Hi Ebooks Interest Group Members,
You may be interested in the following upcoming webinars:
On May 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern), the "Libraries are Essential" track of the U.S. Book Show may be viewed online.
Here's a link to the program: https://usbookshow.com/libraries-are-essential/
Librarians, it is free to you, should you wish to watch.
Topics include: Libraries are not neutral, the politicization of libraries, the movement for digital equity, protecting library workers after the pandemic, and library leadership in the post-pandemic new normal, with closing keynote by Maryland's Congressional Representative Jamie Raskin.
Not surprisingly, digital content enters into the discussion.
And
In this third in our Collaborating for Access series of webinars hosted by COSLA, DPLA, and ReadersFirst, we'll look at what the current political environment of increased book challenges means for digital content. What opportunities are available for libraries to use digital materials to maintain access, and in what ways are digital content and the libraries providing it open to unique attacks across the political spectrum? We'll bring together a panel of librarians and thought leaders to discuss the ramifications of challenges in the digital world and look at potential solutions digital access may provide.
The session is Tuesday, June 7, at 1 pm ET
Please register here.
Speakers will include librarians from New York Public Library, North Dakota, and Kentucky.
Because much library digital content is accessed through a vendor/app, it is a dream-come-true for would-be censors. Imagine being able to remove public access to thousands of books with the flick of a single toggle. Join us for a lively and sometimes frightening discussion. Fahrenheit 451 is not an impossible future.
All best,
Michael
Michael Blackwell
Director, St Mary's County Library
23630 Hayden Farm Lane
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-2151 x5013
Cell phone: 301-904-3048
mblackwell@stmalib.org
