As we head toward the first meeting of our new Ad Hoc DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Strategies Committee, I want to invite anyone interested in working with the committee to contact me or Teanna Weeks, Chair.  I also want to invite everyone to attend two new DEI programs facilitated by Barbara Baker and Vanessa Bullock from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.  Both have presented for NEO-RLS recently and have received very positive feedback.  Their first program is scheduled for May 13th and is entitled, Diversity Works: Understanding Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace.  The program will approach DEI through an explanation of discrimination and harassment laws, tips for creating an inclusive workplace and how to have difficult conversations about discrimination and diversity.  The second program on June 22nd is entitled, Diversity Works: Building an Inclusive Workplace.  This highly interactive program will focus on the benefits of an inclusive workplace and how to achieve one by examining various scenarios related to unconscious bias, cultural competency and civility.   We hope you will join us in our efforts to build diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces for all by registering today!  We hope you will contact us if you would like to shape DEI strategies for NEO-RLS.  Together we are maximizing library potential.  Stay well and enjoy your week! 
  
Betsy Lantz

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

Escape Rooms at Your Library
5/5/2021
Crash Course in Using TikTok
5/5/2021
Book Discussion Networking Meeting
5/12/2021
Three Things to Consider When Presenting Online
5/13/2021
Diversity Works: Understanding Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace
5/13/2021
Academic Library Directors Virtual Networking Meeting
5/19/2021
Assertiveness for the Unassertive
5/26/2021
Zoom Out: Other Innovative Online Platforms and Tools to Connect with your Audience

Nominations for 2021-2022 Open Board Seats are Open Nomination information was sent out on April 1st for those eligible to run for election for open NEO-RLS Boards seats.  There is one open seat for each of Zone 2 ($1,500,000 - $3,999,999), Zone 3 ($800,000 - $1,499,999), Zone 4 (up to $799,999) and Academic Libraries.  If you are interested, need more information or don’t know if you are eligible to nominate yourself or someone else, please contact Betsy Lantz.  Nominations close on April 30th.

Statewide Salary Survey UPDATE The Salary Survey was deployed on Thursday, March 18th to Ohio’s libraries.  If you DID NOT receive an invitation to participate in the survey, please notify Betsy Lantz or Debbie Blair IMMEDIATELY.  We will send you a new link so that you can participate.  We thank everyone who has already completed their survey and all of those who are busy at work on the survey.  Your participation is crucial to helping create a meaningful tool for our libraries.

Impacting Lives-One Teen at a Time:  What Directors Should Know A Transforming Teen Services Event   Wednesday, May 12, 10:00-11:30 am  Change is happening across the country. Teen Services is taking on a bold new approach that sets up our youth for success in life. As a changemaker in the library world, you can help take Teen Services at your library to the next level with YALSA’s Transforming Teen Services initiative.

Floyd’s Pick Friday, April 23, 1:00-2:00 pm Register HERE Floyd’s Pick is a book award developed by the Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO) Advisory Council and presented in memory of children’s literature expert, advocate, and librarian Floyd Dickman.

The library at the Office of Ohio Attorney General is downsizing and has 50 good-condition, adjustable shelf bookcases available free to any government entity, including libraries and schools, that wants them. The bookcases are 7’ high x 3’ wide x about 11.5” deep.   If interested, Contact Carol Ottolenghi, Director of Library Services, Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, via email or at 614-995-4226.

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

Save the Date!  Ohio Valley Group of Technical Services Librarians  JUNE 3-4, 2021 The 2020/2021 OVGTSL conference will be held online June 3-4 2021.    More information coming soon!

The premier librarian-only gathering of the year, Library Journal’s Day of Dialog returns virtually on May 6 with something new. Along with a packed day of panels ranging from historical fiction to social justice, the event will feature extended individual interviews with four important authors.