Library news

• Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Releases a New Policy Roadmap For Library Leaders: “Future Scenarios: Library Space & Design”

  18-09-2026 23:16 via infodocket.com
  
  From a ULC Announcement (via E-Mail) and the Report:
  Future Scenarios: Library Space & Design, [is] a member-informed look at how libraries can balance physical space and digital technologies.
  This report not only examines how patrons use library spaces, programs, and services today, it uses those patterns to imagine what future patrons may need and expect from their public libraries. The report translates these insights into future library scenarios shaped by changes in patron behavior, phy
  
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• Report: Oxford Lets OpenAI Train Its AI Models On Historical Texts From the Bodleian Library

  26-09-2026 20:16 via infodocket.com
  From The Guardian:The University of Oxford has allowed the company behind ChatGPT to train its AI models on historical texts from its Bodleian Library, as tech companies scour academic institutions for fresh data.
  The Bodleian material digitised by OpenAI has been used to “populate the OpenAI training set”, according to internal documents.
  Oxford announced a partnership with the company in March 2025, using OpenAI software to digitise texts from the university’s world-famous li
  
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• National Science Foundation (NSF) Announces Launch of the Open Knowledge Network, A National Open-Data Platform Connecting More Than 40 Knowledge Graphs

  26-09-2026 01:21 via infodocket.com
  
  From an NSF Announcement:
  Built through the NSF Prototype Open Knowledge Network program and in collaboration with a broad coalition of federal partners, the network is now available for public use
  The U.S. National Science Foundation announced today the launch of the NSF Open Knowledge Network (NSF OKN), a national open-data infrastructure that links 43 interconnected knowledge graphs and tens of billions of connected facts across health, the environment, justice, manufacturing, and national se
  
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• OpenAI Agent Hacking Attempt Targets University Of New Mexico Digital Library

  25-09-2026 12:30 via infodocket.com
  Two reports linked below.
  From KOB:A research lab says an OpenAI agent targeted the University of New Mexico’s digital library in multiple hacking attempts but did not successfully breach the system.
  Transluce reported the attempts and said agents targeted UNM’s digital library in May 2026. They reported the activity included a direct attack and attempts through third-party relay services.
  According to the report, the agents were trying to obtain a photograph from UNM’s Valmora
  
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• Report: UAlbany Study Examines Public Library AI Programs

  24-09-2026 21:51 via infodocket.com
  From UAlbany:
  As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly embedded in work, government and everyday life, new research from UAlbany’s Center for Technology in Government (CTG) suggests public libraries can play an important role in helping communities develop the skills to critically evaluate the technology, understand its risks and participate in decisions about how it is used.
  The study, “Who Participates in AI Programs at Public Libraries? Exploring Demographic and Attitu
  
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• The National Library of Medicine Introduces Linked Discoveries: A New Way to Explore Connections in Biomedical Literature

  24-09-2026 20:01 via nlm.nih.gov
  
  Every day, researchers face an ever-growing volume of biomedical literature. Finding the right papers isn't just about matching keywords - it's about understanding how ideas connect, how findings build on one another, and how research evolves as new evidence emerges. To address this challenge, the National Library of Medicine is excited to announce the launch of Linked Discoveries, a new experimental pilot resource developed to help researchers, clinicians, information specialists, and the publi
  
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• arXiv Announces New Multiyear Philanthropic Commitments ($17.2 Million) to Support Its Launch as an Independent Nonprofit

  23-09-2026 19:56 via infodocket.com
  
  Here’s the Full Text of Today’s Announcement From arXiv:
  Three leading philanthropic organizations provide multimillion-dollar support for  platform development, organizational capacity, and continued service to the global  research community 
  arXiv announced new multiyear philanthropic commitments  from Simons Foundation International, XTX Markets, and Siegel Family Endowment to  support the organization’s establishment as an independent nonprofit. The
  
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• From Card Catalogs to Chatbots: Envisioning Academic Library Services in the Era of AI and LLMs(New Journal Article)

