June 2020

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

COPING in the Time of COVID-19 p. 20

Sanitizing Collections p. 10 Rainbow Round Table at 50 p. 26

PLUS: Stacey Abrams, Future Library Trends, 3D-Printing PPE Thank you for keeping us connected even when we’re apart.

Libraries have always been places where communities connect. During the COVID19 pandemic, we’re seeing library workers excel in supporting this mission, even as we stay physically apart to keep the people in our communities healthy and safe. Libraries are 3D-printing masks and face shields. They’re hosting virtual storytimes, cultural events, and exhibitions. They’re doing more virtual reference than ever before and „inding new ways to deliver additional e-resources. And through this di† icult time, library workers are staying positive while holding the line as vital providers of factual sources for health information and news.

OCLC is proud to support libraries in these e orts. Together, we’re inding new ways to serve our communities.

For more information and resources about providing remote access to your collections, optimizing OCLC services, and how to connect and collaborate with other libraries during this crisis, visit: oc.lc/covid19-info June 2020

American Libraries | Volume 51 #6 | ISSN 0002-9769

COVER STORY 20 Coping in the Time of COVID-19 Librarians and health professionals discuss experiences and best practices

42 26 The Rainbow’s Arc ALA’s Rainbow Round Table celebrates 50 years of pride BY Anne Ford

32 What the Future Holds Library thinkers on the 38 most exciting technology 32 and noteworthy trends EDITED BY Carrie Smith

38 Narcan or No? Several years into the opioid crisis, public librarians reflect on whether to stock free naloxone BY Anne Ford 26 42 Hooking Your Audience on Copyright Advice for sparking students’ interest BY Laura Quilter

ON THE COVER: Illustration by © balabolka/Adobe Stock 16 10 18

UP FRONT TRENDS PERSPECTIVES 3 From the 10 How to Sanitize Collections IN PRACTICE Editor in a Pandemic 46 Pay Attention to Attention Living through Conservators weigh in on the mysteries of BY Meredith Farkas History materials handling during COVID-19 DISPATCHES BY Sanhita SinhaRoy BY Lara Ewen 47 Voice Assistants 14 Pandemic Forces Programs BY Win Shih and Erin Rivero ALA to Move Online YOUTH MATTERS 4 From the Libraries adapt quickly to the crisis BY Anne Ford 48 Partners in Crisis President BY Leigh Fox A Year of Change, 16 Using 3D to Make PPE Loss, Hope Library resources help create ON MY MIND BY Wanda Kay Brown much-needed face shields 49 Accepting Queer Realities BY Cass Balzer BY Rae-Anne Montague 5 From the Executive NEWSMAKER LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY Director 18 Stacey Abrams 50 Disasters in Libraries Front Lines and Political leader and author on civic BY Anna Gooding-Call Fault Lines engagement in uncertain times BY Tracie D. Hall BY Terra Dankowski SOLUTIONS

6 Update PLUS 52 A Drone’s-Eye View Small drones for easy What’s happening 11 By the Numbers at ALA lending and programs 13 Global Reach BY Carrie Smith 19 Noted & Quoted PEOPLE 54 Announcements

THE BOOKEND 56 Remote and Ready

56

Crowley 9 | Emporia State University Cover 4 | GEICO 41 | OCLC Cover 2 | San José State University 17 | University of Chicago Press 15 | University of Nebraska 40 American Library Association American Libraries 55 | Conference Services Cover 3 | Development Office 24–25, 37 | Public Library Association 12 THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Address: 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60601 Living through History Website: americanlibrariesmagazine.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org ust before spring, we expected many hopeful

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER beginnings—the weather coming to its senses, Sanhita SinhaRoy The Crown trees and gardens blooming, and ALA finally What are you [email protected] | x4219 moving into its new office space. Because of binging on during MANAGING EDITOR Terra Dankowski Scandinavian the state’s stay-at-home order, of course, the stay-at-home [email protected] | x5282 orders? murder shows Jlatter has yet to happen as of this early-May writing. And SENIOR EDITORS Amy Carlton Music bios, Chicago weather gave us a couple of late-April snow [email protected] | x5105 since I can’t showers, indicating the only sense the weather possesses George M. Eberhart go to shows Instagram [email protected] | x4212 is one of humor. But amid the world’s chaos, the magno- Phil Morehart lias and daffodils are beginning to bloom. Graphic [email protected] | x4218 Sanhita SinhaRoy novels Still, the pandemic stays top of mind, leading to our ASSOCIATE EDITOR Buying cover package. In “Coping in the Time of COVID-19” Sallyann Price increasingly [email protected] | x4213 soft (p. 20), adapted from our March 20 American Libraries EDITOR-AT-LARGE sweatshirts Live webinar, Dan Freeman talks with front-line library Anne Ford workers and mental health experts about managing [email protected] stress and anxiety during the crisis. EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE Carrie Smith For those who read americanlibraries.org or follow Online [email protected] | x4216 ceramics classes us on social media, some articles in this issue may look ART DIRECTOR Cheez-Its Rebecca Lomax familiar. That’s because a few appeared online first, Big Chewy [email protected] | x4217 as we knew our readers needed fast, reliable guidance Nerds ADVERTISING on library life in a pandemic. Within days of appearing Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. online, Lara Ewen’s “How to Sanitize Collections in a ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. Pandemic” (p. 10) became our most popular article of all PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT time. Also popular: Cass Balzer’s “Using 3D to Make PPE” Mary Mackay Livestreams Associate Executive Director (p. 16), which discusses how library workers are coming Video of all kinds Mary Jo Bolduc of music to the aid of health care workers by printing personal chats Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 protective equipment. MEMBERSHIP Law & But even during this global crisis, history rolls on. Order: Melissa Kay Walling, Director SVU ADVISORY COMMITTEE June marks the 50th anniversary of ALA’s trailblazing Susan H. Polos (Chair), Helen Ruth Adams, Salvador Avila, Rainbow Round Table—the first gay and lesbian caucus Crystal Chen, Sonja Eyler, Janie L. Hermann, Jasmina Jusic, Sigrid Kelsey. Committee associate: Rachel Beth Wykle in any professional national organization. In “The Rain- Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 bow’s Arc” (p. 26), Anne Ford talks with several pioneers INDEXED Our cover and future-focused leaders on the group’s significance, Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, H. W. Wilson, LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR.­ package both then and now. SUBSCRIBE With this issue, I’d like to wish a fond farewell to Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, and features Senior Editor George M. Eberhart, who will be retir- Mexico; foreign: $84. Subscription price for individuals included in ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 email [email protected], ing from ALA on June 8 after more than 23 years with or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: ALA Member and Customer­ articles Service. Allow six weeks. Single issues $7.50, with 30% discount American Libraries. We are grateful to George for his for five or more; contact Carrie Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216 or about library accomplishments, especially in conceiving, curating, and [email protected] editing AL Direct since 2006. His institutional knowl- PUBLISHED life during a American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times edge, dry wit, and thematic neckties will be missed. yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library pandemic. Here’s to hopeful beginnings and new blooms. Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Personal members: Send address changes to American Libraries, c/o Membership Records, ALA, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601. ©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 | June 2020 3 from the PRESIDENT

A Year of Change, Loss, Hope Bidding many farewells as I close my presidential term

s I write my final column as president strongly urged the federal government to provide of the American Library Association relief for these second responders. for American Libraries magazine, There is a grief to watching our profession hurt campus is quiet. I am in my office in like this. And it comes on top of a personal loss. the library at Winston-Salem (N.C.) I am a deeply private person, but my presidential AState University, but only a handful of essential term will forever be marked by the death of my workers like me are still in the building. partner of more than 25 years, Thomas Brown, This is not how I imagined the end of my term whom we unexpectedly lost in mid-March. His as president. Indeed, this year has brought some sudden illness prevented me from attending the of the greatest joys and deepest sorrows, and the Public Library Association’s conference in Nash- Wanda Kay Brown COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything— ville in late February. I didn’t realize when saying everything except my deep love for this profession. good-bye to him that we’d all be bidding farewell I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to so many things we once took for granted—hugs, to have met so many library workers during the sharing meals, and dancing, to name just a few. first half of my term, and regrettably I will not be Another significant loss to our larger com- able to attend meetings of state associations this munity came in April, when Peggy Sullivan, a spring and early summer. past president of ALA and former ALA executive But as travel plans stall and we spend more time director, died at age 90 (see p. 55). Many of us apart, I fondly recall the caring, passionate profes- knew and worked with Peggy, and I’m pleased to sionals I met on the road in Arkansas, Maine, Mas- share that her legacy will live on in the form of sachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, South Dakota, 27 student memberships the University of South and elsewhere. No matter where I traveled, the Florida School of Information gifted to graduat- people I met were eager to share what they were ing scholars. The effort was organized by Distin- doing to make their communities successful. guished Professor Kathleen de la Peña McCook, That is something I think a lot about now as who noted that the number of students seeking our profession faces grave uncertainties. The membership to ALA bodes well for the future. As I look COVID-19 pandemic has closed libraries across As I pass the torch to my colleague and friend back on my America, forced classes online, and exposed deep Julius C. Jefferson Jr., who will assume his injustices in the digital divide. presidential responsibilities during a special (and presidential And just when our libraries are needed most, unprecedented) virtual inauguration this June, term, I could funding is decreasing. State and local govern- I remain extremely proud of my profession and ments, the primary funding sources for most grateful to remain a part of this community. never have public and school libraries, are making hard deci- I could have never imagined how much I would imagined how sions to address deficits, and across the country be changed—and the world would be forever library workers are being furloughed or laid off. altered—over the past year. Despite that, I look much I would I am concerned for our members, the profes- forward to helping our incredible community of be changed— sion, and the people libraries serve. I joined the passionate professionals who are as enthusiastic Executive Board in advocating that library workers about information services as I am. and the be paid fully during this time and continue to receive benefits such as health insurance. In world forever WANDA KAY BROWN is director of library services municipalities where budgets are being slashed at C. G. O’Kelly Library at Winston-Salem (N.C.) State altered. and library workers are losing their jobs, we also University.

4 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Front Lines and Fault Lines Embarking on the next great era of library services

ecently, on my way to the ALA office beyond the library building and becomes ubiq- here in Chicago, I—dressed in my uitous in public life. One that reaches the people mask and gloves—was greeted by my on the front lines, those straddling the fault lines rideshare driver, an older African- of who is—and isn’t—informed and equipped to American man who was surprisingly weather emergencies and public health crises. Rbarefaced. I asked if he could use the extra mask in The most urgent question now is, “Will libraries my pocket, and he accepted, thanking me. I added and their staff be supported to embark on the next that there would be a mask and glove giveaway great era of library services?” This includes digital that weekend in my far South Side neighborhood. information enfranchisement, or “data democ- “Wow,” he exclaimed, asking where I had heard racy,” as Marie Østergård, director of Dokk1 and Tracie D. Hall about it. I told him there were regular updates Aarhus Public Libraries in Denmark, calls it. on the internet about supply distribution and, When I was community library manager at ­perhaps even more important, about the number Hartford (Conn.) Public Library, my branch in of confirmed coronavirus cases by zip code. a working-class Afro-Caribbean neighborhood To which he responded earnestly, “But how was the first to offer intensive computer instruc- many people have the internet?” tion. Because none of my users had computers I gestured toward his phone, and he laughed. at home, I partnered with a nonprofit to pro- “This? I only use this to call my wife and to find vide them with refurbished ones. With so many out where to meet people and where to drop economic access points (jobs, government forms, them off. And I just learned how to do that.” portals to higher ed, housing resources) exist- Chicago—like Detroit, Milwaukee, New York ing only online, they—restaurant staff, security City, and rural Louisiana and Georgia—is a place guards, home health aides—couldn’t be left on where African Americans, along with Latinos, the wrong side of the digital divide. are dying from COVID-19 at disproportionately Today, digital access is neither universal nor higher rates, and the symbiotic relationship equitable; neither is data literacy, the ability to find between information access and public safety has information sets and use them to make decisions. become abundantly clear from that interaction. Closing those gaps is the next great assignment This moment Lack of access to real-time information has for our field. Sadly, as I look across the country at been described as a source of community vulner- the libraries that face the biggest cuts in staff and presents ability by state and local leaders. When, for exam- hours, I see an inordinate impact on those com- libraries ple, Chicago Public Schools moved to distribute munities where a majority of residents work in 100,000 laptops to students without computers to service-sector jobs. The timing couldn’t be worse. with the support its new remote-learning plan, the district Any COVID-19 recovery effort must be opportunity— found the effort stymied by the lack of broadband accompanied by the wide dissemination of access in the highest-need households. information to the public. There are no institutions the mandate, Some municipal leaders have fixated on the better equipped to do this than public, school, really—to physical reopening of libraries, even before they academic, state, federal, and other libraries, given have assurances of safety for users and staff. the support to not just reopen our libraries but to advance a They’re missing the point. place our services on the line—the front line. new library This moment presents libraries with the opportunity—the mandate, really—to advance TRACIE D. HALL is executive director of the Ameri- service model. a new library service model, one that reaches far can Library Association.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 5 Wong Wins 2021–2022 ALA Presidency atricia “Patty” M. Wong, city 2012–2014) and as California chapter councilor (2015–2017). librarian at Santa Monica Wong is currently in her second term on the ALA Executive P(Calif.) Public Library, has Board, previously serving 2001–2005. She has held a number been elected 2021–2022 president of committee positions, including chair of the ALA Budget of the American Library Associa- Analysis and Review Committee. She is an active member of tion (ALA). Association for Library Service to Children, Library Leader- Wong received 6,718 votes, ship and Management Association (LLAMA), Public Library while her opponent, Steven Yates, Association, United for Libraries, Social Responsibilities assistant director of University of Round Table, Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Alabama School of Library and Round Table, and Rainbow Round Table. She is a member of Information Studies, received the Freedom to Read Foundation and, as an ALA Executive Patricia “Patty” M. Wong 2,448 votes. Board member, has worked with the Association’s Intellectual “This is a great honor for me Freedom Committee, Committee on Legislation, and Confer- personally. This election has brought to fruition a longtime ence Committee. aspiration to serve my profession and my association as In addition to her service to ALA, Wong has served as a ALA president,” Wong said in an April 8 statement. “I am board member for the Corporation for Education Network both excited and eager to help lead ALA with our great Initiatives in California since 2014. She has served as a board staff, member leaders, affiliate organizations, and allies.” She member of the California Library Association (2015–2017), emphasized the importance of cooperation in advancing president of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Associ- and building on the Association’s successes and in facing the ation (1999), treasurer of the United States Board on Books immediate effects of COVID-19. for Young People (1995–1998), and president of the Chinese “Our ALA finances need to be rightsized with fiscal American Librarians Association’s California chapter (1993). controls and practices that reflect transparency and account- She will serve as president-elect for one year before ability. We need to develop diversified business stepping into her role as president at the models that are revenue positive and sus- close of the 2021 ALA Annual Conference tainable and attract and maintain the interest and Exhibition in Chicago. of new and existing members,” WONG she added. “And as our national Councilors elected population continues to grow and 6,718 votes Thirty-three ALA members have been expand, ALA’s commitment to elected councilors-at-large on the ALA equity, diversity, and inclusion will YATES Council for a three-year term. The term require the collaborative support begins at the close of 2020 ALA Virtual at all levels within the organization 2,448 votes and extends through the end of the 2023 and with our many partners.” Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chi- Wong also serves as a part- cago. One member was elected to finish time faculty member at San a two-year term, which begins immedi- José State University iSchool ately and expires at the end of the 2022 and is former director of library VOTES CAST Annual Conference and Exhibition in 9,166 FOR PRESIDENT services at Yolo County (Calif.) Washington, D.C. Library (2008–2017). An active For full election results, including ALA member for 35 years, Wong BALLOTS those for divisions and round tables, 47,977 SENT has served several terms as visit ala.org/aboutala/governance/ at-large councilor (1996–2007, BALLOTS alaelection. 9,719 RETURNED

6 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org JUNE Rainbow Book Month New ALA Division Approved bit.ly/al-rainbow JUNE 24–26 ssociation for Library Collections ALA Virtual: Community and Technical Services (ALCTS), through Connection ALibrary Information Technology alavirtualevent.org Association (LITA), and LLAMA division members approved the proposed bylaws SEPT. of a new ALA division, Core: Leadership, Library Card Sign-Up Month Infrastructure, Futures. The vote was part ala.org/librarycardsignup of the spring ALA election, with 91% of SEPT. 27–OCT. 3 ALCTS members, 96% of LITA members, Banned Books Week and 96% of LLAMA members voting in favor ala.org/bbooks

of combining the three divisions. SEPT. 30 The presidents of the three divisions, Banned Websites Awareness Day Jennifer Bowen (ALCTS), Emily Morton-Owens (LITA), and Anne Cooper ala.org/aasl/advocacy/bwad Moore (LLAMA), shared a statement on April 8 thanking members for their OCT. 1–3 support. “[Members’] belief in this vision, that we can accomplish more ALSC National Institute together than we can separately, has inspired us, and we look forward Minneapolis to working with all members to build this new and sustainable ALA divi- ala.org/alsc/institute sion,” they said. ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall added, “This new division offers OCT. 18–24 opportunities to expand our impact and will help cultivate and amplify National Friends of Libraries Week the collective expertise of library workers in core functions. I heartily wel- bit.ly/alafolweek come Core to the ALA division family and look forward to supporting its OCT. 19–25 future success.” Open Access Week Leaders and staff of the three current divisions will plan a special leader- openaccessweek.org ship election and begin the process of moving current member groups into NOV. 6–8 Core. Pending final approval by the ALA Committee on Organization and ALA YALSA Young Adult Services Council, ALCTS, LITA, and LLAMA will officially sunset on August 31, and Core Symposium | Reno, Nevada will launch on September 1. For more information see core.ala.org. ala.org/yalsa/yasymposium

