This article elucidates how public libraries can incorporate high-quality digital resources to support family engagement, specifically, intergenerational caregiver-child interactions and language and literacy learning. Using design-based research, this project adapted the Smithsonian Institution's Talk with Me Toolkits (TMTs) for use in public libraries. The TMTs are free, online collections of videos, photographs, and artworks organized around a theme. Data from pre-post caregiver surveys and interviews and focus groups with caregivers and librarians at four libraries showed that librarians viewed the TMTs as a valuable family engagement tool. Moreover, caregivers' self-reported language and literacy interactions with children increased significantly.
Sensory storytimes, now offered by many public libraries within the United States (US), are generally understood by librarians to be supportive of children with sensory sensitivities. Programs are also offered for sensory exploration and play. Differentiation between such programs is critical for potential attendees to understand program intent, so it is essential to develop clear descriptive materials. Through analysis of public library program marketing materials, this study explores how libraries label and describe their sensory programming. Current practices are presented, along with implications for public librarians in creating more clarity around sensory program materials.
Libraries often assume that older adults' interests and needs are self-evident, creating programs and services that are under-utilized because they do not reflect the wants and needs of these patrons. Can community conversations help libraries better connect their work to older adults' preferences? Data from the American Library Association's Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) project suggests that these conversations are an effective vehicle for aligning programs and services with older adults' wishes. Based on an evaluation of LTC reports, this article presents a series of case studies outlining different ways community conversations can contribute to the creation of more age-friendly libraries.
This study examines users' perceptions, expectations, and satisfaction with public library services at the central libraries in the Adilabad, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Ranga Reddy, Warangal, and Khammam districts of Telangana, India. Data were collected from 837 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Findings reveal that libraries are widely valued as study spaces, particularly by students and job seekers, and that respondents are highly satisfied with traditional services, including the environment, staff support, and opening hours. Moreover, users express strong expectations for enhanced digital services, such as e-resources, training programs, and online platforms.
For the past few years, the United States has seen a dramatic increase in book challenges in public libraries. Surprisingly or perhaps not, the challenges and corresponding legislation correlate with the nation's political divisions. Largely blue states have fewer challenges and legislation aimed at protecting the right to read, while red states have more challenges and are trying to place additional restrictions on libraries and their collections through legislation. This article takes a brief look at how book challenges and intellectual freedom issues in public libraries differ between red and blue states.
Resource accessibility in libraries has been a topic of interest amongst librarians. Libraries with low funding or resources may struggle to provide relevant and accessible materials to patrons in a timely manner. The Martha's Vineyard librarians were inquired about their opinions on the resource availability in the libraries and potential solutions to address shortages. Conducting the interviews and analyzing the data allowed for a better understanding of this nationwide issue. These libraries hope to provide more inclusive American Sign Language courses and better engagement with deaf residents and tourists.
With the defunding of harm reduction programs, and supervised consumption sites across Ontario, Canada, already vulnerable individuals in our communities are at an increased risk of death and exposure to political and social hostility. As one of the few remaining free and public spaces that welcome everyone, libraries provide access to the vital infrastructural dignities of heat, running water, washrooms, and social connection. But even more, libraries are in a unique position to help save lives. This article presents a case study of a focused intervention designed to prepare future library professionals for the very real possibilities of overdoses in the library workplace. Specifically, we share lessons from developing and implementing the first LIS course-based training on opioid overdose recognition and emergency response including in required graduate-level LIS education in North America. In doing so, we illustrate a novel strategy that builds awareness of the toxic drug supply crisis, its pressing effects on the communities we serve, and provides direct and practical education for the next generation of library professionals to tackle opioid overdoses in the library. While this intervention is not a panacea, we argue that this pre-professional education for future library professionals is an effective complement to a broader strategy by the library sector to prepare library professionals for the reality of their workplaces and their capacity to save lives.
Public libraries and paramedic services are both frontline organizations that support communities and are frequently the last or only option for people in crisis. This paper investigated the mutual challenges faced by both librarians and paramedics along their career journeys to identify areas where innovation is needed to promote higher job satisfaction and less burnout in public-facing professions. Using primary and secondary research, including individual interviews and a combined focus group, researchers were able to uncover several possibilities for further research and innovation, including education, on-the-job support, and more autonomy in daily operations.
With community engagement as a key focus in library practice, this study explores how community librarians perceive their core duties, the skills required, the effectiveness of the education, and their professional standing. Interviews with seven community librarians in Canada reveal that frequent direct engagement with the public defines their work, yet library and information science (LIS) education often lacks practical preparation. Participants expressed concern over insufficient recognition and the growing presence of paraprofessionals with unclear boundaries. The study highlights gaps in professional training, the need for greater acknowledgment of community librarianship, and offers implications for changes in policy and practice.
We explore promising practices to promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) emerging from qualitative assessment of Libraries Count, a virtual-learning program for public library staff to develop early math programming for young children and their diverse families. The collaborative, co-development process adopted an inclusive/strategic approach in EDIA to identify meta-strategic themes and strategic actions empowering collaborators to create an adaptable and sustainable product. Promising practices might be helpful to others planning/implementing projects that require a plurality of methods to operationalize EDIA content, integrate multiple perspectives, and document the process of research to add to the body of world knowledge.
Makerspaces have been embraced by public libraries, but the extent to which library makerspaces provide welcoming and accessible spaces, services, and programming for youth with disabilities remains underexplored. This study investigates survey responses from 136 library professionals and follow-up interviews with 13 participants. Findings show that only a small number of public libraries offered programs or services specifically designed for youth with disabilities. Challenges include limited staffing, training, and funding. Also, this study highlights the discrepancies in library professionals' perceptions and varied strategies toward inclusivity and accessibility, ranging from keeping their makerspaces open to all users, to offering targeted programming.
