News

Showing 2 of 2 Results

National Library Outreach Day
04/06/2022
profile-icon Tori Duggan
Events, Library Week

Because a library's reach is beyond its walls.

Library services surpass bricks and mortar as library workers continue to adapt and develop innovative ways to deliver library materials and services that transform lives and support lifelong learning. Follow #LibraryOutreachDay to see happenings from libraries all over! Below, read about our plans to expand services in 2022!

 Highlights in 2020-2021

Here at the Engl Library & Archive we have been working hard to expand our remote resources and services. Some of our highlights in 2020-2021 include:

 Implementation of LibGuides with 20 research and how-to guides
 New Archive Finding Aids Database public user interface implemented with 48 finding aids and video tutorial made to help patrons navigate the new system
 Over 2000 archive assets added to the Collections Online
 Streamlined remote access services and research image requests

New in 2022 

In celebration of National Library Outreach Day, we’re pleased to announce new tools to continue our ongoing commitment to access and engagement:

 News - Engage with Museum staff and others in the new comment section. Subscribe to the News feed to get updates from the library about new research guides, new finding aids, book reviews, and more! 
 Ask Us - New page with FAQs 
 Chat - Soon you'll be able to chat in real-time with library staff. Check back for details.

Because libraries go where you go

 

Show more
Welcome to National Library Week!
04/04/2022
profile-icon Tori Duggan
Events, Library Week

State of America's Libraries Special Report: Pandemic Year TwoState of America's Libraries Report 2022 

National Library Week kicks off with State of America’s Libraries Report, annual 'Top 10 Most Challenged Books' list and a new campaign to fight book bans!

"In 2021, libraries of all types stepped up to meet the needs of their communities as they responded to the impacts of a second year of the global pandemic. Library staff in every state faced an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021, resulting in more than 1,597 individual book challenges or removals. Most targeted books were by or about Black or LGBTQIA+ persons. Read more about the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2021 and libraries' response to the pandemic in the State of America's Libraries Special Report: Pandemic Year Two." - - American Library Association (ALA)

Despite efforts to diversify the profession, as of 2022, librarians are still more than 83% white. Libraries and museums joined forces to boost COVID-19 information and vaccine confidence at the local level - where it matters most - with grants and support from the Communities for Immunity partnership. More than half of public libraries report circulating technology, including laptops, hotspots, and tablets, for off-site use.

 

Book Challenges

Book challenges top 700 – the most since 2000 - - ALA

The American Library Association tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021. Of the 1,597 individual books that were challenged or banned in 2021, here are the top 10 most challenged: 1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images. 2. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison. Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit. 3. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson. Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit. 4. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez. Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for depictions of abuse and because it was considered to be sexually explicit. 5. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, violence, and it was thought to promote an anti-police message and indoctrination of a social agenda. 6. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and use of a derogatory term. 7. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews. Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women. 8. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Reasons: Banned and challenged because it depicts child sexual abuse and was considered sexually explicit. 9. This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson. Reasons: Banned, challenged, relocated, and restricted for providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content. 10. Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin. Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit. Books unite us. They reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, divides us and creates barriers. In 2021, 1597 books were affected by censorship attempts. Learn more about ala.org/bbooks.Who initiates challenges? Statistics based on 729 responses.. Patrons: 24%; Parents 39%; Board/administration: 18%; Librarians/teachers: 6%; Political/religious groups: 10%; Elected officials: 2%; Students: 1%. Where do challenges take place? School libraries: 44%; Public libraries: 37%; Schools: 18%; Academia/Other: 1%.Books and Beyond: The ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges in 2021. Here's the breakdown: Books, graphic novels, and textbooks) 82%;Programs, meeting rooms: 5%; Displays and exhibits 4%; Films: 2%; Other (includes filtering, access, databases, magazines, online resources, artwork, social media, music, pamphlets, student publications, reading lists): 7%. Reasons for Challenges: Word cloud: Prominent words are: Sexually Explicit, Critical race theory, Obscene, Woke, LGBTQIA, Indoctrinating kids, Profanity, Pornography, Polarizing, and Pedophilia. Each word in this graphic is cited from 2021 censorship reports.

 

Show more
Field is required.