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Webinar | Dismantling Disinformation and Misinformation: What Libraries Can Do

This upcoming webinar will explore the mis- and disinformation phenomena, how falsehoods spread in today's information ecosystem and the role libraries play as hubs within it. Speakers will outline the broader social change approach for addressing this pervasive issue, share recent research on the topic and address how libraries can deepen their capacity for constructive civil discourse.

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North America's Top Urban Library Leaders Convene in Seattle for the 2023 ULC Annual Forum

In November 2023, ULC convened over 200 library leaders from more than 90 North American public library systems in Seattle, Washington to network, collaborate and learn at the 2023 ULC Annual Forum: People, Power, Place — Today's Urban Public Library. Read the full recap of the event!

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Leadership Brief: Explorations of Generative AI for Library Systems

This new leadership brief from ULC outlines the five ways libraries can integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence in their work. From leveraging prompt engineering skills of staff members to using AI to advance information literacy, libraries should be preparing for a swift integration of AI across library services, resources and operations. ULC thanks EBSCO for their sponsor support of this Leadership Brief.

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Libraries Overcome Barriers and Identify Opportunities for Service to Youth

Through ULC’s Creating Youth Opportunities Initiative, 11 libraries participated in a peer-learning cohort and developed individualized program plans to specifically reach opportunity youth — those defined as young people between the ages of 16 to 24 years old who are disconnected from both school and work, frequently face challenging home or community environments.

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Protecting Intellectual Freedom & Condemning Books Bans

The Urban Libraries Council strongly supports libraries across North America as they face these extreme challenges and recognize Banned Books Week. While book bans are not a new tactic to devalue intellectual freedom, the volume at which it is currently occurring is rightfully concerning. On September 27, ULC joined members of Congress to bring attention to book bans and support the introduction of a congressional resolution to condemn these actions.

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Leadership Brief: Libraries as Cornerstones of Democracy

Informed by the work of ULC's Democracy Advocacy Group, this Leadership Brief highlights the core areas libraries can focus on to increase their reach in promoting a more democratic community, as outlined in the Declaration of Democracy.

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Declaration of Democracy

ULC member libraries and supporting organizations are working to build policies and actions that preserve and protect democracy in our communities.

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White Paper: Libraries as Spaces for Innovation and Productivity

ULC’s newest White Paper explores the importance of libraries as places of congregation in a post-pandemic world and offers recommendations of ways the value of libraries as spaces for innovation and productivity can be emphasized.

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Statement on Summer Learning

Summertime reveals significant inequities for many and the time to act is now. ULC joins the National Summer Learning Association in issuing a call to action on summer equity.

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2023 Innovations Initiative

The honorees for the 2023 Innovations Initiative have been named! The panel of judges selected a Top Innovator and Honorable Mention from each category. See the list of winners now!

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For 50 years, the Urban Libraries Council has served as an outcomes-driven research and innovations network of more than 170 leading North American public libraries.

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New benchmarks for anti-racism, digital equity, economic opportunity and education.

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Education transforms the lives of individuals and is the foundation for strong, economically vital communities. In the knowledge economy, the library is the learning institution ready to guide and support citizens at every age and level of need.

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