In this week’s episode of Critical Defiance, the hosts announce substantial changes based on listener feedback. The show will shift from reactionary news takes to more educational and discussion-oriented content. Episodes will be released bi-weekly instead of weekly to ensure higher quality content and guest bookings. Additionally, the team emphasizes community-building by launching a Discord server and planning more interactive features like polls and surveys.

The main discussion revolves around modern libraries, highlighting their transformation into community hubs offering diverse services beyond books, including digital access, social programs, and technological tools. Challenges facing libraries, such as funding cuts and book bans, are also discussed, stressing the importance of community support and active participation in local library boards. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Paige, an expert in Library and Information Science, who provides insights into the evolving role of libraries in society.

Links

American Library Association – The ALA Mission: Empowering and advocating for libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all.

Institute of Museum and Library Services – IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage.