Volume 69 of Virginia Libraries

Libraries are no strangers to change, but it is fair to say that the past few years have served up more change than usual, requiring a great deal of flexibility and strength. It is not surprising, then, that volume sixty-nine (Vol. 69) of Virginia Libraries offers a variety of perspectives on how to find inspiration and opportunities in the face of challenges and a changing information landscape.

In “A Time of Transition: A Letter to VLA Membership” from the Virginia Library Association (VLA) president, Vivian F. Washington, addresses the transition that was ahead for VLA leadership. Simone Cote’s Q&A in “Real Talk on the Future of Libraries: A Conversation with ALA President-elect Sam Helmick,” considers the critical challenges to funding, safety, and intellectual freedom and how libraries and library workers can navigate them. Kenneth Ashley calls attention to another type of challenge that has also been at the forefront of public discourse in “What’s Under the Rug: Managing Harassment in Libraries.”

Authors also highlight the opportunities that changes offer, provide inspiration for innovation and growth in the face of a shifting library landscape. In “Leveling the Playing Field: Loaning Library Laptops for Community College Student Success,” Suzanne Sherry writes about the expansion of Brightpoint Community College’s laptop lending program that started in the pandemic and became essential for reaching across the digital divide to support the success of all of their students. Floyd J. Csir and Richard L. Black-Howell also found an opportunity when their project to produce engaging instructional videos was interrupted by the pandemic and online learning became even more important to reach students in “Library Videos: Addressing Student Needs Through Instructional Videos at a Community College Library.” Erin Carrillo, Hope Kelly, and Asheley Brewer share their experience using focus groups to revise guidance and make key updates and enhancements to research guides in “Localizing Guidance for Research Guides: Developing Shared Understandings for Creating Research Guides with Internal Focus Groups.” Emma FitzGerald makes a case for increased access to arts programming sponsored by libraries in “Let’s Get Creative: Arts Education and Public Libraries.” Babak Zarin examines the current shortcomings and advocates for more culturally accessible libraries in “We’re All in This Together? A Brief Exploration of Accessibility in Libraries.”

There is no questioning that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how people interact with information. In “Inquiry, AI, and Pedagogy in the Library Classroom,” Amanda Harrison’s conceptual analysis explores how AI can be integrated into inquiry-based library instruction. AI also figured significantly in the work of the editorial board. A group led by board member Amy Poe developed a policy on the use of AI for articles submitted to Virginia LIbraries, offering guidance for authors navigating a rapidly evolving AI-technology landscape. Potential authors can review the policy on the Virginia Libraries web page and learn when the use of AI tools is appropriate and what does and does not require disclosure. The board will review the policy annually to ensure it continues to align with best practices.

As we continue to navigate the shifting landscape of technology, funding, and public trust, one thing that will not change for Virginia Libraries is the editorial board’s commitment to welcoming new authors, peer reviewers, readers, and board members. We will continue to develop ways to reach out to you, celebrate your successes, and share the lessons you learn as services and models shift. Even though change can be scary, we invite you to contact us with your questions, ideas, and suggestions so that we can remain a meaningful constant for knowledge professionals in Virginia and beyond.