Rhode Island Library Association RILA Blog https://www.rilibraries.org/ Rhode Island Library Association blog posts Rhode Island Library Association Wild Apricot - membership management software and more en Wed, 07 Dec 2022 06:42:02 GMT Wed, 07 Dec 2022 06:42:02 GMT Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:04:22 GMT Pascoag Public Library Nominated for IMLS National Medal <p>Inspired by their Sesquicentennial Soiree a year ago, Senator Jack Reed nominated <a href="https://www.pascoaglibrary.org/" target="_blank">Pascoag Public Library</a> in Burrillville for the Institute of Museum &amp; Library Services (IMLS) <a href="https://imls.gov/our-work/national-medal-museum-and-library-service" target="_blank">National Medal for Museum &amp; Library Service</a>. This is the nation's highest honor for museums &amp; libraries that make significant &amp; exceptional contributions to their communities.<br> <br> Recipients will be announced in Spring 2023.<br> <br> "It's a bit of a cliche, but in this case we feel it truly is an honor just to be considered for this award. Then, to be nominated by someone with the stature of Senator Reed, well, we're thrilled &amp; grateful beyond measure." (quote: Board of Trustees President Kathan Lambert &amp; Library Director Gretchen Hanley)<br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12997512 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12997512 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 17:51:19 GMT News From George Hail <h3>Native American collection expanded</h3> <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/CollectionI-1-1536x1152.jpg" alt="Native American collection at the George Hail Library" title="Native American collection at the George Hail Library" style="margin: 8px;" width="267" height="200" border="0" align="right">The George Hail Library is pleased to announce the release of a new special collection of books on the local history of the Pokanoket people. This collection was generously donated by the American Indian Study Committee. The circulating collection is available to all patrons with an Ocean State Library card in good standing. The American Indian Study Committee was appointed by the Warren Town Council in 2020<br> <a href="https://sowamsheritagearea.org/wp/american-indian-special-collection-opens-at-the-george-hail-library-in-warren/" target="_blank">Read more on the Sowams Heritage Area website.</a><br></p> <h3>Welcome Michaela Hutchinson, Youth Services Librarian</h3> <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/michaelajill%20-%20Chris%20Matos.jpg" alt="Jill and Michaela standing in front of a stone wall at the George Hail Library." title="Jill and Michaela standing in front of a stone wall at the George Hail Library." style="margin: 8px;" width="267" height="200" border="0" align="right">We have two new wonderful staff members on our team at the George Hail Library.&nbsp; Jill C-D (left) who started in August and now Michaela Hutchinson (right), our new youth services librarian.&nbsp; Michaela recently graduated from Simmons College and this is her first professional position.&nbsp; Her last position was in Burlington, MA.&nbsp; We are excited to have both here at the George Hail Library.<br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12981135 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12981135 Thu, 06 Oct 2022 13:27:31 GMT Upcoming P2PU Workshops <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/p2purila.png" alt="P2PU Logo and RILA Logo" title="P2PU Logo and RILA Logo" style="margin: 10px;" width="249" height="136" border="0" align="right"><a href="https://www.p2pu.org/en/" target="_blank">Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU)</a> and the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) welcome library staff to build a learning community with fellow librarians across the state. P2PU is developing five workshops on in-demand topics for Rhode Island library staff. <a href="https://www.addevent.com/calendar/Hq499989" target="_blank">Join any of the five 60-minute workshops on our calendar about these advanced facilitation techniques</a>:</p> <ul> <li>Oct. 13, 2022 - Best practices for co-facilitating peer learning (<a href="https://www.addevent.com/event/hW14937432" target="_blank">Click here to RSVP</a>)</li> <li>Dec. 8, 2022 - Self-advocacy: Looking out for yourself when running a program (<a href="https://www.addevent.com/event/tN14937418" target="_blank">Click here to RSVP</a>)</li> <li>Feb. 9, 2023 - How to lead technical programs when you’re a non-expert (<a href="https://www.addevent.com/event/UX14950352" target="_blank">Click here to RSVP</a>)</li> <li>April 13, 2023 - How to navigate sensitive and interpersonal topics (<a href="https://www.addevent.com/event/vk14950360" target="_blank">Click here to RSVP</a>)</li> <li>June 8, 2023 - Safe Spaces: Balancing feeling safe with feeling challenged (<a href="https://www.addevent.com/event/Rr14950364" target="_blank">Click here to RSVP</a>)</li> </ul> <p>Additionally, P2PU will create three learning circle facilitator guides on topics of interest to the Rhode Island library community to be completed by the end of 2022:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>LGBTQ+ services (Queering Identities: Sexuality and Gender Identity)</li> <li>Writing for change (Writing grant proposals, applications and op-eds)</li> <li>Advocacy in public libraries (PLA’s Turning the Page)</li> </ul> <p>Since 2016, P2PU has