ALA Virtual Event to Candidates Sought for Self-nominations are encouraged. All Take Place in June 2021 ALA Election potential nominees must complete the ALA will host ALA Virtual: Community The Nominating Committee for the 2021 candidate biographical form found at through Connection, an online event ALA election is soliciting nominees to run officers.directnominations.net. with educational programming, special on the spring 2021 ballot for the offices Nominations and biographical forms author events, and social networking, of ALA president-elect and councilor- must be received no later than July 10. June 24–26. at-large. The committee will select two The event format, specific content, candidates to run for president-elect and Upcoming Virtual ALA and other details will be announced no fewer than 51 candidates for the 33 Governance Sessions at alavirtualevent.org and through at-large council seats to be filled. Join ALA and your colleagues for two #ALAVirtual20 on social media. Members who wish to make nomina- virtual governance sessions in June: the Registration will open on May 11 tions should submit the nominee’s name, Virtual Membership Meeting and the at noon Central time. Rates are available present position, institution, address, 2020 Virtual Information Session for at bit.ly/ALAVirtual20rates. telephone number, and email address. Members, Councilors, and the Executive

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 7 UPDATE

Board. These livestream sessions allow takes shape. For updates on ALA advo- personal members to hear firsthand cacy initiatives, visit ala.org/advocacy. updates from ALA leaders, with the opportunity to engage in real time. They LinkedIn Learning Updates are chances to learn more about the Policies after ALA Pressure governance of ALA while sharing the LinkedIn Learning—formerly experience with colleagues from your Lynda. com, a platform used by libraries community and across the world. to provide online learning opportunities These virtual meetings are part of to library users—announced on March ALA’s ongoing focus to connect members 26 that it had made changes to its terms and provide an avenue for input on strate- of service after conversations with ALA gic direction, budget priorities, and topics and other industry leaders. of interest. The 2020 Virtual Information Under LinkedIn Learning’s revised Session will take place 12:30–2 p.m. terms, a library cardholder will no Central time on June 22, with the Virtual longer need to create a LinkedIn profile Membership Meeting (#VMM20) follow- in order to access the platform. Addition- ing 3–4 p.m. Central time. ally, users will be able to sign on with a All ALA personal members may regis- library card number and PIN instead of ter and participate. Live captioning will providing an email address. Library be provided. For complete details, visit ALA has long affirmed that the ala.org/membership/vmm. protection of library users’ privacy Card Sign- and confidentiality rights are neces- CARES Act Funding sary for intellectual freedom and are Up Month Supports Libraries fundamental to the ethical practice of his September, DC’s On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, librarianship. Wonder Woman will Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) ALA encourages library vendors to Tserve as Library Card Act was signed into law. This $2 trillion respect the privacy and confidentiality Sign-Up Month honorary chair. economic stimulus package includes of library users, observe the law, and A founding member of the Jus- more than $30 billion in relief for conform to the professional state- tice League, Wonder Woman schools and colleges, plus billions more ments of ethics that protect library is known for strength, compas- for state and local governments along users’ privacy. sion, and truth. She will remind with nonprofit organizations, and the public that there is nothing $50 million for the Institute of Museum Kerby Receives AASL more empowering than signing and Library Services (IMLS) for digital Distinguished Service Award up for your own library card. inclusion projects. Mona Kerby, professor of education at Themed Wonder Woman IMLS announced measures to award McDaniel College in Westminster, Mary- posters, stickers, and book- the first $30 million of that $50 million land, is the recipient of the 2020 Amer- marks are currently available for on April 13. ican Association of School Librarians’ purchase at alastore.ala.org. In a concurrent statement, ALA Pres- (AASL) Distinguished Wonder Woman will appear ident Wanda Kay Brown praised IMLS Service Award. in free Library Card Sign-Up for acting quickly to distribute the funds. Sponsored by Rosen Month graphics, including “These funds, which focus on digital Publishing, the $3,000 print and digital public service inclusion, will boost libraries’ continued award recognizes a announcements and library efforts to prepare for and respond to a member of the library Mona Kerby card artwork. Free tools vast array of community needs as a result profession who has including a template press of the coronavirus—especially for those made an outstanding national contribu- release, a proclamation, and who rely on libraries for an internet tion to school librarianship and school sample social media posts connection to access unemployment ben- library development over a significant will be provided at ala.org/ efits, distance learning, and other critical period of time. librarycardsignup. areas of relief,” she said. Kerby focuses her scholarly writing on ALA asks that advocates remain school library collection development. engaged, especially as the next package She has written 15 books and 25 articles

8 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org UPDATE

Carnegie-Whitney grants. The winners’ proposed projects promote reading or ALA Resources for COVID-19 the use of library resources. The grants provide for the preparation, in print or LA continues to compile COVID-19 resources at bit.ly/ALA-COVID. electronically, of popular or scholarly Many ALA divisions and units have also created their own resources reading lists, webliographies, indexes, Aand opened access to existing materials during the COVID-19 pan- and other guides to library resources demic, including: that will be useful to patrons of all ■ All Booklist and Book Links content recommendations, resources, tool- types of libraries in the US. Winners on booklistonline.com is freely kits, and other content at bit.ly/ this year included resources on the available until further notice. LibComix-Online. Great Lakes, American Indian rhetori- ■ The Association of Specialized, ■ ALA Graphics released a free cal traditions, student entrepreneurs, Government, and Cooperative READ poster background at bit.ly/ and children’s books and book art by Library Agencies Consumer Health RDS-celebrate. persons of African descent. The full Information Interest Group created ■ ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman list of recipients is available at bit.ly/ a list of go-to resources at bit.ly/ has increased access to its ebooks CarnegieWhitney2020. ASGCLA-COVIDres. at alastore.ala.org/ebookoffers and Applications for the next cycle are ■ United for Libraries has made its is offering a free ebook on disaster open and must be received by Novem- online discussion forums, ala. org/ planning, response, and recovery. ber 2. For more information, visit bit. ly/ united/forums, accessible to You can also follow American CarnegieWhitney or contact Mary Jo nonmembers. Libraries’ coverage of how libraries Bolduc, grant administrator, at ■ The Graphic Novels and are adapting to services during this mbolduc@ala. org. Comics Round Table is sharing pandemic at bit.ly/AL-COVID-19.

and produced videos. Her articles have New Research on School been published in American Libraries, Librarians and Retention Knowledge Quest, Library Media Connec- New research published in School Library tion, and School Library Media Activi- Research (SLR), AASL’s peer-reviewed ties Monthly. online journal, explores ways school librarians can support new teachers to 2020 Policy Corps prevent burnout. Members Announced In “School Librarian Interventions Eight library and information profes- for New-Teacher Resilience: A CLASS sionals were selected to participate II Field Study,” Rita Soulen, assistant in the 2020 ALA Policy Corps, which professor at East Carolina University in aims to develop a cadre of experts Greenville, North Carolina, shares the with deep and sustained knowledge of results of her study of mentorship inter- national public policies in areas key to ventions. Through interviews, Soulen ALA’s strategic goals. You can read full found that school librarians occupy profiles of this year’s cohort at bit.ly/ a unique position to offer support for PolicyCorps20. first-year teachers to build their resil- Corps members began their orienta- ience, reduce their burnout, and ensure The OS Q...it's New! tion and training via virtual sessions in their retention. April. Corps goals include developing This and other SLR articles can be FAST. QUIET. FADGI 4 policy experts available to the library accessed for free at ala.org/aasl/slr. community and ALA, creating longevity Available in A0, A1 & A2 in expertise and engagement in early- Carnegie-Whitney SCHEDULE AN ONLINE DEMO TODAY to mid-career library and information Grants Awarded 240.215.0224 professionals, and positively impacting The ALA Publishing Committee www.thecrowleycompany.com national public policy priorities. announced 12 winners of the 2020

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 9 10 BY BY materials handlingduring Conservators weigh inonthemysteries of Collections inaPandemic How to Sanitize June 2020 Lara Ewen | americanl K previous epidemics.” publishedorshared from nothing Library Board Massachusetts of ist atthe special Evan Knight,preservation available, data little historical says sonian Magazine anecdotal evidenceina2019 Besidesabitof islacking. materials onsanitizing information lection damage, historical say that col andrepairing in diagnosing whoare experienced Conservators, complicated answers. and materials particularly questions abouthow to do current the It’s anunprecedentedIt’s situation. Commissioners: “There’s “There’s Commissioners: ers and guests. But during andguests. But during ers for work both important eeping ibraries whenitcomesto COVID surfaces libraries article, there’s very very there’s article, .org - 19 COVID pandemic, — safe is have library that Smith

— - -

-19 - - to to similar coronaviruses that reported ofHospital Infection Journal study inthe A January evolving research. lenge through to sift the public health requirements publichealth of the to reconcile difficult nature. “[It’s] challenges ofamore philosophical perhaps only two days. to three steelon plastic andstainless for on copperfor upto four and hours, in aerosols for hours, up to three indicate National the Institutes ofHealth days. Meanwhile, from recent data days andonpaperfor four or five glass, andplastic) for aslongnine asmetal, (such inanimate surfaces for SARS The pandemicalsopresents alsoachal It’s COVID - SARS CoV - 19 - , can persist on some onsome , canpersist 2 - CoV , the one responsible oneresponsible , the - - 2 isdetectable threat. Theeasiest, safest,threat. and defense against astill developing Yet best may stepping back bethe The best disinfectant want to step up.” timeweto atexactly step the back to seehow diseaseforces us this July 1.“Itisheartbreaking through 12 and hascanceledeventsMarch publicon closedto(LC), the which at the ervation says JacobNadal, director for pres ourmission,” pandemicwith this dations onvirology, bacteriology, not equipped to make recommen to we saywould first that are bethe public infection iseliminated. “We of plan to risk stay closeduntilthe in public trust impacts, couldreducehealth the direct beyonddisease, which, the vector a risk spread ofthe for the public.“ the about protecting time.” says Durant can doatthis it’s we that as safest thing he says. “Itissimply best and the best disinfectant,”14 days, isthe andpreferablyimum of24hours, prophylaxis,is that orpreventive specifically,” says Knight.“Ourview fecting generally, virus andthis we don’t know alot aboutdisin so situation for most conservators, pandemicisaunique time. “This most inexpensive disinfectant is That alsomeans measures, are best.” the public.“Isolationfor amin the ommendation to closeto of conservation andpres of conservation the March 17 ALA rec 17ALA March the Fletcher director Durant, that all that Univer atthe ervation Libraries in Gainesville,suggests A. Smathers Georgesity ofFlorida’s libraries Library libraries libraries libraries couldprovide of Congress ofCongress librarian ,” hesays. Libraries aswell as should follow - s - - -

- - -

Illustration: Tom Deja Additional Resources Pride Month

■ ALA’s Pandemic Preparedness ■ A COVID-19 Response LibGuide Resources for Libraries: bit.ly/ from the Massachusetts Board 1970 Year the Rainbow Round Table (RRT) of the AL-PandemicPrep of Library Commissioners and American Library Association (ALA)—the ■ A handling guide from the the Massachusetts Library nation’s first LGBT professional organization— Association for Library Collec- System: bit.ly/AL-MALibGuide was founded as the Task Force on Gay Lib- tions and Technical Services: ■ A video from the National Park eration. (For more on the RRT and its 50th bit.ly/AL-ALCTSHandling Service’s National Center for anniversary, see our story on p. 26.) ■ Northeast Document Conserva- Preservation Technology and tion Center’s best practices for Training on disinfecting quarantining and disinfecting cultural resources: bit.ly/ books: bit.ly/AL-NDCCPractices AL-NCPTT 1 Rank of George, a children’s novel by Alex Gino, on the Office for Intellectual Freedom’s (OIF) 2019 list of Top Ten Most or medical matters,” says Nadal. cloth, or polyester book jackets,” Challenged Books. George features a trans- “Quarantine past the viability of the Nadal says. “We have to look for gender character and has been a mainstay virus is the best plan.” high-quality information and on OIF’s list since it was released in 2015. evaluate it critically to determine Cleaning and sanitizing how well it applies to our particu- Some libraries, however, have a lar concerns.” 100 mission that precludes complete Number of books in the nation’s first all-LGBTQ+ quarantine. LC, for example, con- Avoiding damage classroom library at San Pedro High School in tinues to support Congress while Knight says librarians should be Los Angeles. The collection of novels, classics, it’s in session, which requires some cautious when using cleaning and historical literature came together with help staff to be onsite. Other libraries are solvents on books and other poten- from the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula maintaining services with curbside tially fragile library materials. “I and The MJ Project. checkouts of materials. That means am not aware of a ‘least damaging’ additional sanitizing methods cleaner or disinfectant, especially are warranted. for any objects of obvious lasting 2016 Internal hard surfaces, includ- value,” he says, explaining that the Year the Invisible ing tabletops, door handles, book risks to books subjected to aqueous Histories Project— drops, and computers, should be cleaning or disinfecting include a community-driven professionally cleaned. Experts also water damage and weakened initiative to engage note that virtual reality headsets hinges and joints. “Books wrapped queer people, local uni- have been flagged as a risk factor, in polyester or polyethylene can be versities, libraries, and and libraries should suspend their more reasonably cleaned and disin- archives in the South- use. “This is a time for exceptional fected, and strong library-binding eastern US in pro- caution,” says Nadal. buckram cloth coverings can tecting the vanishing Any staff working onsite should probably withstand the enhanced LGBTQ history of the wash their hands thoroughly, cleaning too,” he adds. “But again, region—was founded. especially when handling books or if one is planning to clean and other shared objects. “There are no disinfect collections, even among studies that specifically answer the poly-covered volumes, they should 3 question of how transmissible the understand and accept that there Minutes or fewer of screen time that 26 of the 45 coronavirus might be from the most will be collection damage.” LGBTQ characters had in 110 major studio films common library materials, [such as] released in 2018, according to the 2019 GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index. Photo: Queer Music Heritage Photo: coated and uncoated paper, book Continued on page 13

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 11 TACKLING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE DURING A PANDEMIC Digital tools & resources for public libraries and their patrons

While libraries are closed to the public, many are increasing efforts to offer online tools and virtual programming to address digital inequities heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its digital literacy and broadband access projects, PLA and partners such as Microsoft have been supporting libraries with technology equipment and skilling resources, including online training courses at PLA ’s DigitalLearn.org, Microsoft Digital Literacy, and Microsoft Learn.

Learn more at http://www.ala.org/pla/initiatives/digitalliteracy. Continued from page 11

There’s evidence that certain methods may not be effective anyway. “Common misperceptions may be that spraying or wiping the outside of a volume with Lysol, alcohol, or bleach is sufficient to denature the virus across the entire volume,” says Durant. Ultraviolet (UV) light also poses a potential risk to collection materi- als because of its high intensity. And because it’s difficult to confirm that every page has been exposed to the light, the effort could prove fruitless. “UV germicidal irradiation has generally A staffer at the Albion branch of Toronto PublicLibrary helps set up a distribu- been found to be effective at exposure of tion center for a local food bank. 2–5 millijoules per square centimeter,” says Durant. “However, for this expo- sure to be effective, it must be complete A Library Cornucopia exposure, [which is] something that is almost impossible to achieve with CANADA Food banks across Toronto have seen a major increase bound books. It’s certainly not as effec- in demand since the pandemic began, so the city is turning several tive as simply isolating the books.” Toronto Public Library branches into distribution centers for local food banks. Mayor John Tory made the announcement April 6, indi- “This disease forces us to cating that there will eventually be nine new food banks in branch- es across the city. City Librarian Vickery Bowles said, “Our library step back at exactly the branches are community hubs, and our staff are dedicated public time we want to step up.” servants committed to supporting those communities, so redirecting library resources to help address this critical need makes so much JACOB NADAL, director for preservation sense.”— blogTO, Apr. 6; Toronto Public Library, Apr. 6. at the Library of Congress GREECE The majority of city libraries in Greece do not offer access to fitness programs as many libraries in the US and Canada Yet even as libraries continue to learn do. However, a study by researchers at the University of Pelopon- new preservation procedures, certain nese in Sparta shows that most library managers (98%) are open constants remain. “This is a good time to to partnering with sports organizations to offer programs in yoga, think about the role of libraries as music kinetics, and sports education. Such partnerships can play an stewards of memory and culture,” says important role in promoting physical activity, encouraging an active Nadal. “We are going to be closed for a lifestyle, and improving the quality of life.— International Journal of Physical period of time, and our ethic of constant Education, Sports, and Health vol. 7, no. 2 (Mar./Apr. 2020). service will make this painful. Keeping materials quarantined and out of JAPAN A drone will soon fly up and down the shelves of the circulation will be frustrating. [But] we west branch of the city library in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture. are keepers of a long history, and our Paired with artificial intelligence (AI), the drone will eliminate the foremost obligation now is to make sure time-consuming task of inventorying books by hand. Each of the that there is a long future for the 267,000 publications at the library will be marked with a dedicated recorded knowledge and creativity nine-digit identification number, barcode, and electronic tag. The entrusted into our care.” drone then will read the tags so the AI can identify which books are misshelved. The library plans to refine the precision of image recog- LARA EWEN is a freelance writer based in nition, AI analysis, and the number of books read by a single scan.

