LIBRARY DESIGN SHOWCASE P

September/October 2020

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

2020 LIBRARY DESIGN SHOWCASE p. 28

Designing during a Pandemic p. 36 Climate Action Plans p. 42

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www.ala.org/pla/education/onlinelearning/pla2020/ondemand September/October 2020

American Libraries | Volume 51 #9/10 | ISSN 0002-9769 2020 LIBRARY DESIGN SHOWCASE The year’s most impressive new and renovated spaces | p. 28 BY Phil Morehart

22 FEATURES 22 2020 ALA Award Winners Honoring excellence and 42 leadership in the profession 36 Virus-Responsive Design In the age of COVID-19, architects merge future-facing innovations with present-day needs BY Lara Ewen 50 42 Ready for Action As cities undertake climate action plans, libraries emerge as partners BY Mark Lawton

46 Rethinking Police Presence Libraries consider divesting from law enforcement BY Cass Balzer

50 Encoding Space Shaping learning environments that unlock human potential BY Brian Mathews and Leigh Ann Soistmann

ON THE COVER: Library Learning Center at Texas Southern University in Houston. Photo: Kayla Hartzog 36 46 64

14 18

UP FRONT TRENDS PERSPECTIVES 3 From the 14 Can You Hear Me Now? IN PRACTICE Editor Library managers on the challenges 54 Not Beyond Critique The Beautiful of leading from a distance BY Meredith Farkas and the Bold BY Carli Spina DISPATCHES BY Sanhita SinhaRoy 16 Conscientious Cataloging 55 Digital Legacy Planning 6 From Our Librarians work to advance BY Heather Moorefield-Lang Readers equity in subject headings BY Anne Ford YOUTH MATTERS 56 From Reactive to Proactive ALA SPOTLIGHT BY Linda W. Braun 18 Dragging AI 4 From the Teaching teens to resist facial ON MY MIND President recognition software 57 Remote Control? Stand Up, Speak Out BY Maty Cropley BY Elizabeth M. Johns BY Julius C. Jefferson Jr. NEWSMAKER LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY 5 From the 20 Laurie Halse Anderson 58 Building Community Executive YA author and intellectual freedom BY Araceli Méndez Hintermeister Director champion releases new graphic Necessary Trouble novel about Wonder Woman SOLUTIONS BY Tracie D. Hall BY Alison Marcotte 60 Don’t Touch 8 Update Contactless services for libraries PLUS What’s happening BY Carrie Smith By the Numbers at ALA 15 19 Global Reach PEOPLE 21 Noted & Quoted 62 Announcements

THE BOOKEND 64 The World on a String 20

Address: 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60601 The Beautiful and the Bold Website: americanlibraries.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org his year, the buildings featured in our annual Library Design Showcase (cover story, p. 28) EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Sanhita SinhaRoy The provide an aspirational perspective. As many Favorite [email protected] | x4219 Handmaid’s Ta l e libraries throughout the country remain banned MANAGING EDITOR T closed, the images of these occupied spaces—all com- book? Terra Dankowski Tropic of [email protected] | x5282 pleted before the pandemic—may feel a bit strange, but Cancer SENIOR EDITORS they’re well worth celebrating, including the stunning Amy Carlton Slaughterhouse- Library Learning Center (cover) at Houston’s Texas [email protected] | x5105 Five Naked Phil Morehart Southern University, a historically Black institution. Lunch [email protected] | x4218 In “Virus-Responsive Design” (p. 36), Lara Ewen Sanhita SinhaRoy ASSOCIATE EDITOR consults several architecture experts and a library direc- Sallyann Price In Cold Blood [email protected] | x4213 tor about the innovative designs they’re seeing in the

EDITOR-AT-LARGE age of COVID-19. As Ewen writes, some designers view His Dark Anne Ford the pandemic as “an opportunity not just to modify Materials [email protected] series libraries but to improve them for future use.” EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE Carrie Smith Sustainability is key to any facility design. In “Ready [email protected] | x4216 Persepolis for Action” (p. 42), Mark Lawton writes that many ART DIRECTOR libraries are emerging as partners, innovators, and Rebecca Lomax The Kite Fun Home originators of climate action plans. Lawton interviews Runner [email protected] | x4217 ADVERTISING library workers from Alaska to New Jersey to ask how— Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 in the absence of broad national climate legislation— Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. they’re taking matters into their own hands. PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT Also taking strong initiative are the libraries that Mary Mackay In the age of Beloved To Kill a have divested (or are considering divesting) from law Associate Executive Director Mockingbird Mary Jo Bolduc COVID-19, enforcement. In “Rethinking Police Presence” (p. 46), Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 Cass Balzer writes: “In reevaluating what it means to Of Mice MEMBERSHIP architects be safe in a library space, libraries are poised to shift and Men Director Melissa Kay Walling, are creating the broader discussion of policing and safety in their ADVISORY COMMITTEE Susan H. Polos (Chair), Helen Ruth Adams, Jason K. Alston, communities.” In the accompanying op-ed, “When Not Crystal Chen, Janie L. Hermann, Jasmina Jusic, and Shelley innovative to Call the Cops” (p. 49), librarians Jarrett Dapier and O’Rourke. Committee associates: Rachel Beth Wykle and Emily Knox assert: “As a general rule, if you have to Lori Bryan. Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 design think about whether you should call them, don’t.” INDEXED Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, H. W. Wilson, solutions to No stranger to bold stances: Laurie Halse Anderson, LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR. meet health whose interview (Newsmaker, p. 20) you don’t want to SUBSCRIBE miss. This longtime champion of intellectual freedom Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, and Mexico; international: $84. Subscription price for individuals included and safety talks with us about her new Wonder Woman graphic in ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 email membership@ novel, fighting censorship, and how librarians are her ala.org, or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: ALA Member and challenges Customer Service. Allow six weeks. Single issues $7.50, with superheroes. As she says, “Librarians and libraries are 30% discount for five or more; contact Carrie Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216 or [email protected] while also the heart of American communities, and we have to keep fighting to make sure they are supported robustly.” PUBLISHED safeguarding American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times As we design a new future for libraries, let’s work yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at library spaces. together to be at the forefront of innovative change. 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. ©2020 American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written permission from the publisher.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 3 from the PRESIDENT

Stand Up, Speak Out Let’s carry on the legacy of the late civil rights activist John Lewis

s I write this, many of us are reflect- Also, as of this writing, I am preparing to ing on the life of the “boy from take a coast-to-coast virtual tour of 12 libraries. Troy,” US Rep. John Lewis. Over the The idea was inspired by the 1991 “Rally for years, Lewis became a friend of ALA. America’s Libraries / Caravan on Wheels”—a Many of us listened to him tell the demonstration that traveled from Atlanta to Astories behind his celebrated graphic novel series Washington, D.C., and encouraged library work- March, which documents his experiences serving ers to tell their stories to local media. on the front lines of the civil rights movement, or The 2020 “Holding Space” tour began as the the story of how, as a small child, he was unable idea to visit libraries that are providing the best to go to the public library in his hometown service, yet are the least heard. The aim has Julius C. Jefferson Jr. because Blacks were not allowed. been to connect with the library community For 60 years Lewis served and advocated for beyond conferences and big meetings, to bring our collective humanity. What many may not ALA to places we have not been present enough. know is that his wife, Lillian, who passed in I wanted to talk about issues that excite library 2012, was his chief advisor and a librarian. workers. (And once you get a librarian talking Lewis’s legacy reminds me that service is the about the work they love, there are no quiet fundamental reason libraries exist and that read- librarians.) ing and access to information—which are human I wanted to hear firsthand from colleagues rights—are necessary for full participation in and stakeholders about the incredible work their our democracy. libraries are doing to serve communities that are To carry on that legacy, how will we advocate under-resourced and often overlooked. for participation by all and serve all our commu- What innovative ways are library workers nities? Or, as Lewis asked: “If not us, then who? If engaging their poor, white, Black, Brown, not now, then when?” LGBTQIA+, rural, tribal, and urban communi- Now is the I have been inspired by the innovative work of ties, for example? libraries and library workers across the country The sense of urgency on this tour is even time for during this moment of change and struggle. greater than it was when I was elected ALA presi- the library However, libraries affected by the economic dent more than a year ago. challenges of local governments face shrinking Now is not the time for quiet librarians. Now community budgets and furloughs. is the time for every member of the library to advocate Libraries need a coordinated national effort to community—and those whose lives are affected provide support during the pandemic, and our by libraries—to advocate for the essential work for the best opportunity for that support is the Library that must continue. Now is the time to support essential work Stabilization Fund Act (LSFA). This COVID-19 LSFA. Now is the time to share stories of how relief package would provide $2 billion in federal libraries impact your community. that must funds to libraries and provide resources to retain Stand up, speak out, and join me on behalf of continue. library workers and safely reopen. Our champi- libraries and library workers. ons in Congress know that libraries are central In the words of Rep. Lewis, let’s “get in good Now is the to community resilience across this nation. We trouble” together. time to share must advocate to extend that understanding to other elected officials at all levels of government JULIUS C. JEFFERSON JR. is president of the Ameri- our stories. (bit.ly/SignLSFA). can Library Association.

4 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Necessary Trouble Eradicating information poverty

wo civil rights giants, C. T. Vivian and segregation play out in the lives of his peers and John Lewis, died on the same July community, and what is its ongoing legacy? day. Both were courageous Freedom What does a two-generation-long exclusion Riders who challenged segregation in cost a community, and how does it contribute to the South. Both were close confidants the information poverty that libraries exist to Tof the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Both literally mitigate? How do library policy, practice, and put their lives on the line in the fight for equity perception longitudinally impact usage by the and access. individuals and communities most likely to have Lewis, who served as a US representative for limited information access points and networks? Georgia’s 5th congressional district for more Researcher Johannes J. Britz, in his 2004 Jour- Tracie D. Hall than three decades, was a friend to libraries and nal of Information Science article “To Know or Not to ALA, for which he was a frequent speaker. to Know: A Moral Reflection on Information Pov- His late wife, Lillian, had been a librarian, and erty,” describes information poverty as a “situation libraries played a major role in Lewis’s early in which individuals and communities, within a activism. He often spoke about how, as a teen, given context, do not have the requisite skills, abil- his efforts to desegregate his public library in ities, or material means to obtain efficient access the South started him on the road to becoming a to information, interpret it, and apply it appropri- “good trouble” maker. ately.” Indeed, social science research has repeat- He recalled: “I was so inspired by Dr. King edly demonstrated that poverty becomes cyclical that, in 1956, with some of my brothers and and generational when accompanied by social and sisters and first cousins—I was only 16 years information network poverty. This consistent lack old—we went down to the public library, trying of access may actually increase poverty. The poor to check out some books. And we were told by may remain poor throughout their lives. How do the librarian that the library was for whites only As Britz writes, information poverty is a “seri- library policy, and not for coloreds.” ous moral concern and a matter of social justice.” Lewis would not step foot in that library for How can ALA and its collective constituency practice, and another four decades, when he went in to sign work to eradicate information poverty? And what perception copies of his 1998 memoir, Walking with the Wind. of the “microinequities,” as MIT researcher Mary His recollection reminds us of two things. Rowe calls the subtle differences in tone, gesture, longitudinally One, libraries and library staff are not always attitude, or manner that alienate individuals or impact usage inherently on the right side of history. The whole communities that should be able to count librarian that Lewis encountered likely felt they on libraries for access needs? by those were “doing their job.” The job that day was to In my next two columns, I will look at examples most likely to prevent Black people from using the library, of where and how libraries are being called to a policy so pervasive in the South, especially, fight against information poverty. As Lewis have limited that many early civil rights sit-ins took place in reflected in 2017 during one of his last ALA information libraries years before migrating to lunch count- appearances: “We cannot afford to be silent. We ers, where they would be more widely publicized. should be standing up, getting in the way, and access Two, it raises the question: If, by his own admis- getting into good trouble, necessary trouble.” points and sion, that encounter kept Lewis, a reader and author, away from his neighborhood library for TRACIE D. HALL is executive director of the Ameri- networks? more than 40 years, how did the policy of library can Library Association.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 5 from our READERS

Spending Charles Seeger’s memoirs Covering Pride Hidden History in Paris and drawings can be found in this past hour I was reporting for American “We’ll Always Have the American the library archives, though he reading the May Libraries in 1992 when I learned Library in Paris” (May, p. 24) is has been mostly forgotten in issue of American that the Association’s Gay and a good telling of the history of accounts of its history. Lesbian Task Force [now the this important world library, but Chris Dickon Libraries and Rainbow Round Table] would be there is another layer of context Portsmouth, Virginia thinking about marching in the San Francisco beneath its transition from war Pride parade during a conference. to peace in 1920. In my mind, it Direct Appeal Linda Braun’s I took a few photos of the ALA starts in Mexico City in the late I really appreciate the AL Direct column on teen contingent. 1800s with Charles Seeger. newsletters, particularly the May services. This As was the editorial staff’s As a developer of newspapers, 12 edition! Great topics. I feel like practice, we met after the con- sugar plantations, electrification, the articles have been answering is following ference to choose a cover photo and transportation, Seeger was questions I didn’t even know I @librarianmer’s from the dozens of conference an actor in the modernization had. There has been a lot of useful column on photos we had all taken. Tom of Mexico, who then went on information to send to colleagues Gaughan, the editor-in-chief at to become an international and to help me stay informed, free speech. the time, suggested one of the businessman, largely in the especially with regard to reopen- Then there is photos from the parade, and the American rubber industry based ing. Keep up the good work! the personal staff agreed that it showed active in Paris. He was also the father Crystal Chen ALA members against a distinctly of the American ethnomusicolo- New York City Chen is a member of the American connection I felt San Francisco backdrop. We never gist Charles Seeger Jr. (thus the Libraries Advisory Committee. with Yoonhee expected when the grandfather of Pete Lee’s column issue came out that and Peggy Seeger), we would receive the educator and Room for Hate Speech? “Bumpy Inroads.” hateful letters and writer Elizabeth In “When Speech Isn’t Free” @LINDAPYAU in response phone calls vilifying Seeger, and the poet (May, p. 48), Meredith Farkas to May issue columns us for running that Alan Seeger, who opposes Seattle Public Library’s “disgusting” photo. joined the French advocacy of “intellectual free- It was gratifying Foreign Legion in dom for all” and implies sup- to see the cover once 1914 and died in the port for banning hate speech again in “The Rain- Battle of the Somme in libraries. Unfortunately, this bow’s Arc” (June, on July 4, 1916. position is potentially most p. 26). Thanks to Martin Garnar With the American Library in damaging to the very groups it and Dale McNeill for remembering Paris in jeopardy during the war, attempts to protect. the responses to that photograph Charles contributed the proceeds A 1992 study of international (p. 30). Despite the controversy it from two posthumous books hate speech laws concluded that generated, or perhaps because of of Alan’s work to the library’s they are often used “to suppress it, that cover ultimately became budget and became the library’s the rights of government critics one of the most discussed and founding board president, serving and other minorities.” Similarly, reproduced covers the magazine until 1924. During those years, former ACLU President Nadine ever ran. I am proud to be the one under the umbrella of ALA, the Strossen’s 2018 book Hate: Why who snapped that photo. library became an effective model We Should Resist It with Free Leonard Kniffel of American lending library prac- Speech, Not Censorship notes Chicago tices throughout Europe. that such laws “have predictably

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 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org on our WEBSITE

been enforced against those that To be sure, hate speech does What You’re Reading lack political power,” especial- not prevent others from speak- ly minorities. Historically, free ing. Historical evidence shows Bringing Books to the Desert For Syrians speech restrictions in the US that abolitionists, gay and trans living in Jordan’s Zaatari Camp, a refugee- have been used overwhelmingly activists, and millions of other run library system provides a lifeline. against the most oppressed. people do not genuflect when 1 bit.ly/AL-Zaatari In recent years, some states they have to confront those with have passed laws or executive whom they disagree. The current Newsmaker: Yaa Gyasi The author’s latest orders that could be described protests show that people will novel explores the Ghanaian-American as promoting “anti-hate speech,” continue to speak courageously immigrant experience through the eyes of a which could be used to target in the face of actual threats to 2 neuroscientist from Alabama. bit.ly/AL-Gyasi groups such as the movement their speech—tear gas, dogs, for Palestinian rights and Black armored vehicles, and the like. Responding to a Threat In disaster plan- Lives Matter. If First Amendment Furthermore, there’s no legal ning, how you and your staff react to a threat protections are weakened, such precedent for Farkas’s argument. 3 is crucial to your success. bit.ly/AL-Threat organizations on the left will be As James LaRue, former director the first repressed by Trump’s of ALA’s Office for Intellectual courts and the first excluded by Freedom, stated in 2018: “A In Case You Missed It public libraries under external publicly funded library is not obli- political pressure. gated to provide meeting room Libraries and Sustainability Episode 52 of our Farkas writes that “allowing space to the public, but if it choos- podcast talks with librarians who are implementing anyone to speak” is a passive es to do so, under law it cannot sustainable practices in both their libraries and their approach to free speech. But discriminate or deny access based lives. bit.ly/AL-SustainPod a truly passive approach is upon the viewpoint of speakers or entrusting the struggle against the content of their speech.” Newsmaker: Adrian Tomine hate speech to the benevolence There’s no pragmatic prec- The cartoonist and graphic novelist and wisdom of courts or library edent either. Colleges have reflects on humiliations, craving administrators. Instead, the institutionalized the kind of “safe loneliness, and roaming libraries as Action Council of ALA’s Social spaces” that Farkas envisions. At a kid. bit.ly/AL-Tomine Responsibilities Round Table has the same time, they have faced Amplifying Diverse Voices in Jewish urged information workers to diminished taxpayer support. Librarianship The Association of Jewish Librarians participate in a mass movement Unsurprisingly, conservatives Digital Conference focused on the importance of to confront and isolate hate don’t want to fund institutions representation in collections, voices, and scholarship. groups and organizations on the that censor their views. bit.ly/AL-AJL20 far right. We invite others to join In this context, librarians should us in that effort. fight to build bipartisan constitu- COVID-19 Our ongoing coverage of libraries and Tom Twiss encies. They should also fight for the pandemic, from advancing digital equity to Pittsburgh social justice without restricting reimagining bookmobile services. bit.ly/AL-COVID-19 Farkas’s column (“When Speech the rights of their patrons. As Isn’t Free”) argues that librarians Strossen and other progressives should guarantee “psychological remind us, the best way to fight Coming Soon safety” to their patrons. That is, hate speech is with free speech. they should not allow groups Adam Szetela See how libraries are collecting and archiving such as the Women’s Liberation Boston COVID-19 history, personal journals, and ephemera. Front, which denies the existence of trans people, to use meeting CORRECTION Explore how libraries are facilitating Dungeons & rooms. According to Farkas, In “A New Tech Revolution” (May, Dragons games, both in person and virtually. “hate speech inhibits free speech p. 49), American Libraries used a because it effectively prevents photo of Bohyun Kim without her others from speaking.” permission. We regret the error. AMERICANLIBRARIES.ORG

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 7 ALA Summons Support for Library Stabilization Fund Act n a July 2 statement, the American Library Association operation, and ALA is throwing the full weight of our advoca- (ALA) praised the introduction of the Library Stabilization cy network into supporting this bill.” IFund Act by Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Rep. Andy Levin Stabilization funding would support a range of library (D-Mich.). services to patrons, enabling libraries to maintain core library The legislation would establish a $2 billion fund admin- services and keep nearly 370,000 library workers on the job; istered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services purchase cleaning and personal protective equipment and (IMLS) that would address financial losses, bolster library train staff for safe reopening; expand technology and services services, and prioritize the hardest-hit communities. The bill to keep millions of library users connected to the internet; was endorsed by more than 20 organizations, including the and strengthen collections and programs to address needs Association for Rural and Small Libraries, OverDrive, and the such as remote learning, job skills, access to government Urban Libraries Council. services, and early literacy. “The spread of COVID-19 has caused significant financial In May 1 letters, 147 members of Congress urged Senate losses for America’s libraries, resulting in disruption to core and House leadership to support additional funding to library services, thousands of furloughs, and layoffs,” ALA libraries through IMLS, warning that “library cuts would President Julius C. Jefferson Jr. said in the statement. “The ripple throughout our communities, affecting support for Library Stabilization Fund Act is the comprehensive feder- education, workforce recovery, and access to computers and al response needed to keep our nation’s libraries safely in the internet.”

