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.
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.
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.
An interview with Dr. Martin De Saulles, author of The AI and Data Revolution, on the impact of AI on information management.
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.
In light of SLA’s dissolution announcement, President Hildy Dworkin reflects on the association’s community, legacy, and enduring professional value.
Read our interview with Amanda Ross-White, President of CHLA/ABSC, as she discusses advocacy, diversity, and the future of health librarianship in Canada.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Setting professional development goals may feel overwhelming, but with the right framework and mindset, it can be a rewarding and empowering process.
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.
Special librarians know searching the Internet answers specific questions, but you miss or misinterpret information if you only consult the Internet.
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.
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.
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.
Many different types of libraries have digital components, and it is important to get those digital collections in front of stakeholders.
Resources to help you think about intellectual property when you use AI, plus links to repositories of AI-generated images from a library expert.
17 actionable methods for marketing libraries of all types, sizes, and budgets from a library expert and instructor