Críticas is Back!

It was about four months ago that I first reported on Reed Elsevier’s highly criticized decision to cease publication of Críticas magazine due to insufficient ad revenue. I am now happy to report that the company that owns Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, and School Library Journal has made good on its promise to continue coverage of the Spanish language book market by continuing to provide English language reviews of Spanish language titles to the librarians who so desperately need them, as openly expressed in this letter from REFORMA member and former Criticas blogger Loida García-Febo: http://www.criticasmagazine.com/blog/820000482/post/290040029.html

In a letter from the magazine's editor, Aída Bardales, Library Journal announced today that it will “resume reviewing Spanish-language books for adults and children,” adding that “adult books will be reviewed monthly, and children's titles every other month.” Freda Mosquera, youth services outreach librarian for Broward County Library, FL, is the newest addition to the Críticas team, replacing Noel Baca-Castex, the former Children Reviews Editor. Aída's letter goes on to thank all of those who have supported the magazine over the years, particularly those who, in one way or another, contributed to its return. A short message on Criticas’ old website acknowledges the role of those individuals as well, stating that they have resumed reviews of Spanish language titles “in response to reader demand following [the magazine's] suspension.” The first set of reviews of Spanish language and bilingual titles has already been uploaded to its new location in Library Journal’s website. Enjoy!