In case we don't have enough to worry about, in May 2025, a Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals judge dismissed free speech claims in a public library book removal case in Texas. The Court ruled that library collection decisions are “government speech” and therefore not protected by the First Amendment.

This is a very very serious ruling. If it stands, there are far-reaching control issues and effects on all types of libraries, education institutions, and communities. The library plaintiffs supported by library administrations, publishers, literary groups, and intellectual freedom advocates have petitioned the Supreme Court of the US to hear the case and hopefully overrule it.

In this episode, we explain the issue in-depth, discuss the implications of the case and ruling, and sound the alarm as to why this is so important for libraries and librarians to ensure freedom of information protections in our country.

Saskia Scheltjens is the model of the curious information guru. She has worked in the university and museum world in Belgium and the Netherlands, and is currently Head of Research Services at the Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands. Her work at the Rijksmuseum has set the standard for accessibility, data management, and creating truly hybrid cultural heritage institutions. In this episode she talks to David about how AI is another tool to manage information, and how a dedication to open access might need to be rethought in an era of generative AI.

From natural disasters to social unrest to ongoing political and cultural attacks, libraries have consistently stepped up as safe havens, hubs for reliable information, and anchors of resilience.

Yes, communities turn to libraries in moments of crisis. But, libraries too face crises – especially right now when our very mission is threatened. There’s a rising tide of book bans, ideological attacks on intellectual freedom, and the politicization of education. Libraries need community advocacy, trust, and sustained support.

It's past time for action – for both libraries and communities!

In this live podcast episode at the Library Journal 2025 Directors’ Summit we focus on the relationship between libraries and the communities they serve, especially during troubling times. How can libraries step up even more to provide essential information services and infrastructure - particularly in times of crisis - and to play essential roles in strengthening communities? In turn, how can communities in all settings ensure that the people who lead and sustain these institutions are supported and protected to carry the work forward?