In a conversation with the directors of the state’s other regional library systems it was mentioned that there had been multiple instances in Ohio libraries of issues between library staff and patrons about mask policies.  So much has happened other the past 6 months that it’s enough to make one’s head spin and it’s easy to forget it’s more important than ever to take the time to make certain everyone feels equipped with the appropriate tools to handle such situations and also feels supported in taking appropriate action.  This of course, means making certain there are adequate policies and procedures in place, making certain everyone knows and understands the expectations, making certain staff are trained and making certain both staff and customers are held accountable.  After our meeting, Gayle Ecabert at SWON sent me the following link for an article titled, “How Should Your Business Handle Anti-Mask Guests? A 5-Step Action Plan.”  Fisher Phillips is a large law firm with offices nationwide specializing in employment law.  The article has some good suggestions to offer and may be helpful in making certain your library has what is needed in place.  Have a good week and stay well!
 

Betsy Lantz

Please take a moment to share CE at a Glance with your staff.  There is something for everyone.

11/4/2020
Leveraging Libraries as a Resource for Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors
11/12/2020
Organizing Chaos: Training for a Library Service Platform Migration
11/18/2020
Just Right Books-How to use text complexity and reading levels in your readers' advisory for kids
Click the calendar to see all of our continuing education opportunities.

Mark Your Calendars for the NEO-RLS 2020 Membership and Appreciation Meeting!
This year our Membership and Appreciation Meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 10:45 -12:45.  We will welcome our new State Librarian, Wendy Knapp, who will speak about her vision for the State Library of Ohio.  In addition, the leadership of many of Ohio’s library organizations will speak on the topic – “Look to the Future: Next Steps after the Pandemic.”  We will present out awards and honor all of those that participated in the life of NEO-RLS over the course of the year, helping to bring our region excellent continuing education opportunities and building a better regional for you!  We hope that you will join us.

The Collaborative Summer Library Program is recruiting members for its working committees. Please consider joining a CSLP committee! If you work at an Ohio public library, you are eligible.  While the duties vary, committee obligations generally run for one calendar year. An individual may participate on up to 2 CSLP committees at a time...

Here are two opportunities to apply for free books for your library! The Distribution to Underserved Communities Library Program invites you to place an order of free art books for your library if you have not done so in the past year. After pausing operations due to the COVID-19 outbreak, D.U.C. is now accepting and shipping book orders...

OHRAB Professional Development Scholarship: The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board, in conjunction with the National Historical Publications and Records Commission has allocated $1,200 annually in scholarship aid to support continuing archival education for graduate students and individuals who care for the historic record...

The Library of Congress National Book Festival Take on Our Challenge: Read Across the Library! We are five weeks away from the 20th annual National Book Festival will be held online Sept. 25-27. ! If you are a parent, you are likely a fan of the Library or the festival, but how could you get your kids excited, too? We challenge you and your family to read across the Library...

OELMA 2020 Virtual Conference:  20/20 Vision - Focus on the Future Right now we are all focused on going back to school. Let's take a moment away from that headache and talk about something fun: our conference. Our virtual conference: Vision 2020 Focus on the Future, will prove to be just what the doctor ordered as a pick me up come October...