supported RILA in running learning circles. These free, peer-led study groups can increase patron engagement and retention in online courses, and they provide an accessible and supportive environment for learners. Providence Public Library initially worked with ESOL students to run citizenship prep learning circles where adults at various levels of readiness prepared for the citizenship exam process, practiced English, and built relationships with their peers. In 2021, P2PU worked with Amrita S. Patel and Denise LaForce, former colleagues at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (CML), to develop course materials on <a href="https://learningcircles.p2pu.org/en/course/923/" target="_blank">How to Talk about Race</a>. Facilitators across the country have adapted this learning circle to navigate these difficult and necessary conversations in their communities. (<a href="https://info.p2pu.org/2021/09/09/case-study-rila/" target="_blank">Read more about this project at their blog!</a>)</p> <p>At the heart of the success of learning circles is the community of facilitators that make them happen. We’re grateful to the facilitators in the RILA library community who voiced their interest in these topics, and we look forward to continuing this work. Email us at <a href="mailto:thepeople@p2pu.org" target="_blank">thepeople@p2pu.org</a> with any questions about how to join our peer learning community.<br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12944672 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12944672 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:18:42 GMT The Importance of Policies: Promoting Our Principles in Practice <ul> <li><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrd-uvqTkrE9MCDu6R3ODZpxP-q79-7IgF?_x_zm_rtaid=2kAnrzhcR1qqrZNw7Eb2sw.1658775103974.b727143bcb8b35ab9d8b33426ab58e0a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=917" target="_blank">Part One: Wednesday, September 21st at 4 PM on Zoom</a></li> <li>Part Two: Wednesday, October 12th at 4 PM at Cranston Public Library Central Library Meeting Room</li> </ul> <p>Does talking about policies sound less exciting than watching paint dry? Would&nbsp;you&nbsp;rather organize your junk drawer than review your collection development practices? If so, it's time to reframe how you think about these important tools as embodiments of our professional principles.&nbsp; In the first session of this two-part series, we will share our experiences with current concerns about library resources and services and learn about best practices for library&nbsp;policies that support us in promoting intellectual freedom and social justice. The second session will be a hands-on workshop focused on writing or revising policies based on what we learned in the first session. By the end of the series, we should feel more confident in our abilities to protect access to the information that meets the needs of our communities.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrd-uvqTkrE9MCDu6R3ODZpxP-q79-7IgF?_x_zm_rtaid=2kAnrzhcR1qqrZNw7Eb2sw.1658775103974.b727143bcb8b35ab9d8b33426ab58e0a&amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=917" style="background-color: rgb(14, 67, 112); border: medium none; color: white; font-weight: 600; padding: 15px 32px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; border-radius: 4px; clear: both; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank" rel="noopener" align="center">Register For Part One</a></p> <p>Martin Garnar, PhD, is the director of the Amherst College Library and the editor of the 10th edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual. His professional activities and speaking schedule reflect a profound inability to say no. A native New Yorker, Martin lives in western Massachusetts with his husband Mark and their impossibly cute miniature dachshunds.</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12881652 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12881652 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 15:25:09 GMT Cornucopia of Rhode Island Call for Poster Proposals-Annual Mini Conference <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Site/Home%20Page%20SlideShow/CORI%20Poster%20Proposals(1).png" alt="Cornucopia of Rhode Island: A library community of color. Request for proposals." title="Cornucopia of Rhode Island: A library community of color. Request for proposals." border="0">On behalf of the <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/cori" target="_blank">Cornucopia of Rhode Island (CORI)</a>, we are delighted to invite current library school students and recent MLIS graduates to submit proposals for a poster presentation at the Cornucopia of Rhode Island annual mini conference on</font></span> <span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial">Thursday November 3, 2022 from 2:00-4:30pm</font></span><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial">. While not required, we encourage posters on the conference theme of ‘Recruitment and Retention of Librarians of Color’. We are also seeking posters on topics pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion in libraries.