Lois Ann Gregory-Wood scholarship to attend ALA’s conferences bookmarks, and presented a webinar on Fellowship Deferred and engage in the various aspects of EDI in the school library. The resources In July ALA announced the deferral association governance. can be found at ala.org/aasl/all/EDI. of applications for the 2021 Lois Ann Read more about the LAGW Fellow- The EDI resources include archives Gregory-Wood (LAGW) fellowship ship Program and the application process of live office hours in which attendees program, a grant to support a fellow’s at bit.ly/LAGWfellowship. discussed topics such as how to grow attendance at ALA’s Annual Conference a diverse collection and offer library and Midwinter Meeting. This decision AASL Shares EDI Resources programming that meets the needs of was made in light of the cancellation for Educators all students. It also features a webinar of the 2020 ALA Annual Conference The American presented during the AASL Chapters and continued uncertainty in coming Association of meetings and informational bookmarks months around public health restric- School Librarians that contain collection and resource tions on large gatherings because of (AASL) has released recommendations. the COVID-19 pandemic. The current equity, diversity, fellow’s term will extend through 2021. and inclusion (EDI) SustainRT Donates ALA anticipates reopening applications resources created by Carbon Offsets in summer 2021 to resume the fellowship the 2019–2020 Presi- ALA’s Sustainability Round program in 2022. dential Initiative Task Table (SustainRT) has In 2018, ALA Council established Force. Advised by AASL donated its carbon offset the fellowship program in honor of Lois Past President Mary travel grant to help reduce Ann Gregory-Wood’s 50 years of service Keeling, the committee the carbon footprint of the with ALA. The fellowship provides a hosted office hours, increased use of technology midcareer library professional with a designed informative necessary to conduct the ALA

8 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org SEPT. Library Card Sign-Up Month New COVID-19 Web Portal ala.org/librarycardsignup SEPT. 27–OCT. 3 Brings Together Resources Banned Books Week ala.org/bbooks LA has developed a new COVID-19 Recovery Initiative web portal to serve as a central resource for ALA members and the wider library com- SEPT. 30 Banned Websites munity as they seek guidance for the coronavirus pandemic. The cross- A Awareness Day unit effort focuses on key elements of recovery, including advocacy and policy, ala.org/aasl/advocacy/bwad data and research, education, and guidance content and protocols. The site will also help share libraries’ responses to the pandemic and the evolving role of OCT. 1–3 libraries in schools, on campuses, and in communities. ALSC National Institute ala.org/alsc/institute The new site brings together timely information from across the Association and profession, including advocacy and policy efforts at the state and nation- OCT. 18–24 al levels, like the mobilization effort for libraries’ inclusion in the CARES Act; National Friends of education and training opportunities from divisions, round tables, and member Libraries Week groups; research into the effects of the pandemic on library services and opera- bit.ly/alafolweek tions, including the association’s “Libraries Respond: COVID-19” survey; and new OCT. 19–25 guidance and recommendations for libraries. Visit the portal at ala.org/tools/ Open Access Week covid-19-recovery. openaccessweek.org

ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall said, “We are launching the beginning NOV. 6–8 of what we hope will be a growing resource for the field because we know YALSA Young Adult that library workers and users have questions about what comes next and how Services Symposium libraries can help shape the answers. Libraries have a vital role to play in national ala.org/yalsa/yasymposium recovery and resilience and ALA remains committed to helping support them.” NOV. 18 & 20 2020 Core Virtual Forum core.ala.org

Virtual event following the cancellation podcast from Choice, JAN. 22–26 of ALA Annual Conference. which also produces 2021 ALA Midwinter Meeting In the past, SustainRT offered a The Authority File. & Exhibits | Indianapolis $500 travel grant to offset travel costs for The first season alamidwinter.org a SustainRT member to attend Annual. of Patron Driven, APR. This year, SustainRT instead contributed called “The Heart School Library Month a $500 carbon offset donation to Native of the Campus,” tells the story of the ala.org/aasl/advocacy/slm Energy, ALA’s carbon offset provider. destruction and subsequent rebuilding Native Energy is an organization of the Lonestar College–Kingwood (Tex.) APR. 4–10 National Library Week dedicated to building Native Ameri- Library during and after Hurricane ala.org/nlw can farmer-owned and community- Harvey in 2017. Learn more about Patron based projects. Driven at bit.ly/ChoicePod or access APR. 6 it directly via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, National Library Workers Day Choice Launches New SoundCloud, and Stitcher. ala-apa.org/nlwd Narrative Podcast APR. 14–17 In late June Choice magazine launched Intellectual Freedom ACRL 2021 | Seattle a five-episode podcast called Patron Scholarships Awarded conference.acrl.org Driven, combining interviews and The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) JUNE 24–29 storytelling to spotlight the programs, Education Committee has announced four 2021 ALA Annual Conference advocacy, and community connections in Judith F. Krug Education Fund scholar- and Exhibition | Chicago academic libraries. It is the first narrative ship recipients, who will receive funding bit.ly/ALAUpcomingConfs

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 9 UPDATE

toward an intellectual freedom course at FTRF partner institution San José (Calif.) State University (SJSU) this fall. ALA Takes Responsibility The fall 2020 scholarship recipients are Whitney Bevill from Anderson, South for Past Racism Carolina; Daniel Davis from Camas, Washington; Samantha Kennefick from n the heels of widespread protests against police violence toward Lakewood, Colorado; and Allison Michel people of color and a national reckoning over race relations, ALA issued from Salt Lake City. Oa June 26 statement that accepts and acknowledges its role in uphold- The students will take a three-credit ing unjust systems of racism and discrimination against Black, Indigenous, and course through the SJSU iSchool, people of color (BIPOC) within the Association and the profession. covering topics ranging from the legal The statement reads: “We recognize that the founding of our Association foundation of the First Amendment to was not built on inclusion and equity but instead was built on systemic racism intellectual freedom history, policies, and discrimination in many forms. We also recognize the hurt and harm done to ethics, and privacy, and the ways these BIPOC library workers and communities due to these racist structures. topics intersect in libraries. Learn more “We commit to our core values, particularly equity, diversity, and inclusion, at ftrf.org. and will demonstrate this commitment by reassessing and reevaluating our role in continuing to uphold unjust, harmful systems throughout the Association and LHRT Honor for Library the profession. We will include ALA members, ALA staff, and the profession in History Essay our movement forward, and we are developing a plan toward becoming the The Library History Round Table (LHRT) inclusive association we aspire to be.” announced that this year’s Justin Winsor The statement includes a commitment to engage in dialogue with members Library History Essay Award winner is to inform the path forward, continue assessing ALA’s governance structure, and Julie Park, for her paper “Infrastructure address disparities in access to information for BIPOC: “We take responsibility Story: The Los Angeles Central Library’s for our past, and pledge to build a more equitable association and library com- Architectural History.” Park has been munity for future generations of library workers and supporters.” invited to submit her essay for possible publication in the official LHRT journal, Libraries: Culture, History, and Society. “Exploring Reader-Generated Language little explored. Read the article at bit.ly/ She is assistant curator and faculty to Describe Multicultural Literature.” EMIERTpaper and learn more about the fellow at the Special Collections Center The team includes associate professors award at bit.ly/CohenAward. of Elmer Holmes Bobst Library at New Denice Adkins and Jenny Bossaller as York University. well as Director of Graduate Studies New FTRF Trustees Elected The Justin Winsor award is named in Heather Moulaison Sandy. Six people were elected to two-year honor of the distinguished 19th-century The award recognizes recent articles terms on the FTRF Board of Trustees librarian, historian, and bibliographer that include significant new research in the annual May election. Former who was ALA’s first president. To be related to the understanding and pro- ALA President and current FTRF Vice considered, essays must embody original, motion of multiculturalism in libraries in President Barbara Stripling and former previously unpublished historical research North America. Works published within ALA President and FTRF Treasurer Jim on a significant topic in library history and the two years preceding the application Neal were both reelected to the board. be based on primary sources. The winner deadline are eligible. Karen Downing, former ALA President receives a certificate and $500. In their article, the authors use topic Loida Garcia-Febo, Wanda Mae Huffaker, modeling and data mining to analyze and John Spears were newly elected. Cohen/EMIERT Award readers’ language regarding award- The candidates joined the FTRF board Recipients Announced winning multicultural fiction. The of trustees following the FTRF virtual ALA’s Ethnic and Multicultural Informa- authors looked at words readers use to meeting held in June. tion Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) describe multicultural literature and how announced the winners of its David mainstream publishing tends to exclude New Dollar General Literacy Cohen/EMIERT Multicultural Award: the writers of color and nondominant expe- Foundation Funding University of Missouri School of Infor- riences. They summarized and presented The Dollar General Literacy Foundation mation Science and Learning Technol- existing work on providing access to has announced two $200,000 contri- ogies team who worked on the paper diverse literature, a topic that has been butions to ALA in support of national

10 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org UPDATE

ALA Affirms the Rights of Transgender People

LA celebrated the June US Supreme Court decision ALA’s June 23 statement affirms that diverse gender recognizing the workplace equality of all people, expressions and identities, including nonbinary ones, are Aregardless of gender identity, with a statement of normal and positive variations of the human experience, support for the transgender community. and categorically rejects all statements and actions intend- It reads, in part: “ALA, and particularly its Rainbow ed to invalidate, harm, erase, and oppress transgender Round Table, unequivocally and emphatically stand in people’s identities and lives. solidarity with transgender staff and members, library ALA encourages library leaders and staff to create safe workers, library users, authors, and members of the com- environments for gender diverse, transgender, and intersex munities we serve. As an organization committed to social library users, allowing everyone access to facilities, activ- justice, ALA seeks to support all transgender people and in ities, and programs that are consistent with their gender particular those who are vulnerable or at risk of discrimi- identity. It also recommends providing safe spaces and nation,” such as sex workers and transgender people with gender-neutral restroom options and referring to trans- disabilities. gender individuals by their stated pronouns and names.

programs to benefit school and public Words: The Dollar General School and Outreach Services (ODLOS) and libraries nationwide. Library Relief Fund and the American the Public Programs Office. Both initia- The funding will sustain two library Dream Literacy Initiative, administered tives offer grants to individual libraries grant initiatives—AASL’s Beyond by ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy, nationwide that need resources to

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americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 11 UPDATE

overcome obstacles or address community needs. The Dollar General Literacy Founda- Jefferson Undertakes tion has given more than $2.7 million to Beyond Words since 2006 to support Nationwide Virtual Tour rebuilding school libraries affected by disaster. Beyond Words offers a website t his inaugural devoted to disaster preparedness with event during resources and a toolkit to help school AJune’s ALA Vir- librarians prepare for and deal with natu- tual, ALA President Julius ral disasters and acts of terrorism. Learn C. Jefferson Jr. announced more at ala.org/aasl/disasterrelief. the July launch of “Hold- Since 2008, ALA’s American Dream ing Space,” a nationwide Literacy Initiative has offered grants to virtual tour designed to more than 200 public libraries to expand highlight the innovation services for adult English-language learn- and impact of a diverse ers or adults in need of basic education range of libraries and and career resources. With these grants, engage stakeholders to libraries have developed new courses, advocate for libraries and the communities they serve. expanded print and digital collections, The 10-day tour—scheduled from July 27 to August 7—featured town halls, increased access to technology, imple- round table discussions, and interviews with library leaders, state and local mented new strategies for inclusion, partners, and elected officials, with the goal of amplifying the concerns of each and developed sustainable partnerships community along the route: a westward path from the Library of Congress in with local organizations. Learn more at Washington, D.C., to Oakland, California, that concluded in Hawaii. Discussion ala. org/americandream. topics included issues facing small, rural, and tribal libraries; the role of libraries at historically Black colleges and universities; and more. ALA Awards Spectrum “Libraries are—and have always been—community anchors, addressing Scholarships for 2020 challenges in times of peace and in times of crisis,” Jefferson says. “When I In early July, ODLOS awarded 2020 was elected ALA president, I knew I wanted to shine a light on programs and Spectrum Scholarships to 61 students communities that don’t get the attention they deserve, and this virtual format pursuing graduate degrees in library allows us to critically examine our cultural moment through the lens of the most and information studies. A committee of pressing issues in our profession.” 22 jurors selected this year’s Spectrum Each stop of the tour was broadcast via Zoom and archived on YouTube. Scholars based on their commitment to Learn more about the tour stops at ala.org/advocacy/holding-space. • community building, leadership potential, and plans to make social justice part of everyday work. Scholarly Research: Current and New collecting research metrics and impacts. ALA has awarded more than 1,240 Opportunities for Academic Libraries” Read the paper at choice360.org/ Spectrum Scholarships since 1997. The was researched and written during librarianship/whitepaper. program funds scholarships through its the COVID-19 pandemic and provides endowment and the generous contribu- libraries with information and ideas to School Librarians Adapt to tions of individuals and organizations help support evolving research work- Pandemic Learning Conditions whose donations support named scholar- flows and researcher needs. AASL has released a document demon- ships in the Spectrum Family of Funds. Researchers surveyed librarians strating the school librarian’s critical The application period for 2021 Spec- and interviewed library adminis- role in meeting the needs of learners in a trum Scholarships will open in Septem- trators to investigate how academic changing learning environment: “School ber. Visit ala.org/spectrum to learn more. libraries are looking to deepen their Librarian Role in Pandemic Learn- support for research activities by ing Conditions,” available at ala.org/ Choice White Paper on identifying funding opportunities, aasl/pandemic. Changing Workflows researching data management and The chart pairs three different Choice has published the sixth in a data services, finding new venues for back-to-school scenarios—face-to-face series of white papers. “Supporting publishing and dissemination, and learning, blended learning, and distance

12 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org UPDATE

learning—with the five roles of a school forms must be submitted no later than The 11-member group is charged with librarian: instructional partner, teacher, September 30. the management of the ALA Endow- leader, information specialist, and Initial committee appointments will be ment Fund and the responsibility of program administrator. Supplemental decided by the 2021 Midwinter Meet- acting on behalf of the Executive Board. resources detail possible challenges and ing, with notifications sent to appointed Additionally, trustees have the authority opportunities for each. individuals through spring 2021. to hold, invest, reinvest, and disburse School library professionals will discuss endowment funds and act in accordance back-to-school plans during a town hall New Endowement with directions given to them by the webinar on September 16. Learn more Trustees Named Executive Board. and register at ala.org/aasl/townhall. Mario M. González, director of Passaic Call for 2021 Annual Conference Volunteer to Serve on (N.J.) Public Library, Program Proposals ALA Committees and Rhea B. Lawson, ALA Conference Services is accepting Applications are open for ALA, Council, director of Houston Mario M. González program proposals for the 2021 Annual and joint committees for the 2021–2023 Public Library, have Conference, scheduled to take place in term, which begins July 1, 2021. been selected to serve Chicago June 24–29. Serving on a committee provides three-year terms as Proposals will be accepted online for members with leadership training, net- ALA’s newest endow- all ALA divisions, round tables, commit- working opportunities, and experience in ment trustees. tees, and offices through September 30. working on specific Association topics. The ALA Executive Apply at bit.ly/Annual21proposals. Final Rhea B. Lawson Members can volunteer via an online Board made these decisions will be made in December, and form at bit.ly/ALACommitteeApp. To selections at its meeting during ALA a schedule will be announced in January. be considered for the 2021–2023 term, Virtual in June. Registration will open January 15.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 13 needs and find creative solutions to support them. Another key aspect of remote management is advocacy, or representing your team’s needs and concerns to upper management and stakeholders. “That has been very important, providing that representation,” Castro says. “You as a manager are the voice of the workforce, and they have to see that.” He suggests managers think of communication with library leadership as a two-way street, with information flowing both to and from their departments.