Photo: Toronto Public Library Toronto Photo: Brooklyn, New York. —Asahi Shimbun, Apr. 11.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 13 Salt Lake County (Utah) Library’s story sacks contain a blank book, a pencil, and other materials that serve as prompts to inspire storytelling.

for small-group discussion as well as text-based sharing with more privacy than many other social media platforms can provide.” Since creating a Discord server and inviting her teen regulars to join it, Flock has seen about four of them participate in the virtual Dungeons and Dragons group and another four in the videogame group. She expected that as Idaho’s stay-home order (issued March 25) continued and word of the Discord Pandemic Forces server spread, those participation numbers would increase, perhaps Programs to Move Online approaching the 10–15 that her previous, in-person Libraries adapt quickly to the crisis sessions garnered.

Digital escape BY Anne Ford n March 12, because of to digitize as many rooms the COVID-19 pandemic, programs as possible. The March 14 closure O the Coeur d’Alene (Idaho) Others are taking of Peters Township Public Library (CDAPL) canceled the virus into account (Pa.) Public Library its in-house programming. By when planning future meant that Youth March 13, Young Adult Coordinator activities. Still others find Services Librarian Sydney Angela Flock and Youth Services themselves pondering how the pan- Krawiec didn’t get to hold the Coordinator Mandi Harris had a demic may permanently change the escape room event she’d planned plan for moving some of that pro- nature of library programming. for that day. So instead, she used gramming online. Since Flock’s library canceled Google Forms to create a digital Why the urgency? “Sure, we its in-person programming (before escape room with a Harry Potter want to increase literacy and shutting its doors to the public theme. Since she posted a link to it provide fun events,” says Flock. entirely), she has moved two of on the library’s teen Facebook page, “But I was more concerned about its weekly teen clubs online: a it has received more than 150,000 my teens’ mental health. Social Dungeons and Dragons group and a hits from users around the world. interaction is super-important for a videogame club. Thanks to her work “In the first two days, I was teen’s development. Also, for some with teens, she knew that most of getting about 30 emails a day, of them, the library is a safe place them already used Discord, a chat- wanting to know if it was okay to away from the issues that they may based communication platform. share it with other people,” she be having at home. I wanted to “Discord gives you the ability to says. “Like: ‘We want to save it and continue giving them as much of make a server, which is like a little do it for our daughter’s birthday that experience as possible.” private island that you can invite party this weekend, so she can do it CDAPL is just one of many people to,” she explains. “Within on Zoom with her friends.’ A soccer libraries that has altered program- the server, the creator can give organization said they were going ming plans—for children, teens, people roles and create limits and to do it over a conference call for and adults—because of COVID-19. boundaries, while also creating text a team-building activity. A police

Some libraries are figuring out how and voice chat channels. It’s ideal department talked about how they Ashley Melodie Kraft Photo:

14 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org can adapt a Google Form for online This approach may come in And when the library reopens, he training. It blows my mind.” handy even after the branch says, its programming will probably reopens, Ashley points out, since look different than before: “The Success in smaller numbers concerns about the safety of large days of packing a lot of people At the Calvin S. Smith branch of Salt groups may continue for some time. into a room are probably, at least Lake County (Utah) Library, which Having projects for patrons to take for the foreseeable future, over.” closed to the public March 13, home, “rather than having one huge Post-pandemic, in order to provide Youth Services Librarian Melodie program with high attendance,” she an opportunity for patrons to Kraft Ashley is thinking ahead to says, will allow the library to limit come together while still ensur- the summer reading season and the number of patrons in one place. ing public safety, libraries may the many library-led craft projects Similar concerns are on the have to consider limiting program that usually go along with it. Since mind of Bob Abbey, adult services attendance—and redefining a pro- it’s uncertain when the library will librarian at Forest Grove (Oreg.) gram’s success. reopen, Ashley is making those proj- City Library (FGCL). Before the “We tend to focus a lot on getting ects into kits that participants will be pandemic, FGCL hosted an array people in the door, because that’s able to pick up and take home if nec- of adult programming, including something we can measure,” Abbey essary. For example, to emphasize a baking demonstration that drew points out. “But I think we’re going the branch’s summer reading theme nearly 50 attendees. While the to have to start shifting our focus of “Imagine Your Story,” Ashley is library is closed, Abbey is focusing away from numbers and focus more making “story sacks”—paper bags on maintaining a healthy social on the quality of the experience.” containing small blank books along media presence and on height- with small random household items ening community awareness of ANNE FORD is editor-at-large of that will act as story prompts. library resources. American Libraries.

The Chicago Manual of Style Online: Professional, Authoritative, E cient, and Remarkably A ordable

Library Type Annual Subscription Rate Academic Libraries $265 to $1,700 Public Libraries $185 per branch Government/NPOs $370 to $735 Museums $265 Grade Schools K-12 $150 Corporations $1,600 to $3,300

“Essential”—Choice “The only fully authoritative and complete version of Chicago style”— CC Advisor Distance and e-learning compatible. Free trial subscriptions available upon request.

www.chicagomanualofstyle.org [email protected] 1.773.753.3347

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 15 much L Using 3Dto Make PPE 16 BY BY ibrary June 2020 Cass Balzer -needed face shields resources helpcreate | americanl P of the of the front lines ponents neededonthe to PPEcom create3D printers the academic somepublicand ongoing crisis, supply.short To mitigate the isincritically respirator masks, andN95 shields, surgical masks, nity revitalization projectnity revitalization Main nationalcommu ofthe branch alocal duction initiative through Library manager atWaterloo (Iowa) Public Jillian Rutledge, public services Jillian Rutledge, publicservices COVID ment (PPE) for health care ment (PPE)for health protectiveersonal equip workers, includingface , learned aboutaPPEpro , learned libraries ibraries - 19 pandemic. .org are using their are usingtheir

- - - - When her Street America. create two visors, which are then create twoare then which visors, can printer the hours, five it. Every care worker health of the wearing protectstic component face that the visor, to aclearplas attaches which a component offaceshields: the Rutledge’s home,where itcreates of kitchen sitsinthe printer worked well. iterations one that before finding various PPEandtried for printing online instructions obtained 17,she patrons March toclosed itsdoors Now the library library

’s single’s 3D - only to own, create PPEontheir all over state.” the haveshields that out beendriven ofcompletedthousands [face] Rutledge been says. “There’s really cometogether,”everything’s and volunteers. shields by localorganizations other collected andassembledinto face team has the technical andmedical technical team has the hospital the down fact that to the the best option was for the says this asco, TPL’s manager ofinnovation, to source protective gear. Vel Ab Toronto initiative Hospital General to a (TPL) hasloaned30printers instead. Toronto Public 3Dprinters useoftheir donate the list.” on the using the BPL’ssupervises IdeaLab,hasbeen Facebook Jimison, who Jeff group, ofalocal and members approach. this istaking Michigan, Birmingham, Baldwin Public two.selves, the andattaching clear plastic component them face but alsoto assemble to whichever organization isnext Hospital innearby Troy. protective face shieldsto Beaumont Michigan, donated 100 Public Baldwin Some beenincredible how“It’s quickly Other Other aBPLpatron In conjunctionwith library - shield to create fullfaceshieldsto as kits, and take those kits as kits,andtake those libraries libraries donate to localhospitals. library sterilize them, bag them bagthem them, sterilize network: “It allboiled visors, sourcing the sourcing the visors, material together,material we 100 shields’ worth of worth 100 shields’ of requests for dona “Once we get about tions,” Jimisonsays. “We’re keeping track Library Library ’s six 3D printers six3Dprinters ’s are choosing not are choosing are opting to it in Birmingham, inBirmingham, 3D — (BPL)in Library 3D -printed printing - printing -

- -

Photo: Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham, Michigan expertise of the process, so that’s “I went from working on a guide to share with why we decided to lend to them.” other academic libraries. “The University libraries are also helping people larger the community we can create contributing to production efforts, around this, the better our products working alongside engineering 3D-print models will be, and the better we’ll be able and health departments to create to help,” he says. medical-grade equipment. Univer- of spaceships to Both public and academic sity of Utah’s libraries have been running a small libraries rely on donations to 3D-printing face shields, but they continue PPE production. BPL has are now pivoting to N95 mask PPE factory in relied on a $2,300 donation from its production. This poses an added Friends of the Library group, but challenge, as the masks’ proximity to my garage.” there are currently efforts to raise the face requires additional testing JEFF JIMISON, Idea Lab additional funds. And, while printing and sterilization steps. While the supervisor, Baldwin Public Library PPE provides librarians with a way to libraries have not yet begun printing in Birmingham, Michigan directly support health care workers, these masks, University of Utah the pivot has not been easy. “All the Health is currently testing sev- things I’m used to doing have eral prototypes. vanished at this point,” says Jimison. Columbia University is among the by others with access to 3D print- “I went from helping people 3D-print many schools assisting in the effort; ers (bit.ly/col3Dguide). Brandon models of spaceships to running a the university library system recently Patterson, technology engagement small PPE factory in my garage.” published a guide and design for librarian at University of Utah’s producing face shields to be used Eccles Health Sciences Library, is CASS BALZER is a writer in Chicago.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 17 you elaborate on what you see Stacey Abrams as the role of libraries in society? Our libraries were created out of Political leader and author on civic this notion that shared information engagement in uncertain times makes us stronger as a country, but also that we become better people when we have access to knowledge. ince famously not conceding the Georgia governorship race in When you check out that book, or 2018, Stacey Abrams has been busy. The politician, author, and you get online and read that story, Sentrepreneur started Fair Fight and Fair Count, two nonprofits aimed at counter- you change who you are. ing voter suppression and encouraging participation in the 2020 Census, respectively. [Libraries] create opportunities American Libraries talked to Abrams about her new book Our Time Is Now: Power, Pur- for people to challenge ideas and to pose, and the Fight for a Fair America (Henry Holt and Co., June), the role of libraries in a be part of a broader conversation. democracy, and why civic duty matters more than ever. We should never entertain dema- goguery and vilification of others as a public good. But we should enter- BY Terra COVID-19, social distancing, and states have the resources they need tain the space to understand [ideas Dankowski self-quarantine have become facts to meet these challenges. and] what they mean and how they of American life. Meanwhile, the affect who we are. US is conducting primary elections Our Time Is Now, described as and the 2020 Census. How do you a blueprint for taking back our Your mother was a research see these events being affected by country, touches upon themes of librarian. Did her job inform the the public health crisis? What can voter protections, identity politics, way you tackle problems or be done to encourage civic partic- and leadership. What do you think interact with the public? Absolutely. ipation during a time of fear? We is the first step in the fight for our When I was watching my mom, I have to remember this isn’t the first democracy? Believing that we have was fascinated not simply by what time we’ve faced a crisis. It certainly the right to a better country. That’s she knew natively, but what she is a different type of crisis, and the been the core of the narrative of knew how to find. Because of the scale cannot be underestimated, America from the beginning. If you way my mom worked, I under­stood but we are a resilient nation—and read The Federalist Papers, if you that sometimes the best way to be a part of our resilience is our ability read essays written at the time of good person and a good citizen is to to adapt to the challenges. our founding, it’s always been that provide access and to help people

We have to plan for the entirety we strive for a more perfect union. find answers. Gerri Hernández Photo: of the 2020 election cycle and the We get better when more people 2020 Census are included, when more voices are MORE ONLINE to be carried heard, and when people believe For the extended on with the that they have the right and the interview, visit threat of responsibility to participate. bit.ly/AL-Abrams. coronavirus. Part of the book is designed That means to explain why participation is we have to make it easier to vote harder—what has happened in and easier to participate in the the last 20 years to make voter census—and we have to remind suppression a real and pervasive people what comes next. Part of force in our nation, but also how we civic duty is understanding the con- think about getting that power back. sequences of action and inaction. But it’s also incumbent upon us During your talk at the 2020 Public to use every tool in our toolbox— Library Association Conference, adapting our laws for how we vote, you said the library is a “venue adapting our timetable for the for expression” and census, and using the economic “space for under- stimulus package to ensure that standing.” Could

18 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org “I have been delightfully overwhelmed by the positive response from children and parents. I almost cried when I heard that a college student I taught almost 10 years ago sat and watched the video the other day.” JULIE BOGGESS, librarian at Pearre Creek Elementary School in Franklin, Tennessee, in “Franklin Librarian Connects with Children During ‘Storytime’ amid School Closures,” Nashville Tennesseean, March 20.

“The heart and soul of our libraries are the “I feel like I’ve staff who welcome, assist, and uplift patrons of been handed a every age and background every day. [Chicago death sentence: Go Public Library] will not be able to fulfill its to work and contract mission if those employees are fearful and a potentially fatal virus, feeling abandoned by those who should be or stay at home and don’t get paid.” concerned with their well-being.” ANONYMOUS LIBRARY WORKER, in “New Orleans Librarians Fear City Putting Them in Coronavirus Danger,” WWL-TV, New Orleans, ROBERTA LYNCH, executive director of the American Federation March 16. (The city’s libraries closed to the public March 16.) of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 31, in “Chicago Public Libraries [CPL] Closing 61 Locations As ‘Fearful’ City Workers Union Blasts Decision to Keep 20 Open,” Chicago Tribune, March 19. (All CPL branches closed March 21.) “AT SOME POINT A LIBRARY IS GOING TO SAVE YOUR ASS. AS “Our whole guiding ethos is helping LONG AS YOU KEEP A LIBRARY our patrons, and this is just … we’re CENTRAL TO YOUR LIFE, just having to reinvent some of the YOU WILL ALWAYS SEE HOW ways that we do that.” RELEVANT IT CAN BE.” KAREN WALL, director of Mystic and Noank (Conn.) Library, in “Library Gives Tutorials on How to Communicate, Learn DARCY BRIXEY, a Seattle-based library manager, in “COVID-19’s Remotely during Coronavirus Crisis,” WTNH-TV, New Haven, Impact on Libraries Goes beyond Books,” Wired, March 25.

Photo: Facebook Photo: March 25.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 19 Librarians and health professionals discuss experiences and best practices COPING in the Time of COVID-19

n March 20, American Libraries Live hosted the webinar “Libraries and COVID-19: Managing Strategies and Stress.” Moderator Dan O Freeman, director of ALA Publishing eLearning Solutions, led a discussion with librarians and health professionals on the front lines of the crisis about the library response to the pandemic and methods to reduce stress for both library staffers and patrons.

