Purpose – Aims to highlight the future of academic libraries. through discussion with David Bishop.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the background on copyright law in the USA and how potential orphan works and broadcast flag laws may affect it.Design/methodology/approachHistorical overview of copyright law, including why fair use is important, and shows how changing technology may affect how library and school work with copyrighted materials.FindingsGrowing digital technologies have changed the way people use copyrighted materials, and copyright law should reflect that. However, considerations should be made to ensure that the public's interests in the form of fair use are still protected.Originality/valueThe article emphasizes the importance of intellectual property, as well as the importance of people being able to have access to copyrighted materials.

PurposeExamines the unique funding and service model of a successful community‐centered library.Design/methodology/approachIntroduces the history and demographics of San Miguel de Allende, a city in Mexico with a large English speaking population, and outlines how the library maintains its role as community centre.FindingsThe San Miguel de Allende library thrives through careful attention to the demographics of the community, an innovative and aggressive approach to funding issues, and an awareness of the need for change. The library collection is the largest bilingual privately funded, publicly accessible library in Mexico. This, along with an extensive scholarship and outreach program to students in both rural and urban areas, is funded by a diverse array of revenue generating efforts including a weekly newspaper, weekly sale of books and household items, a café and gift shop.Originality/valueThe San Miguel de Allende Library models how creativity, strong community responsive and lack of fear of change can build and sustain libraries.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to examine a new collaborative electronic platform available to libraries of all types. Design/methodology/approach Introduces potential application of wikis discussed by academics and librarians, along with personal viewpoint. Findings A wiki is a very good example of the best of democracy in which self‐organizing behavior enforces community norms. Typically, wikis are open to everyone and erroneous information could easily be entered, but they are monitored by dedicated members and information is corrected quickly. While viewed as a platform with many advantages for timely and efficient collaborative efforts, there is still a sense of lack of accountability and cumbersome technological hurdles. Originality/value Wikis offer the opportunity for wide project collaboration and the possibility of a better product in the end.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present observations of hurricane‐damaged New Orleans and the current status of library services for the area.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the author's personal observations from a visit to a library conference, and a commentary from residents and library staff.FindingsLibraries in the New Orleans area sustained extreme damage, but through the efforts of library staff, they have emerged with a much higher community profile. Now the library is considered when any major event or recovery effort is mounted in the area.Originality/valueThe article profiles the continuing challenges for a major city that experiences massive destruction and devastation after a natural disaster.

PurposeTo introduce an OCLC report on public perception of libraries.Design/methodology/approachAn overview of the report is given, along with personal recommendations in response to research results.FindingsLargely, the reaction to libraries is positive, yet overwhelmingly survey respondents were not aware of, nor do they use, most libraries' electronic information resources. The internet is more of a competitor than realized, as most in the survey ranked the quality of library and internet information about equal. The author believes that libraries must change from passive to aggressive marketers of library services, as well as make libraries easier to use, with fewer rules and more self‐service.Originality/valueReliable research has generated valuable and challenging insights for libraries.

PurposeTo provide background on annual Banned Books Week's event that promotes intellectual freedom issues in the USA.Design/methodology/approachHistorical and philosophical overview, including current celebration activities.FindingsThis year the American Library Association was notified of 547 challenges, up from 459 last year. Three of the ten most challenged books were cited for homosexual themes, the highest in a decade. Most of the books featured during Banned Books Week were challenged, but not actually banned. This is due to the efforts of librarians, teachers and booksellers to maintain them in collections.Originality/valueBanned Books Week draws attention to the danger that exists when restraints are imposed on the availability of information in a free society.

PurposeTo introduce a successful online community information network created and managed by libraries.Design/methodology/approachHistorical and operational overview by director of organization that sponsors the information network.FindingsThe 10‐year old online network provides a resource that puts the library in the center of their community, and in a position of leadership.Originality/valueUsing the power of the computer, information from all communities is available to everyone.

Purpose - To introduce the growing trend of closings of public libraries in the USA due to funding shortages.Design/methodology/approach - Body of knowledge compiled by author from current news and professional sources and personal historical files.Findings - While public libraries are being heavily used, they still face funding challenges due to tax resistance, the economic down-turn, and competition for their services.Originality/value - The column stresses the importance of public library administrators to track and respond to public support.

Purpose To focus on the importance of providing appropriate and specialized services for the senior population. Design/methodology/approach Body of knowledge compiled by author from current news, professional sources and personal topical files. Findings Libraries in the US have a wide variety of creative programs and services for senior‐aged patrons, as well as handicapped users. Originality/value The column stresses the importance of libraries to study and plan for the challenges of serving a rapidly growing senior population.

Purpose - Background on library service needs that lead to the creation of regional library systems, and overview of current trends.Design/methodology/approach - Historical and philosophical overview by participating regional library system director.Findings - In Illinois, the creation of regional library systems supported the establishment of many new public libraries and service was expanded and strengthened in existing libraries. With the need for new libraries less critical, the systems have greater focus on resource sharing and library development.Originality/value - As resources for libraries continue to be strained, cooperative ventures can make scarce dollars go further.

Purpose To outline the different learning and working styles between generations in our current digital environment. Design/methodology/approach Connects common theories of popular author and library industry study. These are presented alongside personal views on the current trends. Findings As native speakers of digital language, young people think and process information in an entirely different way from previous generations. Experts suggest that they may have remapped their brains. Originality/value The article stresses the importance of gaining a better understanding of the learning styles and tastes of young people. Libraries should consider tapping into this resource for future development, since these people are the future support base for libraries.

Purpose - To introduce statistics and issues raised in national study of American reading habits.Design/methodology/approach - Highlights from the National Endowment of the Arts reading survey, which was conducted in 2002 and published in 2004, are presented. These are presented alongside personal views on the current trends.Findings - A downturn in literary reading, as noted in the survey, is countered when compared with library circulation statistics over the same period. A major consideration is that many people now listen to their books, instead of reading them.Originality/value - The paper questions the popular blame of the internet for the downward trend in literary reading.

Purpose – To introduce the growing trend of closings of public libraries in the USA due to funding shortages.

This article explores some of the applications of the e‐book in the modern library. With over 30 years of history, recent computing advances have finally made electronic book technology a viable option to both publishers and libraries. The advantages libraries gain from the medium are many, but companies such as NetLibrary and ebrary have shown that the industry still needs to establish a definitive means of making their products successfully usable in the library environment. Library networks and consortia, such as the Golden Gateway Library Network and the Marion County (Indiana) Internet Library, have found practical ways to share e‐book subscriptions with their members; by obtaining subscriptions for the consortium, the individual members can all make use of the same collection. E‐books continue to be a matter of discussion in library discussions, and the benefits and disadvantages are being weighed in libraries across the country.