What Happens When a School Closes Its Library?A year after Texas turned school libraries into discipline centers in Black and Latino neighborhoods, librarians have lost their jobs and teachers are quitting.
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Cybersecurity Pilot Program Launched by FCC to Defend Schools, Libraries
Cybersecurity Pilot Program Launched by FCC to Defend Schools, Libraries
The Federal Communications Commission announced Wednesday its $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program is just days away from being operational. Eligible K-12 schools and libraries can apply for funding starting September 17, with the window closing on November 1, according to the agency’s public notice.
Utah outlaws books by Judy Blume and Sarah J Maas in first statewide ban | Books | The Guardian
Utah outlaws books by Judy Blume and Sarah J Maas in first statewide ban
State has ordered books by 13 authors, 12 of them women, to be removed from every public school, classroom and library
The 13 books could be banned under House bill 29, which became effective from 1 July, because they were considered to contain “pornographic or indecent” material. The list “will likely be updated as more books begin to meet the law’s criteria”, according to PEN America.
Ten Stories That Shaped 2023
It’s time yet again to take a look back at the memorable library stories from the past year.
Two themes dominated headlines in 2023: attacks on libraries; and the rising implications of generative artificial intelligence.
10. Misplaced Classified Documents
Fallout over politicians from both parties mishandling documents continued to make news early in the year.
9. Attacks on Librarians – Kirk Cameron
In a peculiar bid to paint himself the victim of library policies, Kirk Cameron staged conflicts over his right-wing children’s books and related library events.
8. Generative AI – Audio Books and Music
Texas Revamps Houston Schools, Closing Libraries and Angering Parents
Texas Revamps Houston Schools, Closing Libraries and Angering Parents
As part of a state takeover plan, libraries in underperforming schools are becoming spaces for disruptive students to watch lessons on computers.
White House holds first-ever summit on the ransomware crisis plaguing the nation’s public schools and libraries
A pilot proposed by Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel %u2014 yet to be voted on by the agency %u2014 would make $200 million available over three years to strengthen cyber defense in schools and libraries.
%u201CThat%u2019s a drop in the bucket,%u201D said Keith Krueger, CEO of the nonprofit Consortium for School Networking. School districts wrote the FCC last fall asking that it commit much more %u2014 Krueger urged that several hundred million be made available annually from its E-Rate program, which has helped expand broadband internet to schools and libraries across the country since 1997.
White House holds first-ever summit on the ransomware crisis plaguing the nation’s public schools
Houston’s plan to convert some school libraries into discipline centers is criticized : NPR
Houston’s plan to convert some school libraries into discipline centers is criticized
Dozens of public schools won’t have traditional libraries when classes start. Teachers and parents criticize reforms turning some libraries into centers for students with disciplinary problems.
Florida teacher fired over viral video of empty library shelves after DeSantis branded it a “fake narrative”
Florida teacher fired over viral video of empty library shelves after DeSantis branded it a “fake narrative”
Teachers and librarians have shared images of empty bookshelves following a directive from Duval County Public Schools
Central Florida school librarians say new mandated training needs to be redone
School librarians and media specialists across Central Florida have to undergo an hour-long training session to help them understand new rules on what can and can’t be in school libraries.
Those rules came about as part of a wave of legislation that Gov. Ron Desantis said are about more transparency in education. That includes the Parental Rights In Education Act and the governor’s so-called “Stop WOKE” Act.
But some Central Florida media specialists think the training, which has to be completed by July, needs to be redone.
Florida librarians are now required to attend specialized training on new state rules
School librarians in Florida are now required to undergo specialized state training on the new rules for what can and cannot go in school media centers.
That training was a result of a state law passed last year and finalized last week. Citizens now have an opportunity to weigh in as it%u2019s reviewed by the state school board.
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