@RVAwonk: One thing that keeps me up at night right now is the possibility that Twitter’s potential death spiral will coincide with a major regional/national/global crisis. For better or worse, Twitter is a crucial d...…

US archives: Where are they? How will they be impacted by environmental disasters and climate change?

This exploratory study analyzed the specific crisis communication methods of academic libraries. A survey was sent to library staff at Association of Research Libraries-member colleges and universities to describe if, who, when, and how they communicated bad news to their stakeholders for major, minor, and emerging crises. The findings show that respondents used multiple communication strategies, which varied based on the crisis. The data show that libraries communicated journal and database cancellations and health and safety emergencies more slowly than access issues and were more likely not to communicate those crises at all. Respondents also more frequently chose to communicate journal and database cancellations only when asked as compared to other crises. While access issues and health and safety emergencies were primarily communicated through social media and the library’s website, stakeholders received communication about journal and database cancellations primarily through targeted emails from library liaisons, face-to-face meetings with faculty, and the library’s website. These findings suggest that respondents communicated more quickly for minor crises but were more hesitant for crises that may have presented the potential for reputational harm. The varied responses between crisis types often conflicted with best practices for whether to deliver bad news, and if so, when and by whom. These findings indicate a need for academic libraries to develop comprehensive crisis communication plans which emphasize timeliness and transparency.

"What are the costs of little or no governance, scrutiny and understanding of multiple health data initiatives when governments, academics, public sector organisations and businesses can avoid the normal controls and transparency?"

From big cities to tiny towns, librarians are getting scrappy to meet the need

We all know that libraries are under attack, especially in regards to funding, pretty much all the time. I think part of our collective fear at this moment is local governments thinking that because we closed that we aren't really that important. I believe some are feeling that tension without verbalizing this sentiment. We worry about the short-term as well as the long-term consequences that our closings will have on our libraries. However, I do not thinking rushing to reopen solves this issue.

Fucking Chicago. What the fucking fuck.

Librarians face challenges, dangerous work conditions, and layoffs, as decisions made in response to COVID-19 expose cracks in leadership and funding.

As governments roll out enormous data collection programs to limit coronavirus, we should remember that mass surveillance alone will not save us.

The current pandemic has affected some countries more than others, partly because they have been slow to react to the crisis. That, it turns out, is a very human response.

Libraries are essential. Libraries are a cornerstone of community health and wellness, whether that community is the general public, a school, or a campus. We want to help. That’s our jam. It…

Over the last month, the #closethelibraries campaign has called to close library buildings not only to the public but also to library staff.

Fucking vocational awe. FUCK IT.

by Liam Kofi Bright and Richard Bradley     In the face of a global pandemic whose scale and impact is for most of us entirely new, governm...

Across the country, libraries are acting quickly to provide much-needed services.