2023 Library Trends

Libraries have been experiencing a significant transformation in terms of technological advancements and services offered in recent years. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a prominent trend, with tools like DALL-E and Midjourney enhancing digital art creation and AI assisting in audiobook narration and digital collection management. This has proven to be a great advantage for libraries as it helps create better-quality content and streamlines certain processes.

The increased use of video conferencing tools like Zoom has also prompted libraries to adapt their infrastructure and services accordingly. They are now focusing on virtual services, with online programs and reference interviews becoming more prevalent. Libraries are also evolving into community support centers, addressing patron trauma and combating disinformation. 

The trend of Digital Integration is evident as well, with libraries incorporating technologies like RFID self-service kiosks and dedicated mobile apps. Smart speakers and virtual assistants have also become integral to library services, enhancing accessibility for patrons. 

Furthermore, libraries are championing sustainability initiatives, such as energy efficiency measures and green building designs, to minimize environmental impact. They are also transforming into flexible community spaces, offering essential services like food banks in response to societal needs.

Lastly, the introduction of the Library Communication Framework (LCF) is set to modernize library operations, enhancing efficiency and operability. This framework has been designed to provide a standardized communication platform that can be used across different library systems, making it easier for libraries to operate and share information.

Bibliography

• The Digital Librarian. (2023). Library Tech Trends for 2023. Retrieved from https://the-digital-librarian.com/2022/12/01/library-tech-trends-for-2023/
• Niche Academy. (2023). Library Staff Training & Trends for 2023. Retrieved from https://www.nicheacademy.com/blog/library-staff-training-trends-for-2023
• D-Tech International. (2023). Five Trends Shaping the Library Experience in 2023. Retrieved from https://d-techinternational.com/2023/01/19/five-trends-shaping-the-library-experience-in-2023/

Transforming Education Through Media and Technology

ASLA: Transforming Education Through Media and Technology

Introduction:
In the ever-evolving world of education, the Alabama School Library Association (ASLA) shines as a beacon of innovation. Comprising a diverse community of education professionals, ASLA is dedicated to revolutionizing instruction through the dynamic use of media and technology. As the state affiliate of prestigious organizations, including the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, the American Association of School Librarians, and the Alabama Education Association, ASLA is positioned to deliver excellence and drive change in Alabama's education landscape.

Our Vision:

At ASLA, our vision transcends the ordinary. We aim to enhance Alabama's education system by harnessing the power of media and technology. Through our seven key objectives, we strive to reshape education in our state:

Objectives	Description
Promote Effective Use of Instructional Media	We advocate for the strategic use of instructional media to create a transformative learning experience for students statewide.
Keep Educators Informed	In a rapidly evolving educational technology landscape, knowledge is paramount. ASLA ensures that educators stay informed, enabling them to make informed decisions about media services and materials.
Encourage Professional Growth	ASLA is not just an association; it's a platform for continuous professional development. We actively support our members in their journey to stay at the forefront of educational innovation.
Coordinate Research	ASLA leads the way in coordinating research efforts focused on evaluating the effectiveness of instructional media. This research informs best practices and enriches the educational experience.
Plan Long-Range Programs	We think ahead, planning and executing long-term programs that foster the development and enhancement of instructional media. These programs benefit educators, students, and the entire education system.
Foster Collaboration	Collaboration is the heartbeat of progress. ASLA actively partners with like-minded organizations and agencies, amplifying our impact on education in Alabama and driving transformation.
Provide a Framework	ASLA offers a valuable framework for our members to come together, both on a state and district level. This sense of community encourages collaboration and the exchange of best practices.

Links to Explore ASLA:

• Visit ASLA's Official Website
• Explore ASLA's Constitution and Bylaws
• Meet ASLA's Executive Board

Conclusion:

ASLA's mission is not merely a statement but a driving force behind our endeavors. By leveraging the potential of media and technology, promoting professional growth, and fostering collaboration, ASLA continues to redefine education in Alabama. We invite education professionals from all corners of our state to join us on this transformative journey, proving that innovation is the engine of progress in education. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Alabama's learners.

Alabama Library Association's (ALLA)

Here is a story about the Alabama Library Association's (ALLA) remarkable journey towards inclusivity. In 1904, ALLA was established as a professional organization for librarians and workers, but it only admitted White members in its early days, excluding Black members. However, in 1949, ALLA set out to promote inclusivity, forming a Biracial Committee of ten Black librarians and six White ALA members. Despite the initial enthusiasm, integrating the association while navigating the state's segregation laws proved an enormous challenge, leading to the committee's disbandment after three years.

ALLA's status as an ALA State Chapter was lost when it refused to admit Black members. Only after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation did the association take a step forward. On December 4, 1964, the ALLA council passed an official resolution that ended the screening of membership applications based on race. This marked a pivotal moment in the association's history and paved the way for a desegregated future.

The first desegregated meeting of the Alabama Library Association was held in the spring of 1965, marking a significant shift in the organization's culture. The commitment to inclusivity was now a fundamental principle, and ALLA began to rebuild itself as an association that embraced diversity and welcomed librarians of all races.

The Alabama Library Association is a shining example of transformation and progress today. The organization has not only survived but thrived in the face of adversity. It is dedicated to promoting literature and education in the state, maintaining a valuable Alabama Authors database, and holding annual conventions at rotating locations throughout Alabama. With three divisions – College, University, and Special Libraries (CUS), Public Library (PLD), and Youth Services and School Library (YSSLD) – ALLA continues to serve Alabama's library community with vigor and inclusivity.

