Welcome to our first AI Watch column! The three of us talk monthly in the Libraries Lead Podcast (available at librarieslead.libraryjournal.com), and now we share content from that segment of the podcast in digital and print form through Library Journal.

Libraries are evolving rapidly and leadership in this space requires more than passion—it demands strategic vision, adaptability, and a keen understanding of data. This article will discuss how library leaders can harness data to make informed decisions, align resources, and foster engagement within their communities.

Library vendors have announced several new products, partnerships, and programs during the past two months. Here’s a sampling of recent news.