Freeman was joined by Maria Stella RASETTI: From the beginning, we Rasetti, director of San Giorgio Library were conscious that our job was of Pistoia in Tuscany, Italy; Lisa Rosen- to help users and citizens choose blum, executive director of King County reliable sources of information to (Wash.) Library System; Loren Mc Clain, counter the fake news on TV and certified instructor for the National social media. Another important Council for Behavioral Health and Mental thing we are doing is spreading news Health First Aid USA and senior aca- about Digital Solidarity, a national demic advisor for the School of Science, project where several entertain- Technology, Engineering, and Mathemat- ment companies are offering free ics at American Public University System; online access to TV programs and and Richard Moniz, director of library movies, as well as programs for services at Horry-Georgetown Technical students, kids, and parents. We are College in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. also creating our own resources and opportunities. We called on Maria, what role has your library writers and artists to record short been playing in the community? What videos and presentations about services are you providing since your their books, so our users can keep in physical facilities were shut down? touch with the library. For kids, our

20 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org k c o t

S

e

b

o

d

A

/

a

k

l

o

b

a

l

a

b

©

americanlibraries.org | : June 2020 21

n

o

i

t

a

r

t

s u l l I librarians read aloud short stories and record them— report to work, but considering the governor and the all for our YouTube channel. county executive’s plea for people to remain in their homes, I didn’t think it prudent to make people come to As far as the way the library responded, what is one work. Our staff are working at home. thing you are most proud of? And what would you have done differently? How far out is your library planning right now? Are you just looking at the next several months? Are you RASETTI: We have been successful at offering informa- going beyond that? tion on free online opportunities for people and families to enjoy together at home. We could have been better ROSENBLUM: We are always trying to anticipate the about pushing our digital lending service. And we could next step. When we initially started doing more cleaning, have done better with our Friends of the Library. We have we said, “Okay, what if it’s not working? What do we do an association of more than 500 people who have next?” We’re strongly discouraging returns of materials suspended their precious services of bringing right now. We’ve stopped ordering physical books. Since books to seniors living at home and their we’re not moving books around our system, there’s no service of reading aloud to people who reason to order them, so we’ve moved a large amount cannot read on their own. We still ask our of money—$350,000—to purchasing digital books. volunteers to call those people and spend We’re doing online prerecorded storytimes, and we’re half an hour with them, reading a story increasing Tutor.com capacity to serve students online, Maria Stella Rasetti or reading a chapter of a book together. presuming they have online access. We’re also answering We are working hard, but we are only at reference questions by mail, and we will soon have chat the beginning. and phone capabilities. We promoted our e-cards and saw a 389% increase in How has your library responded, Lisa? requests for them on March 18, 2020, compared to [the ROSENBLUM: On February 29, when the first death same date in] 2019. That’s been a huge asset for us, that occurred [in King County], we pulled out our business we already had e-cards in place. Our Wi-Fi remains on for continuity plan—that’s basically disaster planning in case people who are driving to our parking lots for access, and of business interruption. I also got together our emer- our librarians are preparing blogs and FAQs. And we’re gency response team; the leadership team started getting looking into online programming like book talks and book together every other day, and eventually daily, sometimes clubs. We suspended all active holds as well. We don’t twice a day. We started letting the public know that we want anyone trying to access our library buildings right were going to do extra cleaning, which we did. We also now. The governor has been clear about people staying at posted in the library coronavirus fact sheets, updating home, so we’re trying to not create an attractive nuisance them in different languages. We had a website right away, by having patrons come see us at this point. That’s liable to informing the public about what we were doing and what change, so that’s where we are right now. was going on in our community, so that they would have Loren, as someone who is involved with community information they could rely on. health, what’s your perspective on the current situa- As days went by, the real issue was that we tion and how it is affecting people? couldn’t just close. We’re public libraries; the last thing we ever want to do in a crisis Mc CLAIN: Responding to COVID-19 has taken an is close. But [COVID-19] is a different emotional toll on people, particularly if they witness animal. As much as we want to be open, suffering or experience personal harm to their well- this is a community health crisis and being. People are moving from working in offices to being open just didn’t work. As the virus telecommuting—that’s a disruption to life as they know Lisa Rosenblum started to rage through our county, we it. If exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19, they closed programs that attracted more than may be separated from family and faced with a life-or- 50 people, as the governor told us to do. Then death situation. we closed all events that would reach a crowd of more People experience secondary traumatic stress reac- than 10 people. That was basically all the programs in our tions. For example, if a coworker or neighbor has a con- library, but we remained open. firmed case of COVID-19, you can see how their situation The tipping point was when the governor ordered all is affecting them. The secondhand experience can be a schools closed on March 14; then we closed our libraries. state of traumatic stress. Secondary traumatic stress is Initially, we were going to close and staff were going to just as valid as a firsthand experience, just as exposure to

22 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org someone with COVID-19 is just as scary as confirming you have the virus yourself. “We’re public libraries; Everyone reacts differently to a stressful situation. What you find panic- or stress-inducing might be trivial to the last thing we ever another person. Social distancing has changed life as we know it, as well. It’s natural and understandable that it will take a toll on mental health. It’s important to under- want to do in a crisis is stand that your feelings are valid no matter what you feel. We do have some steadfast coping strategies to mitigate close. But [COVID-19] the negative response that you may have to isolation.

Many physical libraries have closed, but given that is a different animal.” physical proximity is limited right now, even when LISA ROSENBLUM, executive director of libraries reopen, what strategies and tools might be King County (Wash.) Library System available as virtual resources?

Mc CLAIN: Snapchat has announced the “Here for You” project to provide support for its users, which may be Richard, you’re a librarian, but you’ve also written useful for libraries that use the app to engage certain and taught extensively on mindfulness and organi- demographics. “Here for You” sends users things for zational dysfunction. What is mindfulness, and how emotional and mental health crises, leading to rele- does it apply as a stress reduction tool? vant resources that can help people cope. Snapchat MONIZ: The Mindful Librarian: Connecting the Practice has also partnered with Active Minds, Because of You, of Mindfulness to Librarianship (Chandos Publishing, Crisis Text Line, Seize the Awkward, YoungMinds, the 2015) was the first book that my colleagues and I wrote Samaritans, and about the subject. But one of the definitions I like is from the Diana Award the book Fully Present: The Science, Art, and Practice of to provide content Mindfulness, by Susan L. Smalley and Diana Winston (Da designed to address Capo Lifelong Books, 2010): “Mindfulness is the art of Learn More a variety of mental observing your physical, emotional, and health concerns. mental experiences with deliberate and All of the webinars in American Build a support open curious attention.” That covers Libraries Live’s Libraries and system and offer mindfulness in a nutshell, but really it COVID-19 series are available information. If you boils down to just being present in the online: can, post to Face- moment and not being fixated on the ■ Providing Virtual Services book, Instagram, past and what could have been done Richard Moniz (bit.ly/ALVirtualServices) and your library’s differently. The most common practices ■ Using 3D Printing to Make website, and send associated with mindfulness are breathing Personal Protective Equip- out email blasts to meditations, loving-kindness meditation, walking medi- ment (bit.ly/AL3DPPE) let your community tation, mindful eating, and yoga in its various forms. Tai ■ Considering Copyright know about online chi is another thing that people do related to mindfulness. during a Crisis, Part 1 resources offered For those going to work onsite at a library, how can (bit.ly/ALCopyrightCrisis) by the library or they use mindfulness both for their own advantage ■ Considering Copyright outside institutions. and for patrons? during a Crisis, Part 2 Audible, Libby, (bit.ly/ALCopyrightCrisis2) • OverDrive, Hoopla, MONIZ: Mindfulness emphasizes being present, and you and ABCmouse have to be especially present when you’re working with are providing free people now—being sure to not touch your face, for online tools for kids; Varsity Tutors is connecting students example. It may seem awkward, but it is necessary. I was with tools online and on demand. in a meeting yesterday, and I noticed everyone was Another resource I advocate for is the National Suicide touching their faces. It’s not going to be easy; you’re going Prevention Lifeline, because at some point, someone may to have to stay very much in the present to be aware and go through a mental health crisis, and they may not know safe. It is all experimental at this point. Try to be flexible of any other options. and see what works.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 23 LIBRARY CHAMPIONS BECAUSE CHAMPIONS MAKE IT MAKE IT HAPPEN Library Champions make the Libraries Transform campaign possible. This campaign educates POSSIBLE… and advocates to raise awareness of the value of libraries in the 21st century. In 2019, Libraries Transform grew to more than 15,000 participants, all committed to fostering public support for …to increase awareness and advocate for the importance libraries and the ways they benefit their communities. Library Champions ensure that libraries of libraries across the country and around the world. across the country continue to thrive and grow.

LEAD SPONSOR MEMBERS $50,000 AND ABOVE $5,000

baker-taylor.com brodart.com candlewick.com demco.com

overdrive.com

SUSTAINERS $25,000 AND ABOVE ebsco.com elsevier.com gale.com ingramcontent.com/libraries

midwesttape.com morningstar.com/goto/mirc oclc.org proquest.com capitalone.com dollargeneral.com

INVESTORS PATRON $10,000 AND ABOVE $7,500 AND ABOVE ReferenceUSA.com scholastic.com/librarypublishing sirsidynix.com sistersincrime.org

finra.org norarobertsfoundation.org sagepub.com btsb.com springernature.com tandf.co.uk/libsite LIBRARY CHAMPIONS BECAUSE CHAMPIONS MAKE IT MAKE IT HAPPEN Library Champions make the Libraries Transform campaign possible. This campaign educates POSSIBLE… and advocates to raise awareness of the value of libraries in the 21st century. In 2019, Libraries Transform grew to more than 15,000 participants, all committed to fostering public support for …to increase awareness and advocate for the importance libraries and the ways they benefit their communities. Library Champions ensure that libraries of libraries across the country and around the world. across the country continue to thrive and grow.

LEAD SPONSOR MEMBERS $50,000 AND ABOVE $5,000

baker-taylor.com brodart.com candlewick.com demco.com overdrive.com

SUSTAINERS $25,000 AND ABOVE ebsco.com elsevier.com gale.com ingramcontent.com/libraries

midwesttape.com morningstar.com/goto/mirc oclc.org proquest.com capitalone.com dollargeneral.com

INVESTORS PATRON $10,000 AND ABOVE $7,500 AND ABOVE ReferenceUSA.com scholastic.com/librarypublishing sirsidynix.com sistersincrime.org

finra.org norarobertsfoundation.org sagepub.com btsb.com springernature.com tandf.co.uk/libsite THE Photo: ALA Archives (parade) Archives ALA Photo:

The ALA Gay and Lesbian Task Force ­marching in the 1992 San Francisco Pride parade.

26 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org American Libraries spoke with 11 previous and current mem- bers of the group to gather their stories of LGBTQIA+ library life past and present. Pictured below, left to right: MARTIN GARNAR, Intellectual Free- dom Round Table–Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Round Table ’S (GLBTRT) liaison, 2005–2011 CAL GOUGH, Gay and Lesbian Task Force (GLTF) clearinghouse coordi- nator, 1987–1989 ARC ROLAND HANSEN, GLBTRT ALA’s Rainbow Round Table chair, 2013–2014 DALE McNEILL, GLBTRT celebrates 50 years of pride cochair, 2009–2011 DEE MICHEL, GLTF BY Anne Ford cochair, 1986–1988 ANNE MOORE, GLBTRT chair, 2011–2012 ifty years ago, under the auspices of the American MICHAEL MUNGIN, GLBTRT Reviews Library Association’s Social Responsibilities Round committee chair, 2018–2019 Table, a small group of activists, librarians, and ANA ELISA DE CAMPOS SALLES, activist-librarians formed what was then known as GLBTRT chair, 2018–2019 the Task Force on Gay Liberation—the very first gay DEB SICA, GLBTRT Round Table and lesbian caucus in any national professional organization. chair, 2016–2017 In the decades that followed, the group’s name changed peri- ANN K. SYMONS, GLBTRT odically to reflect the evolving times, finally becoming known in chair, 2014–2015 2019 as the Rainbow Round Table. But its mission—to serve the (NOT PICTURED) KAY LAHUSEN, photojournalist and partner of the information needs of LGBTQIA+ library professionals as well as late Barbara Gittings, Task Force the information and access needs of the LGBTQIA+ community on Gay Liberation/Gay Task Force/ at large—has never faltered. GLTF coordinator, 1972–1986

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 27 LGBTQIA+ youth have always turned to the library for information and support.

ANNE MOORE: I think I was 11 or 12 when I first realized I was attracted to women. There was nobody I could talk to; there weren’t any role models. I think one of the first books I got was Rubyfruit Jungle. Thank God I didn’t get The Well of Loneliness.

DALE McNEILL: When I was 18, I wrote to the university library in Ada, Oklahoma, which had a literal, physical bulletin board where you could ask the librarian a question. I Members of the Task Force on Gay Liberation gather at the 1971 ALA Annual ­Conference in Dallas. From left: Steve Wolf, Israel Fishman, Michael asked, “What’s a church that’s cool with gay people?” They got McConnell, Jack Baker, unidentified, Barbara Gittings, Mary McKenney, answers from several pastors, of which only one said anything ­unidentified (upper right). positive, so I went to church there. realized he wasn’t an organizer, so he asked Barbara if she would I was able to come out because of the library. I started DEB SICA: be the coordinator. with the World Book—I think I looked up “homosexuality.” I was They said, “What can we do to get ourselves on the map in able to put definitions on what I was experiencing. You find the ALA?” Well, they came up with the idea to have a kissing booth. book that becomes a sanctuary and you’re not alone, no matter A gay kissing booth. how disenfranchised you might feel. In 1971, at ALA’s Annual Conference in Dallas, the new MICHAEL MUNGIN: As a gay black kid in the pre–Will and Grace task force makes a splash with several actions, including era, I did not see myself represented in very many places. And the announcement of a book award (which will later I could find glimpses of what I could be in the materials that I become known as the Stonewall Book Award), its first found at the library, like B-Boy Blues by James Earl Hardy. I came formal program (“Sex and the Single Cataloger”), and a to understand that those materials didn’t show up in the library Hug-a-Homosexual booth in the exhibit hall. Along with by accident—librarians were putting them there. I was like, “I signs reading men only and women only, the booth contains want to be part of that system.” task force members ready to dispense hugs and kisses on “That system,” at least in an official sense, begins in 1970, request. No one takes them up on it, so Gittings and author at ALA’s Annual Conference in Detroit. During a session of Alma Routsong (winner of the task force’s first book award) the Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT), librarian hug and kiss each other. Israel Fishman proposes an official gay and lesbian caucus within ALA—the Task Force on Gay Liberation. Though not LAHUSEN: The place was packed. Many a librarian, activist Barbara Gittings soon joins the task people couldn’t imagine what gay force and becomes a major force in its growth. people looked like, and they couldn’t imagine they would kiss openly in KAY LAHUSEN: I met Barbara Gittings, my partner of 46 years, at public. One woman said, “Why on a Daughters of Bilitis picnic in Rhode Island. Someone told her I earth would they get all this publicity was a cute little package and she should go after me. when we have all these famous authors There was a man who had a radio broadcast, Homosexual here?” Barbara said, “I think she needs News and Reviews. He thought well of Barbara, and he said, a new pair of glasses if she can’t see “When I’m on vacation, why don’t you handle the broadcast?” why we had publicity.” So that put So she went to the station one day, and there was something in us on the map. the mailbox—a notice of a meeting of librarians who were going A Place for Us by Alma to try to get a [gay and lesbian] organization going. Barbara Routsong was the winner The task force continues to hold its thought, “This is for me because I love books; I love libraries.” of the task force’s first book award and other programs I think most people just thought it was a kind of kooky book award. It was origi- at Annual, including the 1975 “The nally published under the group. They struggled along for a year or so, and Israel Fishman Children’s Hour: Must Gay Be Grim pen name Isabel Miller. Archives ALA Photos:

28 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org ROLAND HANSEN: She was a real go-getter and wouldn’t take guff from anybody. Very tenacious, and very caring too. It’s not that we didn’t like what she was doing, but the task force was getting bigger and bigger, and it needed some organizing.

MICHEL: She let me put on a program [at the 1985 Annual Conference] called “What Do We Want—from Each Other, from ALA, from the World?” There was a huge number of people. I said, “What’s your vision for the task force?” Part of the vision was to have a male and a female cochair. A lot of groups at that point were having male and female cochairs as a way to ensure representation. [In 1986], I became the first male cochair. Barbara didn’t want to run, so she stepped down. Ellen Greenblatt was the female cochair.

Also in 1986, the task force changes its name to the Gay and Lesbian Task Force and sees its book award recognized as an official ALA award.

CAL GOUGH: That was the first time I had been to Annual. I had no idea that that conference would be so exciting. This was a weekend that’s never been Barbara Gittings and author Alma Routsong surpassed. And that was because I met so many more kiss each other at the Task Force on Gay gay people than I expected to meet. That’s when I met ­Liberation’s Hug-a-Homosexual booth in the exhibit hall at ALA’s 1971 Annual Conference Ellen Greenblatt, and that resulted four years later in Dallas. in the book she and I coedited, Gay and Lesbian Library Service, which was the first book like that in the world. for Jane and Jim?”; distributes bibliographies of gay and I spent the next 10 years working on publications that we lesbian titles; changes its name to the Gay Task Force; could disseminate through the task force. I didn’t want all this and successfully lobbies ALA Council to adopt resolutions knowledge about how to better serve gay and lesbian library affirming support of equal employment opportunities for users to be restricted to such a small group of activist librarians; gay and lesbian library workers. I wanted it to be available to anybody. We ended up with 50 or so publications that people could get through the mail—a direc- McNEILL: When I was in college in 1979, I went to the library tory of gay and lesbian librarians so that people could find their and looked in the Encyclopedia of Associations to see if there was counterparts in their parts of the country, a directory of gay and any gay profession. I was a bold child. The Gay Task Force of the lesbian professional organizations, things like that. ALA was listed—I think it was Barbara Gittings’s home address. I wrote to whatever address it was, and Barbara replied, telling During the 1988 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, me why she thought being a librarian would be a good career the task force holds a program titled “Positively Out: choice. It seemed perfectly rational to me. I got my undergrad- Gay and Lesbian Librarians in the Workplace.” Moore uate degree in education, and then I thought, “Well, I think remembers what it was like to be a lesbian library worker I’ll see if I can get this master’s degree in library science that in those days. Barbara suggested.” MOORE: It wasn’t welcoming at all. If you said in 1984, “I bought a house with my girlfriend,” there was just this silence. It was like By 1985, the task force has grown large enough that the your life didn’t have meaning. I was working with a lot of women need for more structure is evident. my age going through life events like getting engaged, getting DEE MICHEL: [Originally] Barbara ran the task force completely married, getting pregnant. And you’re totally outside that. What herself. I waged a battle with her to make it more participatory do I talk about, sports? and democratic. She was a force of nature. A lot of the people One of the first people I was out to in my job was this woman from that era were very tough, which you had to be to survive. who was going through a divorce. One day I said, “I have

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 29 something to tell you.” She said, “Yeah, I’ve been telling you a McNEILL: There were some lot; feel free to tell me anything.” So I came out to her, and she really hateful letters that was totally cool with it. It changed my life. were published and opin- ions that were stated. McNEILL: One thing that was really useful in the beginning was [advice on] how to be out at work. I know I got some advice to MARTIN GARNAR: Some make sure to put on my résumé: “Member, ALA Gay Liberation commenters accused Task Force.” I was just determined, “I’m not going to go to some American Libraries of library, and then they’re going to find out I’m gay after I get ­glorifying homosexuality. there, and that’s going to become an issue.” I’m just going to spell Among the many it right out. letters to the editor When the children’s book Daddy’s Roommate is published that followed were in 1990, it becomes a lightning rod for antigay activists. statements such as: “I Ann K. Symons, who later serves as 1998–1999 ALA am disgusted, appalled, American Libraries’ July/August 1992 president and 2014–2015 chair of GLBTRT, remembers and nauseated to cover featured a photograph of Gay and dealing with a book challenge around it. see my professional Lesbian Task Force members marching in organization supporting the San Francisco Pride parade. ANN K. SYMONS: In the early 1990s, I defended a book challenge a sexually perverse in our school district, where I was a high school librarian. One movement”; “I wanted to puke!”; and “The gay and of our librarians wanted to buy Daddy’s Roommate because she lesbian issue … has nothing whatsoever to do with the felt there was a need in that school. She also knew she would be library profession. And the library profession should have fired if she put it in the library. So she asked me for advice. I said, absolutely nothing to do with it.” “This is how we’re gonna do it. What we need to do is have every But so were statements like: “I have nothing but single library [in the district] buy the books so that nobody can praise for ALA’s ongoing commitment to defending the pinpoint one librarian.” rights of all people”; “I felt pleased that my professional The next thing I knew, the superintendent called me in. I went association chose such a happy, celebratory photograph”; to his office, and he had the books, and the offending pages were and “I became a librarian because I wanted to serve marked with yellow stickies. I wasn’t going to have a discussion the information needs of all people, including gays and with him. I just picked up the books and said, “Oh, that’s where lesbians.” our books are, thank you,” and walked out. McNEILL: For me and for so many other people, to see that pic- Another controversy hits even closer to home: In ture on the cover of American Libraries was to feel seen. 1992, American Libraries’ July/August cover features a photograph of Gay and Lesbian Task Force members In 1995, the task force changes its name to the Gay, Lesbian, marching in the San Francisco Pride parade. and Bisexual Task Force (GLBTF). Just four years later, it is promoted to round table status and becomes the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Round Table of the ALA.

