Lilah from Intellectual Then–American Library Association (ALA) President Sturges to speak about writing and Freedom Manual, Loida Garcia-Febo issued a letter, cosigned by the leader- publishing her series Lumberjanes. 10th edition, ship of the American Association of School Librarians, the The library administration told the edited by Martin Association of College and Research Libraries, the Utah transgender author that the event was Garnar and Trina Educational Library Media Association, the National Council canceled because she had not under- Magi (ALA Edi- of Teachers of English, and the National Coalition against gone a background check, but several tions, 2021). Censorship. Garcia-Febo wrote: “By committing to statewide other youth events were held in library access to EBSCO databases for all students, UEN [would meeting rooms without review by city be] committing to a quality, equitable education for all officials. Community members have Utah students.” questioned whether this cancellation is another example of At the board meeting and in the press, opponents of discrimination and censorship. EBSCO’s database continued to suggest that if the board reinstated access, it would be “intentionally and knowingly” LIBRARY-CREATED CONTENT distributing pornography to minors, though UEN could not In addition to books, databases, programs, and displays, substantiate their claims. Almost a month later, after public other resources can be challenged and censored. Many of feedback, collaboration with EBSCO staff, and statements these resources are created by librarians in their role as edu- by multiple educational organizations, the board voted cators in their communities, such as online research guides, unanimously to restore the school districts’ access to the reading lists, materials advocating for libraries and an K–12 databases. informed citizenry, and social media posts and items related to community outreach. PROGRAMS AND DISPLAYS In February 2009, a complaint was deposited in West People raise concerns about library displays and programs Bend (Wis.) Community Memorial Library’s book drop along for the same reasons they raise concerns about other types of with a printout of the library’s online readers’ advisory list library resources: objections to LGBTQ+ content, profanity, for teens titled “Out of the Closet.” The library did not have a political viewpoints, sexual content, and religious content. In policy to address the demand to remove the online content, June, during ALA’s Rainbow Book Month (formerly known so by default, it offered the complainant a reconsideration

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 27 Policy Guidance for Library Workers

he Selection and Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for This is a personal, ethical decision, and library work- Public, School, and Academic Libraries (ala.org/ ers must weigh all factors. If the director or principal is Ttools/challengesupport/selectionpolicytoolkit) is an adamant, library workers may be forced to evaluate the online resource that provides descriptions of and rationale risk of retaliation from their supervisor or losing a job for the basic components of a selection policy and pro- against the merits of continuing to oppose the censorship vides detailed information about the informal and formal attempt. After considering the situation carefully, they reconsideration of library resources. Each section includes may acknowledge that they have done all that is possible brief explanations of specific factors to be considered for at this time, or they may decide that taking a principled the library type. The toolkit is intended as guidance, and stand is worth the risk. its policy language examples should be adapted to local The reconsideration process can also be compromised situations and state laws. if the concerned individual or group goes around the policy structure to speak directly to a higher authority WHEN THE RECONSIDERATION such as an elected official, school superintendent, or PROCESS IS COMPROMISED board member. Although this does not always occur, Sometimes the principal or library director does not optimally, higher authorities should be redirected to follow policy and removes the challenged resource or the reconsideration process and reminded of rele- cancels the event. If the administration refuses to follow vant policies. the reconsideration process, even after discussing the From “How to Respond to Challenges and Concerns legal and ethical reasons for doing so, how far should about Library Resources” by Kristin Pekoll and Helen library workers go to defend the challenged item? R. Adams, Intellectual Freedom Manual, 10th edition. •

