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What exactly does the term 'outreach' mean in the library field? Outreach represents different services libraries might offer--programming, homebound deliveries, bookmobiles, volunteering, community events--as well as collaboration with schools, Spanish [...]

The article announces the winners of the 2021 American Library Association Awards, including the Joint Council of Librarians of Color which received the Equality Award, Buffalo and Erie County, New York Public Library which received the Penguin Random House Library Award for Innovation, and Steven Yates who received the Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including international librarianship and several articles that present those viewpoints and related perspectives that contribute to a broader understanding.

The article examines that the ACRL celebrates the opportunity to honor the outstanding achievements of the academic and research library community. Topics include examines that inspiring innovators have continued to demonstrate the notable impact librarianship has in the academic landscape; and reports that members are an integral part of ACRL successful awards program.

The article focuses on definitions of vulnerability and leadership addressed by research professor Brene Brown. It explores the three key benefits of vulnerability for library leaders including connection, clarity and courage. It refers to honest self-awareness as another aspect of effective library leadership.

The article explores the employment landscape for librarians and how it has become challenging and unstable for entry-level candidates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics covered include a comparison of the impact of the pandemic to the library information system (LIS) employment market with the Great Recession of 2007-2009, new geographic considerations as one of the factors being considered by job hunters, and booming nonlibrary opportunities for people with LIS degrees.

The author talks about the membership at the American Library Association (ALA), which she considers as the oldest, largest and most influential library association of the world. She recognizes that leadership is about listening, learning, and linking people with opportunities. She stresses the need to continue to navigate historic transitions as an Association through inclusion, equity, diversion, and resolve. She mentions her commitment to their professional values and to the mission of ALA.

The article reports on the American Library Association's (ALA) partnership with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) to create a strategic plan, called the National Climate Action Strategy, to help library workers address climate change issues.

This issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 54, no. 6), "Virtual and Augmented Reality in Libraries," provides an overview of virtual and augmented reality (VAR) and how it can be used effectively in libraries. The report covers how to build a VAR library program and discusses devices best suited to meet your library's needs and budget. Chapter 1 delves into the history of virtual and augmented reality and how it has become more accessible to library users. In chapter 2, Pope discusses the use of virtual and augmented reality in libraries and how these technologies are being used to enhance patron learning. Chapter 3 takes a look at the available VAR devices for libraries and recommends which setup works best for varying library types, taking into consideration different space constraints and library budgets. Chapter 4 looks at user engagement and potential real-world applications of virtual and augmented reality. The final chapter delves into the future of virtual and augmented reality and how libraries are able to help shape that future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library resource integration in a local learning management system (LMS) can be streamlined through the application of the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard, which allows connectivity between the LMS and other learning tools. Despite its convenience, the implementation of an LTI tool can be a complicated process both technically and administratively. This issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 54, no. 5), "Integrating the Library in the Learning Management System," follows the case study of the Pennsylvania State University Libraries' large-scale implementation of Springshare's LTI tool within Canvas. Beginning with the data gathering that guided their strategy, this report will cover the technical aspects of implementation, with a focus on guides and reserves. Their exploration into embedding librarians within Canvas will also be addressed, as well as their outreach and assessment efforts. Through Penn State's experience, major roadblocks and pain points will be illustrated, as well as ways to anticipate and easily overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers tips on how to host an epic library open house. Topics discussed include the gathering of books to represent specific disciplines for the open house, the significance of logistics, timing and space for the event, and the promotional campaign to market the whole activity to have better understanding of the activities.

This issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 54, no. 4), "Accessibility, Technology, and Librarianship," edited by Heather Moorefield-Lang, looks into the wide definition of accessibility for library patrons, both face-to-face and online, within the area of instruction. This topic is discussed in some depth in schools of library science as well as in faculty development and instructional design. This report will encourage readers to think more critically about the technologies that faculty and staff use to address the needs of all patrons served. This report will also aid in identifying and using new methods for addressing the needs of all patrons through a wide range of modalities (closed-captioning, transcription, sign language, video, text to speech, image to text, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the 2015 revised edition of the "IFLA School Library (SL) Guidelines" from the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) that offer universal principles and highlight current research, practice, and conditions of school librarianship. The elements of a SL that are emphasized in the guidelines include the definition of a SL, the education of a school librarian, and the leadership aspect of his or her role.

The article discusses the complexities of retraction of publications which can be initiated by many parties including the authors, institutions and the journal editors. It cites on the overall rate of retraction which is very small but increased considerably from 2006 to 2016. The article also discusses the importance of understanding and identifying the retractions to help librarians within scholarly communication.

The article discusses the academic libraries in South Africa, citing the poor higher education system which affect the production of higher education graduates in the country. It cites on the development of the National Development Plan by the government to provide reconstruction process aiming to increase graduating doctoral students. The article also discusses the government goals for an efficient academic library system on a collaborative partnership role.

In the article, the author discusses several suggestions on how to further advance the interest of the public library profession, particularly in the U.S. Also cited are the key role played by libraries in lifelong learning, the importance of programming in library operations, and how to effectively plan a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) day camp.

The article discusses the effectiveness of the Project Outcome (PO) free online toolkit introduced by the Public Library Association (PLA) in helping public libraries in the U.S. to understand and share the effect of vital library programs and services. Also cited are the capability of the PO in tracking the effects of programs over time, increasing library promotion, and supporting new and improving existing partnerships.