"Librarians are developing open-source alternatives to Libby and hoopla and testing 'experiments with publishers that don't involve restrictive licenses,' says Jennie Rose Halperin, director of Library Futures."

-From Axios (Inside libraries' battle for better e-book access)

Does anyone here have any insights to offer about these open source resources -- Palace Project, SimplyE, or Briet -- mentioned in the article? Is your library developing something on their own that's worth mentioning?

I've had my MLIS for two years. I had a library assistant job,but I was at a point in life where I needed something full time, so I left. Ever since then, getting back into the library has been next to impossible. Everytime I apply for a librarian position, I don't get interviews. I can't even get interviews for an ASSISTANT job, and I'm starting to feel defeated. Does anyone have good advice? Serious replies only, please.

I am hoping someone would be able to help suggest or even know of a book that is a Solitaire instructional book in Large Print. The patron needs to be in Large Print, unfortunately. I say unfortunately because I can't seem to find one by searching Google or Amazon.

Anyone have any ideas? Old and Out of Print books are fine too. I'm trying to do an Interlibrary Loan since I can't find one in our system.

Thanks!

Which libraries in NYC have the largest fashion studies collections?

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Thank you!

https://www.al.com/news/2024/04/alabama-house-approves-bill-criminalizing-librarians-if-they-dont-remove-obscene-material.html

What the hell. What goes under "knowledge"?? I'm trying to do some of my own categorizing and I want everything to be rank and file.

The official description is cryptic and I can't understand it. Could anyone give me a basic rundown of what would go in this category?

Some examples of any articles or books that'd go under this would be nice, too. I'm so confused!!

Hello!

I was doing research on the possibilities of getting a dual MA in art history and library sciences, and I came across Indiana university offering said program. They claim the program is designed to be completed in 3 years. I also found out that the University of Wisconsin has a dual MA program as well.

Personally, I have one more semester left for my BA in art (whoo!) and I am currently doing a library and museum internship where I get to do archival work, and more than ever I know that archives is something I am interested in getting more involved in.

I never considered an Art History MA, but Art History in general is something I thoroughly enjoy learning about and the thought of working in art gallery's, museums or even the rare position of being an art librarian is very exciting.

I should say that I also work at my schools art gallery, so I am moderately familiar with the functioning's of a gallery but I could still use more experience.

So, with all of that in mind, has anyone had any sort of experience with this program or with a program similar to this?

I’m 18 and haven’t been to a library in almost 8 years. I don’t play any of the PC games I used to come here to play, so what do people do at libraries when they’ve run out of childish fun? After a certain age, does the library become as dull as shown in High School movies? I know I can obviously do as intended and like…read. But reading gets boring after a while. So literally, what do you go to a library for as an older human?

How does your library and/or staff collect information? For example, do you use Google Forms or another tool? Do you hav automated surveys after events, after taking out so many books, etc.? We are building the first library for a town and would love ideas! Thank you.

Hello, I work as a mobile library assistant in Ireland and wondering how many other different countries have the service? I am curious as to its origins but also what place or cultures still embrace it. I think it is a really valuable thing which should be kept alive in a world where things like mobile libraries seem to be getting left behind. Maybe that's too harsh but I would be curious to hear from any other mobile library assistants in different places.

I am a grad student interviewing for the position of Serials Student Assistant position within the University Library. Firstly what exactly is expected from this position? The job description only says:

"Under the supervision of the Serials Staff, work on the backlog and search for titles on the Library Management System called ALMA. This job requires lifting books and pushing book carts, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to follow supervisor directions accurately. The abilities and attitude to perform repetitious, comparative, and detail-oriented work are also needed. The student must be a self-starter and able to work efficiently with minimal supervision. "

What Kind of interview questions should I prepare for? What do supervisors look for in the students they hire? How can I ensure that the job is mine?

Does anyone have any advice for a person considering a career change into library work from museum collections work? I'm specifically interested in cataloging and technical processing for public libraries. Any advice or information would be helpful and appreciated :)

I've been asked to dream up a public program for the library regarding Artificial Intelligence, but I'm pretty clueless about this. Are there any "A.I. for Dummies" type or programs we could do? Has anyone done this?

I’m currently the book sale chair for a library outside of Washington, DC.

