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The article discusses the impact that self-serve and automation library services have on U.S. library patrons, librarians and other library staff. Topics, including the security of self-serve libraries, stakeholder engagement, cost effectiveness, the relationship between library administrators and staff and library users' attitudes toward automation in libraries, are discussed.

An interview with Caroline Coward, library group supervisor at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, M. Ryan Hess, library services manager at Palo Alto City Library in California, Darra L. Hofman, blockchain researcher, Bohyun Kim, associate professor at University of Rhode Island Libraries, and Annie Norman, state librarian in the Delaware Division of Libraries, is presented. They discuss the possible uses of blockchain in libraries, the need to educate both library employees and users, and what services will not fit into the blockchain model.

The article discusses trends in library security concerns and solutions as libraries flourish with new programs, facilities, and patrons. Topics include patrons' use of tobacco vape pipes to smoke legal marijuana in libraries, panhandlers dressed in religious clothing inside and outside of libraries, and ransomware attacks on servers, payroll systems, or network computers of libraries.

The article discusses services for library patrons with disabilities. Emphasis is given to topics such as disability awareness training for librarians and library staff, soliciting feedback from people with disabilities on service expectations, and timing of training, process reviews, and professional development.

The article reports on readers' advisory services which suggest books based on tattoos of library users. it mentions several libraries who have started such programs, the use of the tattoos and the stories behind them to suggest books, and the libraries' plans to continue their programs.

The article reports on steps to prevent sexual harassment of librarians by patrons. It mentions the number of librarians who have been harassed, the need to have support from administration, and a list of suggestions to use when inappropriate behavior by patrons occurs. INSET: What to Say When Things Get Inappropriate.

The article discusses the use of repair events hosted by libraries to reduce waste and acquire new library patrons from the community. Topics include the ability of repair clinics to teach patrons to repair broken items and inspire them to learn more about products they consume and how they work, the use of Repair Cafes and Fixit Clinics to connect libraries with their surrounding communities, and the use of the repair events to build sustainable societies.

The article discusses the author's views about how American libraries can lead the effort to combat fake news as of 2017, and it mentions media literacy in the U.S., as well as the ways that librarians can assist library patrons in accessing accurate information. According to a 2016 research report, a majority of adults in the U.S. receive their news in real time from online social media websites and services. Journalists in America are also assessed.

What do you do when your library wants to expand its space for young learners but doesn’t have the money for a new building? You think small. Meridian (Idaho) Library District created the Tiny Library from a converted shipping container—and, with help from its partners, has seen indelible benefits in the community. The library is now developing a toolkit so that others can replicate its success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the relationship between data collection and patron privacy in U.S. libraries. Topics include the role of privacy in learning analytics projects, methods of deidentification to be used in data collection, and the need for responsible data management. Data collection by the Seattle Public Library (SPL) in Seattle, Washington is addressed.

The author discusses the use of participatory design methods by designers to include stakeholders' feedback when planning the architectural and interior design of libraries. Topics include discussions between designers and stakeholders in order to determine how people use libraries versus relying on generalizations and assumptions, participatory design's valuing of experiential knowledge and professional expertise equally, and the use of participatory design to empower patrons and address inequity.

The article discusses developing inclusive spaces in the design of U.S. virtual and physical libraries, including so as to address inequality. The impact that inclusive spaces in libraries have on library patrons is discussed.

The article discusses Human Libraries which allow library patrons to check out people and have conversations about specific topics as a means of confronting stereotypes and prejudice, and it mentions how Williams College became the first U.S. institution to host a Human Library event in 2012. Christine Ménard, the head of research services and library outreach at Williams College, is addressed, along with Ronni Abergel who founded the international Human Library network.

The article discusses the author's experiences as the executive director of the American Library Association (ALA), and it mentions leadership, teamwork, and his work in helping to establish the ALA's Office for Library Advocacy. The dues associated with an ALA membership are examined, along with information about conference registration, professional advancement, and the ALA's efforts to protect the privacy rights of library patrons.

The article discusses therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, service dogs and their presence in libraries. Emphasis is given to topics such as requirements for identifying service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act, sensitivity to the fears and allergies of library patrons, and the use of dogs ion library programs.

The article discusses mental health training for librarians at locations such as the Jackson-Madison County Library, Tennessee and Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library, New Hampshire. Emphasis is given to topics such as the identification of different types of mental illness, providing guidance for youth patrons, and connecting patrons to information resources on mental illness.

The article reports on the new amendment to the Library Bill of Rights regarding the right to privacy of library users.

The author discusses the issue in inequality in library services. She mentions small things such as programs for infants and toddlers that are inaccessible to working parents, the need to address equity issues regarding library collections, and the need to hire staff that reflects the surrounding population.

An interview with San Rafael, California, Public Library director Sarah Houghton is presented in which she discusses library fines, particularly her views about fines discouraging patrons from utilizing libraries.

The author discusses the role of embedded librarians in providing services to patrons. She mentions several programs that have incorporated embedment, the expansion of services to users who may have not considered using the library, and embedment as a way of staying vital to the communities that are served by the library.

The article offers advice to library professionals on how to develop a summer reading program. In order to create the most effective system, the author suggests soliciting feedback from staff members, conducting patron surveys, and considering input from teachers and other educators.

An interview with author Roxane Gay is presented. She discusses her approach to storytelling in different media such as novels, comic books, and screenplays and also comments on her use of social media platforms like Twitter. Other topics covered include the status of her manuscript "How to Be Heard," her literary influences, and experiences as a library patron.

The author reflects on the professional ethics and values of librarians in relation to access to information. Emphasis is given to topics such as documentation required for library users to be issued a library card, the role of libraries in bridging the digital divide, access to digital collections, and the needs of the community.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Price of Patronage," by Jennifer Dewey in the Nov/Dec 2014 issue.