Robin Englehart-Bagley’s Post

Despite challenges like library closures and budget cuts, starting a library consulting company now is crucial. Librarians deserve support, assistance, and encouragement to navigate these tough times. Learn more about why investing in libraries is essential. Read the latest blog article. Click link for article. https://buff.ly/3JA1LQN #LibrarySupport #EncourageLibrarians #NationalSchoolLibraryMonth

The New Jersey State Library recently added a question about "fine free" policies to their annual Per Capita State Aid survey of NJ public libraries. For librarians outside of NJ, this is a survey about budget, staffing, usage, etc, that NJ public libraries are required to submit every year in order to be eligible for State Aid. I always find the results really interesting. Libraries were asked to respond Yes or No to the following question: As of the end of the reporting period, does the library charge overdue fines to any users when they fail to return physical print materials by the date due? According to the recently published responses for data year 2023, 138 responded YES, 108 responded NO, and 17 did not respond. An additional 33 did not appear to respond to any questions at all, so I omitted them from the chart. Just a few years ago, virtually every public library in New Jersey used punitive fines to ensure books were returned on time. It's interesting to see how much this has changed in such a short period of time.

The near future may present some very challenging times, especially in the area of funding and governance. Keeping current on the politics of funding and overseeing libraries seems like a wise choice. Patrick "PC" Sweeney of EveryLibrary Institute gives one option in that regard in the post below. #libraries #libraryadvocacy #libraryfunding #governance #localgovernment #libraryservices

Imagine if you got in trouble for being board certified (as in other fields) proving your association and approval of your national professional organization. What used to help provide professional support and growth could now be something to condemn you. Oi. just a few early morning thoughts on this. #protectlibraries ##publiclibraries #libraries #librariesareinfrastructure #investinlibraries

Some of our online forms are changing. 👀 Check out the Library blog for details: https://buff.ly/3zpHRX2 #LatestChanges #StayInformed #LibraryUpdate

How Libraries Help Anchor Moving Families https://lnkd.in/eW8mfiRr

Libraries have historically played a crucial role in promoting literacy, supporting academic achievement, and serving as safe spaces for community members to gather and learn. In a vulnerable time where access to information and lifelong learning is more vital than ever, these budget cuts undermine the fundamental mission of public libraries and their ability to serve the diverse needs of New Yorkers. "The Meaning of the Library: A Cultural History," edited by Alice Crawford, and "Reading Spaces: The Role of Libraries in Reading Communities" by John E. Buschman, offer insights into the historical, cultural, and social significance of libraries in fostering intellectual growth and community engagement. It is important now that we collectively voice our opposition to these cuts and advocate for the preservation and enhancement of our library services as tax-paying New Yorkers. By doing so, I feel we are not only protecting a cornerstone of our democratic society but also ensuring that future generations continue to have access to the invaluable resources that libraries provide. @NYCMAYOR #NoCutsToLibraries

In my recent opinion piece, I explore the balance between library accessibility responsibility and financial obstacles. #LibraryAccessibility #FineFreeLibraries #InclusiveCommunities #LiteracyMatters #CommunitySupport https://bit.ly/4hmK8mW

How do concerned community members make their voices heard at libraries?   Controversies surrounding library books- both at school and public libraries- are on the rise across America and connect to a lot of issues that concern communities. From parent's rights to partisan politics and local bureaucracy to childhood- books matter!   This got me wondering… How do the community members who are concerned about kids accessing certain books or content get involved? And what is it about books that's important to them?   I'm looking to talk to people who advocate for placing limitations or restrictions on certain books in libraries- parents, grandparents, community members, whoever! This project is a part of my dissertation research, and I need help making connections.   If you happen to know someone (or are someone) in Florida or Wisconsin who fits this description, please get in touch!   Interested in this project? Send me an email at librarystudy.moison@gmail.com!

Alyssa Ogletree, a second-year Associate Editor with LJSJ, explains the challenges facing Arizona's education system, especially regarding the state's public education funding approach. Read Alyssa's blog post here, and visit our website for more insightful content!