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Weekly News Digest
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June 13, 2023 — In addition to this week's NewsBreaks article and the monthly NewsLink Spotlight, Information Today, Inc. (ITI) offers Weekly News Digests that feature recent product news and company announcements. Watch for additional coverage to appear in the next print issue of Information Today.
CLICK HERE to view more Weekly News Digest items.
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Sage Business Cases Partners With NPR’s Planet Money Podcast for New Content
Sage announced the following:Sage has partnered with NPR’s Planet Money podcast on a new series of interactive, educational business case studies designed to keep students engaged and excited about economic and financial concepts. These case studies are part of the Sage Business Cases collection, which are available to academic libraries through purchase or subscription. NPR’s Planet Money podcast helps listeners understand the economy through brief, entertaining episodes. By pairing these episodes with teaching notes, discussion questions, and classroom exercises, Sage Business Cases provide real-world stories of business successes and setbacks from global industries. For more information, read the press release.
Dimensions Introduces the AI-Based Research Integrity App
Digital Science announced the following:Digital Science company Dimensions has today launched its new Dimensions Research Integrity app, enabling users to ensure the highest standards of research integrity and helping to build global trust in research. The Dimensions Research Integrity app uses AI to track the presence of several Trust Markers across tens of millions of publications worldwide. Developed for universities, funders and publishers, the app’s users can analyze these Trust Markers related to their organization, and for any organization of the same type. Trust Markers are hallmarks of professional, transparent, well-communicated and reproducible scientific research, and include statements of ethical approval, conflicts of interest, author contributions, and data availability. For more information, read the press release.
OCLC Creates Jazz Music Topic Page on WorldCat
OCLC announced the following:WorldCat.org, the only website that connects online searchers to the world’s libraries, has published a topic page dedicated to jazz music. Esteemed academics and institutions—including Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle, author and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Music at Miami (Ohio) University; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Tulane University; and the University of Chicago—have contributed to the project by curating resource lists that will delight jazz newcomers and seasoned listeners alike. Featuring a wide variety of verified materials from the collections of more than 10,000 libraries, WorldCat.org’s jazz topic page provides visitors a broad and deep glimpse into the genre’s past, present, and future. For more information, read the press release.
ALA's Freedom to Read Foundation Fights Arkansas Law Restricting Book Access
ALA announced the following:The Freedom to Read Foundation, [FTRF] the First Amendment legal defense arm of [ALA,] joined a broad coalition of authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, and readers [as they] filed suit in The United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division, challenging Arkansas Act 372, a law that would restrict access to books in bookstores and libraries located within the state, and in the process violate the First Amendment rights of the state’s reading public. The bill was signed by the Governor of Arkansas on March 30 and is slated to go into effect on August 1, 2023. … ‘The Freedom to Read Foundation stands with our co-plaintiffs in challenging Arkansas Act 372, which threatens to criminalize the work of librarians and booksellers, and empty Arkansas’ library shelves,’ said FTRF Executive Director Deborah Caldwell-Stone. ‘The legislation shows egregious disregard for the work of trusted library professionals and the First Amendment rights of the people of Arkansas. FTRF will always be on the front lines of the fight to preserve the freedom to read, both in Arkansas and throughout the nation.’ For more information, read the press release.
IMLS Publishes Research Brief on Public Libraries During the Early Pandemic
IMLS “announced … the release of a research brief on the public library response to community needs during the first 9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The brief, “Access to Public Library Services and Materials During the First Nine Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” “highlights how public libraries ensured patrons had access to library services as the pandemic forced closures in communities around the nation beginning in March 2020. This is emblematic of the significant role libraries have in their communities.”Findings include the following: - While library buildings were closed to the public, 62% of libraries intentionally provided Wi-Fi internet access to users outside the buildings.
- The percentage of libraries allowing patrons to register for library cards online more than doubled to 64% during the pandemic.
- Usage of e-books and downloadable audio/video materials increased 25% from FY 2019 to FY 2020.
For more information, read the press release.
EveryLibrary and GLAAD Join Forces for a Playbook on Fighting Bans of LGBTQ+ Books
EveryLibrary announced the following:We’re proud to partner with GLAAD on [a] playbook to help communities fight against book bans that are uniquely targeting LGBTQ Americans. This guide offers community members step-by-step recommendations to: - Organize a diverse local coalition including students, parents, teachers, librarians, LGBTQ advocates, authors, health professionals and clergy.
- Create fact-based and meaningful messages to inform and inspire all in the community and present to school and library boards.
- Engage news, social and local media with facts and local interview voices and resources.
- Inform all in the community including families, businesses, elected officials and taxpayers about the absurdity of book bans, and the threat they pose to vulnerable youth, and the entire community’s safety, prosperity and reputation.
- Hold school and library boards accountable to all taxpayers, ensure proper protocol is being followed in book reconsiderations, and demand necessary reforms to end the skyrocketing and discriminatory wave of book banning.
For more information, read the announcement.
Legible Plans an AI-Based Version of George Orwell's Animal Farm
The Legible online bookstore announced the following:We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Our innovative platform is now taking a giant leap forward by creating an AI version of George Orwell’s timeless classic, Animal Farm. … As a platform that values the power of literature and technology, we believe that this AI-enhanced eBook will not only revolutionize the way we read but also offer a fresh perspective on a beloved literary masterpiece. … By leveraging advanced AI technology, our team at Legible is breathing new life into this cautionary tale. The AI-powered ebook will provide readers with an immersive and interactive experience, allowing them to delve deeper into the themes and characters of Animal Farm. This modernized version will not only engage readers but also spark meaningful conversations about the book’s timeless relevance. For more information, read the blog post.
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Brandi Scardilli
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