</font></span></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial">For consideration, please submit a 150 word (maximum) abstract of your poster topic by September 9, 2022 to <a href="mailto:cori@rilibraries.org" target="_blank">cori@rilibraries.org</a>. Selected posters and presenters will be notified by September 26, 2022. Questions may be directed to the conference organizers at <a href="mailto:cori@rilibraries.org" target="_blank">cori@rilibraries.org</a>. <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Site/2022%20CORI%20Conf%20Call%20for%20Poster%20Proposals%20-%20Cornucopia%20of%20Rhode%20Island.pdf" target="_blank">See attached flyer for more information [pdf].</a></font></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12874537 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12874537 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 14:16:24 GMT East Providence Public Library Hosts Drag Queen Story Hour <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><em>submitted by&nbsp;<span>Pamela Schwieger,&nbsp;</span><span>Youth Services Coordinator at&nbsp;</span><span>East Providence Public Library</span></em></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/IMG_3127.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="267" height="200" align="right" style="margin: 8px;">I am proud to report that, on Saturday, June 25, the East Providence Public Library held its first Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH). Aside from the heat, it was a beautiful day filled with love and acceptance, fun, and lots of color! Our DQSH was part of the largest Pride Event the city of East Providence has ever had. The day began with an inaugural East Providence Pride Parade, followed by a flag raising and speakers at City Hall; and continuing with music, GIANT bubbles, crafts, and LGBTQIA+ informational tables on the lawn at Weaver Library. And, of course, the culmination of the day, what everyone was waiting for, was the Drag Queen Story Hour performed so fabulously by Haley Star.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/IMG_3118.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="267" height="208" align="left" style="margin: 8px;">Our Pride Event and DQSH turned out to be a wonderful celebration of diversity and inclusion, however, the weeks leading up to the event had their ups and downs. We had the pleasure of collaborating with East Providence’s new LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board and Mayor DaSilva who encouraged us to turn our DQSH program into a larger, all-afternoon, Pride event. We were also supported by local agencies like PFLAG Providence, EPHS Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Newman Congregational Church, the Parasol Patrol, and more. Although we were given much positive feedback, not everyone was happy to hear about this event, and we also received phone calls and social media posts from members of the local and statewide community whose goal was to have the event canceled. Our performer, Haley Star, was also the victim of a great deal of hate speech. So much so that she took to her Facebook page to make a statement to defend the DQSH and invite others to come and support East Providence Pride Day.&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/IMG_3123.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="267" height="280" align="right" style="margin: 8px;">Thank you to Haley Star for being the brave person that you are, and for so eloquently reminding us that: “Events like these are for the children who don’t quite feel 100% seen yet, and have family members strong enough and brave enough to bring them there to experience an afternoon of joy, laughter and love to allow them to develop into their own true self.” I hope the children who attended this program felt encouraged to be exactly who they are, and to accept the differences of others.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">And, finally, thank you to Rashaa Al-Sasah, Emma Brelsford, Colin McCullough, and all the staff at West Warwick Public Library for hosting their DQSH in 2021. From the moment I left your incredibly positive and uplifting event last year, I knew that I needed to bring Drag Queen Story Hour to the families of East Providence.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Pride%20Banner.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12870606 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12870606 RILA Communications Wed, 27 Jul 2022 17:05:08 GMT Cranston Public Library Hires Elena Rios as the new full-time Youth Services Librarian <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Elena_Headshot2022-2%20-%20Lincoln%20School%20Parents%20Association.jpg" alt="Photo of Elena Rios, a young woman with round glasses and long dark hair, standing in front of green foliage." title="Photo of Elena Rios, a young woman with round glasses and long dark hair, standing in front of green foliage." style="margin: 10px;" width="133.5" height="200" border="0" align="right">The Cranston Public Library is pleased to announce the hiring of Elena Rios as the new full-time Youth Services Librarian at the Central Library. A lifelong resident of Cranston, Rios began working at Cranston Public Library in 2017 while she was a student at Cranston East High School. During her time with CPL, she has worked as a Page, a Library Aide, and Part-time Youth Services Librarian. She recently graduated from Simmons College, completing both her bachelor's in Information Technology and Master of Library Science.