NEO-RLS News-March 30, 2022

Salary Survey

A Note From the Continuing Education Coordinator

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Public Library Association 2022 Conference in Portland, Oregon. Like many other attendees, this was the first large event that I have attended since before the start of the pandemic and I was very excited to be surrounded by people again, but not just any people, library people! Today, I wanted to share just a few of my takeaways with you.
  1.  The potential of libraries to have a lasting impact on the communities they serve is limitless. I attended presentations from libraries that are helping refugees in their communities start small businesses, providing safe spaces for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and implementing universal design strategies to develop programs and services for neurodiverse patrons of all ages. These library initiatives are just a few of the countless way’s libraries impact lives every day.  
  2. I am excited for the future of libraries. We all know that libraries are constantly evolving to better serve their communities and that evolution was on display at PLA. Libraries are no longer just brick and mortar repositories for physical collections and librarians are no longer the gate keepers of knowledge. Whether it is expanding outreach through the use of bookmobiles or partnering with local farmers to provide fresh produce to those in need, libraries have become a vital source of learning, creativity, and service to their communities.  
  3. There is work to be done. Many of the sessions I attended were focused on DEIA initiatives, training, and programming. While it was great to hear about the ways that libraries are working to better serve BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and other marginalized and underserved groups, it was also made apparent to me that this work is just beginning.  
Over the years I have found librarians and library staff to be some of the most passionate people around and that was proven to me again at PLA. I left the conference each day feeling inspired and motivated by all of the amazing things that libraries are doing around the country. I look forward to implementing fresh ideas in my work with NEO-RLS and bringing some new and exciting speakers to our members.  

Together we are maximizing library potential. Have a great week!  
Ragan 

Post and Share Continuing Education Opportunities

CE @ a Glance is a simple one-page flyer to distribute to your staff.  You can print it, link it, or post it, please share it.

NEO-RLS Announcements

 
NOMINATION PERIOD FOR OPEN NEO-RLS BOARD SEATS BEGINS APRIL 1
The nomination period to run for an open NEO-RLS Board seat begins this Friday, April 1st.  You must be the designated Member Representative of your library in order to nominate yourself or be nominated.  Library Directors may change the Member Representative to reflect the name of the person interested in becoming a member of the Board of Trustees.  Terms are for three years beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2025.  The Board meets 8 times per year on the third Tuesday of the month at 11:00 a.m.  Open seats include a representative from the Academic Library community, a representative from Zone 1 libraries (revenue of $17.5 M and up) and a representative from Zone 5 libraries (revenue up to $799,999).  Click on the links included here to go directly to the online fillable nomination form. Please consider joining us in leading NEO-RLS into the future!
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE POSITION OF NEO-RLS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS APRIL 6, 2022
For more information, please see the job posting.  Application materials consisting of a letter of interest, CV or resume, and three references, are due to William Rutger, Search Committee Chair, at wrutger@avonlake.lib.oh.us by end of day on April 6th.
 

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS for certification can be found in
My Transcript.  To locate your transcript, login to NEO-RLS.  In your Profile you will see Events and under that is My Transcript.  This will display all of the training that you have attended since 2014.

Spotlight On…

Visit our homepage feature, Spotlight On…, for more information on our newest offerings.  The new Archived Webinar Bundles are currently highlighted.

Information Literacy

What’s truth got to do with it? Information’s value in an unstable environment
10:00 am, Tuesday, April 26, 2022


Learning Objectives:
  • Examine elements of misinformation and disinformation while exploring methods to help library users make informed information choices
  • Group discussions will highlight current user engagement with information quality and unique opportunities for library staff to participate in information literacy
  • Through timely examples and patron-based scenario exercises, participants will analyze the value of information and learn how to identify potential avenues for user communication and education
Presenters:  
Megan MamolenLibrarian and Assistant Professor, Lakeland Community College
Thomas Hyland, Library Program Chair and a Professor, Lakeland Community College

Meet with Your Peers

From the State Library

Ryan Dowd is hosting his next live training Mental Illness: How to Handle Problematic Behavior which is the first in a 3-part series on mental health.  The training includes a live Q&A with Ryan, printable infographic, interactive workbook, and certificate of completion.  If you can’t attend live the replay will be available on zoom for 4 weeks and in Niche Academy 5 days after the live training.  
 
Critical Conversation Series: What to know about Intellectual Freedom, Book Challenges and Libraries with ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom virtual event is on April 18, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.
 
The 90-minute Critical Conversation Series presentation is geared toward Ohio library staff of all types. Library staff strive to provide their communities with diverse resources, programming, and services to ensure that the library is a welcoming and inclusive institution for everyone.
Does your library serve summer meals/snacks, or are you interested in being a meal site or supporting other meal sites in your area?
 
Read on for some basics about the USDA Summer Food Service Program and how libraries can participate, and an important update on regulations that impact how summer meals are distributed.

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Where is the Jobline?

Check out the job postings at the new Jobline location on the website under Services.

Construction Series

From Ohio Center for the Book

 
National Poetry Month is less than two weeks away!
 
Mark your calendar for these events brought to you by the Ohio Center for the Book based at Cleveland Public Library.
For full details and connection information for the virtual programs, click here.
Just a reminder that, starting March 26, the Ohio Center for the Book in collaboration with the State Library of Ohio is hosting a virtual Wikipedia edit-a-thon to add information to the online encyclopedia about Ohio women in honor of Women's History Month.
 
Full details are here.

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FREE to a Good Home

University of Mount Union has a used but in good condition ComDex Microform Reader available. It is free to the library that can pick it up at the library.  Please contact Abby Noland, by email,  nolandab@mountunion.edu, or phone, 330 823-3842.


 

 

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