Public Libraries – OPEN SHELF

Finnish public libraries integrate diverse services to support equity & inclusion

Finnish public libraries are mandated to provide equal access to materials and services for all citizens, and staff are pushing the boundaries of how access is defined, by widening the scope of service offerings.

Free speech and hate speech

Can we open our doors to all points of view and also say that our libraries are safe spaces? I think not.

Libraries upholding privacy values: Lynda.com and LinkedIn Learning Migration

The migration of Lynda.com to LinkedIn Learning involves a sign in that breaches public libraries' attempts to protect patron information.

Reviewing The public

The public is my kind of movie. The hero is a flawed character who has been given a second chance that he uses to help those who are also in a bad place.

Finding meaning in these trying times: Thoughts from a public library manager

Lately, being an administrator for a public library in Ontario has been a pretty grim proposition, but a recent experience has left me hopeful.

Public Library Leaders program: Making connections, creating future leaders

Now in its fourth year, the Public Library Leaders program is gaining a reputation for preparing library managers to successfully advance to higher levels of leadership within their institutions.

Democracies need libraries

The American Library Association’s democracy statement reads, in part: “Democracies need libraries. An informed public constitutes the very foundation of a democracy; after all, democracies are about discourse—discourse among the people. ... It must ensure that citizens have the resources to develop the information literacy skills necessary to participate in the democratic process.” This might seem like some pretty big shoes to fill, but there is truth to it. Public libraries help us stay informed and keep us kind.

Staffless libraries: Have they been hacked, or worse, are they alive?

You may have heard that some libraries have removed staff members from the equation so automatic doors and machines can greet patrons. Artificial intelligence allows libraries to provide this staffless branches option to patrons. However, they may be causing a larger problem. We've learned that the machines in one public library may have developed a mind of their own!