Public Libraries Editorial Guidelines

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Public Libraries is always eager to showcase well-written, insightful articles that address the real needs and interests of public librarians and library staff. We welcome contributions that share practical solutions, innovative ideas, and thoughtful perspectives that can help strengthen public library service and inspire colleagues across the field.

How to Pitch

Please email a brief query that includes:

  • Working title and short outline
  • Why this topic matters to public libraries (audience and outcomes)
  • Anticipated word count and where it fits (feature or column; issue theme if applicable)
  • Any co-authors, affiliations, or potential conflicts of interest
  • Proposed timeline

Send queries and submissions to the editor, Kathleen Hughes: khughes@ala.org.

Writing for Public Libraries

  • Public Libraries is the official magazine of the Public Library Association. Our readers include PLA members, public librarians, public library workers, trustees, vendors, and the entire public library community.
  • Originality: All contributions should be the original work of the author.
  • Feature Article Length: 2,500–3,000 words to fit the allotted space. Column length: 1200 words.
  • Further Reading: Please include 2–3 recommendations for further reading to appear in a box at the end of your article.
  • Headline: Include a headline for your article.
  • Author bio: Please include your author bio in this format: Your Name is [title] at [library, city, state, email address]. Your first name is reading: [title of book].
  • Author photo: Ensure we have a current high-resolution headshot for each author.
  • Submission format: Articles should be saved in Word format and sent as an email attachment to khughes@ala.org.
  • Links: The magazine is now digital, so please include hyperlinks where relevant (and double-check that they work).

Content

Articles should:

  • Be interesting, well-written, and thought-provoking.
  • Provide useful information readers can incorporate into their libraries right away.
  • Inform perspectives on the topic and ideally help shape reader thinking.

Tone

A conversational tone is preferred; lean toward informality rather than formality. Use the inverted pyramid style of writing, prioritizing the most important information at the beginning of the article.

Structure

  • To maintain reader engagement, break up long sections of text:
  • Use subheadings to organize content and highlight key points.
  • Consider bullet points or numbered lists for clarity.

Authors should aim to answer:

  • What did you do?
  • Why did you do it?
  • What happened when you did that?
  • What do the results mean in theory?
  • What do the results mean in practice?
  • What is the key benefit for readers?
  • What remains unresolved?

Photographs/Images

  • Send as separate files, attached to the same email (not embedded in the Word document).
  • High resolution required; include captions and photographer credit.
  • Indicate preferred photo placement in the text if applicable.

Style

  • Use Webster’s for spelling.
  • For questions of style use the Chicago Manual of Style (latest edition).

Tables, Charts, and Graphs

Authors are encouraged to include tables, charts, or graphs when they help clarify or highlight important information.

Submission Instructions:

  • Use only when they make complex information easier to understand.
  • Keep layouts simple, with clear labels and minimal formatting.
  • Submit tables in Word or Excel format; submit charts/graphs in an editable format (Excel, PowerPoint, or similar). Do not embed them as images.
  • Indicate in the manuscript where each item should appear (e.g., [Insert Table 1 here], [Insert Figure 2 here]).
  • Provide a short, descriptive title for each table, chart, or graph.

References/Citations

Avoid embedded footnotes. Use Chicago Humanities style: superscript numbers in the text with a corresponding list at the end of the article.

Use ibid. for subsequent consecutive citations of the same source.

Example (in text): Public libraries are increasingly hosting community health programs.^1

Example (endnote list):

John Smith, Libraries and Community Health (Chicago: Library Press, 2020), 45.

Ibid., 50.

For questions or to discuss an idea before querying, or to send a query, contact Kathleen Hughes, Editor, Public Libraries, khughes@ala.org. We look forward to featuring your voice in Public Libraries!