Hosting a Dungeons & Dragons game night at your library can spark new life into your programming and draw in audiences who may not otherwise walk through your doors. Not only does this tabletop role-playing game inspire creativity and storytelling, it also fosters collaborative problem-solving and team-building skills. By providing a safe, inclusive space for patrons to explore imaginative worlds, librarians can showcase the library as a hub for community engagement far beyond traditional book lending. D&D enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike will be encouraged to learn new vocabulary, explore reference materials, and deepen their reading habits, which directly supports the library’s mission to educate and inspire. Ultimately, a D&D event can broaden your library’s reach, strengthen its community relationships, and demonstrate the value of lifelong learning in a uniquely fun, interactive way.
Library Science and Culture: Exploring the Art and Science of Libraries
Experience a world of intellectual enlightenment by exploring library science's philosophical, theoretical, and cultural aspects. Explore the depths of knowledge with us today.
Saturday, February 8, 2025
How to Host a Dungeons & Dragons game night at your library
A Librarian’s Guide to Explaining DEIA to Concerned Patrons
A Librarian’s Guide to Explaining DEIA to Concerned Patrons
Libraries strive to serve everyone in the community by embracing principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). However, patrons may sometimes question or voice objections to DEIA-related initiatives. Below is a guide to help librarians handle these conversations with empathy, clarity, and respect.
1. Understand the Context
Before engaging with a concerned patron, consider the following:
- Review the Library’s Policies or Strategic Plan: Familiarize yourself with the library’s official statements on DEIA and related policies.
- Clarify the Patron’s Concern: Listen carefully to their specific questions or objections to address them accurately.
- Maintain a Calm, Respectful Demeanor: Approach conversations with patience, empathy, and an open mind.
2. Define DEIA
A crucial step in addressing concerns is explaining the meaning and purpose behind each component of DEIA.
Diversity
Definition: Diversity refers to the broad range of human experiences and identities, including (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background.
Why It Matters: Libraries serve patrons from all walks of life. Having a diverse staff and collection ensures that community members can see themselves reflected in the library’s services and materials.
Equity
Definition: Equity involves creating fair opportunities and access to resources, recognizing that different people or groups may need different levels of support.
Why It Matters: Barriers like transportation, language, and digital literacy can prevent some people from accessing library resources. Equity ensures accommodations so everyone benefits fully from the library.
Inclusion
Definition: Inclusion focuses on creating environments where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported, and able to participate fully.
Why It Matters: Even with diverse resources and equitable access, people need to feel a sense of belonging. Inclusive programs and policies promote trust and comfort among patrons.
Accessibility
Definition: Accessibility ensures that all library services, facilities, and resources can be utilized by people of various abilities and needs.
Why It Matters: Libraries should be user-friendly spaces. Removing barriers ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can access information, education, and entertainment.
3. Communicating the Library’s Role and Values
- Emphasize the Library as a Public Institution: Remind patrons that the library serves the entire community and must offer a range of materials and perspectives.
- Highlight Intellectual Freedom and Open Access: DEIA aligns with the principle of free access to ideas—a cornerstone of library ethics.
- Explain the Benefits to the Community: A DEIA-focused approach meets the needs of a diverse population, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Underline the Non-Partisan Nature of DEIA Efforts: DEIA is about equitable service, not political agendas.
4. Practical Tips for Dialogues with Concerned Patrons
When speaking with patrons who take issue with DEIA, keep these strategies in mind:
-
Listen Actively: Let the patron express their concerns fully. Paraphrase their points to ensure understanding.
Example: “I hear you saying you feel our materials favor certain viewpoints.” -
Acknowledge Emotions: Validate any frustration or discomfort they may feel.
Example: “I understand that changes to the collection can feel overwhelming if you’re used to different materials.” -
Provide Clear Explanations: Tie DEIA to the library’s mission, professional standards, and policies.
