1、A report fromThe State ofAMERICAS LIBRARIES2024PAGE 7TOP 10Most Challenged Books of 2023STATE OF AMERICAS LIBRARIES 20242From the Interim Executive Directorby LESLIE BURGERLibrary workers never cease to amaze me,and thats saying something because Ive been in the field for quite some time.Toward the

2、end of 2023,I joined the American Library Association(ALA)in a new capacity,as interim executive director,at a time when book bans were plaguing school and public libraries and when library workers were being threatened and attacked for defending the First Amendment freedom to read.The first thing I

3、 noticed was that so many libraries across the country were bursting with new programs,new displays,new services,and new ways to serve their communities,whether patrons or students.In the face of adversity,library workers were taking action.Lets look for a moment at the hot topic of artificial intel

4、ligence(AI)and libraries.Well over 1,000 people took advantage of ALAs continuing education sessions on AI in 2023.Library workers are learners,first and foremost.When something new looks to shake up library processes,our members eagerly search for answers.When it comes to AI,many library workers ar

5、e fascinated by the possibilities and determined to avoid the pitfalls.In this edition of the State of Americas Libraries,Leo S.Lo,dean and professor of the College of University Libraries and Learning Services at the University of New Mexico,talks about exciting advancements made possible by AI,suc

6、h as automated cataloging and chatbots for user support.Libraries found support at every level of government for efforts to increase access to high-speed internet connectivity.Tribal libraries took advantage of programs that offer deep discounts on broadband infrastructure.The Learn Without Limits p