In conclusion, the Alabama Library Association's journey from exclusivity to inclusivity is a testament to the enduring spirit of change and progress. Its commitment to diversity and its determination to overcome past challenges have shaped Alabama's literary landscape. As librarians and library workers, we can draw inspiration from ALLA's transformation, reminding us that libraries are not just repositories of knowledge but also agents of positive change in society.

Link Description	URL
Alabama Library Association Handbook	https://www.allanet.org/docs/handbook.pdf
Alabama Authors	https://www.lib.ua.edu/AlabamaAuthors/
Alabama Library Association website	https://www.allanet.org/

Librarianship Stats 2023

The librarianship profession involves a range of duties and specializations that cater to the diverse needs of communities and organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), the median annual wage for librarians and library media specialists was $61,660 as of May 2022. The employment rate in this field is expected to grow by about 3% from 2022 to 2032, with an estimated 13,700 job openings each year.

Librarians and library media specialists perform various tasks, including creating and maintaining databases of library materials, organizing materials for easy access, assisting patrons with research, and evaluating search results and reference materials. They also curate collections, plan programs for various audiences, and teach classes about information resources.

There are different types of librarians, such as academic, administrative services, public, school, and special librarians. Each class focuses on specific aspects of librarianship, such as assisting students and faculty in academic settings, managing library operations, serving the general public, supporting educational curricula in schools, or catering to the specialized information needs of organizations in fields like business, law, and healthcare.

/Approximately 35% of librarians and library media specialists worked in elementary and secondary schools, 31% in local government (excluding education and hospitals), 18% in colleges, universities, and professional schools, and 6% in the information sector as of 2022 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). The work schedules for librarians vary depending on their work setting. While most work full-time, part-time positions are also common. Public and academic librarians often have schedules that include weekends, evenings, and holidays, whereas school librarians typically follow the same work and vacation schedules as teachers. Special librarians, such as those in corporate settings, usually work standard business hours but may work longer to meet deadlines.

The educational requirements for librarians vary. Generally, a master's degree in library science (MLS) is required. For school librarians and library media specialists, a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field and a teaching certificate might be necessary, though requirements can differ by state. MLS programs typically cover research methods, online reference systems, and Internet search techniques and usually take 1 to 2 years to complete (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).

References:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Librarians and Library Media Specialists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm

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: Free Expression Group Sues Escambia County School District Over Book Bans

Escambia County School District in Florida has recently come under legal scrutiny after several books were banned from its educational establishments. 

The book bans, led by Northview High School language arts teacher Vicki Baggett, began in 2022 and included diverse literature, from picture books and young adult novels to nonfiction pieces. The bans have been criticized for disproportionately targeting books about race and LGBTQ+ identities written by non-white and LGBTQ+ authors. 

PEN America, an organization devoted to free expression, is leading a lawsuit against Escambia County School District and School Board. They are joined by several authors, parents, and Penguin Random House, the country's largest book publisher, asserting that the district's book bans violate the First Amendment and the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. 

The suit, filed in federal court on May 17, 2023, criticizes the board for dismissing recommendations from the district review committee that assessed book challenges. The lawsuit alleges that the school district is more interested in censoring specific ideas and viewpoints than focusing on pedagogy. Among the authors whose books have been removed or restricted are Sarah Brannen, David Levithan, George M. Johnson, Dr. Ashley Hope Pérez, and Kyle Lukoff. 

The lawsuit demands that the affected books be returned to school library shelves. 

Dr. Ashley Hope Pérez, one of the authors suing the district, argues that banning her book, which discusses sexual assault, is a disservice to students. Pérez asserts that the ban removes a crucial resource that could help young people navigate and discuss complex topics, such as sexual assault, within their communities.

Pérez also points out that these changes will likely have the most significant impact on students with the fewest resources, those who depend on school libraries for access to information. PEN America reports that since 2021, 306 educational gag order bills have been introduced across 45 U.S. states, 22 of which have become law in 16 states. In addition, the American Library Association has noted that efforts to ban books nearly double in 2022, with 1,269 attempts to ban books and resources in libraries and schools. Citation: Kyaw, A. (2023, May 19). 

Free Expression Group Sues Florida School District Over Book Bans. Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. Retrieved from https://www.diverseeducation.com/campus-climate/article/15448066/free-expression-group-sues-florida-school-district-over-book-bans

Improving Technology Training (WSL webinar)

• The webinar titled "Improving Technology Training" is sponsored by the Washington State Library and presented by Stephanie Gerding.
• The webinar includes a training coordinator, Jennifer Fenton, and a technician named Joe to assist participants.
• Participants are encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback, and engage in interactive learning through chat.
• The importance of evaluating training in libraries is discussed, including reasons such as improving training quality, identifying weaknesses, and demonstrating value.
• The speaker highlights the need to measure the impact, cost, and effectiveness of technology training and collect stories and feedback from participants.

The Washington State Library conducted a webinar on improving technology training, presented by Stephanie Gerding. The focus was evaluating the library technology training and empowering staff and volunteers to strengthen it. The session also discussed difficult library training situations that can help improve training. The training cycle was discussed, including planning, needs assessment, workshop learning, and evaluation. The session emphasized the need for planning and evaluating to save time in the long run and utilize resources effectively. The goal is to ensure that the training program meets the community's needs. Different learning styles were highlighted, and practical technology training was discussed, including training for public staff and answering reference desk questions.