Panel Discussion: Libraries Stand Tall and Rising to the Occasion

Friday, October 27 | 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.

ULC library leaders play a vital role in defending intellectual freedom, ensuring the safety of their staff and patrons and maintaining the library's integrity as a place for civic engagement and democratic values. By taking proactive measures and seeking support from ULC and the outside the library community, leaders can navigate these complex challenges as a collective.

This panel will empower leaders with practical strategies and thoughtful insights to navigate challenges effectively, maintain the library's role as a defender of intellectual freedom and build resilience in the face of challenging situations. 

Moderator:

• Pilar Martinez, CEO, Edmonton Public Library  

Speakers: 

• Allison Grubbs, Director, Broward County Library
• Jason Kuhl, CEO, St. Charles City-County Library District
• Lance Werner, Executive Director, Kent Library District 
• Roosevelt Weeks, Director, Austin Public Library 

The 2023 ULC Annual Forum: People, Power, Place — Today’s Urban Public Library — Welcome Reception and Member Reception are generously sponsored by Baker & Taylor. We thank Baker & Taylor for their sponsorship of this event and ongoing support of ULC’s work and membership.

Explorations of Generative AI for Library Systems

ULC Leadership Brief

As generative AI tools like ChatGPT become more accessible, effective and less expensive, there are new opportunities libraries to lead. A new leadership brief is now available from ULC that outlines the five ways libraries can integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence in their work. From leveraging prompt engineering skills of staff members to using AI to advance information literacy, libraries should be preparing for a swift integration of AI across library services, resources and operations. The brief also includes insights from library leaders in Boston, Multnomah County (OR), New York City, Palo Alto, San Francisco and San Jose. 

How is your library using generative AI? Let us know. View this leadership brief and more on ULC's Publications webpage. 

Access to credit is challenging for many who want to open a first-time food business or restaurant—and historically it has been practically impossible for people of color. Funded with a scoping grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Walmart Foundation, Food & Society at the Aspen Institute has created Open Access: Equitable Equity For Food Entrepreneurs, which aims to lower barriers to financing and business ownership.

The first phase of the initiative is Open Access, an open-source code web portal for local governments or organizations to customize with start-up and working capital financing, education, and support resources — available to cities and other organizations at no cost. Designed to be “out of the box” ready, it is also adaptable to provide easy access to food entrepreneurs looking for technical assistance, capital, and credit in their communities that will help them plan, launch, and grow their businesses.

For public libraries working to advance food justice and equitable entrepreneurship opportunities, Open Access could be a great resource to share with your patrons. Visit the Open Access webpage to access a User Guide, download the code and receive more information to work with Food & Society to launch Open Access in the community you serve.

The editors of Library Journal need your help in identifying emerging talents in the library world—both great leaders and behind-the-scenes contributors who are providing inspiration and model programs for others. The 21st annual round of Movers & Shakers will profile up-and-coming individuals from around the world who are innovative, creative, and making a difference fighting against censorship, and helping improve their workplace. From librarians and non-degreed library workers to publishers, vendors, coders, entrepreneurs, reviewers, and others who impact the library field—Movers & Shakers 2024 will celebrate those people who are moving all types of libraries ahead!

Please use the form below to submit nominations. Submissions will close on October 23, 2023.

Questions? Want to Submit a Story?

Contact ULC's Communications Manager Elise Calanni at ecalanni@urbanlibraries.org.