  23-09-2026 18:15 via infodocket.com
  
  The article linked below (full text) was published by the Journal of Documentation.
  Title
  From Card Catalogs to Chatbots: Envisioning Academic Library Services in the Era of AI and LLMs Open Access
  Author
  Chao CaiLibraries and School of Information Studies, Purdue University
  Source
  Journal of Documentation, Vol. 82 No. 7
  DOI: 10.1108/JD-03-2026-0132
  Abstract
  Purpose – This article introduces the CARDLG framework: Collections, Access, Retrieval, Description, Literacy and Governance. The fra
  
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• New Mexico Supreme Court Law Library Named 2026 Federal Depository Library of the Year

  22-09-2026 19:00 via infodocket.com
  
  Here’s the Full Text of the US Government Publishing Office Announcement:Source: lawlibrary.nmcourts.gov
  The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) has named the New Mexico Supreme Court Law Library in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the 2026 Federal Depository Library of the Year. The library was selected for its exceptional commitment to providing free public access to Government information, preserving its collection, and serving communities throughout New Mexico.
  “The New Mexico Supreme C
  
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• Harvard Library Releases Advancing Open Knowledge 2026

  22-09-2026 16:59 via infodocket.com
  
  Here’s the Full Text Today’s Publication Announcement From Harvard Library:
  Today, Harvard Library released Advancing Open Knowledge 2026, its updated framework for how the Library will continue to expand access to knowledge, enhance discovery and engagement, and preserve information for the future.
  Under University Librarian Martha Whitehead’s leadership, Harvard Library first articulated Advancing Open Knowledge in 2020. Six years later, the Library has returned to that frame
  
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• Accelerating Generative AI Integration in Libraries (A New Special Issue of Information Technology and Libraries (Vol. 45 No. 3; 2026)

  21-09-2026 15:56 via infodocket.com
  
  A new special issue of Information Technology and Libraries is now available online.
  This special issue is devoted to “showcasing examples and ideas for integrating GenAI tools into galleries, libraries, archives, and museums generative AI summarize the articles included in it.”
  Table of ContentsInformation Technology and Libraries, Vol. 45 No. 3 (2026):Accelerating Generative AI Integration in Libraries
  Editorial
  Accelerating Generative AI Integration in LibrariesKaty Miller (Univer
  
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• Open Access in the European Research Area: Progress Remains Uneven as New Report Calls For More Concerted Action

  17-09-2026 15:55 via infodocket.com
  
  From the European Commission:
  A new independent expert report published today by the European Commission highlights that, despite notable advancement, the implementation of open access across the European Research Area remains uneven and fragmented. While progress has been made, persistent barriers continue to hinder widespread open access, and further action is needed.
  Over the past decade, European Union soft-law measures, national strategies, funder mandates, and, where applicable, national l
  
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• New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Receives $60M Donation — Largest Single Gift in its History

  17-09-2026 15:14 via infodocket.com
  
  Here’s the Full Text of Today’s NYPL’s Announcement:The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center announces a historic $60 million gift that will fundamentally expand public access to its 15 million item archive dedicated to dance, theater, and music—one of the world’s largest such collections. The donation is the biggest ever to the research library.
  The anonymous donor recognized the urgent need to preserve and expand access to the immense
  
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• Reimagining Research Papers as Interactive and Reliable AI Agents (New Journal Article)

  16-09-2026 20:05 via infodocket.com
  The article linked below was published today by Nature.
  Title
  Reimagining Research Papers as Interactive and Reliable AI Agents
  Authors
  Jiacheng MiaoStanford University
  Joe R. DavisStanford University
  Yaohui ZhangStanford University
  Jonathan K. PritchardStanford University
  James ZouStanford University
  Source
  Nature16 September 2026DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-11044-y
  Abstract
  Here we introduce Paper2Agent, an automated framework that converts research papers into artificial intelligence (AI) agents.
  