form (a written request that the library remove or restrict should broadly cover all library resources, including books, access to particular resources, invoking a standardized journals, films, videos, music, databases, displays, pro- review process by the library and/or grams, and more. They should outline its governing board). The form was how libraries select resources and how returned to the library director with a those resources will support the overall list of 37 book titles with LGBTQIA+ People’s perception mission of the organization. They should content. Over the course of four months, outline an objective, thoughtful, and the list grew to more than 80 young of offensive content efficient process for the reconsideration adult books with the complaint that the is not limited to of resources. librarian had a “gay agenda.” Finally, all library workers and gov- This challenge garnered national the written word. erning authorities should be educated media attention, daily local newspaper about these policies and procedures articles and letters to the editor, multi- so that every challenge is handled in a ple petitions and protests, and support consistent manner, whether the object of from ALA, the Wisconsin Library Association, University a challenge is a database, display, program, or book. of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, the Cooperative Children’s Book Following these policies and procedures helps the library Center, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin. serve the community as a whole. It also helps build a stable In the end, the nine-member library board voted unanimously workplace where library workers feel secure and valued, as to retain the online reading list and books, and not to move well as confident in the knowledge that the library’s values them or label them differently. extend beyond the freedom to read and reach into the freedom to teach, advocate, and engage. WHAT TO DO is assistant director of ALA’s Libraries should have policies and procedures in place for KRISTIN PEKOLL Office for Intellectual Freedom and author of routing and addressing concerns to ensure that community Beyond Banned Books: Defending Intellectual members are heard and that their opinions and concerns Freedom throughout Your Library (ALA Edi- are seriously considered. These policies and procedures tions, 2019).

28 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org Celebrate Banned Books Week SEPTEMBER 26 – OCTOBER 2, 2021

Books unite us. Censorship divides us. During Banned Books Week, build connections, ignite discussions, and bring readers together to support the freedom to read.

Banned Books Week is an annual event that highlights the benefits of unrestricted reading and draws attention to censorship attempts. Find program and display ideas at ala.org/bbooks.

Field Report 2020 50-Pack Books Unite An excellent handout, with Us Bookmark descriptions of public challenges Most Challenged and the list of the Top 10 Most Books of 2020 Challenged Books! Bookmark

Books Unite Us Poster

Downloadable products Free Your Mind Banned Book available at I Read Banned Bracelets Books Sticker Roll alastore.ala.org.

Shop for these items and more at alastore.ala.org Catalog Locally, Share Globally RDA’s cataloging evolution continues with the 3R Project

BY James Hennelly

f you have paid any attention to cataloging matters over the past three years, you might have heard rumblings about something called the 3R Project, which is having a large impact on RDA cataloging. RDA, or Resource Description and Access, is the suc- Icessor to AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, second edition), the cataloging system developed nearly 50 years ago for the creation of card catalog records of print materials. The 3R Project The diversity and nature of library holdings has of course By 2016, several factors spurred the decision to pursue what evolved since then, and by the turn of the millennium there would be called the RDA Toolkit Restructure and Redesign was general agreement in the cataloging community around Project—dubbed 3R. the need for a greatly revised or altogether new standard. That ■ As the number of translations grew (RDA had been trans- new standard, RDA, debuted in 2010 and shifted the focus lated into seven languages at the time) and policy statement of cataloging away from record creation and toward creating sets also increased (to seven), it became clear that the rigid quality metadata that can easily be shared and reused. It was and dated structure of RDA content as it was displayed in envisioned as an international standard to support a range of the RDA Toolkit was not sustainable. data creation scenarios, from the card catalog to linked data. ■ In 2016, the International Federation of Library Associ- Like many major changes to systems and processes, RDA ations and Institutions’ (IFLA) Library Reference Model stirred controversy. Some protested that it went too far in dis- (LRM) replaced RDA’s underlying Functional Requirements carding established cataloging practices, while others argued model, making it necessary to bring the standard into align- that it did not go far enough. AACR had sparked its own ment with the new model. controversy when it necessitated a major revision six years ■ The toolkit’s user experience needed improvements to meet after its 1967 debut, when work began on AACR2. Similarly, expectations for website performance. RDA also faced a need for significant changes to both the Over the following four years, the structure of the toolkit standard and RDA Toolkit (the website designed to deliver data was rebuilt to make it more modular and flexible and to

RDA content) six years after its release. provide more efficient and reliable work processes for RDA Stock Generation/Adobe ©Visual Illustration:

30 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org editors and translators. The project introduced a respon- to use a specific element or type of recording method), is sive design for the RDA Toolkit, optimizing the site for critical to the support of diverse local practices found around tablets and mobile devices. It also brought the site the globe. into compliance with established accessibility requirements. What to do The redesign also included a new integrated The changes put forward by the 3R Project may seem daunting display that allows users to view policy but they are not insurmountable. Two important things to keep statements from the Library of Congress and in mind: First, there is time. While the revised RDA is now the other leading institutions alongside RDA official version, there is no expectation libraries will imme- instructions. As for the standard itself, the diately adopt the new guidelines and practices. The original alignment with IFLA’s LRM introduced toolkit remains online and accessible to all with an RDA Toolkit new entities—some familiar (place), subscription. It will remain up for the foreseeable future, some quite new (nomen)—as well as and users will be given a full year’s notice before the site is novel practices for key concepts, includ- taken down, so there is no ing aggregates and fictitious entities. reason to panic. Among the 3R Project’s goals was A Primer Second, help is on the optimization of RDA for international on RDA way. The redesign of the use and in linked-data environments. toolkit anticipated that ■ Introducing RDA: A Guide The emphasis on these two areas is community documentation to the Basics after 3R, 2nd based on a vision for future cataloging would guide catalogers to edition, by Chris Oliver that will require greater sharing of the needed entities and (ALA Editions, 2021) metadata for more efficient creation elements, and influence ■ RDA in Practice: of records but still allow for local practices to which options should or A Workbook, by Kate James better meet the needs of library users. In short, should not be applied. This (ALA Editions, 2021) the post-3R RDA is for those who want to catalog assistance may be provided ■ RDA Toolkit channel on locally but share globally. through policy statements YouTube for training videos or user-created documents and presentations (bit.ly/ Challenges of the new toolkit hosted on the RDA Toolkit, RDAyoutube) Toolkit users have raised concerns about the explosion of or even application profiles ■ RDA Lab Series and other new elements—now more than 3,000 of them—without any hosted in or outside of online events from ALA hierarchy or order imposed. The RDA instructions are also the toolkit. eLearning Solutions considerably less prescriptive, with an infusion of options Library of Congress and that might have some users’ heads spinning. But the most its Program for Cooperative significant difference is likely the reorganization of the Cataloging—a cooper- content so that RDA reads less like a cataloging manual and ative where members contribute bibliographic records and more like a data dictionary. Catalogers have long been used data under a common set of standards using bibliographic to the workflow-type presentation of instructions found in utilities—are already working on both policy statements and the AACR2 standard that was also carried over to the initial an application profile that will provide a foundation on which iteration of RDA. institutions can build their own policies. Expect a range of These concerns are legitimate, and users are faced with con- orientation and training materials and events to emerge in the ducting a close evaluation of the standard to determine how it next year to assist with the transition to the new RDA. can best meet their institutions’ and patrons’ needs. RDA is built to adapt to an environment where publishing So why expand elements? The decision was made primarily practices and user expectations for access are continually to remove relationship designators (such as author or com- evolving. The standard and the toolkit are now better suited poser) from the RDA appendices and transform them into full- than ever to support the continuation of established cataloging fledged elements. Now a single designator such as creator has practices while also providing a pathway to new methods of transformed into 10 different elements. The key point is that bibliographic metadata creation. most catalogers will use only a small fraction of these elements in their work, but the elements themselves are necessary to JAMES HENNELLY is director of the Resource maintain the integrity of the data model. Description and Access (RDA) Toolkit. For more information, visit rdatoolkit.org. The infusion of options, including those explicitly labeled option, as well as those that are implicit (such as deciding