SYMONS: I remember at the Newbery-Caldecott Banquet, some- one had written remarks for me, and I remember sitting there thinking, “Nobody’s written remarks for what I’m going to say tomorrow at the gay task force event.” So I took those remarks and I personalized them to the gay task force, and I went. Later I realized I was the first ALA president ever who had come and taken notice of what they were doing.

Publications from the Task Force on Gay Liberation include the June 1971 version of A Gay Bibliography and the July 1974 edition of Gay Task Force News.

30 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org “Especially in the current political still a lot of hostility and hatred that we need to confront. And climate, it’s always comforting looking back on it, that’s what motivated me to start the name to have a place where you can change process. GLBTRT members ask: Is it time to change the round walk into the room and know table’s name again? SICA: Every time the name came up, there would be all kinds of you are loved for who you are.” conversations like, “Why is the G first?” Our understanding of gender expression and sexual orientation has evolved in so many MARTIN GARNAR ways, so it was time to think about: What does inclusivity look Intellectual Freedom Round Table–Gay, Lesbian, like? We went through many conversations, especially about the Bisexual, Transgender Round Table liaison, 2005–2011 Q. Was [queer] a reclaimed term or still a term of hatred? We had more than three years of conversation around that.

ANA ELISA DE CAMPOS SALLES: According to ALA rules for McNEILL: I remember thinking, “This is a little different, that the name changes, we needed to have two different round table ALA president even knows where this event is. How the heck did boards vote on this. We sent out surveys to get as much feedback that happen?” from membership as possible. How did they feel about possibly After Symons completes her term as ALA president, she extending our alphabet soup of a name to additional letters? Or retires and lives in Russia for several years. did they want something more emblematic? The one that came out on top was Rainbow Round Table. SYMONS: When I came back from Russia, I came back to ALA to see my friends. I didn’t have anything to do in ALA, so I thought, Five years after same-sex marriage was legalized in all “I wonder if I could run for the GLBTRT board.” So I sat there at 50 states, and 50 years after the Gay Task Force came into the meeting, and at the end of the meeting, three friends came being, is there still a need for a LGBTQIA+ group within ALA? and said, “Would you run for chair?” I said, “Well, yeah, I’ll run MUNGIN: Maybe five years ago we might’ve been able to envi- for chair, but do you feel comfortable knowing that I would be sion this committee becoming redundant. Since the 2016 [US your first-ever straight chair?” And they said, “Absolutely.” presidential] election, we are having to work on some fundamen- I spent three years on the board, and then I was the GLBTRT tal things that maybe we thought we were past. Homophobia is Councilor and spent three years on Council, during which the creeping up in all kinds of ways. I think the round table’s work is most significant issue was gender-neutral restrooms at confer- nowhere near finished. ence. A few of the members early on took it upon themselves to just make hand-printed signs and change the restrooms into GARNAR: There still are times where LGBTQIA+ folks deal with gender-neutral restrooms. Ultimately we passed a resolution in microaggressions, deal with outright oppression. Especially in Council requiring a certain percentage of restrooms to be gender- the current political climate, it’s always comforting to have a neutral at all of our conferences. place where you can walk into the room and know you are loved for who you are. The murder of 49 people at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, less than two weeks before the 2016 ALA SICA: The emergence of drag queen storytime has proven how Annual Conference in the same city, leaves many reeling, much residual hate and resistance continues. We’re still in a not least the GLBTRT. position where we have to protect titles for access. We have lots of states where it’s legal to discriminate for employment. SICA: I was incoming chair when the Pulse tragedy happened. Marriage equality passed, but we don’t have employment That was one of the culminating moments for me about how protection. There are so many places where you can come out important what we do is. People were asking us, “Was it safe? and be fired. We’ve got 50 years behind us, and we’ve got 50 Should we go? Would we have heightened security?” We had to years ahead of us, too. make some decisions. Would we be fear-based in our response, or did we rally the troops and say, “This is not going to stop us”? We ANNE FORD is editor-at-large of American Libraries. had to take the high road to say, “This is going to motivate us.” We had a couple of trips to the [shooting] site, and it felt like hallowed ground. That was a morbid reminder that there’s

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 31 What Library thinkers on the most exciting the technology and noteworthy trends Future

EDITED BY Carrie Smith

Holds he world is changing rapidly: socially, technologically, and ecologically. Even T while the “tech backlash” phenomenon is making headlines, libraries must still anticipate and adapt to digital advances and larger socie- tal developments. How will these technological choices align with and advance libraries’ core values, such as access, privacy, and intellectual freedom? It’s a time to consider both short-term and long-term trends—the changes that have already begun as well as those that lie ahead. Here we offer insights and predictions from five library thinkers who shared their perspec- tives at the Symposium on the Vincent (left) and Nancy are programmable Future of Libraries during the Ameri- humanoid NAO robots at can Library Association’s (ALA) 2020 Westport (Conn.) Library. Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits. From core values such as privacy and sustainability to more novel innovations such as the use of robots, we explore what the future might hold. Photo: Aldebaran Robotics Aldebaran Photo:

32 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org Libby the Librarian greets students at University of Pretoria Libraries in South Africa.

Robots // Bohyun Kim Robots can also help with reference requests, particularly with simple questions. These robots can take the form of ROBOTS ARE NOT YET COMMON AT LIBRARIES, BUT THEY online chatbots. University of Oklahoma Libraries is exper- ARE BEING PILOTED FOR A VARIETY OF PURPOSES. For imenting with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant, to provide example, many large libraries now use a robotic system to basic reference services. Similarly, robots can be used to store and retrieve materials. Robots are also used for shelf- perform readers’ advisory, and children’s librarians may find reading and inventory management. reading robots useful. Recently, libraries have started providing access to robots When robots directly interact with library patrons and and robot-related STEM education programs. For example, staff, safety may be a concern. However, interacting with Westport (Conn.) Library provides trainings for its two pro- robots can enhance those relationships. As AI technology grammable humanoid NAO robots, advances, more sophisticated, versatile, and autonomous and Chicago Public Library lends robots are likely to enter our homes, workplaces, and small, mobile Finch robots. The libraries. No one fully understands how the wide adoption Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab at of robots will affect us—but it will certainly generate a lot of University of Rhode Island Libraries interesting questions. holds weekly “robot hours” during Bohyun Kim is chief technology officer and associate profes- which students learn to control and sor at University of Rhode Island Libraries. program robots. Some aspects of library work are Bohyun Kim more likely to benefit from robots Sustainability // Matthew Bollerman than others. For example, libraries can use social robots to greet visitors and answer directional IMAGINE THAT ALL OVER THE WORLD, COASTS AND questions. University of Pretoria Libraries in South Africa has OTHER LOW-LYING AREAS ARE BEING ERODED, a robot named Libby that already performs such tasks. As FLOODED, AND EVEN SUBMERGED. All aspects of food robots gain more advanced features, such as identifying and security, including food access and price stability, have been reshelving misfiled books, they will become useful for library compromised. Civil wars and intergroup violence are raging,

Photo: Mariki Uitenweerde/University of Pretoria in South Africa of Pretoria Mariki Uitenweerde/University Photo: access services. fueled by spikes in poverty and other economic shocks.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 33 “By asking three questions when making any given decision—Is it environmentally sound? Is it economically feasible? Is it socially equitable?—we can make sure that we are helping our communities."

MATTHEW BOLLERMAN, chief executive officer of Hauppauge (N.Y.) Public Library

Sound like scenarios from a zombie TV series or a thriller a 73-kilowatt solar panel array is scheduled to be installed movie? Instead, they’re predictions from the latest report on the library’s roof, electric vehicle chargers are being of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), added to the parking lots, and custodial staff have switched the United Nations body tasked with assessing climate- to green cleaning products and organic lawn care for the change science. grounds and community library vegetable garden. Can libraries help mitigate the likelihood of these predic- Matthew Bollerman is chief executive officer of Hauppauge tions coming true? The IPCC report suggests that forming (N.Y.) Public Library. local partnerships, recognizing and valuing diversity, and helping all voices be heard are key to surviving the new climate Virtual reality // Felicia A. Smith humans have created. These are completely in line with the values, VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) HAS THE POTENTIAL TO REV- history, and mission of our institu- OLUTIONIZE LIBRARY INSTRUCTION. How? By using tions. Solutions will require local immersive, real-life scenarios to demonstrate to students choices, local efforts, and local how they already use information literacy skills every coordination. day. While traditional information literacy instruction Last year, ALA adopted sus- is lecture-based and jargon-filled, VR enables more Matthew Bollerman tainability as a core value. As the active learning. profession decides how to embody For example, a student could participate in a real-life that value, library conferences are beginning to encourage scenario through VR technology and asked to choose the participants to offset their carbon for travel, and library safer option: being asked to accept schools are considering integrating sustainability into an opened beverage by a stranger their curricula. on the street, or seeking treatment By asking three questions when making any given as an emergency-room patient and decision—Is it environmentally sound? Is it economically being urged by a nurse to swallow feasible? Is it socially equitable?—we can make sure we are some pills with water. These sce- helping our communities. Libraries should use this “triple narios require students to critically bottom-line” framework for all decisions regarding opera- evaluate the credibility of the tions and services. The Sustainable Libraries Initiative offers person offering a substance. tools for library staff to document progress on a number of Felicia A. Smith In the next exercise, stu- environmental, social, and fiscal goals. At nearby Linden- dents would be presented with hurst (N.Y.) Memorial Library, one of the first libraries to a scenario in which they have to choose which is more achieve the Sustainable Libraries Certification, library staff credible: an anonymous post on the internet, or a peer- have committed to the triple bottom-line in many ways: reviewed article from a scholarly journal. It’s easy to see

34 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org how the reflexive assessment required in the first scenario lives of low-income people who lack the resources to deal mirrors the type of information literacy skills required with its fallout. Additionally, personal and behavioral in the second. data sets collected by third-party technology companies Unfortunately, development and production costs for are frequently treated as commodities. We say privacy is VR content are high, ranging from $44,000 to $79,000 or a core value, but when libraries even as much as $500,000. Additionally, research about partner with third parties that the use of VR in academic library orientations and one-shot share data that may later be used instructional workshops is lacking. It’s difficult to show to deport people from the US— how effective mixed, virtual, or augmented reality instruc- do we really want to contribute tion could be. That difficulty largely stems from the lack to that? Misuse of data sets has of research into these technologies, since they’re relatively the potential to further fuel new. However, reports on the effects of interactive computer data-driven discrimination that games and simulations have found statistically significant disproportionately affects mar- positive impacts on learning outcomes. ginalized groups. We even see Elisa Rodrigues Felicia A. Smith is head of learning and outreach at Stan- this when crime reporting and ford University Libraries in Palo Alto, California. policing data from cities’ open data portals is published without context. Biased historical practices, embedded in these numbers, created the status quo that allows black and brown communities to be over-policed today and Confronting continually put at a disadvantage. // Elisa Rodrigues As libraries seek to improve their services or secure data bias funding, they may feel pressured to collect data in-house EVERYONE SHOULD REGULARLY REEVALUATE THEIR to make a persuasive case. However, such data must RELATIONSHIPS WITH TECHNOLOGY. Data is constantly be collected critically, especially that pertaining to being collected around us; most modern technology pack- underrepresented communities. Many times, data ages surveillance and marketing research as fun toys and collection can put the privacy of these groups at higher convenient tools. Conglomerate mergers, as well as lack risk simply by exposing a lack of representation, making of competition and regulation, have created a very small individuals identifiable. To protect vulnerable popula- market with a loose, subpar standard of user data privacy. tions, libraries must ensure that data is collected ethically, That goes for the largest technology companies as well as stored securely, and anonymized. Or consider not collect- smaller companies like library vendors. ing patron data at all. Data is constantly being breached Digital privacy violations more adversely affect econom- and compromised. For example, ransomware attacks ically and socially disadvantaged groups. For example, on libraries and government systems are increasingly

Photo: © pressmaster/Adobe Stock © pressmaster/Adobe Photo: identity theft is painful for everyone but can devastate the common, and even big corporations are being hacked.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 35 “Yes, technology connects us to people and resources, but unmediated technology implementation upholds the status quo and hurts the most marginalized.”

ELISA RODRIGUES, systems library assistant at University of San Francisco

Yes, technology connects us to people and resources, but of a “privacy service.” One arm of this campaign will warn unmediated technology implementation upholds the status patrons when our content vendors display bad privacy quo and hurts the most marginalized. There are several behavior. We want to indicate our assessment of vendors’ resources that can help people assess technology through behavior regarding personal data via a red/yellow/green the lens of library ethics, including the LITA Guides Protect- indicator in the library catalog and at any other access ing Patron Privacy (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017) and Library point to e-resources, to give users a Technology Planning for Today and Tomorrow (2018), and sense of how secure their per- the National Information Standards Organization’s Privacy sonal information will be with a Principles. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom has great given vendor. resources on its website and will be releasing its Privacy Field For example, does the vendor Guides for Libraries, which are full of hands-on techniques require users to create a service- and checklists. Every library should adjust these resources specific account? (We do not object to best suit its community’s needs. We can acknowledge to vendors who offer additional how pervasive technology has become while rejecting the functionality through an optional trend of constant surveillance that harms the communi- Peter McCracken user account.) Do they require that ties we serve. the user agree to a click-through Elisa Rodrigues is systems library assistant at University of license? (These are especially egregious, as the controlling San Francisco. contract is between the vendor and the university, not the vendor and the user.) Do they use browser fingerprinting? Do they offer the ability to delete user data, and do they Privacy service // Peter McCracken follow through on deletion requests? Beyond our libraries, we want to create a shared and open MANY E-RESOURCES VENDORS COLLECT PERSONALLY evaluation system in which any vendor can see why we have IDENTIFIABLE DATA ABOUT OUR PATRONS. Some content scored them as we have, and any library can contribute to providers just want to be assured that users are appro- or use the data as it sees fit. While it’s common to argue that priately affiliated with a subscribing institution. Others, individuals are responsible for the protection of their own though, view our patrons as valuable revenue streams and data, this is unreasonable and impractical. One individual do all they can to monetize their interactions with them. cannot force an organization to respect their right to data At Cornell University Library, we spend about 70% of our privacy. We must change this paradigm and shift the focus collections budget on electronic resources, yet vendors who to collective action. Working with other libraries, vendors, exploit data collection seldom change their behavior based organizations, and privacy advocates, we can ensure data on our objections. privacy for all. We are developing a multifaceted campaign, aimed at Peter McCracken is acquisitions and e-resources strategy our community and beyond, that focuses on the concept librarian at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

36 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org TRANSFORM THE FUTURE Leave a Legacy ALA Would you like to leave a legacy of your values and vision? Contact the LEGACY American Library Association’s Development Office to learn more about SOCIETY joining the Legacy Society or our planned giving circle for people under 50, the 1876 Club. We are happy to work with you to design the right planned gift for you, whether you are interested in an estate gift or in naming ALA as a beneficiary of your life insurance or retirement plan. Email us at 1876 CLUB [email protected] or call 312-280-3259 and start your legacy today. Grow the Future of ALA