</font></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12864069 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12864069 Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:21:13 GMT Little Free Pantry at North Providence Library <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Site/Home%20Page%20SlideShow/NP%20Little%20Free%20Pantry%20-%20Website.png" alt="" title="" border="0">Inspired by a program at the 2022 RILA Conference, Assistant Circulation Manager Mary Albanese was on a mission to establish a food and necessities pantry at the library. "We get a lot of patrons, especially students after school, who are hungry or need an item that we don't regularly provide. Or they do not have money to buy a snack. We also have parents who come to programs looking for an item and it will save them money and a trip to the store. We want to provide as much as we can to our community."</p> <p>With the understanding that the pantry would be patron-driven, semi-private, and anonymous, the library soon set up a spare book cart and soon the donations came flooding in. <a href="https://www.redlinedperiod.org/" target="_blank">Red.Lined.Period</a> soon caught news of the pantry and reached out to Library Director Stefanie Blankenship via their Instagram post. Now Red.Lined has partnered with the library to provide feminine and incontinence products for those in need. Their mission, "Fighting Menstrual Product Insecurity in Rhode Island," is now benefiting North Providence Residents.</p> <p>Items brought to the pantry must be unopened, non-perishable, and not expired. Mary's hope is to acquire larger shelving as the pantry grows bigger and more visible in the community.<br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12849791 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12849791 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:37:13 GMT Rhode Island Library Association applauds House of Representatives for fully funding State Aid to Libraries <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Site/Home%20Page%20SlideShow/RI%20State%20Aid.png" alt="Photo of the Rhode Island State House, a large domed marble building. Text reads &quot;Thank you! RI House of Representatives votes to fully fund State Aid to Libraries.&quot;" title="Photo of the Rhode Island State House, a large domed marble building. Text reads &quot;Thank you! RI House of Representatives votes to fully fund State Aid to Libraries.&quot;" style="margin: 10px;" border="0"><br></p> <p>The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) applauds the RI House of Representatives' passage of the Fiscal 2023 state budget which includes $1.4 million in additional funding for libraries. For the first time since 2009, this budget fully funds state aid to public libraries at the funding level outlined in RI General Law 29-6-2. This additional funding will positively impact public libraries in every city and town in Rhode Island. Also included in the $1.4 million is additional funding for the Statewide Reference Resource Center also known as AskRI to continue funding for online learning and tutoring services available to all Rhode Islanders.<br> <br> “The Rhode Island Library Association applauds the House for its visible support of Rhode Island libraries by fully funding state aid to libraries. This action continues to build our communities resources and we are excited to see this commitment,” said RILA President Rachael Juskuv.<br> <br> RILA thanks Speaker Joe Shekarchi for his support of libraries and his recognition of the role libraries play in supporting constituents’ needs for access to information, technology, health and wellness resources, educational supports, and social connections.&nbsp; We thank the Speaker for his strong leadership for including this additional funding in the budget.<br> <br> RILA also thanks Representative David Morales (Providence) and Representative Jackie Baginski (Cranston) for being strong library advocates and their efforts along with the 40-plus sponsors of House bill 7916 for bringing much needed attention to this long standing funding issue.<br> <br> During National Library Week in April, Representative Morales and fellow legislators highlighted the essential work performed by libraries during the pandemic and the importance of full state funding by visiting all nine Community Libraries of Providence. “It was gratifying to host Representative Morales and to share the impact these state resources will have on our community,” said CLPVD Director Cheryl Space.<br> <br> The Rhode Island Library Association urges the RI Senate to pass the FY23 budget with the inclusion of these important funds for our public libraries.<br> <br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12819926 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12819926 Sat, 11 Jun 2022 14:04:50 GMT June 2022 Spotlight: RILA Intellectual Freedom Committee <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><em><span><font>Welcome to the</font></span></em> <span><font>RILA Bulletin</font></span> <em><span><font>Spotlight Series, where we feature the important work of a different RILA or RI library section, committee, roundtable, initiative, or organization in each issue.</font></span></em></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><em><span><font>Questions or suggestions for this column? Please send an email to <font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/communications@rilibraries.org">communications@rilibraries.org</a></u></font>.