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The article discusses how librarians can amplify community voices. Topics discussed include some of the check list regarding the need for a policy such as ensuring the selection of materials reflects the institution's philosophy, mission, guiding principles, and providing a framework for the consistent selection of library resources in all formats.

My first career was as a Union Organizer with National Nurses United. In states like Florida, where public sector unions are increasingly under attack, the future of the labor movement will need to be driven by unofficial unions and networks of workers that want to fight for change. Even though I am no longer staff with a union, I am an active volunteer of the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (EWOC) which provides advice and support to workers that are organizing in different types of industries across the United States. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the survey results revealed that the majority of student population were working on mobile devices with limited access to the internet. It mentions that this information provided insight needed to create personalized tutorials for students; and focuses on the tutorials on how to navigate the learning management system or e-mail.

The article discusses the need for libraries to make their materials accessible to those with learning differences (LDs) and make a wide variety of current information available to all library users in the U.S. When dealing those with LDs, it suggests that librarians should be aware of their challenges and provide avenues to information using modalities that allowed them to concentrate on understanding the material. It stresses that libraries are a rich and exciting learning environment for all.

The article discusses the ways that libraries can use instant messaging as a means of communication with patrons. Statistics regarding IM use are presented. The article argues that, when used effectively, IM can create a new relationship between the library, librarians, and patrons. It can also create a different feeling of community for the library. The article offers ways to set up and utilize IM, including a discussion of IM applications. A section discussing the best practices for IM in libraries is presented.

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 presents several ways libraries can adapt to change and stay relevant to users in the years following the global financial crisis of 2008 and 2009. The author addresses what he calls "library fitness" in light of the 150th anniversary of the book "The Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin, which presents the theory of the survival of the fittest. The twelve steps to library fitness include emphasizing local communities, engaging library users, and finding and solving problems. Other topics include ideas discussed in the books "Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits," by Leslie Crutchfield and "How the Mighty Fall," by Jim Collins.

The article focuses on library tagging, which is facing obstacles with patron success. One of the greatest innovations changing the library discovery experience is the addition of user participation in findability through the use of user-contributed keywords or tags associated with particular materials. Participation patterns have emerged as the first libraries to go live with integrated community tagging for Encore implementations.

The article describes the author's experience of developing her career from a teacher to a school librarian at George Jackson Academy in New York City. According to the author, being a librarian is critical since it allows her to reach a wider group, be connected to the community, and focus on integrated learning. She further emphasizes that it is important for librarians to learn how to access information efficiently to develop independent library patrons and help them enhance learning.

Describes how staff at Vassar College Library in Poughkeepsie, New York, stopped an unidentified library patron from daily cutting out the crossword puzzle from a heavily read newspaper. Problems encountered by the staff in identifying the culprit using different methods; Use of a crossword puzzle to communicate with the offender.

The section offers updates from the U.S. library sector and the book industry as of March 2011. A statement was issued by the Council on Library and Information Resources about the widening scope and use of digital forensics. One example is its use in cultural heritage collections. In fiscal 2010, consumer spending on books, compact discs (CD) and DVD discs has declined by 76 percent. During the same period, library users have increased borrowing of the same items by 75 percent. Over 751 million books have been purchased by U.S. consumers in fiscal 2010.

The article focuses on how library managers and administrators can encourage innovation in libraries and prevent the failure of new library services. The author suggests that managers should encourage staff to learn about new trends in technology, give staff time to experiment with new initiatives, and develop a work culture that is tolerant of risks. Other topics include budget cuts to libraries, patron population, and rate of return (ROI) for libraries.

Offers news briefs pertaining to library science and from the American Library Association (ALA). Core Values Task Force seeking input for its mission statement; ALA President Sarah Ann Long debating the use of filters in public libraries on an MSNBC news report; Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) campaign to establish an endowment for potential leaders and managers; Scholarship to increase the number of disabled people in the library and information science profession.

Answers questions relating to library administration. Cost benefits of adult programming; Determination of whether people who attend library programs are users; Use and cost of plastic library book bags.

Comments on security problems in public libraries. Need for administrators to deal firmly with problem patrons; Factors behind the dramatic increase in security problems and arrests in public libraries; Recommended solutions to libraries' security problems.