Library Advocates

The American Library Association's Washington Office tumblr. We post about federal policies that affect libraries, including copyright, privacy and access. We also post about ebooks, advocacy resources, and, admittedly, the occasional library fluff. Library Advocates

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Throwback Thursday! Here is a photo of ALA Washington Office staff busy hoisting up a “Welcome ALA” flag in circa 1980. @libraryadvocates https://bit.ly/2xa8ZW2

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Library Visits Have Gone Way Up Over the Last Two Decades. Here’s Why…

Visits to public libraries grew by 181% in the last 15 years. Isn’t that wild?

Between 1990 and 2014, visits to public libraries grew by a whopping 181%. For context, the population of the United States increased by 28% during that period. Why have so many more people been using their libraries in the last two decades? Here’s what I think…

Librarians Are More Involved in Communities

In the distant past, the library building was the center of a librarian’s professional world.  Now, librarians regularly expand the library’s reach by presenting at community meetings, staffing booths at events, and just generally applying their skills in creative ways to helping their community.

Responsive, Unique, and High-Quality Program Offerings

Libraries have hosted programs such as book clubs, film screenings, storytimes, and arts & crafts for years. Today’s libraries have raised the bar with their program offerings in the past few decades to respond to patron needs. Workshops and training on starting a business, basic job skills, and STEM programs for kids, “Community Reads” events and literary festivals are just a few new options available.

Embrace of a User-Centered Approach to Technology

Possibly the biggest reason that library visits have grown so drastically in the last two decades is that libraries have become the go-to places for computer classes, help with devices like tablets and e-readers, and access to free ebooks and audiobooks. Libraries succeed at technology not by upgrading their computers every year, but by helping their patrons access the information they need, whether it is at the library or at home using the skills they learned at the library.

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Click through to read more.

[libraryadvocates]

Miracle in Marrakesh Makes It to US | American Libraries Magazine

The legislation, passed by the US Senate in June, provides a copyright exception for “authorized entities”—including libraries—to make materials available across borders to people with print disabilities whose countries have already ratified the treaty. In fact, 350,000 accessible titles are already available in the Accessible Books Consortium. American Library Association (ALA) President Loida Garcia-Febo said, … Continue reading Miracle in Marrakesh Makes It to US →

[libraryadvocates]

Keep Copyright Office in Library of Congress | American Libraries Magazine

The Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act would remove the hiring authority of the Register of Copyrights from the Librarian of Congress and make it an appointment of the president. Help stop this bill that would undermine the Librarian of Congress by asking your senators to oppose S. 1010.

[libraryadvocates]

Federal Budget Includes Big Gains for Libraries | American Libraries Magazine

When the new fiscal year begins on October 1, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will have an additional $2 million to improve administration of library state-formula grant programs and research. Grants funded through the Library Services and Technology Act will continue to receive level funding, enabling libraries to continue offering a range … Continue reading Federal Budget Includes Big Gains for Libraries →

ICYMI!

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Throwback Thursday! Did you know that Library Card Sign Up month started in 1987 featuring the theme “The Best Gift You’ll Ever Give a Child.” https://bit.ly/2N4XnOK

[libraryadvocates]

Libraries = Strong Communities is a national advocacy effort aimed at highlighting the value of academic, public, and school libraries. Follow the hashtag #LibrariesStrong on social media to keep up with the Libraries = Strong Communities tour and related events.

[libraryadvocates]

These seniors want to leave a parting gift for their school: A library | Ronnie Polaneczky

So few Philly public schools see the need for librarians that Drexel recently suspended a once-popular program that certified district teachers to run their school libraries.

Graduation is nine months away. Seniors at Kensington High School hope that will give them enough time to finish creating their parting gift to students:

A library.

[bookaddict24-7]

Do you prefer to read all day, or read before bed?

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[libraryadvocates]

Federal Budget Includes Big Gains for Libraries

#FundLibraries advocacy succeeds at protecting vital programs

We have crossed the finish line for funding in 2019! The spending deal (H.R. 6157) has been signed. We are so grateful for all of the library advocates who made this possible!

When the new fiscal year begins, IMLS will have an additional $2 million towards grant programs and research. Grants funded through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) will continue to receive level funding. Libraries will also benefit from programs administered by the Dept of Education, many of which received increases that will open doors to #FundLibraries in schools.

[libraryadvocates]

Here's another idea for libraries hoping to engage in voter outreach efforts this fall! On District Dispatch, the Fair Elections Center discusses how you can encourage patrons to become poll workers.

[ancientsasswarrior]

(via For 24% of rural Americans, high-speed internet is a major problem | Pew Research Center)

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It’s back-to-school season! Why not share these books with parents, students, and teachers in your library to get them thinking about ways they can welcome everyone within the classroom? 

Learn how to find more books like these with Diverse Reading from the NoveList Book Squad–it’s free to subscribe :) 

[libraryadvocates]

Encouraging library patrons to participate in democracy through being poll workers - District Dispatch

This is a guest post provided by Nayeli Pelayo, Outreach Manager for the Fair Elections Center. On Election Day, it’s too late to change unfair and burdensome voting rules. But we can work together to ensure the rules are clearly explained and accurately applied. Fair Elections Center is encouraging libraries…

[bookpatrol]

Book Love from PBS via the Great American Read

On display at the Penrose Library, Whitman College

[meowskertown]

Meowledge is Power.

Shout out to all the Libraries and all the Jeremiahs locked in an ongoing struggle for supremacy.