Streamline remote communications It’s easy for employees to feel isolated and disconnected from Can You Hear Me Now? colleagues while working remotely. “Even the nature of informal com- Library managers on the challenges munication changed,” says Sonia of leading from a distance Alcántara-Antoine, director of Newport News (Va.) Public Library, highlighting how her team’s com- BY Carli Spina hen Boston College style—or planning for a work- munications have adapted. “It has Libraries was forced from-home future. to be more intentional, more struc- W to close its doors this tured when you want to commu- spring during the COVID-19 Supportive management nicate with those who are working pandemic, Rodrigo Castro, head Empathy and flexibility are central remotely. I found that I missed librarian for access services, made a as managers support employees seeing my staff and colleagues. I’m list. “I started identifying the tasks facing new stressors and respon- now more inclined to do a [video that individuals could do remotely sibilities, according to Cinthya conference] just to get that face- versus tasks they could do onsite,” Ippoliti, university librarian and to-face interaction and connection he says. “When you are in this director of Auraria Library at versus sending an email.” situation, your workforce needs to University of Colorado Denver. A common side effect of remote become flexible.” “Remember that everyone may be work is an overwhelming increase Castro is one of many library struggling,” she says. “Even if things in email, which can slow crucial leaders who found themselves man- seem to be going well, taking time communications. “Sometimes when aging their teams remotely because to discuss how people are feeling you are onsite you are able to solve of the pandemic, developing new and doing is just as important as the any sort of situation through a approaches to meet unprecedented work itself.” Ippoliti recommends one-minute conversation,” Castro challenges and continue providing building time into one-on-one says. “But that conversation, when vital services to the community. The meetings with staff to check in both it becomes email communication, insights these managers developed personally and professionally— becomes something else.” He rec- are valuable for those still per- those conversations can help ommends being open to quick calls

fecting their remote management managers understand individual or taking a moment during a regular Stock Yee/Adobe ©Kwun Illustration:

14 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org “When you are giving advance notice to anyone expected to present, and specifying Rural and Small in this situation, whether participants are required to enable video. Many workers Libraries your workforce appreciate the freedom to call in by needs to become phone or turn off video to main- 1982 tain privacy. Year the Association for Rural and Small Libraries flexible.” “The fatigue level on virtual (ARSL) was founded by Bernard Vavrek, director meeting platforms is higher than of the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship RODRIGO CASTRO, head librarian for in a face-to-face environment,” at Clarion (Pa.) University. access services at Boston College Libraries Ippoliti says. “Though meetings are a great way to keep people connected, be reasonable about how 1/3 many are required and consider Proportion of US public library meeting to replace a lengthy email integrating informal and optional buildings that serve a population chain and minimize email burnout. opportunities to catch up.” of 2,500 people or fewer. Jason Kucsma, executive director and fiscal officer at Toledo–Lucas Continual improvement 1.9 County (Ohio) Public Library, says As when navigating any new chal- Number of full-time staff members the typ- it’s critical to establish and commu- lenge, it’s important that managers ical rural library employs, in a space that is nicate a clear schedule for yourself. have the humility to accept feed- 2,600 square feet on average. “As a director trying to lead a team back from employees and reflect remotely, I made sure I had a pretty on how to better balance employee set schedule so people knew when needs with library goals. 94% they could definitely reach me,” he “If a breakdown in communi- Percentage of schools in rural areas that have a says, highlighting the need to create cation occurs, a manager needs to library or media center. clear boundaries. “It’s important have a strong sense of awareness for leadership to stress work-life to reflect on how their communi- balance, to lead by doing.” cation could have been improved and make those changes the next Effective virtual meetings time around,” Grassi says. Since Compared with their in-person employees may not feel comfort- counterparts, virtual meetings able offering negative feedback, generally require more planning consider adopting new venues and structure. Renee Grassi, youth for constructive criticism, such as services manager at Dakota County anonymous surveys. (Minn.) Library, recommends man- No single piece of advice or new agers establish a new set of norms procedure can address all the novel 75 for meetings and communicate challenges posed by this pandemic, Number of bookmobiles in Kentucky, the most of them to staff. “For example, if your but some adjustments can help any state. employee is also caregiving, it may alleviate stress, contribute to a be commonplace for a distraction to supportive work environment, and occur during the meeting,” she says. put your team on the path to 500–700 “Planning ahead how both of you success in a post-COVID world. Approximate number of miles the Graves County will respond when this happens will (Ky.) Public Library bookmobile logs every is associate professor create less stress for the employee CARLI SPINA month. The bookmobile, which accounts for and head of research and instructional a quarter of the library’s checkouts, serves an and build trust and understanding.” services at Gladys Marcus Library at Best practices for virtual meet- the Fashion Institute of Technology in expansive county (552 square miles) where many

Photo: Graves County (Ky.) Public Library (Ky.) County Graves Photo: ings involve distributing agendas, New York City. Amish families live.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 15 promote common standards for cataloging and sharing materials. López, who with Wright has created a presentation on the subject (bit.ly/lopezwright), urges other libraries to act. “If you know you have library users who may have undocumented status, it’s communicating inclusion. It’s communicating that they are valued and seen,” she says.

Alternative solutions Early last year, Lawrence (Kans.) Public Library added “undocumented immigrants” as a local Conscientious Cataloging subject heading while retaining Librarians work to advance equity in subject headings “illegal aliens.” In the fall, after Cataloging Assistant Kate Ray and Cataloging Librarian Emily McDon- BY Anne Ford ix years ago, a group of Dartmouth,” López says. “I am ald watched the 2019 documentary Dartmouth College students Hispanic, and I am from the border Change the Subject (which details S petitioned the Library of region. My mom is an immigrant. the Dartmouth students’ efforts), Congress (LC) to change the catalog I’ve worked with a lot of immigrant they were motivated to take the subject heading “illegal aliens” to students, and I was always amazed additional step of removing the “undocumented immigrants.” Four at their stories and abilities. Because subject heading “illegal aliens” from years ago, the American Library of my experience, I felt a very strong their library’s catalog altogether. Association (ALA) Council passed need to do something.” “In the documentary, it was a resolution (bit.ly/resolution_ In June 2017, under López’s lead- brought up that people don’t catalog) urging LC to comply. LC ership, the Dayton Memorial Library understand where the language that agreed—before quickly backing of Regis University in Denver (where we use in our catalog comes from,” down in the face of GOP opposition she worked at the time) replaced Ray says. “When [patrons] see a in Congress. That’s where things “illegal aliens” with “undocumented problematic term in the catalog, have stayed ever since. immigrants” in its catalog. One they think it’s our decision to use it, Tired of the delays, some year later, after she began working and that that term is a judgment on librarians have taken matters into at University of Colorado Boulder, them by the people who work at the their own hands by making the López and her then-colleague library. Once we realized this is how change in their own catalogs, with- Wright added “undocumented people were viewing it, we knew we out waiting for LC to take the lead. immigrants” as a subject heading had to get that language completely alongside “illegal aliens.” out of our catalog. We didn’t know Communicating inclusion The latter approach is good but when this change would be made Two early adopters of the change: Sol not perfect, López says. “I would [by LC], if it would ever be made, López, technical services manager at personally rather not see that offen- and we felt we had a responsibility the Health Sciences Library and Infor- sive term being used at all. Some to make our library as welcoming to matics Center (HSLIC) at University libraries are able to completely as many people as possible.” of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and eliminate it. Because the libraries In October, Ray’s tweet about the her former coworker Laura Wright, [at UC Boulder] are members of the change (bit.ly/kraytweet) garnered who is now assistant director of meta- Program for Cooperative Cataloging more than 3,300 likes, along with data production at Cornell University and the Name Authority Coopera- responses such as “I’m ashamed Library in Ithaca, New York. tive Program, it’s important for us that it has not occurred to me to “I was really motivated when to abide by their guidelines,” she do this already” and “Awesome! I learned about the students at said, referring to LC programs that I did the same!”

16 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org Digital Society Press

Policy particulars LC “told ALA there would be no We publish books about how LC Deputy Director of Communica- forward movement on this for the tions Bill Ryan wrote in a July 2020 foreseeable future, which essentially science and technology are email: “We appreciate the concerns means until there’s political change,” reshaping our world raised by our fellow librarians over says OCLC Dewey Editor Violet Fox, this subject heading. We recognize who chairs the ALCTS Subject Anal- Agriculture that language around many subjects ysis Committee Working Group on How is agriculture in the Digital Age? continually evolves in our media and Alternatives to LC Subject Heading ISBN: 9788412167443 culture. This is a matter the Library (LCSH) “Illegal Aliens.” “The ALCTS of Congress has been considering board decided that the division’s goal Mobility How is technology transforming it? over the years, and this conversation should be figuring out how to make ISBN: 9788412167405 is ongoing. libraries make this change outside “It is important to remember that of using LCSH, while continuing to Money the Library of Congress must comply keep lines of dialogue going with How is money in the 21st century? with the policies of Congress. After LC,” she says. ISBN: 9788412167412 much consideration, the Library did Last fall, the working group not accept ALA’s proposal that ‘illegal administered a survey to libraries Education aliens’ be replaced with ‘undocu- that had made changes to share How do we learn in the digital world? mented immigrants’ because it did information about their experiences ISBN: 9788412167481 not fully reflect legal status charac- doing so. More than 35 libraries— teristics. Then, in response to these some of which had added alternative Shop online: deliberations and discussion of possi- terms in addition to “illegal aliens,” ble alternatives, lawmakers directed others of which had replaced it digitalsocietypress.com us to ensure that the subject heading completely—responded. continued to match the terminology At the ALA 2020 Midwinter of federal laws written by Congress. Meeting & Exhibits in January, the This initiated consultation with our working group presented results of congressional committees on this that survey (bit.ly/SACpresent). A issue—discussions that continue.” report from the working group is Meanwhile, ALA’s Association for also available (bit.ly/SACfindings). Library Collections and Technical “The work of the working group will Services (ALCTS) division (part of continue in the creation and main- American Libraries Live is a the newly formed Core: Leadership, tenance of a clearinghouse website free webinar that you can view Infrastructure, Futures as of Septem- that will share information about ber 1) has been working on this issue how individual libraries and library from your favorite Wi-Fi spot. since 2016. In a June 2019 meeting, consortia can change these headings Watch episodes about library in their catalogs,” says Fox, who adds issues and trends and interact that the website is expected to be “We felt we had available by October. with hosts via a live chat, If enough libraries get rid of gaining immediate a responsibility “illegal aliens” as a subject header, answers to to make our library will LC follow suit? Most likely not, in all of your Fox’s opinion. “I don’t think anybody pressing as welcoming thinks there will be a groundswell and LC will finally decide to change questions. to as many people it,” she says. “It’s just pragmatic: We as possible.” still have this heading, it’s been years, nothing has happened. We need to KATE RAY, cataloging assistant at move forward, even if LC can’t.” Lawrence (Kans.) Public Library Sign up for a free webinar today at ANNE FORD is editor-at-large of Ameri- americanlibrarieslive.org can Libraries.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 17 Teen participants in Boston Public Library’s “Drag vs. AI” program test their makeup and props against facial recognition software.

that offer digital privacy training. Making space in the library for teen patrons to explore identity and creatively resist oppressive technology with their own aesthetic was an important goal. In August 2019, I attended the launch of the ACLU-MA #PressPause campaign in support of the facial recognition ban. As each attendee shared their commitments, I described my plan for a low- budget “horror drag vs. facial recognition” library program for teens that would involve Apple’s Face ID technology. Buolamwini also attended and asked if I needed help. Over the next two months, she, Dragging AI Sasha Costanza-Chock (author and Teaching teens to resist facial recognition software associate professor of civic media at Massachusetts Institute of Technol- ogy), and I developed a workshop n November 2019, Boston Public Library’s (BPL) Teen Central hosted a digital privacy facilitation guide for a facial recog- instruction workshop for teens that centered on facial recognition technology. Titled nition program for teens. I“Drag vs. AI,” the workshop partnered BPL with the American Civil Liberties Union of Prioritizing digital privacy Massachusetts (ACLU-MA) and Joy “Poet of Code” Buolamwini, artificial intelligence (AI) concerns for teens was a require- scholar at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and founder of the Algorithmic Justice ment for any technology used in the League (AJL). BPL and AJL shared the $1,250 program cost. workshop. The biggest hurdle was finding facial recognition software that wouldn’t funnel participant BY Maty ast year, I was accepted Massachusetts. A comrade and I photos into a database. We couldn’t Cropley into the Library Freedom attended Massachusetts Legislature be sure that wasn’t the case with L Institute, a train-the-trainer and Boston City Council hearings the facial analysis app we tested, so program for librarians who want on facial recognition, where I tes- Buolamwini and her team at AJL to educate their libraries and tified in support of a ban. In June, built a custom, browser-based tool communities about—and advocate the Boston City Council banned for the program, which allowed for—privacy. Several of our weekly the use of facial recognition by city teens to test their drag without sessions explored the dangers agencies. The state legislature is compromising their privacy. of facial recognition technology, now considering an omnibus police We began the workshop with especially its role in automating reform bill that includes a tempo- indigenous land acknowledgments inequities such as the policing and rary ban on the technology. and a screening of Buolamwini’s incarceration of people of color. I wanted to connect my anti- “AI, Ain’t I a Woman” video (bit.ly/ My final project was to bring this surveillance and privacy work to AL-AIvideo). She then broke down issue to my library union, which my Teen Central patrons, many of the components of facial recogni- supports banning facial recog- whom are queer or trans. Public tion into “chambers,” with each

nition technology in Boston and libraries are among the few venues chamber representing an AI task. Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts Pham/American Kathy Photo:

18 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org Thirteen teens and one Boston Latin Academy instructor worked with Sham Payne, a veteran drag performer, to create looks with makeup and accessories and explore how the algorithms of facial recognition analyze faces to report probability scores based on its tasks. The participants could try to avoid detection in the Ghost Chamber, defy binary gender or age classification in the Drag Chamber and Infinity Chamber, or attempt to lower the confidence score of a match in the Dodge Chamber. Camelback library boxes can bring up to 200 books to remote villages. It’s important to note that though makeup and accessories have been shown to degrade classification by Camels Elevate Learning these systems (bit.ly/AL-DragAI), as these technologies evolve, both new ETHIOPIA COVID-19 lockdowns drove more than 26 million individual strategies and collective children out of school in Ethiopia; fortunately, a camel library is action are necessary to confront this delivering books to some of the country’s most remote villages. The threat to privacy and equality. program, started by Save the Children in 2010, includes 21 camels, Teens could then have their looks which are traditionally used by communities in the region to trans- photographed. Afterward, ACLU-MA port goods across the hot lowland areas. Camels can carry up Technology Fellow Lauren Chambers to 200 storybooks at a time in wooden boxes strapped to their closed the program with a talk about backs. The project currently reaches more than 22,000 children in privacy rights and how teens could 33 villages.—Save the Children, June 5. get involved in the fight against facial recognition. She spoke about indi- ENGLAND At an online meeting on June 30 to which all British vidual rights and how efforts to exert Library staff were invited, Chief Executive Roly Keating spoke of community control over policing poli- the urgent need for a “generational shift” to ensure that the library cies, such as local bans and moratoria becomes truly representative in terms of its staff, collections, and on facial recognition, are effective users. Issues discussed included the longstanding lack of minority ways to control the spread of invasive representation within executive management and senior curatorial surveillance technology. staff and the urgent and overdue need to reckon fully and openly “Drag vs. AI” was a successful start with the colonial origins and legacy of some of the library’s historic to a longer partnership to bring this collections and practices.—British Library, July 6. program to teens in other libraries. This experience reinforced that being HONG KONG Books written by prominent democracy activists politically active in a union and disappeared from Hong Kong’s public libraries after a national secu- outside the library is important, as rity law passed in China July 1. Leaders in Beijing say the law is aimed these new relationships strengthen at restoring stability after months of protests. Among the authors ties to other activists and experts. whose titles vanished are activist Joshua Wong and pro-democracy Librarians must engage users and lawmaker Tanya Chan.—RFI, July 5. colleagues by making space for organizing and advocacy in response ITALY Italy is home to thousands of uncataloged rare Hebrew to threats to our rights, privacy, and books dating back hundreds of years, and now National Library intellectual freedom. of Israel is taking part in a new effort to create a unified listing of them. The I-Tal-Ya Books initiative, which will catalog approximately 35,000 volumes, is a collaboration between the Union of Italian MATY CROPLEY is teen librarian at Boston Public Library. They can be Jewish Communities, Rome National Central Library, and National

Photo: Save the Children Save Photo: reached at [email protected]. Library of Israel. —Times of Israel, June 29.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 19 a new immigrant family, Laurie Halse Anderson there are even more challenges. YA author and intellectual freedom champion releases new graphic novel about Wonder Woman You’re a champion of intellectual freedom. What experiences have led you estselling author Laurie Halse Anderson has entered the superhero to fight censorship, and universe. Known for her influential young adult titles (such as Speak, how have librarians helped BCatalyst, and Fever 1793), Anderson’s new graphic novel, Wonder Woman: in this cause? Librarians are my Tempest Tossed (DC Comics, June), explores the superhero’s teen years and her quest superheroes. My career started in for justice after becoming separated from her family and home on the fictional island 1999 with Speak [whose protago- nation of Themyscira. American Libraries spoke with Anderson about how the refugee nist is sexually assaulted] and some crisis made her reimagine Wonder Woman’s origin story, what spurs her to fight censor- very brave English teachers. They ship, and how the library has been her sanctuary. put it in classrooms and in libraries, and people are still fighting to have it removed. Because some adults BY Alison We read that Wonder Woman has her at age 16—an age group near are so threatened by the idea of Marcotte always been your hero. Was it a and dear to my heart—is that like children needing to discuss things challenge writing in a universe that everybody at 16, she’s still figuring like sexual violence, they would already exists? Wonder Woman out who she is. She’s the only teen- rather have the book removed, and was literally my hero growing up. ager on the island of Themyscira then we don’t have to have the con- She’s a big strong woman, and I’m a because all the other Amazons were versation. Which is not only illegal big strong woman, and when I was created from scratch as adults. She if it’s being young, I wasn’t seeing models of was very much alone. MORE ONLINE removed by a female athletes or things like that. I saw a photograph a couple For the extended government The Lynda Carter television series of summers ago that impacted interview, visit body, but [Wonder Woman] was on when I me deeply: It was taken, I think, bit.ly/al-LHA. man, what a was a young teen, and oh my gosh, in Greece, on the shore, when so failed adult. I couldn’t get enough of that show. many migrant and refugee families Our children are counting on us to When I was thinking of ideas were desperately fleeing across provide them with safe, responsible for the story, I kept circling back the Mediterranean. The photo was opportunities to learn and to have to her passion for justice. And one of a person standing on the shore conversations about things they are of the neat things about writing holding a child-sized life preserver. facing day in and day out. There was no child in it; it was a life preserver that floated ashore from What role have libraries played a boat that had gone down. And in your life? I would be dead if it I thought, “That’s the key to the weren’t for libraries. My father had story right there.” What if Wonder PTSD and was an alcoholic because Woman encountered a real-life ref- of his war experience, and I was ugee situation? How would she act? raped when I was 13 and didn’t tell That was the seed for the story. anybody for decades. I was a mess. I was cutting class, I was getting This story covers important issues high, and the library was my sanc- like the refugee crises, immigra- tuary. The librarians knew I just tion, child trafficking, and teenage needed to read. And the space and activism. All those topics are com- diving into books kept me alive for pletely connected and have every- many paralysis years. thing to do with vulnerability and Librarians and libraries are the the abuse of power, and nobody is heart of American communities, and more vulnerable than children. If we have to keep fighting to make

their family is a refugee family or sure they are supported robustly. Sones Sonya Photo:

20 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org “The librarians wanted a house that would inspire visitors to explore all the new facilities and activities the modern library can offer. This motivated us to create an open and intriguing building in which you are constantly invited around the next corner, to discover new places.”

ATELIER OSLO, about Deichman Bjørvika, in “Look inside Oslo’s Stunning New Public Library, Now Open to the Public,” Literary Hub, July 6.

“Aside from our respective institutions, “Cancel all the police procedural it’s important for us as Black shows and replace them with information professionals, archivists, librarians, and records managers shows about librarians.” to be able to provide and share this CHELSEA M. CAMERON, author, @chel_C_Cam on Twitter, June 13. expertise, these skills, with our communities and with our people.” SKYLA S. HEARN, former chief archivist and director at Chicago’s “We all think of nurses and doctors DuSable Museum of African American History, in “The Blackivists on Documenting Movements,” Chicago Reader, June 16. as the first responders during the pandemic. And I would say that that’s “LIBRARIANS AND PEOPLE absolutely true. They are the first WHO WORK IN BOOKSTORES responders—on health. Public libraries ARE LIKE, ‘OH MY GOD, THANK YOU SO MUCH. PARTY GIRL are the first responders on the recovery.” SUSAN BENTON, president and CEO of Urban Libraries MADE ME WANT TO BECOME Council, in “Libraries Are Needed More Than Ever. But Many A LIBRARIAN.’” Aren’t Sure How to Reopen amid the Coronavirus Pandemic,” USA Today, June 11. PARKER POSEY, actor, in “How the First Popular Movie Ever to

Photo: Einar Aslaksen/Lundhagem and Atelier Oslo and Atelier Einar Aslaksen/Lundhagem Photo: Stream Online Was Made,” WSJ Magazine, June 8.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 21 2020 ALA Award Winners Honoring excellence and leadership in the profession

ach year, the American Library Association (ALA) recognizes the achievements Eof more than 200 individuals and institutions with an array of awards. This year’s winners, chosen by juries of their colleagues and peers, embody the best of the profession’s Heather Ogilvie leadership, vision, and service as LEMONY SNICKET PRIZE FOR NOBLE LIBRARIANS well as a continued commitment to FACED WITH ADVERSITY

diversity, equality, education, and gilvie was outreach librarian for Bay County (Fla.) Public Library outreach. This selection represents when Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm, hit on October 10, only some of those honored in 2018. Ogilvie herself had seven trees fall on her home, and her car Owas crushed, but she grabbed all the books, puzzles, and games she could 2020; see the complete list at salvage and ventured back out into the community. ala. org/awardsgrants. She worked alongside AmeriCorps, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Red Cross, and United Way to help organize a volunteer reception center as part of Bay County’s Emergency Operations Center, which connects volunteers with opportunities to help in the recovery effort. When the library reopened, she was crucial in maintaining the center, matching volunteers to projects, and linking those in need with recovery services. Read more at bit.ly/AL-HeatherOgilvie.

