by Lauren Hays | Jun 24, 2025 |
As many special librarians can attest, designing instructional sessions requires both subject expertise and thoughtful content delivery. Increasingly, that includes the use of technology in the learning environment. But tech should support learning, not distract from it.
by Lauren Hays | Jun 10, 2025
An interview with library service, safety, and security consultant Dr. Steve Albrecht on his new book, The Library Leader’s Guide to Human Resources. Read the full interview for his advice for library leaders who need HR skills to operate their libraries successfully, legally, and fairly.
by Ron Aspe | Jun 3, 2025
In this open letter, CEO Ron Aspe reflects on Lucidea’s shared history with SLA, celebrates the lasting impact of special librarians, and shares why we remain optimistic—and deeply committed—to supporting the profession in the years ahead.
by Lauren Hays | May 27, 2025
An interview with Dr. Martin De Saulles, author of The AI and Data Revolution, on the impact of AI on information management.
by Lauren Hays | May 13, 2025
In this interview, author Joy Perrin shares how applying process management principles transformed her work—and how it can do the same for librarians and archivists everywhere.
by Lauren Hays | May 6, 2025
In light of SLA’s dissolution announcement, President Hildy Dworkin reflects on the association’s community, legacy, and enduring professional value.
by Lauren Hays | Apr 29, 2025
Read our interview with Amanda Ross-White, President of CHLA/ABSC, as she discusses advocacy, diversity, and the future of health librarianship in Canada.
by Lauren Hays | Apr 22, 2025
With the SLA dissolving after 116 years, here are 9 ways special librarians can rebuild their professional networks and stay connected to the wider community.
by Lauren Hays | Apr 15, 2025
Each summer, Lauren Hayes shares a personal reading list—and this year’s collection spans AI and education, literary classics, parenting reflections, and bookish wanderlust.
by Lauren Hays | Apr 8, 2025
Staying ahead of artificial intelligence advancements is a challenge. This post explores two key developments: test-time compute and OpenAI’s transformative Deep Research tool.
by Lauren Hays | Mar 25, 2025
As generative AI becomes more prevalent, copyright law is evolving to address its impact. A new report from the U.S. Copyright Office provides guidance on what is (and isn’t) copyrightable.
by Lauren Hays | Mar 11, 2025
As demand for streaming video in libraries grows, so do the challenges of managing access, budgets, and licensing. Co-author Michael Fernandez shares key insights from his book, “Streaming Video Collection Development and Management”.
by Lauren Hays | Mar 4, 2025
Technology is at the heart of modern information governance, shaping how organizations manage records and ensure compliance. In this interview, expert William Saffady shares insights on the essential technologies driving the field and what information professionals need to know.
by Lauren Hays | Feb 25, 2025
Lauren Hays explores “Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World” through a librarian’s lens, reflecting on the role of broad knowledge in critical thinking and problem-solving.
by Lauren Hays | Feb 4, 2025
For many special librarians, the idea of professional networking can feel daunting, especially for those who thrive in quiet, research-driven environments. Lauren Hays shares her journey from reluctant networker to engaged community member, offering practical tips to help you build authentic professional relationships that benefit both you and your field.
by Lauren Hays | Jan 28, 2025
Dr. James Cortada, historian and senior research fellow at the Charles Babbage Institute, explores the history of information in his forthcoming book. By examining how information has been created, organized, and used over time, Cortada reveals patterns that continue to shape modern librarianship and knowledge management.
by Lauren Hays | Jan 7, 2025
Setting professional development goals may feel overwhelming, but with the right framework and mindset, it can be a rewarding and empowering process.
by Lauren Hays | Dec 3, 2024
Becky Givens is a Technical Services Librarian featured in the book Careers in Library and Information Services, which includes a section on careers in special libraries where librarians describe the work they do in various settings. My interview with Becky is below.
by Lauren Hays | Nov 26, 2024
Special librarians know searching the Internet answers specific questions, but you miss or misinterpret information if you only consult the Internet.
by Lauren Hays | Nov 12, 2024
Dr. Jae Rossman wrote Access to Special Collections and Archives, available now from Rowman and Littlefield. The book is an excellent resource for special librarians who work with special collections and archival materials.
by Lauren Hays | Oct 29, 2024
Researchers must take responsibility for understanding how GenAI works and closely review literature search results before relying on them. Let’s take a look at three major drawbacks for researchers and special librarians to consider when leveraging or recommending GenAI platforms.
by Lauren Hays | Oct 22, 2024
When GenAI first became widely available, there was a great deal of discussion about how it would “hallucinate”—that is, make up content and sound very sure of itself when doing so.
by Lauren Hays | Oct 15, 2024
Many different types of libraries have digital components, and it is important to get those digital collections in front of stakeholders.
by Lauren Hays | Aug 27, 2024
Resources to help you think about intellectual property when you use AI, plus links to repositories of AI-generated images from a library expert.
by Lauren Hays | Aug 20, 2024
17 actionable methods for marketing libraries of all types, sizes, and budgets from a library expert and instructor