influences on LGBTQ+ library collections study

 A small but mature body of literature around LGBTQ+ library collections is available to researchers and practitioners. Using a novel method – the parallel synthesis scoping review – the authors have incorporated artificial-intelligence-enabled topic modelling into the traditional scoping review method to explore the underlying factors influencing the collection of LGBTQ+ materials in libraries. Parallel synthesis led to a framework charting stakeholders against an Outreach ↔ Censorship Continuum. It includes 16 forms of censorship and outreach, and 8 underlying influences that encourage behaviors towards either censorship or outreach. The authors further find that the framework is a manifestation of a struggle between two competing visions of safe spaces, in which librarians have used many strategies to resist censorship and ensure that their collections provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ library patrons.

Morris, M., Stevens, G., & Siegal, J. (2025, Feb.). I can’t even read straight’: Exploring the influences on LGBTQ+ library collections through an artificial-intelligence-mediated parallel-synthesis-scoping-review approach. IFLA Journal. DOI: 10.1177/03400352241310614

Cell phone use in school studies

 

A recent study reveals that teens spend an average of 1.5 hours on their phones during school, with 25% exceeding two hours. This represents a significant increase from previous studies, which reported only 43 minutes of phone use during school.

Christakis D., et al. (2025). Adolescent smartphone use during school hours. JAMA Pediatrics.  doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.6627

Schools implementing cellphone bans have seen significant improvements in student behavior and engagement. The North Adams school district in Massachusetts reported a 75% drop in disciplinary referrals, while the Bentonville district in Arkansas saw a 57% reduction in aggression and a 51% decrease in drug-related offenses.
Banerji, O. (2025). What schools look like without cellphone distraction. Education Week. 
https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-schools-look-like-without-the-cellphone-distraction/2025/02
 

This report  looks at statewide laws and policies on cellphones in schools. 
Prothero, A., Langreo, L., & Klein, A. (2024). Whit states ban or restrict cellphones in school? Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/technology/which-states-ban-or-restrict-cellphones-in-schools/2024/06

February Classical Piano Composers

 

There is a lot to love about these classical piano composers who were born in February.

Michael Praetorius was born in 1571 in Creuzburg, Germany. His father was a Lutheran pastor, so it is not surprising that Praetorius served as an organist. His compositions were published as 17 volumes of music, mainly of sacred music such as chorales,

George Frideric Handel was born on February 23, 1685 in Halle, Germany. His organ concertos may have been inspired by his home town, which attracted famous musicians. Even small churches had good organists. Handel’s father hired one of those organists to instruct Handel – and he was Handel’s only teacher.

Gioachino Rossini was born on February 29, 1792, in Pesaro, Italy. While he is most known for his 39 operas, such as Guillaume Tell, he also wrote songs for piano. Rossini and his wife launched a weekly evening salon, which featured more than 150 pieces he wrote for them, such as solo piano pieces.

Felix Mendelssohn was born on February 3, 1809, in Hamburg. Mendelssohn served as a pianist and organist as well as composing for those instruments. His mother gave him piano lessons starting when hie was six years old. His first published works were three piano quarters.

Leopold Godowsky was born on February 13, 1870, in Vilnius, Lithuania. He proficiently played the  piano and composed by age five. Godowsky was a virtuoso pianist, and his technical knowledge informed his compositions for the piano in terms of hands’ movements. He also taught at the Chicago Conservatory.

Our hearts go out to them.