Barry Trott – The UncommonWealth

AI in Virginia Public Libraries

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic these days, to say the least, and it seems that there are new developments happening weekly if not…

Barry TrottJune 3, 2026

Public Libraries The Stacks

IMLS, LSTA, and Public Libraries

In 1996, then-president Bill Clinton signed the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). This act provides federal funding for libraries through the Grants to States…

Barry TrottMay 12, 2025

Public Libraries Virginia Authors

Virginia Library Staff Best Reads of 2023

It can be a challenge to find new books, and so we often look to friends, colleagues, bestseller lists, and other sources for ideas when…

Barry TrottJanuary 31, 2024

Public Libraries

Public Libraries Supporting Military Families

In an increasingly digital world, it can sometimes be a challenge to find a place in a new community to connect with people and find…

Barry TrottSeptember 11, 2023

Public Libraries

Libraries Supporting Military Families

When it comes to moving, military families know all the ins and outs. The average military family will move every two to three years, and…

Barry TrottNovember 14, 2022

Public Libraries

Libraries and the Power of Story

"...all cultures—the dominant and marginalized—have always used stories to validate their existences, make sense of their worlds, and pass on to future generations what they…

Barry TrottMarch 14, 2022