Crisis management and planning have become an increasing focus for the staff of libraries, archives, and museums. This illustrative example demonstrates how a remote Alaska library consortium balances connecting the community to information and resources, while keeping staff, students, and patrons safe. 

Situated in the North Slope Borough of Alaska, about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the town of Utqiaġvik is home to about 5,000 individuals, the majority of whom are native Iñupiat. The distinct landscape transitions from expansive green-brown tundra in summer to swaths of icy snow in winter. Rutted dirt roads meander around uniquely structured homes,... Read more

As community hubs, libraries can play an important role in promoting public health and wellness initiatives, including food and cooking literacy programs. But eating well involves more than just quality ingredients and culinary chops—joy, creativity, and community are all important ingredients in any good meal. Read on to learn how libraries are incorporating these elements in their food-related programming, and gather inspiration for your library’s next program.

Create a food-themed book club: Food- and cooking-themed book clubs are a great way to blend cooks and books. These clubs can focus on anything from classic cookbooks and memoirs by famous chefs... Read more

OCLC has been awarded a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to partner with the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) to develop a free online continuing education program for public library staff.

The project will replace an outdated series and result in a new set of courses for library staff on core library services such as collection development, collection maintenance, cataloging, and delivery of programming and services that are responsive to community needs.

“We’re excited to partner with the ICfL to reimagine and refresh this tremendously important, foundational program,” said Andrew Harbison, Director, OCLC’s... Read more

Libraries are creating their own outdoor games and interactive stories featuring local history, landmarks, and voices. These playful activities, often made by library staff, include texting with a mural, an audio tour by a Black feminist historian, a ghost scavenger hunt, and an “I spy” quest for architecture and culture. The creations are proudly low-tech. The larger approach is part of the national project, Engaging Beyond Our Walls (EBOW), and reveals new ways for libraries to connect with their community.

So far, more than 50 towns and cities have jumped in to create experiences, often with free templates and training from the... Read more