ALA LEGACY SOCIETY HONOR ROLL OF DONORS 1876 CLUB CHARTER Anonymous (3) Shirley Fitzgibbons Suellen Hoy Robert Newlen Roberta & MEMBERS Leo Albert~ Barbara J. Ford* Alexia Hudson-Ward** Sylvia K. Norton George Stevens** William G. Asp** Ruth Frame~ Richard L. Huffine** Margaret “Peg” Peggy Sullivan*~ Anonymous (2) Susan D. and Eleanore Futas~ Dr. Em Claire Oettinger*~ Teri Switzer Peter Daniel Coyl Roger Ballard** Florence Gambino~ Knowles** Joyce L. Ogburn Ann & John Symons* Ann Dutton Ewbank & Steven A. Robert E. Banks** Nancy Kranich Ruth & Jay Toor~ Maryanne Flynn Charles Garris Eichner** Peggy Barber*~ Reiza Gaunt~ Charles E. Kratz, William L. Turner, John “Mack” Freeman Jr. and William Kimberly Patton** Jr.** Anne K. Beaubien** Julia Gelfand & Edward Andrew Garcia Varady, Jr. Mildred Othmer Betty Turock* John W. and David Lang** Peterson~ Loida Garcia-Febo Alice M. Berry** John A. Lehner Beatriz Pascual Carolyn Giambra** Mary Jane Peter Hepburn Katharina Sarah Ann Long** Wallace** Dr. Joan R. Giesecke~ Petrowski** Andrew M. Medlar Blackstead** Shirley Loo* Patricia A. Wand** Lori Goetsch & Molly & Ted Sheila O’Donnell Irene L. Briggs** Martin Courtois Geri Hansen Mann** Marina Welmers Raphael** Andrew K. Pace Francis J. Buckley, Jr. Ruth I. Gordon*~ Mike Marlin Lee Wheeler~ Jim & Monica Rettig Lessa Kanani’opua Michele V. Cloonan & Stephen L. Matthews J. Linda Williams** William R. Gordon* Larry Romans~ & Pelayo-Lozada Sidney E. Berger** Carse McDaniel* Patricia “Patty” Wong Ellin Greene*~ Mike Morgan Gina Persichini Emily Cloyd~ Regina Minudri Dr. Ken Haycock** Frances R. Roscello Nicole L. Powell Arthur Curley~ John N. Mitchell* Anne Heanue Robert F. Rose Mark D. Robison Trevor A. Dawes** Sara Elizabeth Rodney M. & April Roy JoAnna Schofield Carol Pitts Diedrichs** Susan C. Mitchell~ Patricia Glass Christopher S. Warren Mary Ruth Y. Duncan~ Hersberger Virginia B. Moore** Schuman * Charter Member ~ Deceased Steven D. Yates Lenore England Helga Herz~ William C. Morris~ Helen H. Spalding & ** ALA Legacy Courtney L. Young Ellen Fader** Nann Blaine Hilyard* David Mowery** Karl F. Johnson** Member/15x15 planned giving Janice Feye-Stukas** Gerald Hodges*~ Jim & Fran Neal** David & Cindy campaign Carole & Stan Fiore* Pam Spencer Holley Jeraline N. Nerney~ Steinhoff

Development Office, American Library Association 225 N Michigan Ave Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601 • (312) 280-3259 • [email protected] • www.ala.org/plannedgiving Narcan f your library were offered two chances to save a life, would it take them? The response might seem like an obvi- ous “yes.” But for many public libraries the or No? Ianswer is more nuanced. In October 2018, Emergent BioSolutions, Several years into the opioid the company that manufactures the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan (generic name: crisis, public librarians reflect on naloxone), issued a press release offering two free doses of Narcan to every public library and whether to stock free naloxone YMCA in the US.

BY Anne Ford

38 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org “The Philadelphia librarians were the ones that Multiple suppliers inspired us, because they were having people over- “Heroin has been a problem in our community for a dosing on their front lawn,” says Thom Duddy, who long time,” says Amy Grasmick, director of Kimball until mid-March was vice president of communica- Public Library (KPL) in Randolph, Vermont. “We tions for Emergent BioSolutions. are close to the local hospital but not terribly close He’s referring to the Free Library of Phila- to the ambulance dispatch, and we really feel like delphia’s McPherson Square branch, whose the responsible thing to do is to be prepared if we experience administering naloxone to multiple see a patron who is potentially overdosing. We overdose victims was widely reported by national acquired Narcan in the summer of 2018, before media in 2017. Emergent BioSolutions made its plan known. That was the year that public libraries’ efforts to Thankfully, we have not had to use it.” address the opioid overdose epidemic stepped into And if “we have a terrible day and do end up the spotlight. Since then, those efforts have been using a dose of Narcan,” she says, “it’s a pretty covered by American Libraries (Sept./Oct. 2017, simple matter for us to drive up the street and p. 44) as well as in the 2019 OCLC–Public Library restock.” That’s because the Vermont Department Association report Call to Action: Public Libraries of Health has partnered with community-based and the Opioid Crisis (bit.ly/OCLC-PLAstudy). Of organizations (such as behavioral health service the eight public libraries profiled in the report’s providers and addiction recovery centers) to dis- supplementary case studies, six of them report tribute overdose rescue kits that contain naloxone. stocking Narcan and training staff in its use. Grasmick is grateful that free Narcan is avail- Still, response to Emergent BioSolutions’ offer of able, wherever it comes from: “When my board free Narcan has been “lighter than we anticipated,” first directed me to get naloxone and train the Duddy says. Of the 16,568 individual central and staff, my first stop was the pharmacy, and out of branch library buildings in the country, only about pocket we would have been paying nearly $100 for 357, or 2.2%, have accepted. Narcan. I thought that was an unacceptable cost. Some may find the meager response especially I’m grateful the state has opted to make it available surprising given that the company is offering as a matter of public health.” the nasal-spray form of the drug, rather than the Like KPL, Peoria (Ill.) Public Library (PPL) did not potentially more intimidating injectable version. accept Emergent BioSolutions’ offer because it had “I think some libraries are concerned about already been able to access free Narcan elsewhere. liability, even though most states have Good In May 2017, says PPL Deputy Director Roberta Samaritan laws around naloxone,” Duddy says. Koscielski, the library held overdose response “And I think some people feel there’s not an [opioid overdose] issue where their library is located.” The libraries to which American Libraries spoke cited different reasons for not seeking the

Illustration: © Atstock Productions/Adobe Stock Productions/Adobe © Atstock Illustration: free Narcan.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 39 training for library staff, during which a nurse “We are thinking that having educator from Peoria’s Bradley University gave PPL supplies of injectable Narcan for its main trained professionals who location and each of its four branches. More recently, thanks to the Peoria-based can get there quickly is the Jolt Foundation, an organization that provides harm reduction services for drug users, PPL has better alternative for us.” acquired the nasal-spray form of Narcan as well. Also like KPL, Peoria librarians have not had CHARLIE HANSEN, chief administrative officer to administer Narcan yet. However, PPL has had at Columbus (Ohio) three onsite overdoses, to which emergency Metropolitan Library responders arrived so quickly that assistance from library staff was not necessary, Koscielski says.

Emphasizing preventive measures And then there are the libraries that have opted not to stock Narcan at all, wherever it comes from. Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library has made what Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Hansen calls a “conscious decision” not to keep the drug on hand. First, he says, there’s staff safety to consider.

100% Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Library Science university of nebraska at omaha • Accredited, Affordable University • High Employment Placement Rates • Engaged Advising • Field Site Experiences • Local and Regional Professional Networks • Strategically designed virtual courses to maximize student success Application Deadline for Fall Semester is August 1.

online.nebraska.edu/library (888) 622-0332

April Shaw, Student University of Nebraska at Omaha Library Science, BMS

40 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org “One of the things we’ve been aware of is the the offer has been something of a lifesaver— tendency for people who are revived using Narcan figuratively if not yet literally. to be in an agitated or belligerent state,” Hansen Dana Dillard, safety and security manager for says. (Emergent BioSolutions says that Narcan can Indianapolis Public Library (IPL), isn’t sure where cause sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms includ- the system obtained its previous supply of Narcan, ing nervousness, restlessness, and irritability.) “We which was due to expire around the time that are thinking that having trained professionals who Emergent BioSolutions made its offer. can get there quickly is the better alternative for “I looked around online to see where we could us. What we’ve experienced here is relatively quick order it; I figured we’d have to pay for it,” she says. response from EMTs.” “I ran across Emergent online. I was thrilled because “The other thing we try to do,” he adds, “is take a we don’t have a lot of extra funds lying around.” lot of steps to get out ahead of drug use. We’ve retro- IPL has 24 locations, and Emergent BioSolutions fitted older buildings with lower shelf heights for provided two doses for each location, plus two better visibility, we use airport-style bathrooms with doses for each of the six floors of the central library no door, and in some locations, we’ve started locking building, she says. restrooms. And we made a big investment in our Overdosing patrons are not uncommon at IPL, security team, so we’ve got a lot of in-house officers.” she adds. And while first responders are generally Despite those measures, onsite overdoses do able to arrive quickly, “we really like having Narcan “happen from time to time,” he says. “I can’t give for the peace of mind.” specific numbers.” ANNE FORD is editor-at-large of ‘Peace of mind’ American Libraries. For at least one of the public libraries that has obtained free Narcan from Emergent BioSolutions,

1 2 ALA Members 3 know a good value 5 6 when they see one. 7 4

Complete this crossword puzzle 8 to see how American Library Association members could get a special discount with GEICO.

geico.com/disc/ala | 800-368-2734

9

ACROSS ______Discounts ALA _____ could Over 75 years of _____ Acronym for Government 8. 9. 1. 5. available when you have auto as save even more on and service! Employees Insurance Company well as another line of insurance GEICO auto insurance DOWN _____film is a Also known as a City where ALA head Shared risk to Website to 9. _____ Discount available 3. 4. 6. 7. means of archiving 2. premium reduction office is located protect your assets get a quote printed documents

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICO contracts with various membership entities and other organizations, but these entities do not underwrite the offered insurance products. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO may not be involved in a formal relationship with each organization; however, you still may qualify for a special discount based on your membership, employment or affiliation with those organizations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999–2019. © 2019 GEICO

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 41 Hooking Your Audience on C OPYRIGHT Advice for sparking students’ interest

BY Laura Quilter

ll of us who teach copyright have been con- fronted with a person who says sheepishly, A “I know I should know about copyright. I’m probably doing everything wrong and could go to jail!” This rueful self-declaration is really a way of saying, “Copyright has never been important to me, and I don’t take it seriously.” But those of us who teach copyright know that it’s both important and exciting—we just need to communicate that. Photos: © Adobe Stock © Adobe Photos:

42 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org The trick is to find the right hook for the right audience. Although he was found innocent “Finding the hook” means analyzing the audience in order to in 2017, the prosecutor in the case understand its interests and perspectives, and then figuring planned to appeal. out what take-home points will meet those interests. This The use of scholarly content for requires looking at what is distinctive about a particular class teaching. Georgia State University of students, as well as remembering what almost all students (GSU) and Delhi University have both (copyright laypeople) have in common. been sued by academic publishers to First, everyone is a copyright holder. Copyright is literally stop them from providing access to everywhere, which means that everybody has some skin in the information. The GSU case is, at the game. They just need to know it. The second thing that most time of writing, still being litigated (not all) people have in common is a lack of awareness or con- This is an excerpt 10 years on, and instructors were cern about copyright. Most people aren’t aware that they own from Coaching placed on the stand during the trial to copyright, or use copyright, or should care about copyright. Copyright, edited discuss their uses of copyrighted works A key challenge, therefore, is to find the copyright connections by Kevin L. Smith in instruction. that will get people to care about copyright at all. and Erin L. Ellis Music file-sharing and outrageous (ALA Editions, damages. Jammie Thomas-Rasset and Copyright anecdotes to shock the conscience 2020). Joel Tenenbaum were both “made an Moral outrage can sometimes do the trick, and tying moral example of” by music industry litiga- outrage to situations familiar to the student is helpful. This is tion, with multimillion-dollar judgments for sharing a small just a sampling, and copyright educators can readily find addi- number of songs. tional examples online. TechDirt (techdirt.com) is one reliable These examples are not useful as “scared straight” anec- source of horrifying abuses and absurdities within copyright, dotes to discourage file-sharing or downloading—marquee and the more you teach copyright, the more students will punishment typically does not have a deterrent effect. But, share with you their own copyright nightmares. they are attention-grabbing and can open conversations about Academic research and the need for open access. Diego fairness and economic rationality. Gómez, a Colombian researcher, faced up to eight years in Copyright takedowns as censorship. In Online Policy prison for uploading another scientist’s 2006 thesis on Scribd. Group v. Diebold, Inc. (2004), a voting machine company’s

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 43 The snapshots on your phone are copyrighted until 70 years after your death.

internal memos were leaked; the memos documented voting journal publisher sought to charge her $500 to republish a machine vulnerabilities, and Diebold tried to prevent this figure from her own paper. In another instance, a graduate information from being disseminated by sending copyright student’s publication agreement described the paper as a work takedown notices. Although the court found this to be a clear for hire of the publisher, with no rights to include his paper in instance of fair use, numerous individuals and institutions his dissertation. suffered the stress of receiving legal notices. Many other Academic publishers targeting faculty authors. Every examples of takedown notices are available at lumendatabase so often, an academic publisher decides to crack down on the .org (formerly known as chillingeffects.org). These examples common practice of faculty posting their papers on their per- are helpful in discussing the ease of obtaining copyright and sonal websites. Elsevier did it in 2013, the American Society the potential for misuse; they also facilitate conversations of Civil Engineers did it in 2014, and other publishers and about fair use and counter-notices. professional societies have done it since. These are excellent Negotiating permission requests for all future uses. All teaching moments for faculty, because they afford an oppor- too often authors fail to get enough permissions when they tunity to discuss conventional copyright transfers in publica- request permission to use images or other works in their own tion agreements, as well as open access and the shifts in the scholarship. The story of how copyright issues related to film, academic publishing world. Moreover, they involve counter- photo, and music footage licensing blocked the rebroadcast of notices and the importance of keeping documentation. Eyes on the Prize, a famous 1987 television documentary series about the civil rights movement, is a useful cautionary tale Universal topics in copyright that will affect many adults. Copyright educators will find the following topics relevant for Permissions absurdities. In 2012, Pearson published and audiences across a variety of situations. sold an art history textbook for $180—with no pictures of art! YouTube channel management. Surprising numbers of The company cited the difficulties and expense of licensing people manage their own video channels—everyone from the art, some of which was actually in the public domain. In young people who post music covers or instructional videos, to addition to licensing and permissions, this anecdote can also communications or administrative staff who post promotional usefully start conversations about open education, public videos, to instructors and faculty who use YouTube, Vimeo, or domain, and fair use. similar online streaming sites for educational purposes. You Negotiating your publishing agreements. In my work, can pique someone’s interest by discussing the mechanism I have seen outrageous copyright situations that would have for taking down videos or monetizing them; what kinds of been prevented if authors had negotiated their publishing background music can get content-flagged or not; and how to

agreements. In one situation, a junior faculty member’s respond and challenge a finding of copyright infringement. Stock © Adobe Photo:

44 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org Creative Commons. Whether people are using others’ trademark, patent, and copyright. This open-ended question content or trying to figure out how to disseminate their own generates lists of trademarks, movies, books, music, inven- content, understanding Creative Commons (CC) licensing is tions, and so on. You can then easily drill down into what is broadly useful. Producers of content of all sorts—amateurs copyrightable and what isn’t, how long copyright terms are, and professionals—need to locate and use openly available and various exceptions and limitations, while constructing content, whether stock photos, clip art, illustrations, or music a logical framework for the students to understand copy- and sound effects. Instructors can talk about locating CC right broadly. content in search engines. This is a win for librarians, since it offers the opportunity to connect to advanced searching and Useful exercises facets in other contexts, as well. In addition to discussions and lectures, providing exercises Contract and licensing negotiation. Understanding how for students during longer classes is often very helpful. A few contracts work is generally useful information even outside of simple exercises include: copyright work, and thus provides a hook to almost everyone. A list of hypotheticals. Depending on the topic and Almost all adults, and many young people, have signed a lease audience, hypotheticals can be in the form of a list of problem or a mortgage, taken or given a loan, hired someone for a job situations, where the audience spots the problem, figures out or been hired, or purchased or sold something. Each of these the solution, or both. For instance, you can offer a set of hypo- actions involves the basic contractual elements that underpin theticals where the students assess whether to apply fair use or publishing and other transactions around copyrighted works, another statutory exception, like subsection 110(1) (classroom including, crucially, negotiation. performances). Analyze a contract or a selection of contract clauses. Questions to consider Giving people the opportunity to read through a contract, It’s always helpful to have some key questions to start a class mark up and strike through its language, and rewrite the lan- and get the mood for discussion flowing. Some useful ques- guage is uniquely empowering. You should use short contracts tions include: in order to provide an experience that feels authentic but How many of you are copyright holders? This can start a doesn’t take up too much time. conversation about the ubiquity of copyright. It is also partic- Role-play a case. For longer classes, or throughout a multi- ularly useful for professional creators to understand that they session course, having students actually read a case and make don’t have to register to have a copyright. This invites a con- arguments about both sides in it can be an extraordinary expe- versation about when copyright registration is useful (some- rience. Reading legal reasoning helps people see that there times) and when copyright notice is useful (almost always). An are no magic answers—that the law really is about reasoning instructor can also open conversations about the absurdity of and analogy. copyright by connecting the ubiquity of copyright to the length Arguing the different sides—a sort of mini-moot court—is of the copyright term. Yes, the snapshots on your phone are also enormously fun. Depending on the size of the group, copyrighted until 70 years after your death! the audience members could do it at individual tables, What questions, problems, or concerns do you have informally, voting on who “wins,” and then reporting back about copyright? In any group under two dozen or so, you can to the group. just go around the room and generate a marvelous list of topics Copyright education is a natural fit for libraries, but getting to cover. With a little practice, these topics can be grouped into the attention of students requires a careful analysis of the a few common subsets, and an instructor should be prepared possible “hooks” in their disciplines, career stages, roles, and beforehand to deal with the common subsets of questions, practical experiences. Audience analysis allows copyright as well as be responsive to and interact with the audience’s educators to come to class with confidence, knowing they can immediate concerns. After running this exercise a few times meet the first critical challenge for any educator: engaging the with similar audiences, an instructor will have a feel for the attention and interest of students. kinds of questions that keep coming up, and what groupings they want to use. LAURA QUILTER is copyright and information What kinds of things can be “intellectual property” policy librarian and attorney at University of Massachusetts Amherst. (or copyrighted)? In business schools or with members of the public, there are often people who are confused about

