It’s a most wonderful time of the year for those of us in Library World. Each year, April 19th-25th is set aside as National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions that libraries and library workers make to our civil society. Whether providing education and information to anyone who needs it, assisting the research that drives progress, or hooking you up with the latest blockbusters or bestsellers, libraries exist to serve and promote the public good.
The theme for this year’s National Library Week – obviously selected well in advance – was “find your place at the library.” Now, in light of Covid-19 it has been adjusted to suit current circumstances. The new theme, “find the library at your place,” is a better fit for what people around the world are currently experiencing. Not only does the new theme shine a light on the virtual services that libraries offer, but between the lines, it points out what libraries do best: adapt to address the needs of patrons.
Here at the Sheridan Libraries, your library workers are working daily to keep up with your needs. Whether it is virtual meetings with your librarians, scanning reserve texts, or ordering the ebook that you need, the library is dedicated to being where and what you need us to be.
So, until you can “find your place at the library” again, make sure you find library.jhu.edu at your place. Make use of the guides, research tips, how-to’s, and databases, to help you in your schoolwork.
Need more hands-on guidance? Contact your librarians to set up a face-to-face Zoom meeting.
Need something to help pass time in quarantine? The library provides access to the books, streaming videos, and media you dream about. Heck, we’ll even help you build toys!
In addition to National Library Week, you can join us in celebrating the 220th birthday of the Library of Congress. In commemoration, the Library of Congress has released the LOC Collections app for iPhone or iPad. The Collections app provides a mobile interface to browse, search, and create your own collection from the Library of Congress’ amazing collection of audio-visual materials. What better way to commemorate 220 years of the Library of Congress and (the world’s largest library!) than by carrying its collections in your pocket!
Tell us how you are celebrating libraries with us by tagging us in your social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek and #LibrariesTransform!
P.S. We miss you!