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• New Report: Expert Pessimism About the World’s Information Environment Hits Record High, New International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) Survey Finds

  16-09-2026 19:41 via infodocket.com
  
  From an International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) Release:
  Three in four experts on the global information environment now expect conditions in their country of expertise to worsen over the coming year, according to a new survey from the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE). This is the highest level of pessimism recorded since the IPIE began tracking expert opinion in 2023.
  The finding comes from Trends in the Information Environment: 2026 Expert Survey Resu
  
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• Survey of Intellectual Freedom Procedures in the United States (New Journal Article)

  16-09-2026 14:13 via infodocket.com
  The article linked below was recently published by the Journal of Intellectual Freedom & Privacy.
  Title
  Survey of Intellectual Freedom Procedures in the United States
  Authors
  Amanda IzenstarkUniversity of Rhode IslandJo KnappJohnson & Wales University
  David BernardoProvidence College
  Source
  Journal of Intellectual Freedom & Privacy(Office for Intellectual Freedom, an Office of the American Library Association)Vol 11, No 2 (2026) 
  Abstract
  The American Library Association provide
  
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• National Library of Medicine Launches the SPARK Challenge Competitions to Advance AI-Powered Biomedical Discovery

  15-09-2026 18:37 via nlm.nih.gov
  
  The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is launching the Semantic Precision for AI Retrieval of Knowledge (SPARK) Challenges.
  
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• DPLA: Cleveland Public Library Takes the Helm of The National Digital Collection

  15-09-2026 18:33 via infodocket.com
  
  From a DPLA Post:We’re excited to share that Cleveland Public Library (CPL) now maintains the digital collection of American cultural heritage. This vital program brings together over 50 million books, photos, maps, videos and more, contributed by more than 6,000 libraries, archives, and museums from across the country, making them discoverable in a single search portal.
  As we announced earlier this year, CPL now manages the program’s technical infrastructure and administration
  
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• Large Scale Digitization in the AI Era: Issues and Model Terms for Libraries and Their Partners (New Issue Paper From Center For Research Libraries)

  15-09-2026 17:13 via infodocket.com
  
  From a CRL Announcement (Full Text):
  The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) has released a new issue paper, Large Scale Digitization in the AI Era: Issues and Model Terms for Libraries and Their Partners, addressing the growing number of proposals to digitize library collections at scale for potential use in commercial artificial intelligence and other proprietary services.
  Large-scale digitization can offer substantial benefits for libraries, including expanded access, preservation, and reduce
  
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• Harvard Crimson Op/Ed: “We’re Using Harvard’s Libraries Wrong”

  15-09-2026 14:25 via infodocket.com
  From a New Harvard Crimson Student Authored Op/Ed:
  As AI makes research more convenient than ever, we shouldn’t forget the irreplaceability of physical libraries. Harvard’s libraries are home to fascinating collections and dedicated spaces for everything from poetry to data visualization — spaces that ought to be used. Perhaps the most underutilized of those resources are the Library’s employees.Undergrads, it’s time to go talk to an actual librarian. What may seem
  
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• Report: “As Digital Checkouts Soar, Los Angeles Libraries Pivot to AI Education”

  13-09-2026 19:33 via infodocket.com
  From the Yale Daily News
  Beyond fighting misinformation, public libraries are stepping up to bridge paywalls. While students often run into paid barriers when accessing articles via Google or Google Scholar, public libraries subscribe to expensive digital databases, academic journals, and major news outlets — including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal — to provide free access to local students.
  Still, many students have been reluctant to get help from the librarians.
  &l
  
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• Investigating International Academic Librarian Attitudes on Copyright Reform in Support of Open Access (New Journal Article)

  12-09-2026 22:08 via infodocket.com
  
  The article linked below was recently published College & Research Libraries (C&RL).
  Title
  Investigating International Academic Librarian Attitudes on Copyright Reform in Support of Open AccessInvestigating International Academic Librarian Attitudes on Copyright Reform in Support of Open Access
  Authors
  Stephanie SavageUniversity of British Columbia
  John WillinskyPublic Knowledge Project, Simon Fraser Univeristy
  Source
  College & Research Libraries (C&RL)Vol 87, No 5 (2026) 
  A
  
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• Evolving Trends: A Bibliometric Analysis of Academic Librarians’ Publications at Twelve AAU Member Universities (New C&RL Journal Article)

  11-09-2026 00:02 via infodocket.com
  
  The article linked below was recently published by College & Research Libraries (C&RL)
  Title
  Evolving Trends: A Bibliometric Analysis of Academic Librarians’ Publications at Twelve AAU Member Universities
  Authors
  Pete E. PascuzziPurdue University Libraries 
  Jason B. ReedPurdue University Libraries 
  Greenley Goedde CreechPurdue University Libraries 
  Source
  College & Research Libraries Vol 87, No 5 (2026)Vol 87, No 5 (2026) 
  Abstract
  The goal of this bibliomet
  
