New York City Has An Internet Inequality Problem

Last Monday night, Mark Zuckerberg published a post announcing Facebook's new initiative to bring Internet access to the developing world. The blueprint for internet.org mapped out how Facebook and a host of phone company allies might connect an additional 5 billion people online through more affordable access, increasing data efficiency, and investing in local business infrastructure. It came with a video that depicted IRL social interactions in developing countries, along with a soundtrack cut from a JFK speech and soft, inspirational piano tones. As the Atlantic's Alexis Madrigal deftly pointed out, no one can call this ignoble, or unreasonable, even. Simply put, increased Internet access is a good idea––though the other message Facebook was trying to sell, the one that equated the company with peace and progress, was hokey at best. But there's another facet of Internet access that Internet.org does not address, and that's Internet inequality right at home, in cities that otherwise rank as some of the most "connected" places on the planet. New York City is already well–known for its ample (and growing) income inequality. But on Wednesday, Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer put out a report showing that the city's public schools and libraries vary widely when it comes to its broadband speeds. The report revealed that over 75% of New York City schools had maximum download speeds of 10 megabits per second, 100 times slower than the 2020 goal outlined by President... Continue reading at 'Fast Company'

[ Fast Company | 2013-08-26 00:00:00 UTC ]

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Most Libraries Are Closed. Some Librarians Still Have to Go In.

Though many public libraries in the U.S. are completely shut, employees at some are concerned that they have been asked to continue showing up for work. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2020-04-14 23:04:05 UTC ]
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What Google and Facebook need to do to fight disinformation

Both Google and Facebook have acted surprisingly quickly to remove disinformation related to the COVID-19 virus over the past few weeks, considering their somewhat mixed track record when it comes to removing hoaxes, conspiracy theories, and trolls related to political campaigns. But experts... Continue reading at Columbia Journalism Review

[ Columbia Journalism Review | 2020-04-09 11:45:11 UTC ]
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Are Public Libraries in Decline?

In The Freckle Report 2020, Tim Coates offers a sobering, data-driven view of the state of public libraries in the U.S. and the U.K. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

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An Online Library Is Venturing Into Uncharted Legal Waters

With public libraries closed, the Internet Archive announced an initiative to offer 1.4 million books for free online—reopening a heated copyright debate. Continue reading at Wired

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The Coronavirus' Impact on Libraries Goes Beyond Books

Shuttering public libraries puts a strain on communities—even if it’s the only way to keep people safe. Continue reading at Wired

[ Wired | 2020-03-23 20:35:01 UTC ]
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Libraries that close due to coronavirus should keep the Wi-Fi on, says ALA.

More and more public libraries are temporarily closing shop across the country to limit the spread of coronavirus, but their Wi-Fi can still be a valuable resource for communities, the American Library Association said Monday. Libraries that close should leave their Wi-Fi open to the public... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

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Chicago Public Libraries Need To Close Now To Save Lives

Why are Chicago Public Library branches still open to the public during this global health crisis? Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2020-03-19 12:06:40 UTC ]
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NYC public libraries are suspending all programs through March, but will remain open to readers.

This morning, both the Chief Librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library and the President of the New York Public Library released statements announcing that they would be cancelling public library programs for the rest of March, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and encourage social... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

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Amid Public Health Crisis, MN Legislature Focuses Instead on Drag Queen Story Hour

Minnesota House Republicans threaten to slash funding to public libraries hosting Drag Queen Story Time. Continue reading at Book Riot

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Tennessee Becomes Second State to Propose ‘Parental Review Boards’ for Public Libraries

The bills propose to give elected parental review boards the power to decide which “age-appropriate" materials can be accessible to minors within a public library, with librarians who don’t comply with the board’s decisions subject to prison time. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

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S&S strikes partnership with Library Link

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A new Missouri bill proposes jailing librarians who provide children “age-inappropriate” books.

A proposed law in Missouri would fine, and possibly jail, librarians who provide books to children that a parental board deemed inappropriate, a policy so extreme that it has attracted national attention. House Bill 2044, or “the Parental Oversight of Public Libraries Act,” introduced by... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

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OverDrive Reports Record Digital Borrowing in 2019

Public Libraries around the world generated a record level of digital content circulation in 2019, providing patrons access to more than 326 million e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines, according to a report by Rakuten OverDrive, a digital distribution vendor for libraries. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

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Arts Council England boss suggests library funding boost

Arts Council England (ACE) could make funding public libraries one of its priorities over the next decade, the organisation’s c.e.o. has said. Continue reading at The Bookseller

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How Libraries Are Dealing With Bedbugs

Bedbugs in public libraries are becoming routine. Luckily, there are a few things that librarians can do to stop them...starting with preparation. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2019-12-17 11:32:47 UTC ]
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Participation in Summer Reading Challenge up 2.6%

The Reading Agency has reported 722,731 children took part in public libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge this summer, representing a 2.64% increase on last year’s participation. Continue reading at The Bookseller

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The longlist for this year’s €100,000 International DUBLIN Literary Award is 156 books long.

The longlist for the 2020 International DUBLIN Literary Award was announced today, and it is indeed long—156 books long, to be precise. The prize is sponsored by the Dublin City Council, and the longlist is comprised of nominations from public libraries around the world. Last year’s winner,... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

[ Literrary Hub | 2019-11-11 17:21:15 UTC ]
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Editorial: Why We Choose to Boycott Macmillan E-books

A librarian explains the decision to draw the line over Macmillan's decision to embargo new release e-books in public libraries. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2019-11-08 05:00:00 UTC ]
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City to invest $1.4M in public libraries for census outreach

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The ultimate summer reading list for hipsters is here

A new data viz surfaces the forgotten literature of public libraries. There’s no feeling more deflating than asking someone what they’re reading, only to have never heard of any of the three books they readily rattle off. But what if that academic smugness could be yours? What if you were the... Continue reading at Fast Company

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