The award annually recognizes a librarian who has faced adversity with integ- rity and dignity intact. The honoree receives $10,000 and an object from author Daniel Handler’s private collection. DONOR: Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket)

22 September/October 2020 Jennifer McQuown SCHOLASTIC LIBRARY PUBLISHING AWARD

s youth services manager of the Mandel Public Library in West Palm Beach, Florida, McQuown has brought award-winning authors to talk with teens in the Palm Beach Juvenile Detention Center. She Aalso helped start a monthly book club with the Pace Center for Girls, a program designed to keep girls from entering the juvenile justice system. McQuown has served as chair of the city’s annual BAM (Books, Art, Music) Festival steering committee. She oversaw the expansion of Let’s Read, a program that trains volunteers to bring storytimes into Title I classrooms. She also serves on the Palm Beach County Grade Level Reading Committee, which aims to increase the number of students reading at or above grade level. Read more at bit.ly/AL-JenniferMcQuown.

This $1,000 award honors a librarian whose Em Claire Knowles unusual contribution to promoting access to EQUALITY AWARD books and encouraging a love of reading for lifelong learning exemplifies out- nowles is recognized for her many years standing achievement in the profession. DONOR: Scholastic Library of work on issues of equity, diversity, Publishing and inclusion (EDI) in the library com- Kmunity. As the first African-American faculty member of the School of Library and Informa- tion Science at Simmons University, she has served as a role model and mentor for students, Nora Wiltse faculty, and alumni. Her sponsorship of a series ELIZABETH FUTAS CATALYST of diversity summits involved the larger LIS com- FOR CHANGE AWARD munity and has helped to define the LIS diversity goals at Simmons. She has been instrumental in iltse, teacher-librarian at developing EDI initiatives and played a key role John C. Coonley Elementary in establishing an antiracism study group that School, is a leading advocate provided training and programs throughout the Wfor librarians and libraries in Chicago community. Public Schools (CPS). She is a founding She has also been a leader of several national member of the Chi School Librarians and international organizations, including the group, which advocates for having a cre- Black Caucus of the American Library Asso- dentialed school librarian in every public ciation, the Massachusetts Black Librarians school in the district. Nominators and Network, the California Black Librarians Caucus, colleagues praised her efforts to create and the International Federation of Library Asso- awareness about the impact of severe cuts to library/school media posi- ciations and Institution’s Women, Information, tions and libraries in CPS. and Libraries Special Interest Group. She cur- She is also commended for her many years of mentorship and support rently serves as an ALA councilor-at-large and is for early-career school librarians and library science graduate students. a past member of the ALA Executive Board. Read Wiltse is a longtime supporter of the Association of Illinois School Library more at bit.ly/AL-EmClaireKnowles. Educators and former leader of the Monarch Award: Illinois K–3 Readers’ Choice book nominations committee. Read more at bit.ly/AL-NoraWiltse. This $1,000 award honors an outstanding contribution that promotes equality in the library profession. This $1,000 award is given biennially to an individual for making positive changes DONOR: Scarecrow Press, a member of the Rowman in the profession of librarianship. DONOR: Elizabeth Futas Memorial Fund and Littlefield Publishing Group

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 23 Alice Knapp SULLIVAN AWARD FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY ADMINISTRATORS SUPPORTING SERVICES TO CHILDREN

Mieka Moody, napp, president of Ferguson manager and Library in Stamford, Con- library supervisor at Lillian necticut, has served on many Marrero branch, Kcommunity boards, including World Free Library of Affairs Forum, Stamford Public Edu- Philadelphia cation Foundation, Stamford Partner- ship, and Stamford Downtown Special Services District, and is a former president of the Connecticut Library Association. Her nominators write, “Alice has Lillian Marrero been a major leader and cheerleader for Ferguson’s Youth Department. branch, Free She is a good listener and empathetic person, always careful to make sure Library of the supervisor of youth services and the staff are involved in the planning of any new projects. She naturally embodies the very finest in a supportive, Philadelphia visionary administrator.” Read more at bit.ly/AL-AliceKnapp. PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE LIBRARY AWARD FOR INNOVATION This award is given to an individual who has shown exceptional understanding and support of public library service to children while having general manage- he Lillian Marrero branch of the Free ment, supervisory, or administrative responsibility that has included public service for children in its scope. Peggy Sullivan Library of Philadelphia sits in one of DONOR: the poorest neighborhoods of the city. TThe award jury was impressed by Manager and Library Supervisor Mieka Moody’s multifaceted approach to community programming. When thousands of people who were dis- Ralph Peters placed from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria W. Y. BOYD LITERARY AWARD FOR sought refuge with friends and family in the EXCELLENCE IN MILITARY FICTION neighborhood, the library provided weekly drop-in hours with FEMA, local housing non- arkness at Chancellorsville (Forge Books) profits, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and details the Civil War’s Battle of Chancellors- local volunteers. Moody also sought out experts ville from April 30 to May 6, 1863, when D Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s in the community who were willing to support wellness programs such as yoga, meditation, smaller forces defeated Union reiki, herbal and plant medicine, and gardening Gen. Joseph Hooker’s Army in an area without yoga studios or gyms. of the Potomac, resulting in The Penguin Random House Foundation has heavy casualties, including also funded four runner-up awards consisting of the death of Confederate Lt. Gen. Stonewall $1,000 worth of materials each for Dallas Public Jackson by friendly fire. Library; Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore; Pas- Peters is the first four-time winner of the sages Academy Libraries in Brooklyn, New York; W. Y. Boyd Award. The award jury called this and Mattawa (Wash.) Public Library. novel “a major contribution to military fiction Read more at bit.ly/AL-LillianMarrero. on the Civil War.” Read more at bit.ly/ AL-RalphPeters. This $10,000 award recognizes US libraries and staff who overcome adversity and create lasting This award of $5,000 honors the innovative community service programs that inspire best fiction set in a period when and connect with new readers. DONOR: Penguin the United States was at war.

Random House Foundation DONOR: William Young Boyd II (Moody) Rashid Zakat Photo:

24 September/October 2020 Mary W. Ghikas JOSEPH W. LIPPINCOTT AWARD

hikas is honored for her many accomplishments during a long, varied, and distinguished career as a librarian, library administrator, and network director and for her 25 years as a senior leader Gand knowledgeable, steadying presence in ALA—most recently as ALA’s executive director. The jury noted her service as a mentor, coach, and role model to count- less colleagues, particularly to new professionals; her strong support for library and information science education in general, but particularly regarding ALA’s critical role in enabling and promoting continuing professional development; and her deep Kelvin Watson, commitment to increasing and supporting director of Broward EDI, both in the profession at large County Library and within ALA. Read more at bit.ly/AL-MaryWGhikas.

This $1,500 award is presented annually to Broward County a librarian for distinguished service to the profession of librarianship, such service to include (Fla.) Library outstanding participation in the activities of the professional library association, notable ALA/INFORMATION TODAY published professional writing, or other LIBRARY OF THE FUTURE AWARD significant activity on behalf of the profession and its aims. DONOR: Joseph roward County Library (BCL) in Fort W. Lippincott III Lauderdale was selected for its innovative use of Amazon’s Echo voice assistant Bto bridge language barriers as part of its Project Welcome initiative. Using Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant, staffers can translate words John M. Budd and phrases from English to other languages to BETA PHI MU AWARD help communicate more easily with patrons. For those languages not supported by Alexa, the udd, professor emeritus and former library uses dedicated tablets. associate director of the School of Project Welcome helps English-language Information Science and Learning learners new to the area, informs them of BCL’s BTechnologies (SISLT) at University of Mis- resources, and supports them on their journey souri, has been hailed by his colleagues as to English literacy, economic prosperity, and a leader in education for librarianship for belonging. The first phase allows the library to decades. He coordinated the library science engage newcomers and their families through program at SISLT, helped shape curriculum a series of videos and resources translated into at the university, and was instrumental in their native languages. In the second phase, developing its doctoral program. the program facilitates inclusion in the commu- His extensive and influential publi- nity by introducing families to library services cation record shows his contribution to and programs, including BCL’s English and librarianship and library education. Budd citizenship classes and its Welcome Ambassa- has published widely and authoritatively on issues related to libraries, dor mentoring program. Read more at bit.ly/ democracy, and information access. One colleague characterizes Budd’s AL-BrowardCounty. work as “foundational to any serious library science scholar.” Read more at bit.ly/AL-JohnMBudd. This $1,200 award honors a library, library consortium, group of librarians, or support organization for inno- This award of $1,000 recognizes the achievement of a library school fac- vative planning for, applications of, or development of ulty member or another individual for distinguished service to education in patron training programs about information technol- librarianship. DONOR: Beta Phi Mu International Library Science Honor Society ogy in a library setting. DONOR: Information Today

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 25 Alexandria Cumberland County (Pa.) (Va.) Library Library System Foundation ALA EXCELLENCE IN LIBRARY H. W. WILSON LIBRARY STAFF DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAMMING AWARD umberland County (Pa.) Library he program series “We Are the Alex- System Foundation administers to andria Library Sit-In” was a yearlong one of the fastest-growing areas celebration of the 80th anniversary of Cin the state. In 2019, its libraries served Tone of the nation’s first sit-ins—a protest of 110,351 active library card holders (more the city’s whites-only public library. than 45% of the county’s 250,000 residents). In 1939, after an ongoing effort to con- The foundation will be using the grant to vince officials to establish equal access to provide a full day of professional develop- community resources, 26-year-old attorney ment training to its staff members, as well Samuel W. Tucker organized five other as staffers from nearby Perry and Dauphin African-American residents to participate in a counties, all part of the Capital Area Library sit-in. On August 21, William “Buddy” Evans, District. The day of training will focus on Edward Gaddis, Morris Murray, Clarence developing the skills, strategies, and tech- Carolyn Blatchley, executive Strange, and Otto Tucker each asked to director of Cumberland County niques to provide a more consistent experi- register for a library card. After being turned (Pa.) Library System ence for both staffers and patrons. down, they sat silently at separate tables and Jury members noted they were partic- began to read library books. Police officers ularly impressed with the foundation’s generosity in inviting rural Perry arrested the group and charged them with County to the training. Read more at bit.ly/AL-Cumberland. disorderly conduct. The library involved family members of This $3,500 award goes to a library that demonstrates merit in a staff develop- protest participants in the planning for this ment program that furthers the goals and objectives of the library organization. anniversary event and engaged the commu- DONOR: H. W. Wilson Company/EBSCO Publishers nity through a variety of programs, including school visits, a yearlong film festival, anniversary week events, posters, commemorative library cards, pins, and postcards. Read more Lesley Farmer at bit.ly/AL-Alexandria. KEN HAYCOCK AWARD FOR PROMOTING LIBRARIANSHIP

This $5,000 award uring her decades-long career, Farmer recognizes a library has shown a strong commitment to that demonstrates excellence by teaching, research, and promoting providing pro- Dschool librarianship. Her work addresses the grams that have vital role that school librarians play in build- community ing strong literacy and information skills in impact and K–12 schools. respond to As professor of educational technology and community needs. DONOR: ALA Cul- media leadership at California State Univer- tural Communities sity, Long Beach, Farmer helped create and Fund later revise the teacher–librarian credential program, part of the master’s degree track. She has served on the boards of the American Association for School Librarians (AASL) and the Young Adult Library Service Association and as cochair of the AASL/ Rose T. Dawson, Association of College and Research Libraries Interdivisional Committee on executive director Information Literacy, as well as many other leadership positions. Read more of Alexandria (Va.) Library at bit.ly/AL-LesleyFarmer.

This award of $1,000 honors an individual for contributing significantly to the public recognition and appreciation of librarianship through professional performance, teaching, and/or writing. DONOR: Ken Haycock

26 Sonia Sotomayor and Rafael López SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD, YOUNG READERS

ust Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You won J the award for young readers. Written by US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and illustrated by Rafael López, the book shows us that our differences are what make us stronger and advises read- Sonia Sotomayor Rafael López Radwa Ali, ers that if they are “curious about other kids, just ask.” director of A Friend for Henry, written by Jenn Bailey and illustrated by Mika Song, Roxbury Public Library is the young readers honor title.

Lynne Kelly Roxbury SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD, MIDDLE READERS Public Library Song for a Whale, written by Lynne Kelly, Succasunna, New Jersey won the award for best middle-grade book. Iris and her grandmother, both GALE, A CENGAGE COMPANY FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD Adeaf, go on a quest to find Blue 55, a whale that cannot communicate with other whales. Iris writes aunched in 2018, Roxbury Public Library’s a song and creates a device to signal to him that he (RPL) “Mini-Golf in the Library” pro- is not alone. gram was its first attempt at a dedicated Each Tiny Spark, by Pablo Cartaya, is the Lfundraising event. It raised nearly $5,000 and middle-grade honor title. Lynne Kelly allowed the library to upgrade its audio and video equipment. The following year, the event brought in enough funds to update the furniture Karol Ruth Silverstein in the library’s children’s room. SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD, TEEN READERS Library Director Radwa Ali says the upgrades were part of RPL’s strategic plan to expand its he teen award winner is Karol Ruth Silver- caliber of programming. In preparation for the stein’s Cursed, an #ownvoices novel about event, the library reached out to local busi- a girl with juvenile arthritis. The protag- nesses, eventually securing 26 sponsorships. Tonist’s frustration with those around her grows, Seventeen other businesses donated raffle leading to anger and self-isolation. With the help items. “The greater benefit was not the money, of a new friend, an unwavering teacher, and an however,” Ali says. “We established an annual understanding doctor, she finds her voice. event that draws local coverage and excitement The Silence Between Us, by Alison Gervais, is the from our community, and we started to build teen honor title. a relationship with area businesses that had Read more at bit.ly/AL-Schneider20. Karol Ruth Silverstein never given to the library.” Read more at bit.ly/ AL-RoxburyGale. This award of $5,000 is given to authors or illustrators for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for children and adoles- This $2,500 award is presented to a library orga- cent audiences. Schneider Family Award honor titles receive a plaque. nization that exhibits meritorious achievement in Recipients are selected in three categories: young readers (newborn to carrying out a library financial development project age 8), middle readers (ages 9–13), and teen readers (ages 14–18). to secure new funding resources for a public or aca- DONOR: Katherine Schneider demic library. DONOR: Gale, a Cengage Company Photos: Elena Seibert (Sotomayor); Sam Bond Photography (Kelly) Sam Bond Photography Elena Seibert (Sotomayor); Photos:

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 27 2020 LIBRARY DESIGN SHOWCASE elcome to the 2020 Library Design Showcase, W American Libraries’ annual celebration of new and renovated libraries. These shining examples of architectural innovation—completed before the COVID-19 pandemic— address user needs in unique, interesting, and effective ways. As with past showcases, renovations and expan- sions dominate submissions, as communities find novel ways to conserve and honor existing spaces while moving them into the 21st century. For more photos of our featured libraries, visit americanlibraries.org.

Tune in to the August episode of American Libraries’ Dewey Decibel Listen at podcast for conversations about library architecture and design. bit.ly/deweydecibel

28 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org HIGHER LEARNING

Library Learning Center, Texas Southern University in Houston The new Library Learning Center at this historically Black university features a bold, angular design that draws visitors into the five-level atrium, which serves as the heart of the building. Designed to foster a collaborative learning environment, the building features classrooms, meeting spaces, computer labs, study areas, a gallery, and café. PROJECT: New construction ARCHI- TECT: Moody Nolan SIZE: 137,000 square feet COST: $44 million PHOTO: Kayla Hartzog

Hesburgh Library, University of Notre Dame in Indiana The renovation of Hesburgh Library transformed the midcentury modern facility into a place for advanced contemporary scholarship. The project brought natural light into the building’s interior and integrated materials that complement the existing aesthetic. The entrance gallery, which spans the first and second floors, now connects the main entrance and upper 12 floors through an atrium-style opening, and an enhanced technology area lets students access digital services and resources. PROJECT: Renovation ARCHI- TECT: Shepley Bulfinch; Alliance Architects SIZE: 146,650 square feet COST: $25.1 million PHOTO: Jonathan Hillyer

Charles Library, Temple University in Philadelphia The bold new Charles Library houses multiple campus and academic resources, including a student success center, a digital fabrication and technology studio, and Temple University Press. The library is committed to an all-mobile technology strategy, offering laptops and charging banks on every floor, as well as flexible workspaces that adapt to changing technological needs. PROJECT: New construction ARCHITECT: Snøhetta; Stantec SIZE: 220,000 square feet COST: $175 million PHOTO: Michael Grimm

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 29 SHARED SPACES

Pierson Library in Shelburne, Vermont Newport Beach (Calif.) Public Connected to Shelburne’s newly restored historic town Library, Corona Del Mar branch hall, the new Pierson Library replaces a smaller building Affectionately known as “The Fibrary,” the newly that suffered from moisture and air-quality problems. combined library and fire station construction project Designed for net-zero energy, the library features high- replaces two older adjacent buildings, maximizing inte- performance mechanical systems and building envelope. rior space, energy efficiency, and parking areas. The Using passive daylighting strategies, local and recycled library features a colorful children’s area, reading spaces materials, rooftop solar panels, and onsite stormwater for teens and adults, stroller parking, and an outdoor treatment, the public library expects to save approxi- porch for year-round use by the seaside community. mately $200,000 in lifetime energy costs. PROJECT: New The interior incorporates the work of a local artist to construction/renovation ARCHITECT: Vermont Integrated highlight the area’s history. PROJECT: New construc- Architecture SIZE: 19,221 square feet COST: $5.8 million tion ARCHITECT: WLC Architects SIZE: 10,314 square PHOTO: Ryan Bent Photography feet COST: $6.8 million PHOTO: Dale Christopher Lang

30 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org RUSTIC SETTING

The Community Library in Ketchum, Idaho The renovation and expansion of the almost 45-year- old building that houses the privately funded and governed nonprofit Com- munity Library stays true to the facility’s original mountain lodge–inspired design while incorporating new spaces for physical and digital collections, technology, and civic engagement. The library was awarded a 2020 ALA/ IIDA Interior Design Award for a Public Library. PROJECT: Renovation and expansion ARCHITECT: RATIO SIZE: 27,000 square feet COST: $10 million PHOTO: Gabe Border

Thank you. Ayers Saint Gross and Holder Construction are grateful for the opportunity to reinvent the iconic Hayden Library at Arizona State University!