Example: “Our mission states we aim to serve all patrons equitably by offering resources representing multiple viewpoints.” - Offer Transparency: Describe the library’s selection process, including how patrons can request or challenge materials.
- Suggest Alternatives or Resources: If they disagree with certain items, guide them to other parts of the collection or encourage them to propose additions.
- Stay Neutral and Professional: Keep personal opinions out of the discussion and focus on library policies and ethics.
5. De-escalation and Additional Steps
Sometimes, a patron may remain unsatisfied or become upset. If so:
- Know When to Refer: Offer the option to speak with a supervisor or submit a written concern.
- Document the Interaction: Summarize the main points for potential follow-up or policy review.
- Safety First: If a patron’s behavior becomes threatening, follow the library’s safety protocols.
6. Sample Script/Talking Points
Patron: “Why are you focusing so much on diversity and inclusion? It feels like you’re pushing a political agenda.”
Librarian: “I appreciate you sharing your concerns. Our library’s goal is to be a welcoming space for everyone in our community. When we talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, we’re referring to our responsibility to serve people of all backgrounds and abilities. This helps us provide resources and programs that respect many different perspectives and needs.
Part of our mission is to make sure that no one feels excluded from learning or accessing information. That’s why we work to represent a variety of viewpoints in our collections, ensuring there’s something for everyone. If there’s a book or resource you feel we’re missing, I’d be happy to pass along your suggestions or show you our process for adding new materials. We always welcome feedback and want to serve the entire community.”
7. Recommended Resources
-
American Library Association (ALA)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources
Intellectual Freedom and Censorship - Local Library Policies/Manuals: Check your library’s specific DEIA statements or policy manuals.
- Professional Development/Trainings: Attend or host workshops on conflict resolution, intercultural communication, and inclusive service.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, cultural centers, and advocacy groups for additional resources and expertise.
Conclusion
An empathetic, clear approach is essential when patrons question or challenge the library’s DEIA principles. By listening to concerns, defining core terms, and grounding your explanation in professional ethics and library policies, you can help patrons understand the significance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. The ultimate goal is to maintain a welcoming space for all patrons and ensure the library remains a hub of knowledge, community, and opportunity.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Blown to Bits: What Every Librarian Needs to Know About the Digital Age
π₯ Blown to Bits: What Every Librarian Needs to Know About the Digital Age ππΎ
π©π» You think you know information? As librarians, we’re the gatekeepers of knowledge, the curators of content, the navigators of the digital seas! π But what if I told you that the very information revolution we help manage is changing at warp speed? ππ¨
Welcome to Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness After the Digital Explosion by Hal Abelson, Ken Ledeen, and Harry Lewis—a book that every librarian should read to understand the mind-blowing, nerve-wracking, and absolutely essential challenges of the digital age. π‘
π€― The Information Tsunami: What This Means for Librarians ππ
π️ Libraries as Guardians of Democracy ππ³️
Libraries have always been the bedrock of an informed citizenry—but digital misinformation is threatening that role. Fake news? Filter bubbles? Algorithm bias? Blown to Bits explains how these forces are reshaping truth itself! π±
πΉ Relevance to librarians: We must double down on digital literacy efforts ππ. It’s no longer enough to just teach people where to find information—we need to teach them how to critically assess it. π‘️
π Privacy Is a Myth... But Librarians Can Change That π΅️♂️π
“Everything you do online leaves a trail. Everything.” Sound familiar? Your patrons' searches, their e-book checkouts, even their WiFi connections—they all generate data footprints π¦Ά. And guess who’s collecting it? Big Tech. Governments. Advertisers. π
πΉ Relevance to librarians: If we don’t protect our patrons' privacy, who will? We need to fight for digital rights πͺ—from privacy-first library policies to advocating for open-source search engines π.