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 45 PERSPECTIVES in practice

exercises that have helped me Pay Attention to Attention observe how the tech I use regularly impacts my atten- Learning to use technology tion, affecting my productivity and emotional well-being. “In intentionally BY Meredith Farkas performing these exercises,” he writes, “people regularly have been an enthusiastic adopter of online communication tools discover that they can take since I first accessed the internet in the early 1990s. At the time, I greater charge of their online was so focused on what I gained from having access anytime and lives.” Better understanding Ianywhere that I didn’t consider the impact of that convenience on how we use technology and my attention and engagement with the nonvirtual world. what isn’t serving us well will I also could not have predicted how social media and app develop- help us design our individual ers would later design their products to be addictive using many of prescription for creating a more MEREDITH the same techniques that casinos use to get people to spend mindless present and aware relationship FARKAS is fac- hours gambling (bit.ly/AL-Attention1). Over time, I began to see the with technology. ulty librarian at unhealthy pull of technology on my attention, whether it was spending Paying attention to what I pay Portland (Oreg.) Community hours scrolling through feeds or the Pavlovian way a new email would attention to has helped me see College. Follow drag me off task and into my inbox. the problems her on Twitter I think many of us are uneasy about our relationships with my own use @librarianmer. with online technologies, whether it’s the time we spend Paying attention to of technology. on them, the fragmented state of our attention, or how I’ve turned off using them makes us feel. During this pandemic, these what I pay attention nearly every technologies have suddenly become more critical than to has helped me notification on ever to support our work and keep in touch with friends my phone and and family. I find great professional value in tools like see the problems keep my work Slack and Twitter, and I’d like to believe that there’s a email off it. I’ve way to conquer the addictive and distracting aspects with my own use deleted some of them without needing to take a technology sabbati- of technology. social media cal (bit.ly/AL-Attention2) or quitting them altogether accounts and (bit. ly/AL-Attention3). use others much Two books have recently helped open my eyes to more sparingly other ways of interacting with technology and taking greater control and intentionally now. Most over my own attention. Jenny Odell’s How to Do Nothing: Resisting the importantly, I’m more aware of Attention Economy (Melville House, 2019) is a meditation on the value my own behaviors and commit- of fallow time, countering the notion that we should always strive ted to not letting technologies toward greater productivity and self-optimization. She writes about pull me away from people and her own dissatisfaction “with untrained attention, which flickers from activities I care about. one new thing to the next, not only because it is a shallow experience, Just as we’re all different, or because it is an expression of habit rather than will, but because there is no one-size-fits-all it gives me less access to my own human experience.” Odell doesn’t relationship with technology that prescribe specific actions. She instead writes about how she explicitly maximizes the benefits and limits chooses to pay attention to things she values, like birds, art, and her the harmful aspects. Right now, community. She shows it’s possible to forge healthier relationships while so much of our work and with technology and be more present in our lives. personal lives are lived online, University of Washington iSchool professor David M. Levy’s Mindful it’s never been more important to Tech: How to Bring Balance to Our Digital Lives (Yale University Press, take control of our attention and 2016) provided me with the tools to better understand what needs be mindful of how and what we to change about my technology use. The book includes mindfulness choose to focus on.

46 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org dispatches PERSPECTIVES

the integration of Libro from Voice Assistants ConverSight.ai into existing library systems. Patrons can use Libro’s Use Alexa and Google Assistant for Alexa skill to search a library cata- log for resource availability; recall, teaching and communicating BY Win Shih and Erin Rivero renew, or place holds on library materials; find an item location in oice technology has transformed the way we interact with the book stacks; or ask about library digital world. Voice assistants (VAs), such as Amazon’s Alexa, hours and events. Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and Microsoft’s Cortana, aid Similarly, EBSCO has devel- Vusers by answering questions and performing tasks. Sometimes oped an interface that allows called virtual assistants, digital assistants, or intelligent personal assis- users to access content from its tants, VAs expose consumers to the power and potential of artificial intel- discovery service via Alexa and

WIN SHIH is ligence by performing multiple tasks in response to one request. Google Home. director of inte- Both Alexa and Google Assistant let you run a set of tasks with a Libraries and universities are grated library single voice command. For example, when you say, “Hey, Google, good also developing their own Alexa systems at morning,” Google Assistant will execute a predefined sequence that skills. At Saint Louis University University of can include: adjusting your lights and thermostat; providing a weather (SLU), more than 2,300 Amazon Southern Cali- fornia Libraries. report; estimating your commute time; looking up your calendar; provid- Echo Dots sit in the residence hall ing reminders; playing news, radio, or music; or other actions. rooms, and the university’s Alexa Although VAs are usually associated with smart speakers such as skill, Ask SLU, answers more than Amazon Echo and Google Home, they are also available as mobile apps 200 frequently asked questions, and come as default programs on mobile devices. Siri and Google Assis- including library hours. tant are integral parts of their corresponding mobile platforms. A handful of public libraries After a decade of development, conversational AI and voice technol- have also created Alexa skills for ogy have progressed beyond early infancy and moved into a phase of miscellaneous uses, including ERIN RIVERO mass adoption. Smart speakers are now a common household item, with managing patron accounts at is director of more than 133 million in use in the US. Granville (Ohio) Public Library, editorial creative Both Amazon and Google make their proprietary technology available providing facts about forth- for Peacock, to independent developers to learn and build new appli- coming facility NBCUniversal’s cations on their platforms. These third-party applica- improvement at new streaming service. tions, called “skills” on Alexa’s platform and “actions” on Spokane (Wash.) Google’s platform, let companies and individuals build More than Public Library, their own voice applications tailored to their products 133 million smart and delivering a and services. With an eye toward cultivating AI literacy Sioux City (Iowa) through VA technology, some new library and educa- speakers are in Public Library– tional applications are emerging. use in the US. produced literary In K–12 settings, the commercial vendor Bamboo culture podcast. Learning develops Alexa skills to help educators. One of Collaboration its skills, Highlights Storybooks, is a collaboration with between libraries Highlights for Children magazine and features animated story narration can further pave the way for future with accompanying exercises to support language acquisition. trailblazing in AI literacy, learning, Bamboo Learning’s collection of Alexa skills can serve as self-guided and discovery as library and edu- educational activities, supplementing traditional teaching and learn- cation institutions seek to stand on ing. These and other learning-oriented Alexa skills could be useful in the cutting edge of tomorrow. classrooms, school libraries, and public library programs, much like the Adapted from “Virtual Voice self-guided classroom reading stations of yesteryear. Assistants,” Library Technology Companies such as Pellucent Technologies are helping public and Reports vol. 56, no. 4 (May/ academic libraries build Alexa skills or Google Assistant actions, including June 2020).

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 47 PERSPECTIVES youth matters

History has its Explorer app. Partners in Crisis Creating curated lists with links to exhibitions or “field trips” could Youth librarians look to community help fill a void for those stuck at home. partners to maintain services BY Leigh Fox Another important partner for libraries any libraries across the country have been is the 2020 Census forced to cancel programs and close their doors (census.gov). The because of COVID-19. With that in mind, here virus unfortunately Mare some ideas on how youth librarians can hit just as census respond to this crisis in their communities by working with mailers started to existing partner organizations and institutions. arrive at residences. As youth librarians, our most important partners are schools and While we had planned on LEIGH FOX educators, which these days include many caregivers who have been offering programs and resources is assistant thrown into homeschooling for the first time. In my system, Brooklyn at our branches to help people manager of the (N.Y.) Public Library (BPL), staffers have been busily figuring out ways fill out the form, we have moved Central Youth Wing at Brook- to provide resources that our students, parents, and teachers may need more of our efforts online, lyn (N.Y.) Public as they shift to a virtual learning environment. The key elements for including virtual Q&As with Library and engagement are communication and access: How can we make sure our Census Navigator team and cochair of the teachers and caregivers know about the resources that we have online? census-focused storytimes offered Association for How can we make sure there are no barriers to access? in Mandarin, Spanish, and Urdu Library Service to Children’s BPL added a section called “Homeschool Resources” to its online via Facebook Live. With every- Building Part- resources page (bklynlibrary.org/online-resources) to make helpful sites thing going on in the US, it’s vital nerships Com- easier to find. We have also reached out to our contacts at schools and to remind people of the effects the mittee. Contact the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) census will have her at lfox@ to remind them of the ebooks and databases we have on their commu- bklynlibrary.org. available. Social media is one of our best tools right now; Libraries are tasked nities for many librarians are posting about resources on community years to come. Facebook pages and parenting discussion lists. with bridging the Lastly, consult To reduce barriers for patrons, BPL is encouraging with your partners state residents to sign up for our e-cards so students and digital divide without on other pro- teachers without active library cards can still access our the use of their grams you want digital collections. Librarians are available via virtual chat to bring online. and email to assist with accounts. physical buildings. At BPL, we have There are, of course, larger obstacles to overcome. Our used Facebook to city is trying to bridge the digital divide for many families continue our Read that do not have access to technology or broadband internet connec- with a Therapy Dog program that tions at home. Libraries, normally an access point for our communities, we coordinate with volunteers are tasked with solving this problem without the use of their physical from the nonprofit Pet Partners, buildings. Luckily, with librarians’ experiences in outreach, digital and we’re looking to expand this literacy, and technology, this is not entirely new territory for us. Perhaps into an interactive program on we could transform our bookmobiles into Wi-Fi hubs, or loan laptops, Zoom. I’m sure our kids could tablets, and mobile hotspots to those in need. BPL hopes to continue its benefit from having a session mobile hotspot lending program with NYCDOE during this time, and it with a therapy dog during these has kept its Wi-Fi turned on at all branches. stressful times. Aside from partnering with teachers and schools, see if your network Adapted from “Library Partner- of museums or other cultural institutions can offer virtual learning expe- ships in a Time of Crisis” (ALSC riences for your patrons. For example, the American Museum of Natural Blog, Mar. 20).

48 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org on my mind PERSPECTIVES

Actively seek the lived experi- Accepting Queer Realities ences of LGBTQ+ people in their #ownvoices (many awesome Establish inclusive policies queer authors are on social media or maintain blogs), develop in your school BY Rae-Anne Montague robust collections featuring positive representations in fiction e all know about schoolyard bullying. Let’s focus on how and nonfiction, and share links to school librarians can help stop it. online archives and collections. As our schools and communities grapple with fostering Consider joining the American Wa broader recognition of sexual orientation and gender- Library Association’s Rainbow identity diversity, school librarians play crucial roles in building a wel- Round Table and other LGBTQ+ coming environment and providing access to inclusive professional resources and services. groups, and RAE-ANNE Social stigma of non-mainstream experiences in The more inclusive a learn more MONTAGUE is a schools, particularly among LGBTQ+ students, is rein- about efforts faculty member forced by a lack of accurate information and positive school’s curriculum, and oppor- in the Depart- ment of Infor- media representation. For educators and students, this the less likely its tunities for mation Studies results in a knowledge gap. The width and depth of that collaboration at Chicago gap and the collective efforts to bridge it vary dramati- LGBTQ+ students will in your com- State University cally from community to community and state to state. experience negative munity. Make and chair-elect In 2019, for example, Illinois passed legislation to connections of the ALA Rainbow Round augment the teaching of US history in public schools remarks or trauma. with resources Table, which to include LGBT representation (bit.ly/AL-HB0246). and pathways celebrates its Lawmakers in a few other states have proposed similar to inform 50th anniver- laws, but there are still hurdles; for example, many queer-inclusive sary this year schools have been forced to restrict access to materials deemed inappro- programs, services, events, (see p. 26). She priate based on LGBTQ+ content. and exhibits. is a former K–12 teacher and GLSEN, an advocacy organization for LGBTQ issues in education, has School librarians play a critical school librarian. found that systemic exclusion leads to hostile environments and subpar role in developing effective prac- student outcomes (bit.ly/AL-GLSEN) such as disciplinary issues, missed tices around LGBTQ+ materials, classes, low test scores, and plunging self-esteem. supporting students who seek to This scenario does not align with federal laws, progressive values, form and extend queer-inclusive or the American Association of School Librarians’ National School groups, and taking on oppor- Library Standards. tunities to work with faculty School librarians have important opportunities to provide leadership and administration to establish and advocate for inclusive policies, progressive curricula, and the devel- library and school policies that do opment of diverse collections—and to implement reforms quickly and not discriminate. effectively. In doing so, we provide Curricula, collections, and positive reinforcement make a difference essential leadership to promote in these experiences and cycles, GLSEN’s research has found. The more a climate that does not tolerate inclusive a school’s curriculum, the less likely its LGBTQ+ students will bias, fake news, and censorship. experience negative remarks or trauma—and the more connected those By understanding and students will feel to their communities. Supportive staff members and accepting queer realities, school safe spaces also contribute to greater student well-being. librarians can promote a greater Take action: Start where you are, learn vocabulary (the Trevor Proj- acceptance of diversity—and ect’s website offers a useful glossary of key terms at bit.ly/AL-Glossary), contribute to better outcomes for ask questions, gather input, collect data, and measure and celebrate all students, regardless of sexual your successes. orientation or gender identity.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 49 PERSPECTIVES librarian’s library

Disasters in Libraries Books to help you prepare

ANNA GOODING- CALL is ref- erence and technology Public Libraries and Social Media Use in Crisis Disasters: A Socio- librarian at Resilient Cities and Risk Communication: logical Approach Nevins Memo- Edited by Michael Dudley Emergencies, Concerns, By Kathleen Tierney rial Library in Methuen, Resilience is the art of being able and Awareness This book frames disasters in a Massachusetts. to bounce back from disaster. The Edited by Harald Hornmoen holistic way, considering both uniting thesis of these essays is and Klas Backholm immediate effects and the sec- that public libraries are crucial to A strong understanding of ondary, indirect harm to society this process. Dudley makes the social media should be a part of that expresses itself differently point that climate change guar- librarians’ disaster response tool- depending on demographics, antees near-future crises; other kits, and this book is an excellent socioeconomic status, and local essays use relatively recent disas- place to start. Hornmoen and governance. Public librarians will ters, such as Hurricane Katrina, Backholm’s book consists mainly find it useful to understand the as examples. However, the bulk of of academic studies of social underpinnings of the challenges the book consists of case studies media activity during the 2011 that patrons face during and of libraries engaged in resil- terrorist attack on Utøya, an immediately after crises, as this iency activities, including lunch island of Norway. Though highly awareness could help guide programs and job-seeker support. specific, it represents a good case programming and services. These may provide inspiration to study of social media usage in a Social vulnerability, often a result institutions that want to become pressurized situation. As infor- of marginalization based on more active in urban resilience, mation professionals, librarians class, race, age, citizenship, and but there are no explicit how-tos should consider how social media disability status, is a major topic here. Instead, the studies focus on can benefit patrons during a of discussion and provides insight why libraries ramped up commu- disaster. It is not hard to envision into the struggles of groups nity activity, what this entailed, librarians serving as curators of that already depend on library and outcomes. This book is a a Twitter-based, crisis-media services even during the best of good first step for libraries seek- response. The book includes an times. Public libraries in particu- ing new directions for program- abundance of metrics and data lar could take this lesson to heart. ming and services. ALA Editions, that will satisfy academic-minded Polity, 2019. 224 p. $26.95. PBK. 978-0- 2013. 192 p. $67. PBK. 978-0-8389-1136-5. readers. Emerald Publishing, 2018. 7456-7102-4. (Also available as an ebook.) (Also available as an ebook.) 328 p. $33.99. PBK. 978-1-7875-6272-1. (Also available as an ebook.)

