The Urban Libraries Council convened leaders from 11 public library systems in Chicago on March 13-14 to kick off pilot programs designed to test new approaches to engaging low income middle school youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. These programs are extensi...

The Urban Libraries Council has launched Edge 2.0, a new version of its renowned benchmarking and management system for public libraries. Over 2,600 libraries of all sizes across the U.S. and Canada have used the previous version of Edge to assess their programs and services, identify areas for impr...

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a revolutionary force in the modern world. The transformative power of this new technology has already been seen, and is expanding at a rapid rate, across nearly all areas of 21st-century public life – including education, employment and civic engagement. While...

Libraries are cornerstones of democracy, putting into action the belief that all people should have unmitigated access to resources to aid in their education, economic stability and civic participation. They serve as the beating heart of their communities and are always looking to better provide for...

The Urban Libraries Council has earned a 2018 ASAE Power of A Gold Award for the Leaders Library Card Challenge. The award distinguishes the association community’s valuable contributions on the local, national and global levels, and is considered the association industry’s highest honor. ...

The Urban Libraries Council today announced the election of the new Chair of the Executive Board, as well as the addition of two new members to its Board. The board members are: Rhea Lawson, Director, Houston Public Library, incoming ULC Board Chair Brandon Neal, Trustee, Charlotte Mecklenburg P...

The Urban Libraries Council today announced the formation of Partners for Middle School STEM, a new project funded by a Leadership Grant for nearly $500,000 from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Partners for Middle School STEM is a two-year project focused on low-income middle s...

Starting one’s own business may soon become the most viable path to achieving the American dream. It is projected that by 2020 half of all workers will be independent freelancers, responsible for their own fortunes and well-being. Knowing this, the Urban Libraries Council is bringing together 12 pub...

Knowing Iowa’s public libraries must think beyond books and incorporate technology into their programs and services, the State Library of Iowa is leading an effort to help all Iowa’s libraries advance digital literacy and access in their communities to better support education, workforce and economi...

Urban Libraries Council President and CEO Susan Benton issued the following statement: “With his 2019 budget, President Trump has again shown us education, digital inclusion for low-income children and families, and lifelong learning have not made it to the top of his list of priorities. Just like l...