π The Illusion of Choice (Or, Why Algorithms Run Your Life) π€
Ever wonder why your Google searches always seem eerily tailored to your interests? Or why your YouTube recommendations are a rabbit hole of *oddly specific* videos? π€π₯
π This book reveals how algorithms control what we see, what we read, and what we believe. The internet is NOT neutral. It’s a curated, manipulated space where companies prioritize profits over truth. π°π»
πΉ Relevance to librarians: Librarians must become algorithm watchdogs π¦Έ♀️. We need to teach users about filter bubbles, promote neutral research methods, and advocate for open-access information.
π The Death of Print? Nope. The Reinvention of Libraries π➡️π²
Will digital books kill print? π❌ Not so fast. While tech has changed how we consume information, it hasn’t changed why we need it. Libraries remain essential public spaces where knowledge is freely accessible, independent of corporate influence. π️π
πΉ Relevance to librarians: The digital explosion means libraries need to evolve π±. Think media literacy workshops, privacy awareness programs, and advocacy for open data initiatives. This is our moment to redefine what libraries mean in the 21st century. π
π’ Librarians: You Are More Important Than Ever! πͺπ
If you thought being a librarian was just about shelving books, think again. You’re now a digital warrior ⚔️, a privacy advocate π‘️, a community educator π©π«, and a watchdog of truth πΆ.
π Takeaways from Blown to Bits for librarians:
- ✅ Teach digital literacy—patrons need guidance through the maze of misinformation! πΊ️
- ✅ Advocate for privacy—library data policies should be patron-first, not corporate-first. π
- ✅ Support open access—because knowledge shouldn’t come with a paywall. πͺπΈ
- ✅ Stay tech-savvy—AI, blockchain, deep fakes... if we don’t understand them, we can’t help our patrons navigate them! π€
✨ Final Thoughts: The Future Is in Our Hands ππ
Blown to Bits isn’t just a book—it’s a wake-up call π£. It reminds us that while technology has opened doors, it’s also introduced risks we can’t ignore. As librarians, we’re not just keepers of books—we’re defenders of knowledge itself. π⚔️
π― So, fellow librarians, let’s step up. Let’s educate. Let’s advocate. And let’s keep the world informed. ππ‘
π Want to read it? Get the full book for free here: π Blown to Bits PDF
π¬ What do you think? How is your library handling the digital explosion? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ππ

Librarianship as Social Justice: Challenging Binaries, Expanding Knowledge
π Librarianship as Social Justice: Challenging Binaries, Expanding Knowledge π
Librarianship is more than a profession; it is a commitment to shaping the way knowledge is created, preserved, and accessed. At its best, librarianship is about challenging dominant narratives, resisting binary thinking, and ensuring that the full complexity of human experience is reflected in our collections, services, and instructional practices. π✨
Much like scholars in women, gender, and sexuality studies, librarians recognize that knowledge is socially constructed. The materials we collect, the metadata we apply, and the search systems we design influence how people understand the world. If our cataloging structures reinforce outdated binaries, if our collections fail to include marginalized voices, if our teaching reinforces dominant power structures, then we are not neutral actors—we are complicit in perpetuating inequality. π¨
⚡ Beyond Gatekeeping: Librarians as Knowledge Activists π’
Libraries are often framed as passive repositories of knowledge, but in reality, every decision we make is a form of activism. What we choose to collect, how we describe it, and how we make it accessible shape the intellectual landscape of our communities. π️π
Just as feminist and intersectional scholars critique binary systems—male/female, white/nonwhite, rich/poor—librarians must critically examine the structures we maintain:
- π How does our metadata reinforce gender binaries?
- π Do our discovery systems privilege certain perspectives over others?
- π Whose histories are archived, and whose are left out?
Libraries must move beyond traditional gatekeeping models and embrace their role as active participants in the ongoing struggle for epistemic justice. This means ensuring that marginalized knowledge is not only collected but made visible and accessible. π‘π
π§ Interrogating Authority: The Role of Critical Information Literacy π
Librarianship has long emphasized information literacy, but traditional models often focus on evaluating sources within existing frameworks rather than questioning the frameworks themselves. A feminist, intersectional approach to information literacy asks deeper questions:
- π€ Who gets to define what is “credible” knowledge?