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 31 OhioLINK in Columbus ON THE MOVE promoted Joanna Voss to associate director May 15 Bethany Baker became virtual of licensing and ana- services librarian at Mesa County The California Library Association lytics May 18. (Colo.) Libraries. has inducted Michael Buckland, professor emeritus and former dean Middlebury (Ind.) Public Library pro- Sharon Buchanan became youth ser- moted Juli Wald to director in March. vices librarian at Rappahannock County of University of California, Berkeley; (Va.) Public Library in April. the late poet and former librarian at San Francisco Public Library RETIREMENTS Tawnee Calhoun started as adult ser- Hiroshi Kashiwagi; and Bonny vices librarian at Algonquin (Ill.) Area White, retired deputy director of In April Cheryl Austin retired as director Public Library District in February. Marin County Free Library, into the of Weedsport (N.Y.) Free Library. Mesa County (Colo.) Libraries named California Library Hall of Fame. Lori Goetsch, dean of Kansas State Kacee Eddinger youth collections Hartford Public Library’s Hart- University Libraries in Manhattan, librarian, effective February 16. ford History Center received an retired May 28. Stephen Fitzgerald Award of Merit from the Connecti- children’s librarian at joined Santa Clara County cut League of History Organiza- Rosemary Grey, Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion, Mas- (Calif.) Library District tions for its online exhibit “October sachusetts, retired in April. April 5 as deputy county 1920,” about the centennial of librarian of community women’s suffrage. Poppy Johnson retired as assistant library development. director of Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport, New York, April 30. Buck Memorial Library in Bucksport, Maine, appointed Lisa Ladd director, In January, Linh Gavin March 10 Janet effective April 26. Do became librarian for W. Loveless retired as digital publishing, cura- assistant library director March 8 Erik Lionberger became cre- of Nassau County (Fla.) ative technologies manager at Mesa tion, and conversion at Public Library System. County (Colo.) Libraries. Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. In January Jean Maguire became direc- Donna Olson retired as head of adult tor of Maynard (Mass.) Public Library. Norwalk (Conn.) Public Library services at Salem–South Lyon (Mich.) promoted Sherelle Harris to direc- District Library February 4. January 30 Emily McConnell joined tor April 26. Mesa County (Colo.) Libraries as head of adult learning. Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library AT ALA promoted Miya Reyes to manager of University of North Carolina at Chapel program officer for the the Martin Luther King branch April 19. Yumeka Brown, Hill appointed Karina Soni outreach Freedom to Read Foundation and the projects librarian, effective April 19. Merritt Fund, left ALA April 23. OhioLINK in Colum- bus promoted Theda Diana Wendell started as director of Heather Cho, campaign specialist for Schwing to asso- Weedsport (N.Y.) Free Library in April. the Libraries Transform program in the ciate director of Communications and Marketing Office member discovery and (CMO), left ALA April 21. delivery May 18. PROMOTIONS Judy Czarnik started May 10 as OhioLINK in Columbus Iowa State University membership marketing and engage- promoted Judy Cobb in Ames promoted ment manager. to associate director Hilary Seo to dean of operations and plat- of library services Lindsey Simon, content strategy man- forms May 18. in May. ager in CMO, left ALA April 27.

