Q&A: Libraries Lead Podcast By Hallie Rich Library Journal is proud to announce a new partnership with the “Libraries Lead” podcast. Hosted by Mike Eisenberg (Professor and Dean Emeritus, U. of Washington iSchool), David Lankes (Virginia & Charles Bowden Professor of Librarianship, University of Texas at Austin), and Beth Patin (Assistant Professor, Syracuse University's School of Information Studies), the show explores the various social, cultural, and technological issues shaping (and being shaped by) libraries and librarians. New episodes drop monthly, and past episodes are now available at librarieslead.libraryjournal.com. | Quelling the Boredom with Alternative Instruction: Augmented Reality, Escape Kits, and Scavenger Hunts | Research Briefs By Laura Galán-Wells In an effort to minimize student boredom while learning library information, Jacksonville State University (JSU) librarians implemented gamification―introducing game mechanics into non-game environments―which studies have shown can increase engagement and motivation, and in turn, improve learning across age groups and settings. JSU librarians Karlie Loren Johnson and Kimberly Westbrooks analyzed their results in “Quelling the Boredom with Alternative Instruction: Augmented Reality, Escape Kits, and Scavenger Hunts.” | SPONSORED BY EX LIBRIS, PART OF CLARIVATE Navigating Technology Change: Librarian Leaders Share Their Best Practices Putting off adoption of new technologies puts libraries at risk of falling behind in serving their users effectively. For libraries tackling new initiatives, the ability to manage change is crucial. We spoke with several library leaders to learn how they reduce organizational stress and navigate change at both the organizational and individual levels. Read more>>> | Call for Nominations | LJ Movers & Shakers 2025 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. Our 23rd annual round of Movers & Shakers will profile up-and-coming individuals from around the world who are innovative, creative, 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 2025 will celebrate those people who are moving all types of libraries ahead! Deadline to submit: October 18, 2024 | “Our focus is not on libraries as libraries, but how librarians and ideas of library and information science can affect the larger world. There are great podcasts on how libraries work and the issues of librarianship. We want to build on that by exploring the broader information world.” —From “Q&A: Libraries Lead Podcast” | Han Kang Wins Nobel Prize in Literature | Book Pulse By Sarah Wolberg South Korean novelist Han Kang, best known for 2016’s Booker Prize–winning The Vegetarian, wins the Nobel Prize in literature. The shortlist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize is announced. BBC’s Between the Covers book club has revealed its books and guests for its eighth season, starting with Chris Whitaker’s All the Colors of the Dark. Winners of the New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards and Scholastic UK’s inaugural Graphic Novel Prize are announced. | SOCIAL SCIENCES PREMIUM Cassino ’44: The Brutal Battle for Rome By James Holland Readers of World War II history will enjoy Holland’s latest. PREMIUM The Ultimate Hidden Truth of the World…: Essays By David Graeber Deliberately off the mainstream, this engaging collection of intellectual, approachable essays is both a good entry point for those readers unfamiliar with Graeber’s work as well as a worthwhile read for audiences who know his writing well. Malcolm Before X By Patrick Parr Parr never overreaches or preaches. He doesn’t slight Malcolm’s rigidities but he enriches readers’ appreciation of one of the most influential spokespersons of a tumultuous age. | Call for Nominations | LJ Librarian of the Year 2025 The LJ editors are seeking nominations for the 36th annual Library Journal Librarian of the Year Award, sponsored by Baker & Taylor, to honor a professional librarian for outstanding achievement and accomplishments reflecting the loftiest service goals of the library profession. Deadline to submit: October 23, 2024 | Cundill History Prize Finalists Are Announced | Book Pulse By Sarah Wolberg The finalists for the Cundill History Prize are announced, the winners of the Ned Kelly Award for Australian crime writing, the shortlist for the Endeavour Award for SFF by Pacific Northwest authors is announced, and the winners of the Rhysling Awards for speculative poetry are announced. | Job Zone utilizes unique job matching technology to help you find the perfect job (and employers find the perfect candidate), whether you’re actively seeking or just keeping an eye out for your possibilities. Log on today and check out our newest features, including automated job and candidate matches, and email alerts. JOB OF THE WEEK SMU Libraries is seeking a Library Cataloger. | |