Thousands of librarians headed to Columbus

Talk of diverse book collections and the Dewey Decimal System is headed to Columbus this week for the Public Library Association's 2024 conference .

Why it matters: Librarians are no longer the shushing protectors of dusty book collections — they're civic leaders, de facto social workers and increasingly the target of public scorn .

• The biggest library systems and smallest village branches are learning together how best to serve their modern communities.

State of play: The conference opens tomorrow at the Convention Center and runs through Friday.

• Over 7,000 library professionals representing all 50 states and eight other countries are set to attend, Public Library Association deputy director Larra Clark tells us.
• They'll attend learning sessions on topics like improving traditional library services and how to connect patrons with social programs, plus hear from guest speakers like author Ta-Nehisi Coates.
• Sessions will also discuss how to serve a variety of patrons, including at-risk teens, veterans, immigrants, babies and the LGBTQ+ community.

Zoom in: Columbus Metropolitan Library will play a big role as the host library system.

• CML will lead presentations on how to provide resources for those living with dementia and how to use data to "solve problems and make informed decisions."
• The conference will also feature tours of CML branches as well as the Bexley Public Library.

What they're saying: "Public libraries are so much more than just books," CML spokesperson Ben Zenitsky tells us.

• "Public libraries have long served as pillars of knowledge, offering equitable access to resources, fostering lifelong learning and encouraging boundless exploration … We're eager to bring together our colleagues and have important conversations about how libraries are meeting community needs in new ways."

The intrigue: For all the public distrust in artificial intelligence, the Public Library Association doesn't necessarily view AI as the enemy.

• The conference will encourage libraries to explore ethical uses of AI and teach patrons how to use AI tools, just as they have long taught general computer and typing classes .

Yes, but: The conference highlights recent threats like censorship and controversy over holding drag queen story hours.

• Several sessions offer media and crisis training for librarians who face public criticism, and one details how libraries are pushing back against attempted book bans.
• One program deals with handling "video auditors" who film inside libraries , sometimes in search of a First Amendment confrontation.