50 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org PERSPECTIVES

BY Anna Gooding-Call

Emergency Preparedness Resilience Disaster Response and Disaster Recovery By Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and Planning for in School Libraries: In a clear and enjoyable voice, Libraries, 3rd edition Creating a Safe Haven this book defines resilience, By Miriam B. Kahn By Christie Kaaland explains why it’s important, and Certain procedures are generally Experiencing a disaster in a outlines the role of libraries in advisable for any type of library school is a nightmare scenario, attaining this quality. This book facing disasters. This book but librarians can do much to focuses on cooperation, and outlines them all in meticulous prepare for, mitigate, and recover presents the role of libraries as detail, covering everything from from such an event. This book facilitators in the development of insurance preparation to mental is thorough in its discussion of strong, equitable communities. health. Intensely practical, the types of disasters and possibilities Climate change features strongly book presents its information in for addressing them. Principal as a risk worth preparing for, but checklist format, as procedurals, among these is the danger of this book is mostly philosoph- and as concentrated nuggets of school shooters. While volcanoes, ical about that threat. Its main advice. For this reason, as well as dust storms, and pre–COVID-19 point is that libraries are vital for its comprehensive view of pandemics all get their due, the to a society’s ability to adapt to library disaster management, this events at Columbine and Sandy unexpected large-scale events, title would be most useful for Hook receive most of this volume’s and that fostering community upper management. In addition attention. Calls to action scattered resilience should be a core to the humane, the book devotes throughout the text culminate mission. Resilience in the context itself powerfully to the mundane; in detailed appendices and a of this book is a matter of social materials recovery comprises a bibliography aimed at supporting equity, intuition about the health large portion. Topics in emer- bibliotherapy for traumatized of a library’s home community, gency collection management young children. This short manual and an understanding of what a run the gamut, from water is packed with excellent infor- library can do to knit its patrons damage on antique film to mation, and any school should together. Examples of libraries mold- and fire-damaged books. consider it a must-buy. Libraries already doing this abound in the It’s hard to find a topic that this Unlimited, 2014. 203 p. $55. PBK. 978-1- book’s second half. ALA Editions, book doesn’t address. ALA Editions, 61069-729-3. (Also available as an ebook.) 2018. 96 p. $24.99. PBK. 978-0-8389- 2012. 160 p. $67. PBK. 978-0-8389-1151-8. 1634-6. (Also available as an ebook.) (Also available as an ebook.)

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 51 The Hover Camera Passport is an AI-powered drone for personal photography.

motion controls (tilting and turning the device) or a simulated joystick. Preprogrammed flight modes include orbit, 360-degree spin, bird’s eye, and panorama. The drone is enclosed in a carbon-fiber frame to protect the propellers and allow it to be handled while in flight. Both the propellers and carbon-fiber bottom plate are replaceable. It has a 10-minute bat- tery life in windless or indoor con- ditions, and includes two batteries and a charger. The Hover Camera Passport has 32 gigabytes of storage (including its own software) and a camera capable of up to 4K video quality and 13-megapixel stills. A Drone’s-Eye View Users can edit video in the Small drones for easy lending and programs accompanying app (compatible with Android or iOS) to create short clips, add music, and share on BY Carrie opular with hobbyists and simple, automated user experience. social media. Smith professionals alike, aerial Weighing 242 grams (8.5 ounces), Hover Camera Passport is drones can document the it is just below the FAA registration $599 and is available from world from new angles weight limit and folds into the shape online retailers. More informa- and help users gain new of a VHS tape. tion is at zerozerorobotics.com/ Pskills. Federal Aviation Administra- While most drones rely on hover-camera-passport. tion (FAA) rules, however, require controllers—whether standalone or registering drones that weigh more through an app—the Hover Camera CoDrone than 250 grams (0.55 pounds), Passport uses AI to autonomously Robolink’s CoDrone combines which creates a hurdle to offering follow subjects and recognize user drone-flying and coding expe- library services with them. But these gestures for commands, including riences in a small quadcopter rules exclude small drones or those snapping a photo and returning to body that weighs only 37 grams flown indoors, which give libraries its owner. It offers two modes for (1.3 ounces). With four built-in the opportunity to provide patrons following photo subjects: Owner propeller guards and replace- with drone experiences through Mode uses AI to recognize a face ment parts available online, it is programming or lending. The fol- and automatically follow that easy to maintain should beginner lowing drones are small, yet power- person. Once set up, the drone will mishaps occur. ful enough for learning and play. recognize the same owner until The CoDrone Lite and CoDrone reset. Follow Mode allows a user to Pro models are geared toward Hover Camera Passport immediately select any face or body beginner and more advanced The Hover Camera Passport is a and follow that person. The drone coders, respectively. Each drone lightweight, foldable drone for per- and camera can also be controlled receives coded commands from sonal photography designed for a manually through the app using a computer via Bluetooth. With

52 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org SUBMISSIONS To have a new product considered, contact Carrie Smith at [email protected].

Getting Drone Lending off the Ground

How do you use the Ryze Alison Mirabella, Tello drones? The Ryze Tello USER: digital literacy coordi- drones are part of our equip- nator, Longwood Public CoDrone models ment and gadgets collection, combine coding Library in Middle Island, education and a set of nontraditional library New York drone flight. items that cardholders can PRODUCT: Ryze Tello drones CoDrone Lite, users can code com- borrow. The drones are avail- DESCRIPTION: Tello is a small mands in Python or Blockly, a block- able for two-week periods (80 grams, or 2.8 ounces) entry-level based visual programming language and can be renewed for an drone with an HD camera and codable environment ideal for beginners. additional two weeks if the apps designed for education and play. CoDrone Pro uses the same drone waitlist is empty. We cur- body and comes with an Arduino- rently have three drones that powered buildable controller that circulate, and they’re among our most popular items. Staff members can be programmed in the Arduino have also borrowed the drones to learn how to use them and to coding environment or with Python. demo at programs. A third model, CoDrone Mini, launched in May. It has a smaller How do the drones serve your library’s needs? We needed a drone body and comes with a preassembled that would be compact enough to store in a closet and small enough remote so it can be flown without to not require registration with the FAA. However, we also wanted coding. It’s programmable in Blockly, one that would be easy for beginners to fly, since many small drones with Python coding to follow, and have difficulty holding a stable hover. In addition to all of that, we includes a virtual flight simulator. also wanted a drone with a camera so patrons could practice aerial Robolink’s Workbench channel photography. The Ryze Tello fit those requirements, so it was a (bit.ly/SOL-robowb) includes step- perfect choice. by-step instructions on how to write What are the main benefits? The main benefit is the DJI flight tech- code that allows the drone to take off, nology, which allows the drones to maintain a stable hover and land, and perform preprogrammed includes automated takeoff and landing options. Patrons have found it flight paths, along with instructions very easy to fly the Tello, even without prior on programming CoDrone Pro’s piloting experience, making them accessible controller. The tutorials are paired for all age levels. We provide a controller for with educator resources, including the patrons, but the Tello can also be paired standards-aligned lesson plans. with an app, which patrons find very conve- CoDrone has an estimated flight nient. The propeller guards on the Tello have time of eight minutes on a single also done an excellent job at keeping both charge. It includes one battery; extras the propellers and the patrons safe. are available for purchase. CoDrone is available through the The Ryze Tello What would you like to see improved or added to the drones? It is a lightweight, Robolink web store. CoDrone Lite is would be nice to see a future edition with a higher definition, 1080p entry-level drone. $119.99, CoDrone Pro is $179.99, camera, although the 720p camera is fine for most of our patrons. and CoDrone Mini is $79.99. Lite and And, though the app is very easy to use, I have experienced occa- Pro models are available in dis- sional issues with drones not connecting properly. Overall, however, counted classroom sets of multiple we are extremely happy with the Ryze Tello drones and would highly drones. For more information, visit recommend them to any library looking for an easy-to-use drone to robolink.com/codrone. share with its community.

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 53 ON THE MOVE

June 1 Jeffry Archer became dean of University Libraries at Baylor University Tim Bucknall, assistant dean for Anne Warren Albano, 95, former in Waco, Texas. electronic resources and infor- director of Lyndhurst (N.J.) Public Danville (Va.) Community College mation technology and associate Library, and later director of the chil- appointed Ben Blanks public services professor for University Libraries dren’s room at West Caldwell (N.J.) librarian in March. at the University of North Carolina Public Library, died March 16. During at Greensboro, received the 2019 her career, Albano also served as a March 16 Nora Burmeister joined Governor’s Award for Excellence librarian at Trinity Academy in Caldwell, the University of North Carolina at in Efficiency and Innovation, the Chapel Hill Libraries as content strat- Roseland Free Public Library, and Cald- egy librarian. highest honor a state employee well Public Library, all in New Jersey. can receive for service to North Sionna Hartigan joined Westchester Carolina and its people. Charles Brown, 1990–1991 president Public Library in Chesterton, Indiana, as of the Public Library Association, died young adult librarian in March. February 15. During a nearly 50-year career, he held directorships at New Sarah C. Johnson became assistant pro- associate director Orleans Public Library, Charlotte fessor and social sciences librarian at Selma Jaskowski, for technology services and resource Hunter College, City University of New Mecklenburg (N.C.) Library, Hennepin management at the University of York, February 24. County (Minn.) Library, Arlington (Va.) Central Florida Libraries in Orlando, Public Library, and Solano County retired March 19 after 25 years with Glenn Risolo became principal (Calif.) Library. Brown also served on librarian at Coronado (Calif.) Public the Libraries. the executive boards of the American Library in March. Sally Portman retired after 34 years Library Association (ALA) and the as librarian at Winthrop (Wash.) Public Black Caucus of the ALA, and was a Library in March. popular speaker at library conferences PROMOTIONS in the US and internationally. Fort Erie (Ont.) Public Library promoted Wendy Scott, associate director for Ashley Dunk to children and teen organizational design and learning at June Ekelund, 72, librarian for many librarian in March. North Carolina State University Libraries years at Brookside Elementary School in Raleigh, retired in April. in Ossining, New York, died March 21. Duncan (Okla.) Public Library promoted Amy Ryker to director in April. Sue Vincent retired as interlibrary Bonnie L. O’Brien, 77, director of loan librarian at Dover (N.H.) Public Shrewsbury (Mass.) Public Library Library in March. from 1978 until her 2004 retirement, RETIREMENTS died March 13. She oversaw a renova- tion and addition to the library building Cathy Beaudoin retired as director of AT ALA and was one of 28 librarians who Dover (N.H.) Public Library March 27. organized and developed CW MARS, a Don Dixon joined ALA’s IT office in April Beverly Cain retired as executive western Massachusetts library consor- as database administrator. director of the State Library of Ohio in tium for resource sharing. O’Brien was Columbus March 31. George Eberhart, Amer- elected to the Massachusetts Library Jan Cole retired as director of Duncan ican Libraries senior Association Hall of Fame in 2010. (Okla.) Public Library in March. editor and an ALA employee since 1980, Marjorie Pahanish, 92, a librarian Theresa Fredericka will retire June 8. and bookmobile driver for Lepper will retire as executive Library in Lisbon, Ohio, for many years, director of the INFOhio Tim Smith, director of infrastructure in died April 3. education digital ALA’s IT office, retired May 4 after 22 library June 30. years with the Association.

54 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

MORE ONLINE americanlibraries.org/currents

Join American Libraries Senior Editor Phil Morehart David Price, 54, librarian and tech- 1968. Sullivan’s many accomplishments as he hosts conversations nology coordinator at Orange (Calif.) include serving as 1976–1977 president with librarians, authors, Public Library for 20 years, died of ALA’s Children’s Services Division thinkers, and scholars about January 20. (now the Association for Library topics from the Services to Children [ALSC]), chair of Robert Sandusky, associate profes- library world sor, associate university librarian, and ALA’s Centennial Celebration in 1976, and beyond. associate dean for information technol- assistant commissioner for extension ogy at University of Illinois at Chicago services at Chicago Public Library Listen to (UIC), died April 10. During his tenure (1977–1981), 1980–1981 president of these recent at UIC, Sandusky led major technology ALA, and ALA executive director from episodes: efforts for the University Library and the 1992 to 1994. She wrote several books Explore Chicago Collections portal of and more than 100 articles on librari- BONUS EPISODE anship, education, and administration. the Chicago Collections regional consor- Freddie Gray and tium. He served on UIC’s Faculty Senate Sullivan held numerous university Baltimore: A Conversation and chaired the Senate Support Services teaching positions, including on the with Wes Moore Committee. He was also appointed LIS faculty at University of Pittsburgh to the Research Committee of the IT and University of Chicago; part-time or EPISODE 49 Governance Council and served as interim positions at University of Mary- Libraries Respond chair of the Institutional Stewardship of land, Rutgers University–New Bruns- to COVID-19 Research Data Subcommittee. Sandusky wick, Syracuse University, the Catholic was engaged nationally in the National University of America, Drexel University, Science Foundation–funded DataONE: and Rosary College (now Dominican BONUS EPISODE Data Observation Network for Earth University); and as dean of the LIS pro- Exploring Gale’s project. He was a co-investigator and gram at Rosary College. She also served Women’s Studies Archive member of the Core Cyberinfrastruc- as dean and professor at the College of ture Team (2007–2014), a member of Professional Studies at Northern Illinois EPISODE 48 the Usability and Assessment Working University in DeKalb 1981–1992 and as Telling Women’s Group, and cochair of the DataONE director 1990–1992. Sullivan received Stories Users Group. Before joining UIC in ALA’s Joseph W. Lippincott Award in 2007, Sandusky was assistant professor 1991, the ALSC Distinguished Service BONUS EPISODE at University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Award in 2000, and distinguished alum- One-on-One with School of Information Sciences. He New ALA Executive received his PhD in library and informa- nus awards from both Clarke College Director Tracie D. Hall tion science from University of Illinois at and Catholic University. In 2004, she Urbana-Champaign. established ALA’s Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators. In 2008 EPISODE 47 Peggy Sullivan, 90, she was named an honorary member of Presidential Libraries, died April 13. She ALA, the Association’s highest honor. Then and Now worked in many public and school libraries Dorothy C. Szarowski, 56, a librarian from 1952 to 1977 and at Goshen (N.Y.) Public Library and directed the Knapp Scotchtown Avenue Elementary School Listen at School Libraries Project from 1963 to in Goshen, died March 31. bit.ly/deweydecibel

americanlibraries.org | June 2020 55 the BOOKEND

Remote and Ready uch has changed since Chicago Ridge (Ill.) Public questions,” says Eva Baggili, adult reference associate. She Library (CRPL) closed its doors March 16—but not has so far assisted with state unemployment and nutrition- Mthe assistance the library strives to provide for the assistance program applications, done research for patrons village’s 14,000 residents. who have lost their health insurance, and answered ques- Director Dana Wishnick’s first priority was setting up tions about stimulus-package checks—often in Arabic. the phone system to forward calls to staffers working from CRPL has also brought programs online—such as virtual home: “We have about 20% of our community that doesn’t storytimes, face-mask sewing tutorials, and live cooking have access to computers or internet connections, and we demonstrations—and has seen an uptick in engagement really wanted to be able to serve them during this time.” for its efforts. To let users know that staffers were standing by, CRPL “Our patrons definitely miss us. They call to ask when advertised its remote-reference services not only on social we’re opening,” says Baggili. “They just really want to come media, but also via postcards mailed out to every house- in and get back to normal and see us again.” hold in Chicago Ridge—an idea, Wishnick says, that went As for that tricky Zoom screenshot staffers managed to from concept to printer within 48 hours. pull off? “It took us two days,” laughs Wishnick. The library immediately felt the value of its presence.

“Everyone was in panic mode when [the pandemic] first THE BOOKEND showcases librarians, their work, and their work

started, so I was getting a lot of ‘I lost my job, what do I do?’ spaces. For consideration, email [email protected]. (screenshot) Chicago Ridge (Ill.) Public Library (home office); Stock © shurkin_son/Adobe illustration: Photo

56 June 2020 | americanlibraries.org An online event from ALA!

Participants of ALA Virtual will enjoy a portfolio of educational programming in “live-streamed” and “on-demand” formats. Be inspired by notable featured speakers, take part in live chats with authors, and network with peers via social activities.

Join us in this unique virtual space that will allow us to remain connected, move forward with our careers, and support our communities.

Opening Speaker

Misty Copeland American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer and Author

REGISTER TODAY! Registration will close Wed., June 17, 2020 Noon Central Visit the Scheduler on www.alavirtualevent.org #alavirtual20 Image by ngd3 on Pixabay

Earn your Master of Library Science A graduate degree in Library and Information Management complements previous education, offers prospects for increased earnings and provides flexible skills for the future. Be a part of the information profession that has exciting career opportunities such as public or academic librarian, media specialist, data manager, archivist, and many more.

■ Balance Online Learning and ■ SLIM’s Heritage of Excellence for Over a Century Occasional Weekend Intensive Classes Share the inherited legacy of a worldwide network Enjoy personal interaction between students and of SLIM alumni to further your career objectives. faculty as you combine your MLS studies with an Special tuition rates available for certain active life. Cohort locations include: residents of Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, Portland, OR Denver, CO North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Salt Lake City, UT Emporia, KS Illinois, and Indiana Overland Park, KS Sioux Falls, SD For more information contact: Las Vegas, NV Boise, ID [email protected] Conway, AR or 620.341.5203 ■ Leadership Development emporia.edu/slim Practice advocating for your library or information organization based on your new understanding of adaptive leadership. ™