If you think the biggest weapons of World War II were tanks and planes, Ray Trautman would like a word — and he’d probably hand you a book while he was at it. Historian Molly Guptill Manning, author of "A Librarian’s War: The Man Who Fought World War II with Books," joined us to share the story of the Army’s chief librarian during World War II and the way he devoted his life to building literacy, libraries and a love of reading across the United States.
Blake
Why Do We Keep Debating the M.L.S.? (opinion)
Here’s why librarians can’t resolve our recurrent arguments about the import of the field’s professional degree.
New York’s Librarians Are Feeling the Pressure from Book Bans
The Right to Read Coalition, which includes the New York Civil Liberties Union and PEN America, just released a survey of 323 school library aides/media specialists, public librarians, and public school educators across nine regions of the state. Here’s what they had to say about how the threat of book bans impacts them and the work they do – a stress that Governor Hochul could alleviate by signing the Freedom to Read Act into law.
Missouri Supreme Court Hears Appeal of School Library ‘Expli…
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office contends that the law falls within constitutional limits, asking the judges to overturn the circuit court’s decision and allow the case to go to trial. But David Thoreson, an attorney representing the librarians, told the judges that the law sweeps much more broadly than obscenity restrictions and therefore is unconstitutional.
The New Gatekeepers – The AI School Librarians Newsletter
What Banned Books Week can teach us about access to information in the age of AI
Mapping the Landscape of Community-Based Archives | Mellon Foundation
Despite the long-standing presence of community-based archives across the United States and its territories, there has been limited national-level data about the field—its characteristics, challenges, and evolving needs. To address this gap, Mellon partnered with Engage R+D and a “Design Circle” of archival practitioners and field experts to conduct a comprehensive landscape study. Drawing on surveys, interviews, and focus groups, the research captures the perspectives and priorities of community-based archives across the country.
School Librarians Hesitant to Discuss Books Amid Texas Battles to Restrict Titles
"When you put your finger on every single book in order to type it into a spreadsheet, you really do think, 'Am I willing to lose my job over this particular book?'" Strong said. "And I think that is a real concern for teachers around the state."
The Librarians (2025): Real People Behind the Documentary | FilmiFeed
Meet Carolyn Foote, Becky Calzada, Suzette Baker and their fellow educators, with the professional backgrounds behind their documentary appearances.
A new partnership is helping Indiana librarians meet mental health needs • Indiana Capital Chronicle
However, most libraries are not prepared for what comes through their doors. Library staff report witnessing alcohol use and injection drug use in their buildings, situations far outside the scope of what library training typically covers. Recognizing this gap, The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Indiana, awarded a $50,000 grant to Mental Health America of Indiana to develop mental health training for library staff through the Stanley W. DeKemper Training Institute. The goal is straightforward: give librarians the practical tools to recognize warning signs, de-escalate tense situations, and connect people to appropriate care.
The librarians making a top five influencers list
But today’s libraries and librarians are turning to social media to connect with their community in direct – and often hilarious – ways. Unexpected stars include a 72-year-old rare-books librarian in Queensland and a career librarian in suburban Adelaide, both praised by fans in terms like “slay queen” and “icon”.
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