32 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

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Kathie Coblentz, 73, rare materials cataloger at New York (Calif.) University; Leiden University in the Netherlands; and Public Library’s (NYPL) Stephen A. Schwarzman building, NYPL, died April 9. Ma held many leadership roles in the Chi- died April 6. Coblentz had been with NYPL since 1969, and nese American Librarians Association (CALA), and received she cataloged and revised cataloging of rare books and spe- CALA’s Distinguished Award in 2009 for the Books-for- cial collections in English and European languages. She also China Fund project, which identified and shared more than wrote Your Home Library: The Complete System for Organizing, 100,000 books and journals with academic libraries in China. Locating, Referencing and Maintaining Your Book Collection Cheryl McCarthy, 71, professor emerita of the University of and coedited with Robert E. Kapsis collections of interviews Rhode Island Graduate School of Library and Information of Clint Eastwood and Alfred Hitchcock. Studies, died May 16. McCarthy served as president of the Vartan Gregorian, 87, president of the Carnegie Cor- New England Library Association and School Librarians of poration of New York, who was awarded ALA Honorary Rhode Island, as well as chair of the Rhode Island Coalition Membership in 2000, died April 15. Gregorian had served of Library Advocates. She frequently published and presented from 1981 to 1989 as president of NYPL, where he formed a on teaching and learning in libraries. public–private partnership that helped restore the library’s Eugene L. Mittelgluck, 90, who had served as director standing after large cuts to funding and services. In 1989, he of Mount Vernon (N.Y.) Public Library and New Rochelle became president of Brown University, where he served until (N.Y.) Public Library, died April 21. As director of New joining the Carnegie Corporation in 1997. Among his honors Rochelle Public Library, he oversaw construction of a new are the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Human- main library that won an American Institute of Architects and ities Medal, France’s Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, and ALA Award of Excellence for Library Architecture in 1980. numerous honorary degrees. After retirement, he served as interim manager at Bronxville Latanya N. Jenkins, 45, who served as a reference librarian (N.Y.) Public Library and as a librarian at Yonkers (N.Y.) at Temple University in Philadelphia, Morgan State Univer- Public Library. sity in Baltimore, Bowie (Md.) State University, and as a James Ruwaldt, 49, a library technician at the Library of diversity fellow at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indi- Congress, died December 24. ana, died April 13. Jenkins was an active member of ALA’s Government Documents Round Table, the Association of Rosemary Anne Young Singh, 75, who worked at Mani- College and Research Libraries (ACRL), and ACRL’s African towoc (Wis.) Public Library and the Main and Mathemat- American Studies Librarians Interest Group. She frequently ics libraries at University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, published and presented on government documents and died January 21. information and on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Henrietta M. Smith, 98, professor emerita at University of James “Jim” Harvey Kirks Jr., 83, system South Florida, died April 21. Smith edited four editions of coordinator for North State Cooperative The Coretta Scott King Awards, ALA’s publication that profiles Library System in Santa Rosa, California, winning books and their authors and artists. She received the for 27 years until retiring in 2002, died 2008 Association for Library Service to Children Distinguished April 20. He had previously worked at Ingle- Service Award, the 2011 Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton wood (Calif.) Public Library; the library at Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the 2014 Carle Honors NATO Headquarters for Central Europe in Fontainebleau, award from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. France; and the North Olympic Library System in Clallam Lisa Harper Wood, 64, director of Keller (Tex.) Public County, Washington. Library from 1987 to 2007, died April 27. She also served as John T. Ma, 71, who served as a librarian, bibliographer, director of Richland Hills (Tex.) Public Library for five years and curator at Columbia University in New York; Cornell Uni- and was named Library Director of the Year in 1994 by the versity in Ithaca, New York; Hoover Institution at Stanford Texas Municipal League.

americanlibraries.org | July/August 2021 33 the BOOKEND

Beyond Words hen Tenzin Kalsang, children’s librarian at Brooklyn goal for the program was to introduce the library and its services (N.Y.) Public Library’s (BPL) Williamsburg branch, to children and caregivers—not to share her culture, necessarily. Wstarted an online series of bilingual storytimes in “We often say that the library is for everyone,” says Kalsang, April 2020, the native Tibetan speaker couldn’t have predicted “[but] immigrants and marginalized communities have a hard she’d become an overnight sensation. After all, BPL wasn’t new time accessing and benefiting from library programs.” to hosting programs in Arabic, Bengali, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Her storytimes have found an audience among families that have and other languages—nor was the system unfamiliar with virtual been affected by the Tibetan diaspora that started in the 1950s, storytimes, which typically attract 100–300 people. following China’s invasion of the province. Kalsang says people of But her program garnered tens of thousands of viewers, from Tibetan origin and ancestry watch her storytimes and “see some patrons in her neighborhood to students attending a Tibetan hope in the preservation and continuation of the language.” school in Australia to monks living in Nepal. “I did not expect it “When I was a child, I didn’t have the opportunity of going to would go that viral,” says Kalsang. “I’m a really camera-shy person.” storytime,” says Kalsang. “I model for parents that you can read Once or twice a month, Kalsang reads three picture books to your kids in your own languages.” (past titles have included The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?) and sings songs in English THE BOOKEND showcases librarians, their work, and their work spaces. and Tibetan from a decorated corner of her apartment. Her initial For consideration, email [email protected]. Photo: Todd Boebel Todd Photo:

34 July/August 2021 | americanlibraries.org Leading book discovery

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