Direct to Full Text of ALA Annual Report From an ALA Announcement: The report highlights the key initiatives of former ALA President Molly Raphael, which centered on “Empowering Voices.” The report also underscores how ALA supports the efforts of libraries in providing essential technological resources, protecting patron privacy and promoting early childhood literacy. Libraries continue [...]

Direct to Full Text of ALA Annual Report From an ALA Announcement: The report highlights the key initiatives of former ALA President Molly Raphael, which centered on “Empowering Voices.” The report also underscores how ALA supports the efforts of libraries in providing essential technological resources, protecting patron privacy and promoting early childhood literacy. Libraries continue [...]

From The Guardian: A public appeal has been launched to save the hundreds of thousands of ancient manuscripts smuggled out of Timbuktu during the crisis in Mali, which are now facing a more insidious threat: moisture damage.

Exciting news especially compared to nine months ago when there was chance the Georgia Archives would end public access.  Here’s a summary of the changes coming to the Georgia Archives (via GeorgiaArchivesMatter Blog): Hiring three additional professionals Increasing part-time staff hours Opening to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning July 31. Weekly hours will be [...]

From the Wall Street Journal (subs only) or Access for Non-Subs via Google Cache: At least 75 of the 8,951 public-library systems in the U.S. are offering online patrons the option to buy new print copies of titles in their catalogs, and an additional three dozen are preparing to do so, according to book distributors, library officials and library-software developers.