A while back I read an article in the January/February issue of American Libraries by Rachel Ivy Clarke.  The article, “Work Made Visible: What’s lost when we obscure labor,” really resonated with me, as I’m sure it did for many of those that read it.  The article pointed out that much of the work done in libraries is behind the scenes.  As such, it becomes unnoticeable, not only to patrons, but oftentimes to administrators and community stakeholders as well.  In libraries, we spend a lot of time on the back end of projects, programs and services, working to provide a finished result that looks effortless and seamless.  By making it all look easy, we immediately cloud our ability to effectively communicate the time and effort that has gone into the planning and implementation.  If no one knows or understands what is involved, resources (including the need for staff) may dwindle from internal and external sources.  In addition, it is hard for library staff to feel that what they do is important if their efforts are not easily ascertained by patrons and others.  As we continue to confront post-pandemic issues with short staffing and hiring, let’s come up with some new methods of acknowledging and articulating the significant amount of library work that currently goes unnoticed.  Let’s challenge ourselves to communicate the value of all of that back end effort in ways that make sense to our communities.  Doing so will allow us the opportunity to move people beyond their established assumptions of library value and will add a new dimension of worth for those working in our libraries.  Together we are maximizing library potential.  Have a great week! 

Betsy

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.

4/28/2022
Embracing Equity in Cataloging: Critical cataloging steps you can take
8/11/2022
Discovering DEI
8/17/2022
Patron Response Framework: Responding with Empathy, Kindness, and Love to difficult situations
9/13/2022
Safe Space - LGBTQ+ Cultural Competence Training
11/2/2022
Intersectionality 101
12/1/2022
Recognizing Bias
12/14/2022
Addressing Microaggressions

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

WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR SPECIAL LIBRARIES?
Join us on June 15, 2022 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. via Zoom to hear what challenges the rich array of special libraries in our region are facing.  The meeting is free and open to everyone!  The Special Libraries Network Group meeting will be held as a roundtable format where colleagues can talk about how they are dealing with staffing shortages, loss of space, onboarding of new staff, and working on advocacy efforts to demonstrate value.  Hear how those working in our law libraries, art libraries, hospital/medical libraries, and archives, are doing and what they are doing.  Have another topic you would like to discuss?  Let us know.  Register today!
 

Back to the Book XXI: Booktalking, Bringing Readers Back into the Building Along with Feel Good Reads, and Horror Just in Time for Halloween
Thursday, October, 27 2022
Hilton Garden Inn, Twinsburg

We are excited to bring back the popular Back to the Book program.  In our twenty-first year for Back to the Book, our featured speaker will be well-known author and blogger Becky Spratford.  She will start the day with Booktalking Your Way to the Friendliest Library in Town, followed by Bringing Readers Back to the Building: Book Based In-Person Events Beyond Community Reads.  After lunch we will have some reading conversations.  Mary Olson, Medina County District Library, and Katlin Booth, Cuyahoga County Public Library, will share the feel good reads that everyone is craving.  We will end the day, if you dare, with Becky's expertise in the horror genre -  just in time for Halloween!  Click HERE for more information and to register.

The State Library of Ohio and OhioNet are collaborating to bring you the “Be the Change” online workshop series under the umbrella of Library Leadership Ohio (LLO).  The LLO committee recognizes the ongoing challenges facing library staff around Ohio, and we are committed to broadening access to these programs and resources by creating a new, online leadership opportunity.

The Ohioana Book Festival will be held online from April 29 through May 1. Over 100 Ohio authors and illustrators will be taking part in panel discussions, readings, and conversations from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon. All Ohioana Book Festival events are FREE; registration is required for live author panels and readings. See the complete schedule and links to register for individual events:

YALSA is inviting librarians to submit a proposal for the 2022 YA Symposium. You do not have to be an ALA/YALSA member in order to submit a proposal.   The Symposium will be held November 4-6 in Baltimore, MD. This year’s theme is Rediscovering Our Charm: Supporting Teens and Each Other in Our Libraries.

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

 

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