Join American Libraries EPISODE 53 Senior Editor Phil Library Architecture Morehart as he hosts and Design

conversations with EPISODE 52 librarians, authors, Libraries and thinkers, and scholars Sustainability about topics from EPISODE 51 the library world and Telling Stories with Pictures beyond. Listen to these recent episodes: EPISODE 50 Privacy Concerns

Listen at bit.ly/deweydecibel

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 31 RENOVATING HISTORY

Toledo–Lucas County (Ohio) Public Library, Main Library The renovation of Toledo–Lucas County Public Library used the art deco geometric motifs and colors found in the building’s central court as the basis for new millwork to create a unifying theme, in particular in the meeting rooms, technology training lab, makerspace, recording studios, and audio/ video collections. The library’s entrance was also updated: Patrons now enter through a bright, backpainted glass–clad promenade flanked by a glass-enclosed community meeting room and a business incubator that showcases start-ups using the library. PROJECT: Renovation ARCHITECT: HBM Archi- tects SIZE: 105,000 square feet COST: $8.4 million PHOTO: Roger Mastroianni

Providence (R.I.) Public Library Providence Public Library recently completed the state’s largest-ever library renovation project with an interior overhaul of its 1950s-era Empire Street wing. The project expanded the library’s community learning venues, flexible spaces, quiet study spaces, teen loft, children’s library, and 260-seat auditorium. The renovation also relocated the special collections suite for better public access and upgraded the library’s safety systems. PROJECT: Renovation ARCHITECT: designLAB Architects SIZE: 100,000 square feet COST: $29 million PHOTO: Anton Grassl

32 September/October 2020 Lutnick Library, Haverford (Pa.) College Five additions to Lutnick Library, completed from 1864 to 1967, had buried the building’s historic core, creating a dark and disorienting facility. Selective demolition and new construction generated a new space that respects the building’s history and added warm, contemporary learning areas, including a reading room, a digital scholarship commons, an art gallery, a café, and a research room, as well as climate-controlled storage for the library’s Quaker and other special collections. PROJECT: Renovation and expansion ARCHITECT: Perry Dean Rogers Partners Architects SIZE: 63,700 square feet COST: $35.2 million PHOTO: Chuck Choi

Union County (S.C.) Carnegie Library The renovation of Union County Carnegie Library brought the 115-year-old building back to its original glory. The design and construction teams restored its Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore authentic paint colors, terra cotta and granite accents, The renovation of Enoch Pratt Free Library expanded services, brick detailing, and wooden cornices, dentils, and col- technology, and space for staff and patrons while also restor- umns on the building’s exterior, as well as the interior’s ing historic materials and finishes—plaster, millwork, terrazzo, wood floors, plaster walls, pressed-tin ceiling, and decorative metal elements and paintings, and lighting—to their stained-glass skylight. The library won the 2019 South original state. Period design motifs provided inspiration for the Carolina Preservation Honor Award from the South new graphics and murals that were installed throughout the build- Carolina Department of Archives and History for its ren- ing, from the upper floors to the children’s department on the ovation. PROJECT: Renovation and expansion ARCHITECT: lower levels. PROJECT: Renovation ARCHITECT: Beyer Blinder Belle McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture SIZE: 13,460 square Architects and Planners SIZE: 290,000 square feet COST: $115 mil- feet COST: $2 million PHOTO: Firewater Photography lion PHOTO: Joseph Romeo Photography

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 33 IMPRESSIVE FACELIFT Toronto (Ont.) Public Library, North York Central Library Originally built in 1987, this post- modern building required renovations to bring it into the 21st century. A grand staircase now frames the building’s seven-story atrium and improves air circulation throughout. A new creation loft on the second floor includes a digital innovation lab with 3D printers, audio and video recording facilities, and a fabrication studio with sewing equipment. A new children’s department contains interactive and elec- tronic learning stations that support preschool literacy and children with special needs. PROJECT: Renova- tion ARCHITECT: Diamond Schmitt Architects SIZE: 168,000 square feet COST: $11 million PHOTO: Lisa Logan Photography

REBUILDING AFTER DISASTER

Lyons (Colo.) Community Library In 2013, flooding in Lyons, Colorado, destroyed the small town’s public library, which was housed in a historic railroad depot. After six years of fundraising and rebuilding, the new Lyons Community Library opened its doors on the anniversary of the flood to serve as a symbol of the town’s resilience. Central to the library’s design is a large community room for live music, theatrical performances, and town meetings. PROJECT: New construction ARCHITECT: RATIO SIZE: 6,500 square feet COST: $2.5 million PHOTO: Paul Brokering

34 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org Add Some CHARACTER to Your Library Walls!

Discover a colorful cast of characters at ALA Graphics.

Shop now at alastore.ala.org FURNITURE TO REMOVE/STORE

In the age of COVID-19, architects merge future- facing innovations with present-day needs Virus- CIRCULATION Responsive RESTROOM Design QUEUING BY Lara Ewen

ibraries have always been spaces for discovery. But in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been tasked with transforming them- Lselves into places that allow users to physically distance while being more digitally connected than ever. As some institutions emerge from months of shutdowns, design and architecture experts seek to meet current health and safety challenges as well as safeguard these community spaces against an uncertain future. Traci Engel Lesneski, CEO and principal at Minneapolis-based national architecture firm MSR Design, which has worked with hundreds of libraries across the country, says libraries are ideal spaces for innovative design solutions. “It’s not a stretch to think about the ways that libraries have modeled what’s next in the world,” she says. “Libraries can talk to the

36 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org FURNITURE TO REMOVE/STORE BARRIERS/SNEEZE GUARDS

From left: A floor plan for furniture removal at Hennepin County (Minn.) Library’s Eden Prairie branch; dividers at Tulsa City–County (Okla.) Library’s Central location encourage physical Virus- distancing.

public about how important these things are and advocate [for them]. They can provide hands-on learning and access to Responsive certain technologies that people don’t have access to in their RESTROOM everyday lives.” QUEUING Yet libraries have had to find new ways to provide that access. “[COVID-19] is aggravating the digital divide,” says Susan Nemitz, director of Santa Cruz (Calif.) Public Libraries (SCPL). “There are a number of people who don’t have access Design to the internet and computers, because we haven’t opened up yet.” She says that effective design solutions will have to bridge not just physical and digital distance, but socioeconomic distance as well. “We find that, more and more, our community is isolated,” she says. “And we’ve been moving away from being a ware- house of books to being a social connector.” Nemitz, whose library system passed a $67 million bond issue to replace and remodel all 10 of its buildings before the pandemic hit, says she’s had to reimagine her library’s mission. “The COVID crisis has thrown a wrench into who we are and what we believe,” she says. “Do we build our buildings for the situation we’re in now, or the situation in the long run?” The answer may be both. “This will not last forever,” says Amanda Markovic, architect and associate principal at GBBN Architects, a multinational architecture and interior design firm that has built multiple libraries and civic spaces around the country. “But there’s a possibility that it will happen again. So I think [design] is about ensuring there’s flexibility, making

Illustration: MSR Design; photos: Lara Swimmer Lara MSR Design; photos: Illustration: sure there aren’t as many hard walls in these spaces to allow

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 37 TEMPORARY SIGNAGE

Signage, such as these designs by GBBN Architects, can be a playful way to provide visual cues or instructions to patrons for maintaining physical distance or cleaning surfaces that they touch.

for the expansion and contraction [of our spaces] that will be collections. If the funding is available, this is an ideal time to necessary when these things arise.” think about that.”

AN EARLY START CLEAN AND SIMPLE Libraries that were in the process of renovating before Certainly funding is an issue. But not all changes need to be COVID- 19 almost immediately pivoted, repurposing certain expensive. In fact, some of the most effective enhancements design features to address the new normal. “There have been libraries can employ involve only elbow grease and moti- some fortunate coincidences that were not intended to be vation. “One of the things that works is just cleaning,” says in reaction to a pandemic but that we can use,” says Mar- Markovic. “A good old ‘let’s wipe things down.’ And do that kovic. “For instance, at Baldwin Borough Public Library [in often.” She says that high-touch areas like doors and desks Pittsburgh], we put casters on the stacks to make them easy should ideally be nonporous and cleaned often. “I think of to move around. We can now use them to create little pods. gyms,” she says. “You have to wipe down equipment after And at Carnegie Library [of Pittsburgh], we’re implementing using it, and that becomes easy, because they put the wipes cleanable surfaces and discussing an HVAC system that allows near the equipment. So putting wipes near furniture and the for increased ventilation.” front desk and near where people might want to go would be Some privacy features have been reimagined as safety a visual cue.” enhancements. “We’ve been in a debate about gendered versus Lesneski says that library guests should also be a part of that nongendered toilet rooms,” says Lesneski. “When you put the process. “We will have to take personal responsibility to clean lens of the pandemic over that, we should be moving toward up after ourselves and have trust in other people,” she says. more privacy, and privacy that allows for parent and child, or “And we might have to start carrying around sanitizer.” She parent and older parent, or people who need to use medica- explains that rooms can be designed or redesigned to incor- tion, or transgender people. So we’ve been talking more about porate built-in receptacles for sanitizing wipes and feature [creating bathrooms that consist of] roomlets with a sink, signage that directs visitors to use them. where everything is all contained.” Technology solutions can also make spaces cleaner and Libraries that have been unable to provide public access safer. Touchless lights, faucets, and doors may become during the pandemic may have an unusual opportunity more common, and libraries may begin to experiment with to upgrade. “One of our libraries that was renovated had automated cleaning protocols. “Maybe there’s an automatic its entire collection digitized when it was removed for the occupancy sensor that turns on a UV light that [could kill] renovation,” says Thomas M. Hotaling, architect and princi- the most recent virus, like task lights at every computer,” says pal at Ann Beha Architects, a Boston-based design firm that Cindy Kaufman, principal associate at Holt Architects, a New works with education and cultural clients. “I’m wondering if York design firm with offices in Syracuse and Ithaca that has

this might be a good time for [other] libraries to digitize their worked on several university libraries and learning spaces. GBBN Architects Photos:

38 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org “This will not last forever. But there’s a possibility that it will happen again.”

—AMANDA MARKOVIC, architect and associate principal at GBBN Architects

At Baldwin Borough Public Library in Pittsburgh, GBBN Architects put casters on the stacks (back-

FLEXIBILITY ground) to make them easy to move around.

“Or what if it was a little machine that sits right next to you windows that are sealed shut and seating that’s not comfort- and does a quick cleaning?” able, and furniture that’s been bolted into place to prevent Kaufman cautions against the use of antimicrobials, as those people from moving too close.” treatments can be largely ineffective and potentially unhealthy. She says comfort is also about control. “The more control “I think some people are using antimicrobial treatments, but we have over our environment, the more content we feel,” says we [at Holt] don’t recommend them because we have a huge Lesneski. “Like controlling the lights, airflow, height of a table, focus on sustainable design and healthy design,” she says. or size of its surface. The more control, the more secure and Antimicrobials can prevent the growth of microorganisms but able to focus we are.” won’t always kill them, she says. “If a facility is on top of clean- Libraries can also get their communities involved in the ing, they can kill the virus that way.” design process. Margaret Sullivan, principal at Margaret Sulli- van Studio, a New York City–based design firm that specializes PRODUCTS AND PLACEMENT in libraries and learning institutions, says that working with Design can do more than just help keep things clean. It can also local graphics shops and inviting artists and graphic designers provide visual reminders of social distancing, as seen in the to create temporary signage can help libraries find vibrant large circles painted on lawns in New York City’s Domino Park and playful ways to speak to their patrons. “This is a great and Chicago’s Millennium Park. Indoors, that can translate into time to pay young designers in your community,” she says. “A strategic furniture placement. “Especially in facilities that don’t great impact investment strategy would [also] be to hire local have money [to remodel], I see the possibility that furniture is architects and designers to come up with cool design solutions arranged in a completely different way, so you spread out how for social, learning, and community spaces that foster social people can sit,” says Kaufman. “You could spread out a row distancing in a fun, creative way.” or a long table and remove every few chairs. If people need to Storage solutions will also need to be developed as spaces face each other, you could put up a barrier or a sneeze guard or become more malleable. “Social distancing will impact the a panel. Mobile screens can be another way to create sepa- amount of furniture that’s in a space, at least for the present,” rate seating.” says Hotaling, who suggests libraries might even see a return Product design is quickly evolving to meet the needs of to old-fashioned reading carrels. “We were asked [by a library environments that practice social distancing. “You’re seeing client] what to do with all the furniture now there. Where products pop up”—such as planters, fabric screens, and marker will it be stored, and should library designers be thinking boards that act as dividers—“[that] feel natural but also keep about library furniture that can be easily stacked?” Hotaling people at a distance,” Lesneski says. Furniture still needs to be says storage considerations will also affect collections, as welcoming, she adds, because otherwise people won’t want to many libraries now have a process for quarantining materials. be there. “We can’t look like we’re living in a surgical ward,” “Libraries have to dedicate space for books to sit for three days she says. “And we don’t want to end up in terrible places with and then be cleaned too,” he says. Photo: Ed Massery Ed Photo:

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 39 OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING

“Outside is safer than inside. So are the services going to be curbside pickup? Will there be outdoor programming?”

MARGARET SULLIVAN, principal at Margaret Sullivan Studio

This diagram from Margaret Sullivan Studio reimagines how Richland Library in Columbia, South Carolina, could use the outdoor space at its North Main branch. For example, six-foot-diameter circles drawn in the parking lot could be used to distance dance party attendees.

OUTSIDE THE BOX Not all outdoor improvements are tech-driven. “Sometimes As scientists learn more about the transmission of COVID-19, the old becomes new again,” says Nemitz, pointing to old book the importance of using outdoor space as much as possible has drops located near several branches in her system. “The public repeatedly been stressed. “Outside is safer than inside,” says loves [them]. The staff collects and quarantines the books. Sullivan. “So are the services going to be curbside pickup? Will And some of our libraries have a drop-off island, and with there be outdoor programming?” She adds that librarians will curbside pickup it’s ideal.” need to think about how many people can be inside a facility Even entrances can become design features. “Our design and what those people will be doing. “Then you can start to get allows the library to be open and closed in sections,” says granular,” she explains. “For the first phase of opening, maybe Nemitz, who adds that SCPL adopted the concept from a we have this many tables we need to clean every night and this library in Madison, Wisconsin. “We can open just the children’s many computers that need to be sanitized. That’s an interest- area or just the adult area, and we can serve different client ing way to think about the true cost of the work.” eles at different times.” Designers are also thinking about how to better ventilate indoor spaces. “Everyone is looking at improved indoor air LOOKING AHEAD quality for HVAC systems, more operable windows, more Designers say that the COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity fresh air, and more air circulation,” says Hotaling. “Fresh air is not just to modify libraries but to improve them for future use. proven to make for a healthier environment.” “This is about so much more than having less seating Fostering the impression of a natural environment can also and different planning,” says Kaufman. “It’s about human- soften spaces and encourage spatial division. “I could see using environmental interactions, and how can we affect human a mobile system of translucent panels featuring images of green- behavior with simple design tools. In my mind, it’s imagery ery and nature,” says Kaufman. “Or what if there were curtains and spatial reconfiguration that can help people feel more that were able to move around the ceiling on a track to create [connected] to each other. Buildings will need to create more private areas, and that let light through, and that are cleanable, usable spaces for people to spread out more, and users need to and that could be drawn from one position to another?” trust the staff.” As libraries bring the outdoors inside, they’re also bringing Lesneski says that a lot of existing built environments have traditional indoor services outside. “There’s a trend in creating barriers that hinder inclusivity at multiple levels, including outside spaces and leaving our Wi-Fi on,” says Nemitz of SCPL. racially and socioeconomically. She cites a discussion moder- “Maybe even expanding coverage so we can be a Wi-Fi hotspot, ated by the Canadian Urban Institute (bit.ly/AL-CUI). Ironi- so students can use it at 4 a.m. if they don’t have Wi-Fi at cally, a shift to more equitable spaces will happen because the home, whether we’re open or not.” Nemitz is also considering virus has made decision makers “uncomfortable,” she says. a wireless printing service, so library guests can print from “We [should] remember to expand our lens so that it’s not just their connected devices for curbside pickup. about the pandemic but also a long-term overhaul.” “We have a lot of people who love print books and who are suddenly motivated to download books,” says Nemitz. “This LARA EWEN is a freelance writer based in Brook- kind of thing is going to forever change us. There’s an audience lyn, New York. that can’t physically come to our building, and this allows people who previously felt barriers to participate.” Illustration: Margaret Sullivan Studio Sullivan Margaret Illustration:

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As cities undertake climate action plans, Actionlibraries emerge as partners BY Mark Lawton

arah Preskitt has lived in Alaska for almost 40 years—and seen its cli- with objectives for reducing emissions mate change in ways the Lower 48’s hasn’t. “We used to joke that you and energy consumption, preparing for had to arrange your Halloween costume over your snowsuit. It used disasters, addressing residents’ climate to snow by October 15,” says Preskitt, Alaska Collection librarian for concerns, meeting other sustainability goals, or all of the above. Bend, Oregon; Anchorage Public Library (APL). “Now it’s closer to Thanksgiving.” Boston; Everett, Washington; Houston; In recent years, global warming has change by creating a formal framework. South Bend, Indiana; and Tempe, Arizona, salso led to worsening wildfires, invasive In May 2019, its municipal assembly are just a few of the many cities that have pests, and the melting of permafrost approved the climate action plan (CAP) it drafted, enacted, or updated a CAP within across the state. “There are some coastal had been working on since 2015—a plan the past year. villages that are literally sinking into the in which APL has long been a stakeholder. “It is not something that is nice to sea,” Preskitt says. Increasingly, localities across the US, do but rather critically necessary,” says In response, the city of Anchorage along with a handful of public libraries, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, executive direc-

decided to brace for the impact of climate are writing and following their own CAPs tor of the Mid-Hudson Library System Johnson Joy Krista Photo:

42 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org ENHANCEMENTS the type of lighting we were using, and AND ENGAGEMENT one branch purchased a hybrid vehicle.” The aim of Anchorage’s 108-page CAP is to The library also upgraded its recy- reduce citywide greenhouse gas emis- cling program, switched to more envisions 80% from 2008 levels by 2050, with ronmentally friendly materials (such intermediary reduction goals before then. as carpeting with low levels of volatile To get there, the plan requires increased organic compounds), and committed to energy efficiency with new net-zero (that not discarding furniture. “When we redid is, using only as much electricity as is pro- our second floor, we reached out to other duced onsite) building codes, expanded libraries to see if they could use [the furni- renewable energy generation, and ture],” she says. infrastructure to charge electric vehicles. The plan also calls for educating residents on the city’s sustainability goals and motivating them to reduce their carbon “It is not something footprints—areas in which the library is identified as a liaison. that is nice to APL supported the city in the years before CAP approval by holding a com- do but rather munity kickoff and public forum at its midtown Z. J. Loussac Library, as well as panel discussions on topics such as plastic critically pollution and the responsible extraction of resources by Indigenous-owned Alaska necessary.” corporations. “When building a new —REBEKKAH SMITH ALDRICH, mine, for example,” Preskitt says, “when executive director of the Mid-Hudson Library System in Poughkeepsie, New York you have extracted what you need, how do you wrap up?” As APL upgrades its five buildings, it The city’s CAP focuses on five imple- keeps the city’s CAP goals in mind. At the mentation areas: energy, land use Loussac location, for example, it installed and transportation, natural resources, energy-efficient, temperature-sensitive materials management, and resiliency. windows. “If it’s sunny and hot outside, When environmental nonprofit Sustain- Localities across the US, they don’t let so much light in,” Preskitt able Princeton reached out to community including Bend, Oregon says. “If it is cold and sunny outside, they partners to develop the plan, Dorman was (pictured), have created their let in more light. That helps with the heat- ready to represent the library on the mate- own climate action plans. ing and cooling bills.” rials management working group. The biggest obstacle to building As the CAP was developed, PPL held improvements, Preskitt says, is money. meetings for the local stakeholders in Poughkeepsie, New York. Aldrich is a There is also some disagreement among working directly on the plan. It also founding member of the American Library city residents as to whether the CAP- continued to host its Great Ideas series in Association’s (ALA) Sustainability Round recommended changes are worth that partnership with Sustainable Princeton, Table and author of the ALA Editions money. “Some of the [event] discussions which attracted 75–100 people per event titles Resilience (2018) and Sustainable get pretty spirited,” she says. and featured practical, actionable ways Thinking: Ensuring Your Library’s Future in On the opposite coast, Princeton (N.J.) for members of the public to shrink their an Uncertain World (2018). “The urgency Public Library (PPL) had been working on footprints—everything from bringing that is necessary is not coming from the its environmental efforts long before the reusable bags to the supermarket to prop- federal government.” city approved its CAP in July 2019. erly planting trees. Before closing for the Given the lack of broad national climate “Four to five years ago, we had a ‘green COVID-19 pandemic, the library had also legislation or initiatives, many cities see team’ to find ways to be more sustain- planned to host the Princeton Environ- CAPs as a way to take matters into their able,” PPL Community Engagement Coor- mental Film Festival in April. own hands—and libraries are emerging as dinator Kim Dorman says. “We considered “Many libraries are set up to be excel- partners, innovators, and originators. where we were purchasing electricity and lent partners in this sort of endeavor,”

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 43 Dorman says. “Libraries are often community “We had to replace the roof anyway. centers. I think it’s a natural fit.” Margie Menard, We said, ‘How do we do this in the most who has been director of Kingston (N.Y.) Library since 2008, agrees. Hers environmentally sustainable way?’” is thought to be one of the first public —MARGIE MENARD, director of Kingston (N.Y.) Library libraries to author a CAP. In October 2009, the city of Kingston approved a 10-step Climate Smart and Many of the upgrades started with was hard for the community at first,” Green Jobs Community Pledge. One year adopting an environmental mindset, Newell recalls. later, Kingston Library approved its own Menard says. “We had to replace the The new building features LED lights pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emis- roof anyway. We said, ‘How do we do with motion detectors, hefty insulation in sions and integrate climate change actions this in the most environmentally sus- the walls and ceiling, double front doors, into library programming. tainable way?’” So thoroughly has the energy-efficient windows that allow “One of our board members, who was library adopted this mentality that its sunlight in without overheating rooms, also involved with the city, knew libraries CAP has been absorbed into its long-term radiant floor heating, and rooftop solar have their own special role and function,” strategic plan. panels. The library designed its new build- which includes educating and providing Ledding Library in Milwaukie, Oregon, ing as a single-floor structure to avoid materials to the public, says Menard. “To a Portland suburb of about 21,000 people, heating two stories. say we would go along [with the city’s has chosen to focus most of its efforts on In its first two months open to the plan] would be good, but to take it a little sustainable construction. A new library public, Ledding Library has seen its further and say we are a unique entity” building, which opened in January, energy use decrease from 37.6 KBTUs to would be better. replaces a historic building from the early 25.5 KBTUs, with a projected annual light- Kingston Library began by upgrading 1900s as well as a 1960s addition. ing savings of at least $3,700. (That figure its building: insulating the attic, replacing “When the wind blew, it blew through doesn’t include heating and cooling costs the roof with light-membrane materials, the [closed] windows,” says Director Katie or factor in the energy from the solar roof.) installing energy-efficient windows, tuck- Newell. “I always had to wear multiple The same month the library opened pointing, and installing a second set of layers that I could take off or add over the its new building, the city of Milwaukie— doors at its main entry. The building was day. Our utility bills were out of control.” whose CAP, adopted in 2018, calls Newell separated into different zones to avoid Voters approved a $9.2 million bond a “climate action champion”—declared a heating or cooling unused spaces. measure in 2016 for the new build- climate emergency. With that declaration, To avoid contributing to local flooding, ing, with the remaining funds for the the city accelerated its original goals, the library disconnected from the city’s $12 million project contributed by the with the hope of hitting net-zero electric- stormwater system, instead building a rain city, county, library foundation, and ity emissions by 2030 and a completely garden and two dry wells under the park- Friends group. Construction started in carbon-neutral community by 2045. ing lot. Improvements were paid for with October 2018. “I’m glad that city officials can point at capital funds and complemented with “Originally we were just going to do us and show that this is the direction they grants from the state and federal govern- an addition,” Newell says. “When we want to go in,” Newell says. ment and other sources. looked at the old mechanical system and windows and how to integrate the old part MINDSETS AND MOBILIZATION of the building, that didn’t make sense. For libraries considering creating CAPs For the same amount of money, we could or supporting those of their local gov- raze the building and have a brand-new, ernments, Preskitt recommends partner- energy-efficient building.” ing with climate-change experts. APL’s That required the partners include personnel from the library to appeal University of Alaska Anchorage, National to the state of Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Oregon for per- and Renewable Energy Alaska Project. mission to tear She also suggests that libraries avoid down the historic duplicating the efforts of their municipal-

A hybrid vehicle purchased by building. “That ities and that they hold focus groups to Public Library (N.J.) Princeton Photo: Princeton (N.J.) Public Library

44 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org A worker installs solar panels on the roof (left) of Ledding Library—thinks libraries should get Library in Milwaukie, involved with this work as part of a para- Oregon (above). digm shift. “Libraries have to understand it’s not just about promoting [sustainability] on Earth Day,” she says. “It’s not just a checklist you take out and look at every few months. We want more libraries to think at a governance level.” The biggest challenge to addressing determine how much their communities to schools to businesses.” Her materials global warming? Overwhelming people are willing to support a CAP. “That will give management working group, for example, with the scope of the issue, she says. you a better idea of some of the challenges included a professor from Rutgers Univer- Aldrich suggests starting with policy you haven’t considered,” Preskitt says. sity with a background in environmental and educating library leadership. “Then Menard advises: “Do not do it in isola- issues, area merchants and restaurants, a unleash your staff to creatively get tion.” She suggests that a library develop green schools coalition, and a represen- there,” she says. its CAP with its municipality as well as tative from nearby Fortune 500 company “We need a wartime mobilization on environmental groups and others. “They Johnson & Johnson. this topic,” she adds, likening the idea to can provide you with information and Meetings have to be moderated the recent actions the world has taken on tools you may not have been aware of. carefully, Dorman adds: “Since [sustain- COVID-19. “Can you imagine if we had There might even be money out there,” ability] touches every part of life, it’s easy that response on climate change? That’s she says, noting that the city of Kingston for discussions to go off track.” Consider the level of energy that is needed.” helped her library fund its rain garden and how information will be presented to the water disconnection. public and what steps must be taken to get MARK LAWTON is a writer Dorman suggests casting a wide net buy-in, she suggests. in Chicago. for potential partners. “Make sure you are Aldrich—whose library system

Photos: Katie Newell/Ledding Library in Milwaukie, Oregon (solar panels); Krista Joy Johnson (exterior) Joy Krista panels); (solar Oregon in Milwaukie, Library Newell/Ledding Katie Photos: being diverse,” she says, “from academics has 66 members, including Kingston

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 45 Rethinking Libraries consider divesting from law Police enforcement BY Cass Balzer Presence

mid mass protests of police violence against Black For example, Toledo–Lucas County (Ohio) Public Library (TLCPL) has people, some libraries are revisiting the ways in announced that when it reopens after which they’ve historically interacted with law its COVID-19 shutdown, many of the security staff members in its branches enforcement—such as by hosting police-led com- will no longer carry arms or wear A uniforms. In addition, TLCPL is forming munity programming like Coffee with a Cop, hiring off-duty a public safety working group that will “attempt to untangle complex ques-

police as security officers, or calling 911 on disruptive patrons. tions about what safety means, who is (police) Stock ©twixx/Adobe (library), Stock Lund/Adobe ©Jacob illustration: Photo

46 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org DEESCALATION IN ACTION While the call to divest from police may be new for some libraries, others have been working to diminish the presence of law enforcement for years. In 2011, Denver Public Library (DPL) established a Homeless Services Action Committee to better serve the needs of patrons experiencing homelessness—a population especially vulnerable to abuse by law enforcement. Over the past nine years, that committee has advocated for and secured 10 new hires: four social workers and six peer navigators, who help address crises that might otherwise be handled by the police department. “We’re really trying to deescalate situations and reduce our calls to 911 and to the police department by handling what we can in-house,” says Rachel Fewell, DPL Central Library perceived as a threat, what individual who is targeted by police, and you’re administrator. biases we bring to our expectations in a library when the police come in, DPL also has its own security team, around public safety, and how we can you’re going to change your behavior. comprising unarmed library employees. ensure our public safety practices are You’re going to self-censor.” These workers enforce the library’s use advancing positive outcomes for staff, The Medium post asserts that policy alongside peer navigators, who customers, and the community,” reads calling the police to handle patron work to find solutions aligned with the a June 22 library statement, in part. issues risks incurring violence against library’s trauma-informed mission. “Once we made the announcement, I vulnerable communities. Instead, These changes came after a pub- did get a number of emails from staff— LFP calls on libraries to invest in their licized investigation of drug use on both African American and white—who own alternatives and deescalation the library’s campus in 2016. The city said, ‘This is something I’ve thought strategies, such as banning gunshot reacted by installing police in its build- about a lot, and I’m glad we’re taking detection systems and other “police ings, instituting regular shifts at some this step,’” reports TLCPL Director technology,” connecting patrons in downtown branches. While library staff Jason Kucsma. need to resources rather than crimi- bristled at this change, Fewell says the Positioned as a manifesto of sorts for nalizing their behavior, and educating experience has allowed them to have this movement is a widely read June 9 workers on the societal and community frank conversations with the police. Medium post by the Library Freedom impact of policing. “We were able to tell them, ‘When Project (LFP), which calls for libraries Macrina says: “Part of the reason you show up in a group of six, people to divest from police (bit.ly/lfpdivest). we decided to make the statement is really don’t feel comfortable being at “There’s no possible way to have not just because it’s something that we the library, and we really want to be a intellectual freedom if police are in the believe in at the LFP and [that is] part safe place for people,’” she says. “Now building,” says Alison Macrina, who as of other work that we’ve done, but we they understand more about what our LFP director oversees the organization’s didn’t see any other library professional role in the community is and that we efforts to educate libraries on privacy organization taking on any of the need them to back off a little bit so that and surveillance. “If you are a person demands of Black organizers.” we can do the work we need to do.”

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 47 TAKING SMALL STEPS a local security firm. Citing imminent According to RBPL Director Susan While DPL’s efforts to reduce police budget cuts and a decreased demand Anderson, the training focuses on the presence came from library leaders for library access, Research Consulting importance of building relationships and administrators, other initiatives Coordinator Rebecca Tolley says this with regular patrons. “If you’re friendly are built on the efforts of lower-level decision was an easy one. However, and chatting when things are going employees. According to Tonya*, an Tolley says she’s anticipating problems well, it will seem less like you are pick- assistant at a public library in Missouri enforcing public health best practices ing on them [if you have to ask them where police patrol the surrounding when the university reopens. to change their behavior] because you blocks, she and some of her coworkers “I’ve heard stories of library patrons have built up a good relationship,” she have quietly taken steps to limit law not wearing masks, tearing down signs, says. Anderson also notes that train- enforcement presence in the library and not physically distancing,” she ing highlights the importance of body after witnessing the discomfort that says. “It’s important for us to know the language, tone of voice, and approach some members of the community expe- plan at the university level and how to when deescalating a situation. rience around police. handle those situations. Do we just call RBPL has not yet had the opportunity “We’re kind of protesting in our own public safety when that happens?” to put this training to use; the library way by making changes at our own shut down because of COVID- 19 just as branches in the ways that we can to IMPLEMENTING TRAINING staffers were finishing the course. Still, do what we feel is right,” says Tonya. Some libraries are working toward Anderson looks forward to its imple- For example, the police officers that instituting formal procedures and mentation. “I think a lot of this training provide security to the library and employee training to limit the number has been needed for a long time,” she other downtown buildings previously of 911 calls made for drug- or violence- says. “I’m glad to see that it’s been pro- entered the library at the beginning of related events in their buildings. vided in the last few years, because it’s a each shift to sign in and provide their Redondo Beach (Calif.) Public Library skill that you have to practice.” contact information. Now library staff (RBPL) has been doing this work for Anderson also says there is a low meet the officers outside so that they years, most recently participating in a barrier to entry for many deescalation don’t enter the library. webinar called “The Librarian’s Guide programs. She points out there are “We’ve been having a lot of conversa- to Homelessness.” (See “The Librarian’s many free or low-cost tools libraries can tions about how we [have historically] Guide to Homelessness,” June 2018, use to learn deescalation techniques, used the police,” Tonya says. “We’ve p. 54.) This training teaches deescala- including videos on mental health been talking a lot about how we can tion techniques designed to help avoid provided by the California State Library limit our interactions, because our police interaction and recommends and resources developed by the Public go-to for anything security-related was that library workers call 911 in only Library Association. to call the officer on duty, which is not two situations: if an incident is genu- Melissa Gibson, adult services always the safest option, as we’ve seen inely dangerous, or if a patron refuses manager at Scott County (Ky.) Public from the news. We’re definitely having to leave the library. Library (SCPL), says that the police these conversations because of Black officers who have responded to calls Lives Matter.” for assistance at her library have their Tonya says she thinks limiting police own knack for deescalation: “If we have interaction will be a positive experi- While safety should someone who looks like they’re in some ence for patrons. “[Some regulars] distress, I’ve got a lot of friends on the ask why we always have police in remain a paramount police force, and I can say, ‘Hey, Nick, here. They want to know if they’re in concern in libraries, can you come over and check this guy?’ trouble,” she says. “I feel like it’ll be a They know to come in very quietly and better, calmer attitude over the whole police divestment just sit and talk with them.” library. The police don’t make everyone advocates say that While SCPL has no formal policy comfortable.” regarding when police should be called, As budget cuts loom, some libraries library workers Gibson says that staffers prefer to handle may be involuntarily revisiting their incidents themselves whenever possible relationship with law enforcement. should reflect on to avoid “paperwork and reports.” Still, Sherrod Library at East Tennes- what it means to be she asserts, “I think there’s a place for see State University in Johnson City [police in the library], just like there is recently terminated its contract with safe in their spaces. with any other emergency service. It’s

*Name changed at source’s request

48 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org When Not to Call the Cops A plea to protect Black patrons

BY Jarrett Dapier and Emily Knox our police officers confront a killings. Every time library staffers when we sit patiently with disruptive Black man at a library computer call the police, we put the lives of our teenagers until they agree to change F and tell him that because he’s Black patrons in danger. their behaviors, we communicate the been disturbing other patrons, he In the aftermath of George Floyd’s importance of empathy and non- must leave the premises. The man killing by police and the resurgence violence. By keeping our libraries refuses. The confrontation ends when of the Black Lives Matter movement, as police-free as we can, we com- the Black man is tased and dragged more and more librarians must municate to our patrons that Black out of the library by the officers. understand this fact. Important as it Lives Matter. This incident took place at the is to read books and listen to pod- The library in the incident above library where one of us, Jarrett Dapier, casts about antiracism, it’s more now employs onsite social workers worked as a readers’ advisor and urgent for librarians to assess their who can intercede with distressed program coordinator serving teens. libraries’ policy—or lack thereof— patrons in ways that don’t result in (He was not present but has seen cell- regarding calling the police. When potential murder or jail time. (It’s phone footage of the incident.) are police called to your library? important to realize that seemingly Calling the police when a patron Why? On whom? small uses of force, such as tasering, is disruptive may seem like a library’s Police are not a de facto security can be dangerous, even fatal.) only course of action. But often, the service and shouldn’t be used that Of course, not all libraries are for- potentially violent results aren’t con- way. As a general rule, if you have to tunate enough to have a social worker sidered. They should be. think about whether you should call on staff. If that’s the case, you and them, don’t. Shootings, fistfights, your staff must nonetheless find alter- As a general rule, if kidnappings—these are situations natives to calling the police, asking in which you should reach for the yourselves: “What does this person you have to think about phone. Not when a 13-year-old shouts need? Who can help?” whether you should unkind words at you. That child Stop calling the police. Find other doesn’t deserve to be traumatized solutions. This is lifesaving, antiracist call the police, don’t. and funneled into the criminal justice work libraries can do now. • system, likely with lifetime effects, for Black people are three times more impulsive behavior. JARRETT DAPIER is young adult librarian likely than white people to be killed by We are in the business of providing at Skokie (Ill.) Public Library. EMILY KNOX is associate professor and interim police, according to Mapping Police information to our patrons. When we associate dean for academic affairs at Violence, a research collaborative resist calling the police, when we seek University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that collects national data on police to peacefully help distressed patrons, School of Information Sciences.

not a racial thing. Sometimes there’s just And in reevaluating what it means take on that role for your community, somebody who shouldn’t be here, and to be safe in a library space, libraries you can have greater influence and they’re not listening to us.” are poised to shift the broader dis- change the scope of how you’re doing While safety should remain a cussion of policing and safety in their things in your community.” paramount concern in libraries, police communities. This article first appeared on american divestment advocates say that library “[The police department] just started libraries.org on July 8. workers should reflect on what it a new program where they’re having means to be safe in their spaces. “We mental health professionals respond to CASS BALZER is a writer want people to really think about what 911 calls, and our team really worked in Chicago. safety means, whose safety matters, with them to get that up and running,” and at what cost,” says Macrina. says Fewell. “If you’re a library and you

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 49 Encoding SHAPING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS THAT Space UNLOCK HUMAN POTENTIAL

BY Brian Mathews and Leigh Ann Soistmann

n 1956, Abraham Maslow published a seminal paper on the influence our physical surroundings have Ion us. Participants viewed photographs of people’s faces and evaluated them based on different attributes. Maslow wanted to test how people reacted to this content while located in different physical environments. Some viewed the images while seated in a beautiful office, while others did so in a grungy janitor’s closet. In the nicer room, people interpreted the faces in the photos as filled with energy and well-being. The same faces were seen as fatigued and sickly when viewed in the run-down room. Maslow surmised that the condition of our surroundings has an impact on not only our emo- tions but our judgment as well.