- π How do historical and cultural contexts shape authority?
- π¬ What knowledge systems have been devalued or erased by dominant institutions?
For example, feminist and queer theorists have challenged the idea that science and medicine are purely objective fields, pointing out how historical biases have shaped research on gender, sexuality, and race. Similarly, librarians must help patrons recognize that information systems—including peer review, library classification, and search algorithms—are not neutral but deeply embedded in social and political contexts. π️⚖️
Teaching information literacy is not just about helping users find “reliable” sources; it is about giving them the tools to critically examine the power structures that shape knowledge production itself. ππ
π Intersectionality in Library Collections and Services π
The concept of intersectionality—coined by KimberlΓ© Crenshaw—reminds us that people’s experiences of oppression and privilege are shaped by overlapping identities, such as race, gender, class, and disability. If we truly want our libraries to serve diverse communities, we must embrace an intersectional approach in everything we do:
- π Collection Development: Ensuring that materials represent the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, disabled communities, and other marginalized groups—not as an afterthought, but as a core principle.
- π️ Cataloging and Classification: Challenging outdated metadata practices that reinforce colonial and binary ways of organizing knowledge.
- π Programming and Outreach: Creating events and partnerships that prioritize the voices of those historically excluded from library spaces.
When we fail to take an intersectional approach, we risk reproducing the very structures of exclusion we claim to resist. π«
π Libraries as Agents of Structural Change ✊
Librarianship does not exist in a vacuum. Just as feminist and critical scholars analyze how institutions—such as law, medicine, and education—reinforce power hierarchies, we must critically examine how libraries function within these systems. π️π‘
Libraries have always been spaces of social change, whether by providing sanctuary to marginalized communities, preserving the histories of grassroots movements, or fighting for open access to knowledge. Today, our role is even more urgent:
- π Fighting censorship and book bans that disproportionately target works by authors of color and LGBTQ+ voices.
- π Advocating for privacy rights in an era of mass surveillance and data commodification.
- π Supporting open-access publishing models that challenge exploitative academic gatekeeping.
If we see ourselves as merely neutral service providers, we fail in our responsibility. Libraries are not neutral, and they never have been. Every choice we make—what we preserve, what we highlight, what we teach—either reinforces the status quo or pushes toward a more just and inclusive future. ππ’
π₯ Librarianship as Liberation Work ✨
The heart of librarianship is not just organizing information—it is about ensuring that knowledge serves as a tool for liberation. This requires an ongoing commitment to questioning our own practices, dismantling oppressive structures, and imagining new possibilities for access, representation, and inclusion. π️⚡
Just as scholars and activists have long resisted rigid binaries and exclusionary knowledge systems, librarians must actively build spaces that recognize complexity, embrace multiplicity, and honor the full spectrum of human experience. This is not an abstract ideal—it is the very essence of our work. π‘π
Librarianship is not just about making information available. It is about shaping the conditions in which knowledge can be truly transformative. Let’s do that work with the depth, courage, and intentionality it deserves. ππ
Essential Free Books for Librarians on Technology, Civics, Race, and Gender
Essential Free Books for Librarians on Technology, Civics, Race, and Gender
As information professionals, librarians must continuously expand their knowledge across various fields, including technology, civics, race, and gender studies. Below is a curated collection of essential books available for free online that provide valuable insights into these critical areas.
π Technology & Librarianship
1. The Cathedral and the Bazaar - Eric S. Raymond
Description: A seminal work on open-source software development, this book contrasts the "cathedral" model of traditional software engineering with the "bazaar" model of collaborative, open-source projects. Essential reading for librarians managing digital platforms.
Access: Read here
2. Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness After the Digital Explosion - Hal Abelson, Ken Ledeen, & Harry Lewis
Description: This book explores how digital technology reshapes privacy, security, and information access, critical concerns for libraries in the digital age.
