Library Insights Summit
Beyond the lending of books and scolding of rowdy patrons, being a librarian today requires the skills of an event planner, computer scientist, psychologist, data management professional, and public service officer—along with a whole lot of time set aside for reading and research. Not a job for the faint of heart.
Book publishers hoping to work more closely with libraries need to understand this reality, need to appreciate how librarians budget, buy materials, engage with their communities, fight for funding, and so much more.
Enter the Library Insights Summit. A one-day educational intensive led by some of the most innovative librarians and book publishing professionals working in the industry today. Topics discussed include book bans, metadata, e-books, how best to communicate with librarians, the book genres chronically in short supply for libraries, a librarian dream list for publishers, and much more.
This unique event will take place pre-ALA, Friday, June 27, 2025 in Philadelphia!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2024
Library Insights Summit 2024 Gathering Celebrates Current Culture of Reading
Traverse City, MI—Hosted by Foreword Magazine, the second edition of the Library Insights Summit took place on opening day of the American Library Association Annual Conference, Friday, June 28, 2024, in San Diego, CA.
The program featured presentations from distinguished library and publishing professionals including keynotes by EveryLibrary’s John Chrastka and Jared Schroeder, author of recently released The Structure of Ideas: Mapping a New Theory of Free Expression in the AI Era (Stanford University Press). Nearly one hundred book publishers and librarians were in attendance.
While speakers and attendees alike celebrated North America’s rich culture of reading and talented pantheon of authors, challenges like COVID-related literacy issues, book banning, and digital book frustrations were discussed at length.
A session on acquisitions and collection development kicked off the day. Public library panelists Sarah Jones (Carlsbad, NM), Amy Dissmeyer (Hastings, NE), and Sarah Johnson (Kennewick, WA), along with school librarian Dr. Corinthia Price (Old Brookille, NY), all noted significant literacy declines in young people, mostly attributed to COVID-19. They challenged publishers to release materials celebrating the holidays of a full range of religious groups including Hindi, Muslim, and Buddhist. Graphic novels continue to increase in popularity and a new Goosebumps-like series would be welcomed.
Some of the country’s most active book banning foot soldiers—Jason Low (Lee & Low Books), Skip Dye (Penguin Random House), Misty Jones (San Diego Public Library), Joyce McIntosh (ALA/Freedom to Read Foundation), and Ashley Mireles-Guerrero (Familius)— provided updates on the number of books being challenged in libraries, as well as strategies for working with communities on grassroot efforts to counteract threats to reading. An updated, comprehensive Banned Books Resource Guide was handed out to attendees.
The ebook and audiobook landscape was explored by moderator Cory Verner (Unlimited Listens), and panelists Lauren Cannavino (OverDrive), Skip Dye (PRH), and Alan Inouye (ALA). The Digital Public Library Ecosystem, a report released in December 2023, provided a basis for discussions.
Book wholesaler and distributor reps Doug Voss (Ingram), Ann Lehue (Ingram), Tarita Murray (Baker & Taylor), and David Hargrave (Baker & Taylor) shared tips for discoverability, with particular attention to metadata as a way to improve sales into libraries large and small. Category trends were also outlined including “lived voices,” or stories of everyday life of representatives in diverse communities; gender-neutral children, mental health guides for parents of struggling children; AI; parental alienation; body diversity and acceptance; disability positivity; and cozy horror.
“It is so rewarding to experience an in-person meetup like LIS. An esteemed lineup of speakers, book publisher attendees of all sizes, and enthusiastic librarians all connecting and networking made this a memorable gathering,” shared Victoria Sutherland, event co-director and founder/publisher of Foreword Magazine.
A third edition of the Library Insights Summit is being planned for June of 2025 in Philadelphia.
About Foreword Magazine: Since 1998, Foreword Reviews has provided curated book reviews of the best titles from independent presses. In print and online, its FOLIO award-winning design and editorial content has made the magazine a favorite among librarians, booksellers, and avid readers.
About American Library Association: The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.
Victoria Sutherland
