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AI is reshaping academic libraries but responsible adoption matters. Discover how embedded AI in Alma and Primo helps libraries support student research, improve workflows, and build confidence without disrupting trusted systems or professional judgment.

As publishers continue to set new benchmarks for the sophistication and quality of audiobook production, lending numbers of the print-enhancing format keep growing year over year. In fact, OverDrive data shows that libraries broke digital lending records in 2025, with 820 million checkouts and over one billion minutes streamed.

Today’s consumers expect speed and convenience. Self-service checkout stations, touch-screen kiosks, and mobile point-of-sale solutions empower people to take control of their shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. The same transformation is happening in public libraries. Here are some of the latest tech tools that are improving the library experience for patrons and staff.

The 2025 Study of Primary Source Literacy Trends examines how students across disciplines engage with primary sources. While librarians widely affirm their value for building research confidence and historical understanding, the study reveals structural and disciplinary gaps in instruction. The full survey is available courtesy of AM. Download today.

Even as dark fiction categories—psychological thrillers, dark fantasy, and horror—continue to trend alongside romance, according to data from Circana BookScan, some publishers are choosing to offer readers more wholesome alternatives.

For nearly a decade, the Normal Public Library and Town of Normal, Illinois, wrestled with a complex civic challenge: replacing a deeply valued community library when a brand-new building was financially out of reach. The solution, ultimately, was not to leave, but to look more closely at what already existed. 

As digital collections expand in both scale and complexity, the challenge of managing, showcasing and preserving these resources grows ever more urgent. The latest whitepaper from Clarivate, “Turning Hidden Gems into Strategic Assets,” explores how forward-thinking librarians are leveraging academic AI to enhance their digital special collections that drive research, teaching and institutional identity.

Oprah picks Kin by Tayari Jones for her book club. The 13-book International Booker Prize longlist and the PROSE Award winners are announced. Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid delays the publication of her new “Game Changers” novel to 2027. Publishing Perspectives confirms that Hachette is now the third largest publisher in the U.S., after solid 2025 earnings. LibraryReads and LJ offer read-alikes for top holds title And Now, Back to You by B. K. Borison. Plus, what to know about the forthcoming movie adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s Nightingale.

After I’ve finished a book, I’ll often check the reviews to see how my opinion lines up with what others have to say. Sometimes I’m surprised at points I’ve missed and amazed at what others have found (factual flubs, influences, allusions).