Happy Spring! Now is the time of year when the snow melts, and things begin to grow, taking shape for the year ahead. As with our surroundings, this too is a time of growth at NEO-RLS. As we all slowly make our way out of 2020 and hopefully into a healthier and more comfortable 2021, I wanted to highlight some of NEO-RLS's recent activities and a few upcoming opportunities for member participation.   
 
First, everyone at NEO-RLS is excited to announce the launch of the much anticipated Statewide Salary Survey - a comprehensive wage and benefits survey! We encourage everyone to submit their salary and benefits data to produce a robust and meaningful tool for Ohio's libraries. There is no cost to submit your data. The deadline for completion is April 30, 2021. All libraries will be able to purchase the results beginning July 1, 2021. If you participate by submitting your data, the cost to purchase reports will be significantly reduced depending on your library size and dues-paying status. A big kudos to the NEO-RLS staff and committee members for all their work on making this resource a reality!
 
Also, recent conversations and membership feedback regarding the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in NEO-RLS's programming offerings, including topics and speakers, have led to the creation of the Ad Hoc Committee on DEI Strategies. This committee is the first step in ensuring that NEO-RLS's offerings and opportunities reflect our diverse membership. For the committee to be successful, we seek volunteers to serve and represent our membership's full spectrum. If you would like to join the committee or have someone to recommend, please contact Betsy Lantz. 
 
Last, the NEO-RLS Board nominations and elections are coming up. Board members serve an essential role in shaping NEO-RLS's mission to empower the Northeast Ohio library community through high-quality staff development and dynamic collaborative opportunities. Serving on the Board has been an excellent opportunity to help shape NEO-RLS and work with a fantastic group of professionals representing various libraries. Please consider adding your voice to NEO-RLS. To nominate yourself or someone else, please contact Betsy Lantz. 
 
These are just a few of the many exciting things happening at NEO-RLS. We look forward to 2021 and another year of maximizing library potential together! Here's to warmer and healthier days ahead!
 
William Rutger
President, NEO-RLS Board of Trustees

Don't forget about CE @ a Glance.  A simple one-page flyer to share with your staff.

4/8/2021
Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting-Focused on Outdoor Programming and Take and Makes
5/12/2021
Three Things to Consider When Presenting Online
5/13/2021
Diversity Works: Understanding Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace
6/22/2021
Diversity Works: Building an Inclusive Workplace

NEO-RLS Statewide Salary Survey Has Been Distributed
The deadline for completion is April 30, 2021.  If you have any questions, please email Betsy Lantz or Debbie Blair.  In addition, for more information, see our Salary Survey FAQ.  Every library in Ohio is welcome to submit their data.

The Role of Administration in Succession Planning
Thursday, March 25^th - 10 am - noon
This engaging session is designed for Human Resources Executives as well as other senior leaders.  All participants will be provided tips and trained on tools that can be taken back to their library to immediately address succession challenges they are currently facing.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Administration's Contribution to Succession
• 70/20/10 Model of Talent Development
• Succession Planning Continuum – what can we do today?

Presenters:  
Elizabeth Cipolla, SHPR, SHRM-SCP, is an Executive consultant, HR & Business Consultant for Decision Associates.
Aaron Phillips is the Owner, HR & Business Consultant of Decision Associates.

The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for public libraries to host a Guiding Ohio Online Technology Trainer.  The State Library’s Guiding Ohio Online program, supported by federal LSTA funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, targets public libraries in Ohio that serve rural populations, in order to help Ohioans develop digital skills needed to fully participate in the digital age. Trainers will serve in selected libraries during the program year, October 1, 2021-June 30, 2022**.  Applications and proposed budget forms for Guiding Ohio Online can be found here and are due May 28, 2020.

CSLP is asking for suggestions from librarians nationwide for: -2024 program slogan – the 2024 theme is Adventure and the artist is Juana Martinez-Neal. See some samples of Juana’s artwork. -2025 program theme – artist TBD   A CSLP theme is a general topic to frame SLP programming, decorations, etc., such as music or space. A CSLP slogan is the catchphrase or name of the SLP, based on the theme, such as “Libraries Rock” or “A Universe of Stories.” A good slogan is memorable and enlivens the theme. The slogan must be appropriate for all age groups (early literacy, children, teens, adults) and the concept of it must be translatable to Spanish.

See what's new!  View Job Postings on the NEO-RLS website. 

Join Library Journal, School Library Journal, and Penguin Random House on Tuesday, April 6th for a free, day-long virtual book and author festival as we celebrate National Library Week and librarians everywhere! Click here for more information.

Introduction to Website Accessibility Friday, April 2, 2021 at 10:00 am Are you concerned that your library's website isn't meeting accessibility standards? If not, you should be--lawsuits concerning website accessibility failures are increasing, and libraries do not have immunity.