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• Introducing Uncovered: An AUPresses & PBS BOOKS Partnership

  10-09-2026 16:35 via infodocket.com
  
  Here’s the Full Text of Today’s Announcement:The Association of University Presses (AUPresses), in partnership with PBS Books, is proud to introduce Uncovered https://www.pbsbooks.org/uncovered/, a year-long digital series that invites audiences to explore the outstanding books, distinguished authors, and compelling ideas published by its member presses. The first episode, devoted to Hispanic heritage and culture, will stream on the PBS Books website, YouTube, Facebook, and
  
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• Disclosing AI Use in Academic Research, a New Global Study From Oxford University Press

  10-09-2026 12:11 via infodocket.com
  
  Published today by Oxford University Press (OUP):
  We have updated our author and editor guidelines on the responsible, appropriate, and transparent use of AI, including a policy outlining what AI use should be disclosed when preparing manuscripts for our journals.
  In a recent global survey of more than 2,600 researchers, nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents revealed they were unclear what AI use they should disclose, despite there being strong support for disclosure.
  With 44% of researcher
  
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• Report: “DOJ Official Queried a Dozen Journals on ‘Partisan’ Views in 2025”

  09-09-2026 19:48 via infodocket.com
  From FYI Science Policy News:
  FYI Science Policy News obtained the letters through a July 2025 public records request. The new materials reveal a campaign spearheaded by then-interim US attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin to pressure publications prominent in the public health response to the COVID pandemic and in reproductive medicine.
  [Clip]
  The letters were sent to:American Family Physician
  American Journal of Public Health
  Cancer
  Chest
  Family Medicine
  JAMA
  Nature Medicine
  New Eng
  
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• Now Available: Clarivate Releases Pulse of the Library 2026 Survey Report

  09-09-2026 11:27 via infodocket.com
  
  From Clarivate:
  Clarivate today released the Pulse of the Library 2026 report.
  Now in its third year, the global survey examines how libraries are responding to technological change, including AI, shifting priorities and growing demands on staff and resources.
  The findings reveal that Mainland China recorded the highest level of AI implementation, with 28% reporting moderate to active implementation, more than double the rate in 2024 and well above the 16% global figure.
  The report also sho
  
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• Digital Preservation: Internet Archive Releases Online Archive (199,000 Articles) of BET Journalism No Longer Available on the Live Web

  09-09-2026 02:20 via infodocket.com
  
  From the Internet Archive (via Bluesky, X, and Mastodon):
  Much of BET’s digital journalism is no longer available on the live web. Internet Archive has preserved more than 199,000 BET articles over the years. They can now be accessed through
  The Wayback Machine
  & a new pilot explorer: https://wayback-labs.sf.archive.org/bet-explorer/
   Background
  From Huff Post:
  Black Entertainment Television, more commonly known as BET, has removed all digital articles from its website in a push t
  
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• New Freckle Project Report Examines 15 Years of Public Library Use

  08-09-2026 20:25 via infodocket.com
  
  From EveryLibrary Institute:
  A new Freckle Project Report, “15 Years of IMLS Figures”, looks at national public library statistics from 2010 through 2024 and identifies a striking contrast: American public libraries have more facilities, more staff, and higher levels of funding than at any point in the period examined, while several major measures of physical library use remain substantially below their 2010 levels. The Freckle Project is led by researcher Tim Coates, and its publica
  
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• Accountability, Integrity: AI Policy in Public Libraries (New Journal Article)

  06-09-2026 20:08 via infodocket.com
  
  The article linked below was published by Public Library Quarterly.
  Title
  Accountability, Integrity: AI Policy in Public Libraries
  Authors
  Kathryn FitzGeraldUniversity of Washington
  Benjamin LeeUniversity of Washington
  Source
  Public Library QuarterlyDOI: 10.1080/01616846.2026.2725502
  Abstract
  As artificial intelligence reshapes both library work and the information environment, public libraries must determine whether or how to engage with AI while maintaining library values. To our knowledge, th
  
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