Discover Books handled our post sale pickups (and weeded book piles) for years and has appeared to have gone out of business. They ghosted us and one of our sister branches 2 months ago and we haven’t been able to contact them since.

Our sale ends on the 27th and we desperately need to find a new vendor. I’ve been reaching out to friends groups in neighboring areas to see who they use. I’ve also spoken with Better World Books and have calls into Wonder Books and one other vendor. Are there any other companies worth contacting?

My sympathies to any other libraries in the same boat right now!

I sent my next door neighbor to get me library books yesterday, and he went to my cousin, who works at the local public library. He used my card, she noticed the name, and mentioned past personal family drama. She said something along the lines of, “I only wanted to help her, but she’s mad, I guess.” I already told her why I was mad. She asked me whether my dad ever did hard drugs off the street less than a year after he passed away alone in horrific conditions in the hospital. She still didn’t apologize and I sent a lengthy letter listing the reasons I wanted her out of my life. Her father literally bullied me and my father when I was a little girl. She only ever blows up my cell phone or wants to spend time together to ask me about gossip fodder. She’s still not taking responsibility. I want to complain about her bringing me up to him. Could someone please show me how?

The last time I was in a library was about 25 years ago sometime between (1998-1999). I wanted to check out a book, but I was told that I couldn't until I paid a fee for a book that I had checked out a couple years earlier. They claimed that I never returned that book. But in fact, I did. This library had a metal drawer near the front door that books can be deposited when the library is closed, and I remember depositing it on a weekend. The book was not overdue. When they told me that I never returned it, I realized that I had no way to prove it because the library doesn't give out receipts. So, I decided not to pay the fee, and I haven't been to a library since.

Recently I was thinking about reapplying for a new library card since my original has been lost for years. But I was wondering if they will still bother me about a fee for a missing book. And if so, how can I dispute this claim and clear my record?

We just had our 150th Anniversary last week!! We had a huge celebration with the community, and we shared a bit of our history for those who attended.

After the Chicago Fire in 1871, Queen Victoria sent over a huge collection of books (now in CPL's archives). Chicago had nowhere to put them, so the State Legislature enacted a law to establish tax-supported public libraries. Elgin, IL established its library on April 2, 1872 (one day before Chicago!). However, we choose March 19, 1874, to celebrate our anniversary because that is when the Free Public Library for the Town of Elgin actually opened its doors to the public.The ledger pictured here holds guest signatures from our official opening day 150 years ago.

I found it fascinating to learn about what our library looked like 150 years ago, and it got me wondering: What is your library's history? How long have you been around? How have you celebrated big anniversaries?

https://preview.redd.it/jc6sxvwqivqc1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6781aeee2f78ca986e8190846751352f90aab0d

Does your library use security camera photos to ID customer that have been involved with more serious incidents in the library? Do any libraries take photos of patrons during the membership process? If your library has temporary computer passes, do you have an issue with patrons using fake names to obtain them, making ID’ing difficult when a problem occurs? With rising incidents in my public library system, ID’ing customers involved in incidents has become more difficult.

Hello! There is a proposal on the table from the city of Salem, Oregon to close the library entirely. We are encouraging local residents to show up to the City Council Meeting on Monday evening to make a public comment and/or email City Council and the Mayor to show your support for this vital institution. A capital city without a library? I’ve never heard of it, and I don’t want that now. I really like living in Salem, but without the library I’d definitely reconsider living here…

Any connections with news and media organizations would be much appreciated too.

Contact Salem City Council and the Mayor today: https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/city-council-mayor/about-city-council/contact-a-city-councilor

SALEM RESIDENTS - Sign up to make a public comment: https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/city-council-mayor/about-city-council/comment-and-participate-in-a-city-council-meeting

I’m hugely, into going to the library for nostalgia purposes. I’ve always loved libraries, and I would always go to them as a kid. I was wondering if the admins have an official discord. I’d love to share the recent books I checked out. 

I have an interview for an Admin Assistant at the library on Friday and I'm wondering what kind of questions I should prepare for? I have done fine at sales and even medical administration interviews but this is a bit new to me so I'm wonderkng what off the wall questions, if any, I should prepare for?

My Middle School kids won their Battle of the Books Competition!