50 September/October 2020 Various studies support the notion that space affects our mood and behaviors. From architects and interior designers to psychologists and neuroscientists to community developers and retail managers, numerous experts have discussed the impact of physical environments on the way we think, This is an excerpt from Encod- feel, learn, and act. print materials, ing Space: Shaping Learning what factors can Environments that Unlock Swayed by our surroundings transform the library Human Potential by Brian We each respond consciously (and often unconsciously) from just another Mathews and Leigh to the places where we live, work, hang out, or otherwise space into a place that is a Ann Soistmann inhabit throughout our day. These spaces influence what significant part of someone’s (ACRL, 2016). we get done, whom we engage with, and how we interact learning and research journey? with the world around us. In fact, the places where we spend most of our time affect who we are and what we can Attachment become. Space shapes us as much as we shape it. If we want to elevate the way people Reading more about the psychological and philosophi- feel when they use the library, we need to cal nature of space has changed my approach to planning elevate the way they feel about the library itself. library environments. We have to keep in mind that our We need to create environments that stimulate efforts are not just about form, function, and efficiency. Our an emotional connection. What aspects help foster decisions have a direct impact on the cognitive growth and a sense of place? It’s not cutting-edge technology or well-being of our communities. designer furniture. It’s not large windows with panoramic Librarians are increasingly allocating more of their views. Nor is it an enormous print collection, a café, or great buildings’ physical footprints to classrooms, commons, and customer service. specialized studios. This change affords many opportunities So what is it? The answer might surprise you. for engagement as well as tremendous responsibility. More Community developers have found that social ties are the people are using our services and facilities in different ways. best predictor of strong place attachment. In other words, But we are imparting something deeper: We’re influencing it’s not the age, condition, or amenities of a place that deter- how people think and feel about learning, research, knowl- mine how close our connection to it is. It’s our relationships edge, and themselves. with the people there. Studies suggest that students who participate in living- What makes a space a place? learning residential communities, rather than traditional We are increasingly expanding the spectrum of services in dorms, perform better academically. They also have an our buildings. From makerspaces and visualization labs to easier time transitioning into college and tend to develop a digital scholarship centers and design studios, the library greater attachment to the institution. While some students landscape is changing rapidly and radically. But there is one and faculty may seek out the library as a place of solitude, thing we can’t design: a sense of place. the fact is that they are doing so among others who value There is much debate about what constitutes a “place” that same condition. Even if you prefer to be tucked away in and how it differs from a “space.” After we pored through the stacks, others around you are also silent and respectful pages on the topic, it seems that a space becomes a place of this shared desire. It’s a community of quiet people. when it rises above being merely useful. Places have social We become attached to places because of what they enable and personal significance. They mean something to us. We us to do. They can provide us with energy and support, and become emotionally invested in a place according to the they supply us with inspiration and comfort. These places nature of what we can do in it and how it makes us feel. It enhance our lives on a continuing basis. If we want students is through this process of accruing experiences that a space and others to feel this way about libraries, then they need the transforms into a place. ability to participate in their surroundings accordingly. Why is this important? As we reimagine libraries, we want to create opportunities for people to bond with and within How does this space make you feel? our environments. Historically we have been able to point to Libraries have certain noises. Their soundscape, rang- the stacks and talk about libraries as sacred places because of ing from intense concentration to lively collaboration, is their collections. But that seems to be changing. If all we are unparalleled. Even our quiet reading rooms have a particu- providing is a place to study or a computer lab, that doesn’t lar hum—the energy of people surrounded by like-minded particularly require a library. As we face a future with fewer people reading, typing, thinking, and dreaming.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 51 We’ve spent years trying to improve this harmony. How This communal aspect is intriguing. People are not can we help people work better? The most valuable insights coming to libraries only to get work done; they also want we’ve encountered have come from sharing space with the an audience and to join the performance. They position students themselves. To understand their situation, we had themselves around other people who are working on their to experience it firsthand. We needed to work where they own assignments. We’re all in this together. It’s a shared worked, see what they saw, and feel what they felt. We effort. Being surrounded by other productive people is a needed to inhabit the environment alongside them. So we powerful motivator. frequently take our own work into the commons landscape. We’ve since noticed related activities. For example, when Over time you recognize a choreography in how a space given an opportunity, many students will alter furniture ebbs and flows between calm and frenetic. You realize that placement to meet their needs. They might move a table certain people can completely alter the demeanor of a room. near a window or drag a chair next to a friend. Some will In our conversations with library users, we’ve repeatedly adjust lamps, window shades, or portable partitions. This encountered stories from groups and individuals about idea of modifying a room to address immediate needs serves being able to get things done. A psychological alchemy both functional and emotional desires. It’s a key element for occurs once people walk through our doors. Visiting a encoding space. Our message to them: Make it your own. library unlocks certain mental modes, different ways of Some students feel better sitting a particular way in a thinking, seeing, and being. Students and faculty leave our particular chair in a particular place at a particular time. A buildings with a sense of accomplishment. A trip to the chair is more than just a place to sit; it is an instrumental library is an investment in self-improvement. part of the larger ecosystem and has a direct impact on the We vividly recall a conversation with a student team that pursuit of learning. Places enhance our moods and affect expanded our thoughts on common areas. They felt that the way we feel about the activities we are doing. As Maslow they could write code together better when working in the suggested with his room study, an uncomfortable envi- library. They admitted that using their laptops enabled them ronment makes working on projects feel more laborious, to work anywhere, but the library presented them with a whereas an inspiring environment uplifts the spirit, bringing unique combination of features. The mixture of physical, about greater results. technological, social, and aesthetic components propelled their work. The group members also noted that they always Space imparts action run into old friends or encounter people they don’t see regu- Imagine you are teaching in a classroom filled with rows larly in their classes or residential areas. The value proposi- of desktop computers. What impact does this arrangement tion for them is being able to share, move, create, test, and have on your approach? Now imagine that you are in a room bond in ways they couldn’t achieve elsewhere. outfitted with movable furniture, portable whiteboards, and

52 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org A chair is more than just a place to sit; it is an instrumental part of the larger ecosystem and has a direct impact on the pursuit of learning.

web presence. Changing the environment influences people’s behaviors. We view library buildings in the same manner: It is all programmable space. We can move book stacks, computers, or study carrels and arrange them differently. We can introduce a cart of laptops. Would you teach differently? One setup temporary features such as exhibits, installations, or events. isn’t necessarily better than the other; they each enable dif- We can optimize certain areas depending on how they are ferent things to happen. If you are demonstrating software framed and where they are located throughout our build- and want people to follow along, then the fixed room would ings. We can alter experience (and behaviors) by altering the be suitable. If you want students to move about and interact environment. in small groups, then the flexible arrangement is more ideal. An idea that sparked our imagination was a series of exper- The space affects what we can do within it. You’ve iments conducted in school cafeterias. Researchers found probably experienced this during meetings. A circular that they could influence student’s food selection simply setup creates a different dynamic than one featuring a long by arranging the choices in different ways. For example, rectangular table. The configuration of the furniture affects they increased healthy eating by emphasizing certain foods the way people engage with one another and the manner in and deemphasizing others, even when the same inventory which topics are discussed. There is a big difference between was available. What really mattered was how the food was sharing information and shaping it together. Our job, then, presented as students moved through the line. Easy access to is to think about the wide array of interactions (behaviors) healthy food early on was the critical factor. that we want to support and then to develop spaces that This is a powerful concept. It encourages us to think of encourage those outcomes. ourselves as choice architects, not just learning space managers. A library building presents visitors with many Programmable space choices, and patrons have to make a series of decisions about One of the most valuable ways to think about physical what they need for the task at hand. We are presenting them space is to compare it with virtual space. If you manage a with a physical interface. As they navigate our spaces, they are website, there are things you can do to influence how it is exposed to many different possibilities. Our task is to apply used, from selecting certain colors, fonts, and graphics to the principles of usability and offer intuitive options. In this presenting content, navigation, and interactive components. manner we become interaction designers, creating a diverse Information architecture works behind the scenes to bring it range of settings for a variety of intended outcomes. all together. Analytics, usability testing, and other tools allow you to BRIAN MATHEWS is associate monitor the actions occurring across your pages. You can dean for innovation, preservation, and access at Carnegie Mellon change settings to make your site better: Rename links, University Libraries in Pittsburgh. resize images, move text, or place greater emphasis on LEIGH ANN SOISTMANN certain areas. By modifying code, you modify the virtual graduated from Virginia Tech in environment and ultimately how people experience your Blacksburg with a bachelor’s degree in interior design.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 53 PERSPECTIVES in practice

microaggressions, racial trauma, Not Beyond Critique and the erasure of her contribu- tions. Rich literature on the nega- The need for critical conversations tive and traumatic experiences of BIPOC library workers should give about our libraries and profession BY Meredith Farkas any library administrator pause, yet most of our organizations have n my column in the January/February issue (“Your Library’s Story,” not yet acknowledged the white p. 64), I encouraged librarians to take control of the narrative supremacy inherent in our formal when telling the story of their impact. The ability to demonstrate or unspoken workplace norms Iour value is crucial as our funding bodies face decreased revenue (bit.ly/AL-WhiteSupCulture). because of the pandemic. In promoting a positive external image of the Those looking for recent works library, it’s possible to also inadvertently position the library internally as that shed light on these experi- above censure. This silences criticism and keeps libraries from improving. ences should read the excellent MEREDITH At the heart of this issue is vocational awe, originally defined by book Pushing the Margins: Women FARKAS is fac- Fobazi Ettarh in her article “Vocational Awe and Librarianship: The Lies of Color and Intersectionality in ulty librarian at We Tell Ourselves” (bit.ly/AL-VocAwe), which positions the profession as LIS (bit.ly/AL-PushingMargins), Portland (Oreg.) Community a calling and the institution as a sacred beacon of democracy. edited by Rose Chou College. Follow We’ve all read articles that portray libraries as “a city on a and Annie Pho, her on Twitter hill” and librarians as selfless community servants. While Within our and Kaetrena Davis @librarianmer. these narratives might be useful externally, within the pro- Kendrick and Ione fession they can stifle legitimate concerns and dissent. profession, we Damasco’s article Libraries should not be beyond critique. At a time when “Low Morale in the structural racism inherent in American institutions should be able Ethnic and Racial is being starkly exposed, narratives that portray libraries to examine Minority Academic as institutions that neutrally welcome everyone erase the Librarians: An Experi- marginalization, racism, and exclusion experienced by Black, areas where ential Study” (bit.ly/ Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and people from we fall short. AL-LowMorale). other marginalized groups at the hands of library employ- When an institution ees and inequitable library policies. Our rhetoric around is beyond critique, it the value of libraries often centers on the people who work can’t be improved. The there, but library workers are humans who can’t just leave their uncon- sooner we acknowledge the role scious biases at the door. libraries play in upholding While vocational-awe narratives are rooted in white supremacy, they inequities, the sooner we can can harm all workers. These narratives characterize people who prior- identify ways to change for the itize their own well-being as being lazy or lacking commitment. This better. Confronting the ways in past spring, when most libraries closed their buildings to protect public which our organizations cause health, critics on social media accused library workers of abandoning harm—whether to patrons or staff their patrons and being unwilling to be “essential” when they were most members—is uncomfortable but needed. Library workers who were advocating for safety (against those entirely necessary. Recognizing who wanted libraries to open or provide curbside service before it was how we, as individuals and as part safe in their area) were portrayed in one article as “too precious to roll up of institutions, have benefitted their sleeves and get to work” (bit. ly/AL-Essential). While this commen- from and upheld white supremacy tary also recognized that individuals deserved to feel safe and supported, can be deeply painful, but the fact the portrayal of workers’ safety concerns in such language can have a that our BIPOC patrons and chilling effect on self-advocacy. colleagues do not get to choose Within our profession, we should be able to examine areas where we whether to engage with racism fall short. I recently watched a friend leave the profession because of should motivate white librarians the death by a thousand cuts she suffered as a Black librarian, including to do the work.

54 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org dispatches PERSPECTIVES

■ If you have not already done so, Digital Legacy Planning speak with an estate attorney about your physical and digital Librarians can help patrons property (such as sentimental materials like family photo- evaluate their online footprint BY Heather Moorefield-Lang graphs). If you do not want to involve a lawyer, you can always hen you hear the terms digital legacy or digital afterlife, research how to write a will what comes to mind? An episode of Black Mirror, maybe, online. It is an easy document to or the sci-fi series Upload, in which characters choose their fill out, and a notary stamp is all own afterlives? How about The Good Place? you need to make it official. W ■ The themes of afterlife and legacy have become prominent in popular Have an open conversation about media over the past few years, but the lifecycle of our digital footprint is digital content with your family, less understood. friends, loved ones, and heirs. HEATHER The Digital Legacy Association, a British organization that hosts Death is not the most exciting or MOOREFIELD- annual conferences on the topic, defines digital legacy as the digital welcome of topics, but it happens LANG is associ- information left behind when a person dies. How that information is to 100% of us. Failure to discuss ate professor in the Department stored, shared, and protected is incredibly important, and this is where the topic realistically can leave of Library and we as librarians can play a role as educators and curators. your heirs in the lurch. Information Librarians have an opportunity to help patrons understand their ■ Be realistic about your digital Science at Uni- online behavior while also protecting the legacies they will leave behind. assets and belongings. What do versity of North When discussing digital citizenship with library patrons or students, you have? Make an inventory Carolina at Greensboro. we typically talk about responsible behaviors in a technological society, for those who will inherit it. focusing on topics such as cyberbullying, cyber safety, digital footprints, Revisit and update this list regu- and sometimes cyber security. It is important for our students and library larly. Make sure you have a way patrons to understand that the lives they build online will far outlast for loved ones to access your their physical lives. accounts. While it may not sound like the most exciting lecture or professional ■ Appoint a digital executor for development workshop topic, it is still incredibly important. We are your online life. This can be the digital citizens much longer than we are mortal ones. executor of your Facebook pages, Twitter and Instagram posts, Pinterest will, or it can boards, and even Snapchat snaps—all this content has If your digital life were be a designated the potential to outlive the person who created it. web service. For Think back—way back—on everything you a closet, how packed more on this have ever posted online. If your digital life were a would it be? How much topic, see Jan closet, how packed would it be? How much purg- Zastrow’s article ing would you need to do to empty it, as if you were purging would you need “Online Lega- making a big move? to do to empty it? cies and Digital Understanding what we digitally own versus what Estate Planning” we can access online is important as well. For example, in Computers in you can access music—but not own it—via services like Libraries (bit.ly/ Spotify, whereas files you store digitally in cloud servers like Dropbox or AL-digital-legacy). Google Docs belong to you. When it comes to digital Things to think about: legacy, a little bit of advance ■ Just as you might reorganize your closets twice a year, it’s also import- planning and mindful preparation ant to review and clean out your digital files and accounts. If you have goes a long way. not used that LinkedIn page in three years, maybe now is the time to Adapted from “Digital Legacy,” delete it. If Facebook has not served your needs lately, maybe it’s time Library Technology Reports vol. 56, to get rid of that account, too. no. 5 (July 2020).

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 55 PERSPECTIVES youth matters

have—and don’t have—in your From Reactive to Proactive community. Because COVID-19 has moved school online, school Youth services require clarity and flexibility systems and local government likely have data on what percent- during periods of uncertainty BY Linda W. Braun ages of youth and families have access to broadband internet or n May, when I learned about the strategic leadership frameworks networked devices at home. Then VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) and VUCA keep going, expanding upon Prime (vision, understanding, clarity, agility) that are often used knowns and communicating with Iin business, I began to better understand the ways in which library stakeholders until you recognize staffers responded to COVID-19 building closures. which services can accomplish the I noticed that youth library workers were, understandably, operating library’s vision. in reactive mode. But a quote from Bob Johansen, the author and futurist This method helps you develop LINDA W. BRAUN who introduced the VUCA Prime model in 2007, helped me realize this a game plan; you are no longer is a Seattle- may not be the best method: “You have to be very clear jumping into pro- based consultant where you’re going but very flexible in how you get there” grams because they and a past president of ALA’s (bit.ly/AL-VUCA). Being proactive replicate physical Young Adult VUCA Prime is a natural jumping-off point for services and are Library Services forward-thinking response during uncertain times. It can take time but easy to get off the Association. can be a way to move from reactive to proactive practices will enable you ground. Yet, as you in our libraries. Those working with youth and families work with knowns, seemed to be reacting to the volatility of the pandemic. to build services be mindful of agility; There was a feeling that libraries needed to pivot quickly that support a always analyze and to offer virtual services, which often translated to live- adapt practices as streaming storytimes, hosting teen advisory groups via community’s you progress. For Zoom, and bringing a variety of other programs online. changing needs. instance, you may It must have seemed impossible to do anything else—and have used demo- it’s understandable that staffers would want customers graphic data to to have access to services that are similar to what they determine that you provided face-to-face. need to bring summer learning However, emergencies can be a time to set forth a new vision for materials to a school meal site. services. For example, if the vision is to prepare all teens for successful But once there, you might find futures, staffers might ask themselves how they should change the ways that items aren’t being checked they plan to achieve that goal in a time of social distancing and building out. Instead of thinking, “We closures. Examining the library’s mission for youth services can help staff know these families need these gain new focus even in challenging times. materials,” ask yourself, “Why With a vision in place, it’s possible to move from uncertainty about a aren’t families interacting with situation to an understanding of how tactics need to realign. You can take us?” Talk with them and meal- this understanding and begin talking about it with others—colleagues, site workers to learn more about community members, decision makers, families, and youth. By building their needs. on these conversations, it’s possible to gain clarity on which activities and Being proactive can take more services will help you meet the needs of youth in a changing world. time than being reactive, but it will How do you develop that clarity? LaKesha Kimbrough, student enable you to build services that success coordinator at Washington Middle School in Seattle, suggests support a community’s changing working with knowns. For example, if you know that your vision is to needs. If you start by examining make sure all youth have successful futures, and you know that you your vision, it’s more likely you’ll need to work toward that goal in distanced or virtual environments, be equipped to provide quality then you know you need to learn about the digital access that youth services during periods of crisis.

