Library Technology Guides

Library Futures joins the Engelberg Center. We are excited to announce that the nonprofit project Library Futures is joining the Engelberg Center. Library Futures is a two year old initiative that explores the future of libraries and free and open information for the public. They identify and address cutting edge issues within library and information science, mobilizing a community of experts through research, policy, education, special projects, and programmatic interventions that seek to encourage adoption of technologies that uplift libraries in the digital age. With a strong track record of success, the team is well positioned to begin making immediate contributions to the Engelberg Center. [Full Announcement].

Library Futures releases policy statement and draft ebook legislative language: Mitigating the Library eBook Conundrum Through Legislative Action in the States. Library Futures announced that it has launched a policy statement on eBooks. Current eBook licensing practices are eradicating the central mission of libraries, with grave repercussions for equity and access to the world's knowledge. The root of the issue is that while libraries buy print books in order to lend them to patrons, they can't actually buy eBooks. Instead, they license the content from publishers. This means that publishers can set whatever terms they want in eBook licenses to libraries—or refuse to license them at all. [Full Announcement].

Launch of new 501(c)3 Library Futures. Library Futures Institute, a new 501(c)(3) that will empower libraries to take control of their digital futures and fight for the right to equitable access to knowledge, launched this week with a social media campaign celebrating a technology-positive vision for libraries. [Full Announcement].