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This Week in Core – Dec 22

This Week in Core – Dec 22

HAPPENING THIS WEEK

The ALA offices will be closed from December 24 – January 1.

Happy Holidays!

HAPPENING NEXT WEEK

 MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Guest editors Ellen Schmid and Katy Miller invite you to submit a proposal for an article in an upcoming special issue of Information Technology and Libraries that will explore the integration of Generative AI tools within library, archive, and museum research environments. This special issue will be published in September 2026. We welcome contributions that provide practical insights, case studies, or user research on the development, deployment, and impact of AI-enhanced research tools. Topics of interest include user-focused interfaces, implementation processes, UX assessments, and the influence of GenAI on workflows, data analysis, and research practices. Articles should present first-hand experience with designing, testing, or evaluating AI helpers, and may cover commercial or open-source solutions. 

Submissions of up to 5,000 words will be accepted for a publication target of September 2026. 

Article proposals are due February 1, 2026 and include a 500-word abstract and a brief statement about the author’s experience in the field. Authors will be notified of acceptance in late February, with a submission of the first draft of the article (no more than 5,000 words) due May 1, 2026. Articles will go through the same rigorous peer review, copyediting, and proofreading process as any other ITAL article.

Submit your proposal

The Fundamentals Web Courses focus on the following areas: fundamentals of acquisitions, cataloging, metadata, collection assessment, collection development and management, digital library projects, electronic resources acquisitions, preservation, management, universal design for learning, and institutional repositories.

  • Core: Infrastructure, Leadership and Futures, a division of the American Library Association, is now accepting applications for the Online Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries to participate in our online Fundamentals courses held between February 24, 2025, and August 7, 2025. One free seat per session is available to librarians and information professionals from developing countries.  For full information about the scholarship, including eligibility criteria and a link to the application form, please see: http://www.ala.org/core/awards-scholarships/online-course-scholarship . Applications may be submitted between January 17, 2025, and February 16, 2025. The Core Online Courses are available to any students who want to register at a cost.You can view the link below regarding course registration fees.
    http://www.ala.org/core/continuing-education/courses
  • Present a webinar or moderate an e-Forum Discussion for Core! Send your e-forum discussion idea to core-eforum+help@groups.io. Complete the webinar proposal form to submit your webinar idea.

HOT OFF THE PRESSES!

Check out these new titles which are available in the Core/ALA Store.

  • The High-Impact Digital Library: Innovative Approaches for Outreach and Instruction. Digital library terminology like “accessible,” “discoverable,” and “searchable” usually presumes passive collections waiting to be found by motivated information seekers. Rarely do we envision collection managers initiating outreach with those most likely to benefit from the collections. 
  • A Complete Guide to Creative Technology Spaces in Academic Libraries: Media Labs, Makerspaces, and More. Beyond the loaning of laptops and phone chargers, libraries are branching out into supporting patrons by providing spaces and services that encourage art, communication, and innovation. Perhaps you’ve been tasked with building such a space in your academic library. It might be a media studio, a virtual reality lab, or even a combination space that has a podcasting suite, equipment circulation, 3D printing, and a computer lab. Or maybe you’ve been doing this for a while; you know it’s time to expand, but you’re not quite sure which direction to take or what equipment you need.
  •  Generative AI and Libraries: Claiming Our Place in the Center of a Shared Future. Addressing a topic of great concern with both urgency and clarity, this book offers a compelling vision for libraries to claim their central role as trusted stewards of knowledge and architects of a responsible and equitable AI-driven world.
  • The Digital Accessibility Handbook for Libraries. Providing concrete guidance on integrating accessibility into all aspects of a library’s digital work, this book will serve as your one-stop guide to accessibility standards, processes, and best practices.


To have your committee meeting, Core event, or Core member opportunity listed in a future issue of This Week in Core (TWIC), contact the Core Office at core@ala.org a few weeks ahead of time and title your message “TWIC Post Request.”