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Libraries Want to Change Your Relationship With Public Data

Linda Poon

February 11, 2019 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Libraries serve as trusted stewards of information in the public domain. Looking beyond the traditional management of printed records and archives, libraries across the United States and Canada aim to make data sets released by city governments accessible to the public. Multiple initiatives serve as models for the collection and maintenance of public domain data, including the creation of user-friendly digital portals and digital literacy programs.

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In Baltimore, the future of film culture is an old-school video store

Brandon Soderberg

January 30, 2019 |

The Outline |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Baltimore, Maryland

Where rental stores couldn’t compete, non-profits step in to preserve physical media in the digital age. Despite promises of unlimited access to media, online streaming services have actually reduced the variety of films available to their subscribers. In contrast to the vagaries of digital streaming business models, Beyond Video in Baltimore looks to members, donors, and volunteers to grow and maintain a lending library—already larger than the Netflix catalog—invested in promoting film culture and history.

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Library Systems Embracing Their New Roles As Social Service Hubs

Emily Nonko

January 22, 2019 |

Next City |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

Public libraries are increasingly using their positions as accessible centers for information to address homelessness and mental health issues - in San Francisco, a team of Health and Safety Associates have helped place at least 130 patrons in stable housing. While adding social workers to their staff has helped libraries provide social services, the libraries have also focused on hiring people who have experiences homelessness or financial instability to fill those roles and act as peer mentors as well.

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How community library is serving an under-served Lagos community

Abdussalam Amoo

January 17, 2019 |

EduCeleb |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Nigeria, Ojokoro, Lagos

A community library built in Lagos, Nigeria by a nonprofit called Pyramid Educational Advancement (PEA) is filling a literacy gap in the area due to the low number of government-owned public libraries. Aside from simply providing a space to read and the books to learn from, PEA offers services like reading clubs for all ages, career counseling, and friendly competitions. Since it opened in 2014 the library has been such a success that PEA is now opening three other local and the Nigerian government is replicating some of their services in their own libraries.

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Calgary's New Public Library Opens with Ambition and Style

Tim Querengesser

November 07, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada, Calgary

In Calgary, the new Central Library does more than just provide a beautiful space in which to read books. It also provides a place to access technology and acts as a connection space between the more and less affluent areas surrounding it. Though the architecture and design are impressive, some might say the most lasting impact is that “ this space unambiguously welcomes anyone from either side of the tracks.”

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Libraries hire social workers to help homeless patrons

Lisa Schencker

October 27, 2018 |

Chicago Tribune |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Public libraries once turned a blind eye to the homeless people using their spaces, but many libraries have now shifted into action mode by hiring social workers to help with behavioral health challenges of patrons. In Chicago, the library social workers are funded by Amita Health, a local hospital system. In San Francisco, site of the first library social worker in 2009, there have been 7000 connections made through this investment in the well-being of library patrons.

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Community building: Chicago experiment links libraries and apartments

Eva Fedderly

October 24, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

When a need for more libraries and more affordable housing arose in Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel pursued a plan to combine the two. The result is a partnership between the Chicago Housing Authority and the Chicago Public Library system. Despite some concern among neighborhood residents, the solution is largely seen as a creative approach as well as a creative use of funding and land space. Mixed-use developments are becoming more popular around the world, and this next iteration will benefit many types of Chicago residents.

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Need a Handbag or a Tie to Land Your First Job? Borrow One With a Library Card

Melissa Gomez

October 09, 2018 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

As the New York Public Library's career counseling offerings have grown, one of the most popular features has been an interview clothing rental service. Just as they might check out a book for a set period, patrons can now check out a piece of clothing or accessory for up to three weeks.

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American democracy is fracturing. Libraries say they know how to help

Jenny Anderson

October 05, 2018 |

Quartz |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Public libraries have remained one of the last public non-commercial spaces where people from all walks of life can coexist and learn. New York Public Library in particular is working to improve and expand their services to match the recent dramatic rise in engagement in things like ESL classes. The library is spending $700 million to, among other things, open 2 new branches in prison to reach more than 20,000 prisoners, offer 10,000 free WIFI devices, and to refurbish the physical space to add a floor dedicated to workforce development and skills training.

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You Can Now Read Literary Classics on New York Public LIbrary's Instagram

Linda Poon

August 23, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The New York Public Library Insta Novels program makes public domain works available to be read on Instagram. Featuring engaging artwork and a user friendly format, Insta Novels make literature available to users with a smartphone and provide a path to digital engagement for the library.

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