Session 135: "Libraries in Local Media" - Ann Arbor PL Steps In

Libaries in Response

Speaker:
Eli Neiburger
Director
Ann Arbor Library

Newspapers have been under seige and financial distress since Craig's List eclipsed their primary revenue stream: classified ads. For past decades we've seen subscriber reduction, staff shrinkage, issue reductions regional consolidations and outright closures of thousands of local news outlets.

When Libraries and Journalists Join Forces - Library Journal, Aug. 2025

"In the quest for new ways to combat misinformation, partnerships between media organizations and libraries are on the rise"

"The Ann Arbor District Library is planning to purchase the Ann Arbor Observer newspaper.

The notion of the acquisition began during the Ann Arbor Bicentennial celebration when the library released an archive of all previous Observer editions.

Publisher Patricia Garcia and editor John Hilton hinted at a possible sale since they’re retiring. They wanted to ensure the Observer remained public and available to all. Parties expect to finalize the move before the end of the year.

AADL Director Eli Neiburger says editorial control will remain with Observer personnel.

“They will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the library, and the Observer management will be responsible for what goes in the Observer, just like it is now.”

Neiburger says it will remain a free publication."

Join us to hear this important story about a determined public library assuring their community continues to receive local information and news!

2025 LIR Sponsors and Supporters:

New Jersey State Library
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Mission Telecom
Washington State Library
Delaware State Library
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

ENJOY!