Access: Read here
3. The Elements of Computing Systems - Noam Nisan & Shimon Schocken
Description: An excellent introduction to computer science, this book guides readers through building a simple computer, providing a deeper understanding of digital infrastructure.
Access: Read here
π️ Civics & Librarianship
4. American Government - OpenStax
Description: A comprehensive guide to U.S. government systems, this book is an excellent resource for librarians supporting civic literacy and public knowledge initiatives.
Access: Read here
5. Libraries and Democracy: The Cornerstones of Liberty - Nancy Kranich
Description: This book explores the role of libraries in promoting democracy and free access to information, a must-read for public and academic librarians.
Access: Read here
π Race & Librarianship
6. Racism in America: A Reader
Description: A collection of scholarly essays exploring the historical and contemporary issues of racism in the U.S., offering essential context for libraries serving diverse communities.
Access: Read here
7. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness - Michelle Alexander
Description: This powerful book examines systemic racism within the U.S. criminal justice system, making it crucial reading for librarians engaged in social justice work.
Access: Read here
8. The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin
Description: A poignant exploration of racial identity and the American experience, Baldwin’s essays remain relevant for librarians aiming to understand and support racial justice initiatives.
Access: Read here
πΊ Gender & Librarianship
9. Stone Butch Blues - Leslie Feinberg
Description: This groundbreaking novel explores gender identity, LGBTQ+ struggles, and the intersections of class and social justice.
Access: Read here
10. Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Description: A foundational text that examines gender, intersectionality, and power structures, ideal for libraries fostering inclusive collections.
Access: Read here
11. Global Women's Issues: Women in the World Today
Description: A broad examination of global women's rights, economic equity, and political engagement.
Access: Read here
π Conclusion
These books offer a wealth of knowledge on crucial topics relevant to librarianship, civic engagement, technology, race, and gender studies. By reading and sharing these works, librarians can contribute to more informed and equitable communities.

Library Job Boards and Resources for 2025
Library Job Boards and Resources
Finding library job opportunities can be easier with the right resources. Whether you're looking for positions in public libraries, academic institutions, archives, or special collections, these job boards and professional organizations provide valuable listings.
1. ALA JobLIST
ALA JobLIST is hosted by the American Library Association and offers a comprehensive listing of library and information science jobs across institutions.
2. New York State Library Job Resources
NYS Library Job Resources provides a collection of job boards specific to New York State, along with hiring best practices and job-seeking tips.
3. CLIR+DLF Job Board
CLIR+DLF Job Board is managed by the Council on Library and Information Resources and the Digital Library Federation, listing jobs in libraries, archives, and cultural institutions.
4. METRO Job Listings
METRO Jobs is the Metropolitan New York Library Council’s job page, providing listings for library, archive, and information positions in the NYC area.
5. NYLA JOBLine
NYLA JOBLine is the New York Library Association’s job board, serving New York’s library community.
6. ARL Job Listings
ARL Job Listings features job postings from academic and research libraries and related institutions.
7. SLA Career Center
SLA Career Center is the Special Libraries Association’s job board, offering career guidance and job opportunities in special library fields.
8. Atla Job Board
Atla Job Board provides listings for positions like metadata librarian, archivist, and library director in theological and academic libraries.
9. Library Publishing Coalition Job Board
Library Publishing Coalition Job Board lists library publishing roles, including positions within university presses and research institutions.
10. IFLA Library Jobs
IFLA Jobs is the International Federation of Library Associations’ job page, featuring global library career opportunities.
11. Government Jobs for Librarians
USAJobs provides listings for library positions in federal institutions, including the Library of Congress, National Archives, and military libraries.
12. Chronicle of Higher Education - Library Jobs
Chronicle of Higher Education features academic library job postings, including faculty librarian roles.
13. INALJ (I Need a Library Job)
INALJ is a volunteer-driven job board that compiles library and information professional job postings from across the world.
