We’ve had a lot of big news items come up over the last couple of weeks, so here are the headlines that had the biggest impact on libraries.
Remembering Fobazi Ettarh
The library world was devastated to learn that noted academic librarian Fobazi Ettarh had passed away at the end of January. Ettarh transformed the library profession with the concept of “vocational awe” in 2018, which has now become required reading in almost every MLIS graduate program in the country. It revolutionized my own understanding of my career, and I think the same can be said of a lot of other library workers. May her work continue to be a driving force for the profession.
WaPo Eliminates Entire Book Section
The Washington Post laid off 30% of its workforce, including its entire books section. I honestly don’t have much to say that hasn’t already been said, but wow, this is a huge gut punch for print media and book coverage everywhere.
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Rep. Nancy Mace Targets Charleston County Library
Congresswoman Nancy Mace released a statement going after the Charleston County Public Library (SC) for putting “pornographic materials within reach of children.” One of the titles is an adult graphic novel that is not cataloged, shelved, or marketed in any way towards children, and the other is a highly acclaimed picture book about LGBTQ history. Neither of these titles is considered pornography. But Mace is demanding that the federal government freeze all funding for the Charleston County Public Library until librarians remove “sexually explicit content from children’s reach.”
Georgia Bill Includes Possible Criminal Charges For Library Workers
A revived Georgia bill would hold public, school, and academic library employees criminally responsible for distributing harmful materials to minors. The only exemptions to this would be if the person “[was] not aware of the harmful material, had previously suggested the material be challenged as obscene or had suggested to have the materials moved to an area of the library not accessible to minors.”
The Baby-Sitters Club Turns 40 (!!!)
All right, let’s end this post on a lighter note as the Baby-Sitters Club series turns an incredible 40 years old! Lit Hub looks at where each of the characters might have ended up in adulthood, although they neglected to include junior members Mallory and Jessi! (I always saw myself as part Mary-Anne, part Mallory, but not-so-secretly wished I was as cool as Claudia.)