56 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org on my mind PERSPECTIVES

What does this look like for Remote Control? educators? We must ask ourselves, for example: When we Rethinking inclusive attempt to activate or supply background knowledge, are we online teaching BY Elizabeth M. Johns merely acknowledging diverse experiences and circumstances or his fall semester will look and feel different for academic are we respecting and amplifying a librarians on campuses across the country. Summertime conver- diverse range of voices? sations that used to focus on fall event planning or new interac- Conversations around these Ttive exhibits have been replaced with discussions of which chairs questions can be facilitated by the are moving to storage and whether we have enough plexiglass to protect UDL Graphic Organizer and other the help desk. resources on the website of the My information literacy classes, like so many others, have largely Center for Applied Special Technol- ELIZABETH shifted to video chat platforms. It was a difficult, abrupt switch, even ogy, the organization that devel- M. JOHNS is for those of us who have taught online for years. As online learning oped the framework (available at teaching and librarians know, a lesson designed for a physical classroom cannot udlguidelines.cast.org). Kendra learning librarian at Goucher Col- easily move to an online space but requires transformation for its new Grant and Luis Perez’s 2018 Dive lege in Baltimore environment. into UDL workbook can help you and a doctoral I know what I am teaching and why it’s important, but our teaching practice (diveintoudl.com). As student at the approaches changed almost overnight. Students initially struggled with more classes, programs, and Johns Hopkins this new way of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. I could see and outreach shift online, the Interna- University School of Education. hear their frustrations as they were forced into a learning environment tional Society for Technology in that they did not choose or enjoy. Education Standards for Educators To help me understand my students’ reluctance, I turned to Universal can serve as a complementary Design for Learning (UDL), a framework for teaching with the goal of resource to UDL (bit.ly/AL-ISTE). developing expert learners who are purposeful, motivated, resourceful, These are anxious times for and strategic. It offers graduated levels of guidelines to help everyone, particularly educators design learning that provides multiple means of students from histor- representation, engagement, and action and expression—or ically marginalized what educators should consider the principles of what, why, Universal Design communities. But we and how students learn. for Learning can be proactive in The answers to those questions have changed seismically our efforts to support over the last several months. The pandemic has forced isn’t a simple students. We can instructors and students alike to confront profound issues checklist or the refocus on how and of persistence and self-regulation and to find new ways to why students learn. cope with the struggle. sole solution to For me, that pro- I have integrated UDL into my practice in the past, a complex set cess involves a UDL tending to focus on the first level of the why of learning— approach and a criti- recruiting interest—with first-year students. The pan- of challenges. cal pedagogy lens. demic has forced me to take it further. I asked my students As academic to self-assess their work and set their own deadlines. I librarians, we often held space in class for more intentional group reflection, pride ourselves on focusing on ways to build connections between the content and their our student-centered approach to lives. We all need that space to refocus, and it remains crucial as the fall teaching and learning. The semester begins. ongoing pandemic-related UDL isn’t a simple checklist or the sole solution to a complex set of challenges of the present moment challenges. Rather, it supports a nuanced approach to learning, one that offer an excellent opportunity to encompasses accessibility, inclusion, and cultural awareness. model that practice.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 57 PERSPECTIVES librarian’s library

Building Community Elevate patron voices through engagement, partnerships, and volunteerism

ARACELI MÉNDEZ HINTERMEISTER is knowledge manager at Uplift Education The Art of Gathering: Crowdsource Your From Library Volunteer in Dallas. How We Meet and Library, Engage Your to Library Advocate: Why It Matters Community: The What, Tapping into the Power of By Priya Parker When, Why, and How Community Engagement We spend much of our time in By Sara A. Fiore By Carla Campbell Lehn meetings, at conferences, and This guide shows new ways to In this book, Lehn urges read- attending other work-related crowdsource ideas from your ers to imagine volunteerism affairs—either in person or library community and provides not simply as assigning tasks virtually—but often those solutions and support to success- throughout the library, but rather experiences are narrowly focused fully execute those ideas. Using as a strategy for engagement that on logistics, one-way communi- examples from libraries across matches volunteers’ skills and cation, and mechanics. Parker the country and tactics on how interests to the library’s needs. In shows that getting together to serve specific demographic the shorter term, restructuring with other people doesn’t have groups, the book illustrates how tasks helps build meaningful to be boring; we can instead fill to use crowdsourcing and crowd- relationships with volunteers, meetings with moments and funding as tools to empower leading to more purposeful work. interactions that will capture our outreach, develop staff, plan In the longer term, volunteers attention and change and con- strategically, and more. Through gain a better understanding of nect us. This guide is full of ideas these local partnerships and the role of the library and can on how to shape your gatherings engagements, libraries can tackle become advocates who can help and become an active participant, a variety of endeavors that will strategize for community needs. so you can get more meaning not only serve but also celebrate Libraries Unlimited, 2018. 186 p. $50. out of them. While Parker does patrons. Libraries Unlimited, 2018. PBK. 978-1-4408-5670-9. (Also available not explicitly talk about virtual 122 p. $50. PBK. 978-1-4408-6111-6. (Also as an ebook.) gatherings, she has published available as an ebook.) free resources on her website (bit.ly/priyaguide) to connect the book’s lessons to gathering while apart. Riverhead Books, 2018. 320 p. $28. 978-1-5946-3492-5. (Also available as an ebook.)

58 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org PERSPECTIVES

BY Araceli Méndez Hintermeister

Community Partnerships Belong: Find Your Whole Person with School Libraries: People, Create Com- Librarianship: A Social Creating Innovative munity, and Live a Work Approach to Learning Experiences More Connected Life Patron Services By Bridget Crossman By Radha Agrawal By Sara K. Zettervall and Crossman explores community Belong aims to help readers Mary C. Nienow partnerships that support the build authentic and meaningful Zettervall and Nienow believe learning experiences of patrons relationships in fulfilling com- that librarians and social workers inside and outside the school munities. Using prompts, charts, have a common goal of connect- library, showcasing how these quizzes, and stories, Agrawal ing people to needed services. collaborations can support presents a self-discovery process Whole Person Librarianship points learners as they develop skills that can help people identify out the complementary values crucial for lifelong learning. their values, interests, and abil- and distinct approaches both While this book is targeted to ities and use them to find a like- professions employ in serving school librarians, its lessons—on minded group. While this book their communities. By highlight- how reimagined relationships is primarily for personal explora- ing a shared mission, the authors can create an environment tion, it can help librarians reflect show how connection can that empowers patrons while on the shared interests and goals become collaboration. Whether simultaneously identifying and of their library and users while collaborating with social workers addressing their needs—can be identifying ways to communicate or learning from their practices, valuable for libraries of all types. and navigate through constraints, library workers will find this book Libraries Unlimited, 2019. 187 p. $45. PBK. all in a fun and unexpected way. helpful in referring patrons to 978-1-4408-6891-7. Workman Publishing Group, 2018. 232 p. services that best meet their $19.95. 978-1-5235-0205-9. (Also avail- community’s needs. Libraries able as an ebook.) Unlimited, 2019. 175 p. $55. PBK. 978-1-4408-5776-8. (Also available as an ebook.)

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 59 Staff (top) and patron views of Curbside Communicator.

branch, which can include name, library card number, parking space, and car model. That information is then relayed to the Curbside Communicator system, which, depending on the library’s prefer- ences, sends an email notification to staff or displays the information in the web-based admin panel where library staffers can also send chat messages to patrons. To ensure privacy, conversations are deleted after the pickup has occurred. Curbside Communicator is $50 per month for the first location and $40 for each additional branch Don’t Touch in the same system, with a one-time Contactless services for libraries setup fee of $295 that covers up to four locations (more locations incur additional fees). The first 1,500 text BY Carrie Smith s libraries reopen, finding Patrons place a hold as usual messages each month are included ways to reduce face-to-face and, when the hold is ready for in the cost, with no additional Ainteraction will minimize the pickup, receive instructions to charge for messages sent through risk of spreading disease for both visit a web portal or text a number the web app. library workers and patrons. From provided by Unique (assigned to For more information, visit managing curbside pickup to inte- each library) when they are ready uniquelibrary.com/curbside- grating printer payment systems to retrieve items. This process communicator. that minimize cash transactions, can be integrated with Unique’s these platforms and apps are help- MessageBee email automation Princh ing libraries improve their services service for hold pickup notices; for Princh is a cloud-based self-service during the pandemic. libraries that don’t use the service, printing and payment platform curbside pickup instructions must designed to save time and reduce Curbside Communicator be added manually to their existing patron–staff interactions. Patrons Unique’s Curbside Communicator hold pickup notice emails. send documents to library print- automates curbside pickups for The pickup process doesn’t ers from their own devices using holds and creates a simple com- require patrons to download an the Princh mobile app or a web munication link between patrons app, and the text message option browser. For public computers, the and library staff to facilitate the allows communication without company offers software that inte- process. Rather than requiring an internet connection. Unique grates the Princh payment system. patrons to reserve a time slot in suggests posting instructions in the To print from a mobile device, advance, Curbside Communicator curbside pickup area and provides patrons download the Princh app, allows patrons to arrive anytime templates for signs. Once a patron import the document they want to during designated hours and use arrives and checks in, they receive print to the app, and then choose their mobile devices to check in and automatic prompts for basic infor- the library printer. The mobile provide basic information. mation as set by the library for each app includes a map of nearby

60 September/October 2020 SUBMISSIONS To have a new product considered, contact Carrie Smith at [email protected].

LIBRO on the Go

How do you use LIBRO? Kimberly Olivares, We purchased LIBRO to help USER: administrative and proj- with curbside pickup when ect specialist, Hussey- we reopened the building in Mayfield Memorial Public Princh-enabled printers. Laptop Princh allows patrons to print late May, with the intention Library in Zionsville, printing is browser-based, and no from their own to add more services by inte- Indiana installation is required. For added devices. grating our ILS. security, print jobs can be automati- PRODUCT: LIBRO cally assigned a PIN to release them How does LIBRO serve your library’s needs? Prior DESCRIPTION: LIBRO is a mobile app at the printer. that syncs with a library’s integrated to implementing LIBRO, we Supported payment methods library system (ILS) and offers curb- were essentially forcing our include debit and credit cards, side pickup management and voice room reservation software PayPal, and cash. When patrons assistant features. want to pay in cash, a library staffer to work as a curbside pickup can release the print job through reservation system. It was the Princh administrator panel. functional but very cumbersome for our staff and patrons. Once we The panel also allows staff to installed LIBRO, our patrons and staff made the transition almost resend failed print jobs and cancel seamlessly. LIBRO makes the workflow for our staff easy, and the or refund payments. For free print developers are constantly adding new functions in response to jobs, libraries can set a password to our requests. enter on the payment screen. What are the main benefits? This is the best software implemen- Princh runs on existing print- tation process I have ever experienced, by far. The team at LIBRO ers and server; setup takes about has been incredibly responsive and eager to get our feedback. The 15 minutes and can be done by patrons are loving the experience and are overwhelmingly positive library staff or remotely by Princh. about the convenience and safety of curbside pickup. The staff If a library doesn’t have a dedicated have adapted quickly to the new system as well. Once our ILS is server, the service can be run on integrated with LIBRO, we anticipate staff and patron satisfaction to a networked laptop or PC with a continue to grow. The added benefit of voice search on smartphones reliable internet connection. LIBRO simplifies and home electronics is exciting and supports patrons with a variety Princh mobile service starts at staff workflow for curbside pickup. of impairments while offering convenience for everyone. $249 per year and $599 per year for mobile and public PC printing What would you like to see improved or added to the app/service? together. The fee includes installa- We are eager for the ability to check out a patron’s holds with the tion, staff training, support, click of a button within the LIBRO staff interface. This will signifi- payment setup, updates and cantly reduce staff time and the need to handle each item. We also upgrades, and promotional look forward to offering a self-checkout option that allows patrons materials. Libraries are also to use their smartphones to scan and check out without the need charged 7 cents for each print to visit our circulation desk or existing self-check stations. This will transaction. Payments for print jobs reduce contact with surfaces tremendously. People are more are stored by the company and and more comfortable with “self-check” or “scan and buy” deposited to the library quarterly. options since the start of the pandemic. This will add another Princh is offering its mobile option to keep patrons safe if they choose to use it. Our staff printing service for free to ALA will always be available for questions or assistance, but by members through the end of 2020. offering these technology solutions we can increase mean- For more information, visit princh. ingful interactions with patrons and move away from just com/covid-19-offer. processing transactions.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 61 Melrose (Mass.) Public Library pro- ON THE MOVE moted Kathryn Walton to children’s librarian in May. June 1, Michael Baird became manager at Edson (Alberta) and District Brianna Buljung, teaching and Public Library. learning librarian at Colorado RETIREMENTS School of Mines in Golden, has July 6 Jenny Benedict started as direc- Sharon Epps, librarian and head of tor of Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester, been awarded a Fulbright US development and faculty services at Massachusetts. Scholar Grant to lecture at China University of Mining and Technol- University of Maryland in College Park, retired June 30. The Schomburg Center ogy in Xuzhou in spring 2021. for Research in Black dean of libraries at Texas Culture at New York Roberta Koscielski, deputy direc- June Koelker, Christian University in Fort Worth, Public Library named Joy tor of Peoria (Ill.) Public Library, retired in July. Bivins associate direc- was named Librarian of the Year tor of collections and by the Illinois Library Associa- Jessica MacPhail retired as executive research services June 23. tion in July. director of Racine (Wis.) Public Library, effective July 6. Oakland University Santi Thompson, head of digital in Rochester, Michi- research services at University of Scott P. Muir retired from Rowan Uni- gan, appointed Polly Houston Libraries, is the inau- versity Libraries in Glassboro, New D. Boruff-Jones dean gural recipient of the Eva Digital Jersey, as associate provost for library of university libraries, Research Endowed Library Pro- information services in July. effective July 1. fessorship. University of North June 30 Vickie L. Novak retired as Carolina at Chapel Hill director of Glenview (Ill.) Public Library. Libraries appointed Emily July 1 Kaetrena Davis Rachel Plant retired as youth services Brassell associate head Kendrick joined Win- of the software develop- librarian from Bixby Memorial Free throp University in Rock Library in Vergennes, Vermont, May 29. ment department June 1. Hill, South Carolina, as dean of its Dacus Library July 1 Tressie McMillan Melrose (Mass.) Public Library Chil- and Pettus Archives. Cottom joined the Uni- dren’s Librarian Marianne Stanton versity of North Carolina retired in May. Jessica Koshi-Lum became associate at Chapel Hill School of dean of the library at Renton (Wash.) Information and Library Technical College July 1. Science as associ- AT ALA ate professor. July 31 Scott Walter was promoted to became dean of Monica Chapman Amherst (Mass.) College named program coordinator for the Coretta library and information Martin Garnar library director, effec- Scott King Book Awards at the Office access at San Diego tive August 1. for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach State University. Services June 22. Alexandra Glenn joined University May 1 Hao Ye joined University of Flor- of Florida Marston Science Library Credit Manager John McGovern left ida Health Science Center Libraries in in Gainesville as student success ALA June 30. Gainesville as reproducibility librarian. librarian June 2. Manager of Public Policy Megan In August Chad Helton became director Ortegon left the Public Policy and of Hennepin County (Minn.) Library. PROMOTIONS Advocacy Office (PPAO) June 26.

April 13 Emily Jones joined University of Mount Gilead (Ohio) Public Library Emily Wagner, deputy director of advo- North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries recently promoted Melissa Kipp cacy communications in PPAO, left ALA as health sciences librarian. to director. June 19.

62 September/October 2020 | americanlibraries.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

MORE ONLINE americanlibraries.org/currents

Barbara Brewster, 98, a librarian and media specialist for Library Association’s (ALA) International Relations Round 24 years at Ossining (N.Y.) Union Free School District, died Table, and he published many scholarly articles in English March 31. Brewster was an early advocate for introducing and Chinese. computers to students and served as president of the Ossin- Tze-chung Li, 93, dean and professor emeritus of Domini- ing teachers union. can University’s Graduate School of Library and Information Nora Caplan, 93, head librarian for Noyes Children’s Library Science in River Forest, Illinois, died April 22. Li served as in Kensington, Maryland, until her 1981 retirement, died founding president of CALA (1976–1980) and was active in April 25. She had previously worked at the Library of Con- ALA, the Chinese American Educational Foundation, and gress, and she published articles and stories in The Saturday Phi Tau Phi. Evening Post, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and The Michelle Marie Miller, 51, librarian at Gorham Intermedi- Washington Post. ate School in Stanley, New York, died April 26. Miller was Marianne Cooper, 82, chair of the Queens serving as New York Library Association Section of School (N.Y.) College Graduate School of Library Librarians (NYLA/SSL) vice president for conferences, and Information Studies (1990–2003), had been a member of the NYLA/SSL board for more than died April 15. She led the school during a 10 years, and served as 2017–2018 NYLA/SSL president. period of fiscal difficulties when it was being Ola Mae Spinks, 106, a retired librarian for the Pontiac, considered for elimination, which it avoided Michigan, school district, died June 16. In 1972, she volun- by introducing new programs and updating older ones. She teered to visit the Library of Congress to help organize Born worked at Queens College for 36 years, also serving as the in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers’ Project, college’s affirmative action officer from 2008 until her 2011 1936 to 1938, a collection of more than 2,300 first-person retirement. She published several scholarly papers and was accounts of slavery compiled during the Great Depression. an active member of the Long Island Library Resources Coun- cil’s board of trustees. Zula Faye Holloway Stanton, 94, a retired high school librarian in Perryville, Arkansas, died May 21. Mary Ardeth Gaylord, 65, former librarian at Kent (Ohio) State University and Eli Lilly and Company, died June 1. In Mary Thulin, 75, retired librarian at Plymouth (Mass.) Com- 1986, she cofounded the Reference and User Services Associ- munity Intermediate School, died in May. ation’s Business Reference and Services Section. Walter “Cat” Walker, 63, retired head of cataloging and Linda M. Gosnell, 69, former head of children’s libraries associate librarian at Loyola Marymount University in Los at Pamunkey Regional Library System in Hanover, Virginia, Angeles, died June 11. Walker was active in the Program for died May 4. She had previously worked as a librarian at the Cooperative Cataloging, the Association for Library Collec- American School in Tehran, Iran; Tufts Library in Weymouth, tions and Technical Services, Online Audio-Visual Catalogers, Massachusetts; and Henrico County (Va.) Library System. and ALA’s Rainbow Round Table.

Susan E. Kelley, 73, former children’s librarian at Central Annie Lee Warren, 94, retired bookmobile librarian at Dixie Rappahannock Regional Library’s Snow branch in Spotsylva- Regional Library in Pontotoc, Mississippi, died May 18. nia, Virginia, died in May. J. Linda Williams, 74, retired coordinator of school library Clement Chu-Sing Lau, 62, associate dean of Georgia services for Anne Arundel County (Md.) Public Schools and Southern University Libraries in Statesboro, died May 24. an ALA member for 44 years, died February 20. Williams Lau had previously served as associate librarian at Hong served as president of the Maryland Association of School Kong Baptist University and associate director of the Univer- Librarians, president of the American Association of School sity of Baltimore Law Library. He was active in the Chinese Librarians (2005–2006), and head of school library services American Librarians Association (CALA) and the American for the Maryland State Department of Education.

americanlibraries.org | September/October 2020 63 the BOOKEND

The World on a String hen Greg Hall (top right) and Morgan Matens met and fell in love as graduate students over a dozen years ago (he was studying library science; she was studying set Wdesign), they had no idea they’d wind up working together. Hall is now children’s librarian at Nashville Public Library (NPL), where Matens is a puppeteer with Wishing Chair Productions, NPL’s in-house puppetry troupe. Wishing Chair Productions draws on the legacy of the prolific puppeteer Tom Tichenor, who worked in the library in the 1930s. After his death in 1992, NPL established a program in his honor that grew from small, single-performer storytimes to full-blown productions staffed by a team of 10 professional puppeteers. With marionettes, juggling, magic tricks, and a cast of recurring characters, “it’s more of a show than a storytime,” Hall says. Sheltering in place together, the couple has collaborated on weekly Facebook videos that bring NPL’s puppets to families across the country (bit.ly/NPL-puppets). The runaway hit so far is the music video “Curbside Baby,” set to Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” and featuring a DJ mouse who raps instructions for curbside library services (bit.ly/NPL-curbside). The video has garnered nearly 150,000 views on YouTube and a shout-out in The New York Times. Recalling the high-fives and knee-hugs that used to happen in crowded gymnasiums, Matens says: “It’s great we’re getting all this positive attention, but I do miss the kids.” Hall adds: “The Facebook ‘like’ is a poor substitute.”

THE BOOKEND showcases librarians, their work, and their work spaces. For consideration, email

[email protected]. and Hall) (Matens Public Library Samantha Saldana/Nashville Photo:

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