14. LibGig Job Board
LibGig provides recruitment and career services for librarians, information professionals, and knowledge managers.
15. Library Journal Job Zone
Library Journal Job Zone offers postings for public, academic, and special library positions nationwide.
16. Special Collections & Archives Jobs
Society of American Archivists Job Board provides job listings for archivists, records managers, and special collections librarians.
17. Medical Library Association Job Board
Medical Library Association Job Board lists positions for medical librarians and health information professionals.
18. Law Librarianship Job Boards
American Association of Law Libraries Career Center offers job opportunities for law librarians and legal information specialists.
19. Museum & Art Librarian Jobs
Metropolitan Museum of Art Careers provides opportunities for librarians specializing in art and museum collections.
20. LinkedIn Library Jobs
LinkedIn Jobs is a valuable resource for networking and discovering library-related positions worldwide.
Conclusion
These platforms provide a broad range of job opportunities for library and information professionals. Whether you are looking for a job in public, academic, special, or digital librarianship, these resources can help guide your career search.

DEI in Libraries: Challenges, Controversies, and the Future of Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Resources for U.S. Librarians
The current social and historical moment in the U.S. has created a complex and often contentious landscape for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, and libraries are not immune to these broader societal forces. Libraries, as institutions committed to intellectual freedom, access, and community engagement, must navigate the evolving expectations around DEI while facing both internal and external pressures.
1. American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services
The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services offers resources, toolkits, and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and equity within libraries. Their mission is to ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives within the profession and association.
2. Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA)
The BCALA advocates for library services to the African American community and provides resources, publications, and initiatives to support Black librarians and promote diversity within the profession.
3. REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking
REFORMA is dedicated to promoting library and information services to Latino and Spanish-speaking communities. They offer resources, programs, and advocacy initiatives to support these populations.
4. Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)
APALA addresses the needs of Asian/Pacific American librarians and those who serve Asian/Pacific American communities, offering resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
5. American Indian Library Association (AILA)
The AILA is a membership organization that supports the information needs of American Indian and Alaska Native communities, providing resources, publications, and advocacy for Indigenous librarianship.
6. Joint Council of Librarians of Color (JCLC)
The JCLC is a coalition of five ethnic affiliate associations of the ALA, focusing on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the library profession. They offer conferences, resources, and networking opportunities.
7. Knowledge River at the University of Arizona
Knowledge River is an educational program focusing on educating information professionals with an emphasis on Latino and Native American perspectives, offering scholarships, mentorship, and culturally relevant curriculum.
8. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources by RAILS Libraries
The Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) provides a compilation of EDI resources from various libraries and organizations to support DEI initiatives.
9. Yale University Library DEI Resources
The Yale University Library provides a collection of resources related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, curated by medical librarians in partnership with various departments.
10. NELLCO Law Library Consortium DEI Toolkit
The NELLCO Law Library Consortium offers a toolkit to help libraries integrate DEI principles into their collection development policies and practices.
11. American Libraries Magazine: Improving Inclusivity
American Libraries Magazine offers recommended readings to help library workers approach programs and spaces with empathy and accessibility.
12. SCRLC DEI Resources
The South Central Regional Library Council (SCRLC) provides resources and guidance to help libraries enhance DEI initiatives and community engagement.
Conclusion
Despite challenges, libraries continue to advocate for DEI. These resources offer guidance, strategies, and support to ensure that libraries remain inclusive spaces for all.

Featured Post
How to Host a Dungeons & Dragons game night at your library
Hosting a Dungeons & Dragons game night at your library can spark new life into your programming and draw in audiences who may not other...

-
Introduction: Ground News ( https://ground.news/ ) is a news comparison platform that uses AI to analyze media bias, presenting users with m...
-
The Librarian's Guide to Summer Reading: Critical Thinking of Subversive Material Edition
-
Libraries have a vital role in promoting personal and community growth by facilitating learning. However, if people who come to the library ...