Programs

The work for entrepreneurs and inventors to protect their products via patents and trademarks can be mind-bogglingly bureaucratic and difficult to understand. Tara Nash, librarian at Multnomah County Library in Portland, OR, was developing small business classes in 2021 and realized how strong the demand for assistance was.

Once parodied as having a contentious relationship on NBC’s long-running show, Parks and Recreation, in recent years public libraries have found a range of ways to partner with local Parks & Recreation agencies, state parks, and even federal parks to bring residents to green spaces—and bring nature-based programs into libraries as well.

Libraries are evolving; their roles and services are being reshaped by our dynamic digital landscape. The new roles that libraries are assuming also demand new skills and expertise from librarians to remain adaptable and effective. MLIS programs provide the essential foundation for professionals to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.

LJ has received an Eddie award for its February 2024 cover story “Hungry for Connection: Addressing Loneliness Through the Library,” by Editor-in-Chief Hallie Rich. In May, 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory calling attention to loneliness, isolation, and a lack of connection as a public health crisis increasing the risk of mental health challenges and even premature death. LJ’s feature examined how library programs “can build the very relationships our nation’s public health experts say we most need to cultivate.”

The librarians interviewed for LJ's September 2024 feature on voter engagement and the upcoming election have published a variety of LibGuides, toolkits, and other content. Check out a variety of resources from the American Library Association, EveryLibrary, and more.

In celebration of National Bike Month (May in the United States, June in Canada), libraries are offering innovative ways to support bicycling all year round.

Isaiah West, who taught seventh-grade English before becoming a librarian, has a passion for working with young people. “Teens get a bad rap,” he says. “They can be moody, apathetic, chaotic, and more, but they are also authentic, inspiring, and funny.… They give me hope that society might have hope for a brighter and longer future.”

As an American Library Association Emerging Leader, Nicollette Davis is always looking for ways to improve the library field. Through the We Here organization, she helps BIPOC library and information science professionals support each other in a welcoming space.

Monnee Tong’s career has been shaped by her passion for social justice, which carries through to her work as supervising librarian at San Diego Public Library.