America is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with troubling effects on our mental and physical health. We live in one of the most divisive times in our history, one in which we tend to work, play, and associate only with people who think as we do. How do we create spaces for people to come together—to open our minds, understand our differences, and exchange ideas? Shamichael Hallman argues that the public library may be our best hope...

Publisher's description: Libraries are in the thick of legal issues as new technologies add layers of complexity to everyday work in the library. How do you know what's legal? What can you do to identify and address issues before they turn into bona fide legal matters? Where do you turn for help? With coverage of all the issues of the day--filters, fair use, copyright, Web publishing and Internet use, software sharing, ADA compliance, free speech,...

"Through 'Understanding Anonymity,' Alison and Talya help readers understand anonymity in our users' broader lives by providing an immersive vision for how anonymity plays out today and how it might continue to shift for the future. Their insight for how anonymity connects with library values centers the discussion in terms of both privacy and equity, recognizing that different users have varying needs for anonymity at distinct points in their lives....

"This book examines how the unequal distribution of resources between communities can limit access to emerging technologies. It gives real world examples of libraries going the extra mile to bring more than just email access to their communities, regardless of economic status or geographic distribution"-- Provided by publisher.

A guide to the complex nature of technology access and adoption and the role libraries can play in bridging the digital divide.