</font></span></em></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 24px;"><strong><span><font>June 2022 Spotlight: RILA Intellectual Freedom Committee</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/image2.jpg" alt="" title="" style="border-color: rgb(55, 55, 55); margin: 10px;" width="209" height="193" border="0" align="right">For this issue, we asked Tayla Cardillo to tell us about her role as Co-Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee. Tayla is the Branch Librarian of the Oak Lawn Branch of the Cranston Public Libraries in Cranston, Rhode Island.</font></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span><font>What is the mission or purpose of the Intellectual Freedom Committee?</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font>To help libraries in their role as protectors of Intellectual Freedom and the First Amendment as well as inform the Rhode Island Library Community about issues of Intellectual Freedom.</font></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span><font>When was the Intellectual Freedom Committee formed?</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font>This January, the Committee was reactivated after a period of inactivity.</font></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span><font>What made you personally interested in being involved with this committee?</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font>I think protecting people's intellectual freedom as well as their right to read and access information is one of the most important aspects of our jobs as library professionals. Frequently, the stories of marginalized groups are the ones that get labeled as obscene or inappropriate for children, so it is important to make sure that those voices are not silenced by the white heteronormative majority. Part of the reason many of these groups, especially the LGBTQAI+ community, don't know their own history is because their voices were silenced in the past. That's what I want to try to work to stop.</font></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span><font>What is this committee’s proudest achievement?</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font>Since this committee is just getting restarted, I am proud of the work the committee has done in the short period of time we've been meeting to get this committee going again. With the help of the Communications Committee, SLRI, and the RILA Board, we created an <font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/sys/website/?pageId=1776159" target="_blank">Intellectual Freedom statement</a></u></font> for RILA and put a page with resources to help the RI library committee learn more about Intellectual Freedom on the RILA website. I'm proud of what we accomplished in the first half of the year, and I'm excited to see what we'll do in the second half and beyond!</font></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span><font>What ongoing challenges does this Committee face?</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font>Our biggest ongoing challenge is figuring out the best way to support libraries and school districts who are facing book challenges. Do they need legal support, or support creating a solid collection development policy? Do they just want support from peers who understand what going through a challenge is like? These are the questions the committee has been grappling with since the beginning.</font></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span><font>If money and time were not an issue, what is the Intellectual Freedom Committee’s number one wish list item to support its mission or purpose?</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font>Creating a way for us to collect data about book challenges and other instances of censorship in RI and have people within the library community: 1) be aware that they can report censorship to us, and 2) feel safe and comfortable reporting to us.</font></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span><font>What partnerships with other groups or individuals (inside or outside of RILA) have been most beneficial for this Committee to meet its goals or objectives?</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font>Our partnership with the Communications Committee has been great because we did not have to reinvent the wheel when it came to getting information about Intellectual Freedom out there to people. They have a platform and they know how to use it and they were willing to share that platform with us so that we could get this information out there.</font></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span><font>Is this Committee looking for new members, and how can those interested get involved?</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font>Yes, we would be happy to have anyone interested in Intellectual Freedom to join us, and they can email <font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="mailto:ifcommittee@rilibraries.org" target="_blank">ifcommittee@rilibraries.org</a></u></font> to indicate their interest in joining the committee.</font></font></span></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span><font>What book are you reading now that you’d like to promote?</font></span></strong></font></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/image3.png" alt="" title="" style="margin: 10px;" border="0" align="left">I just finished <font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2542859?lang=eng" target="_blank"><em>Hey, Kiddo</em> by Jarrett Krosoczka</a></u></font>, which is a graphic memoir about his childhood being raised by his grandparents. The author’s mother was in and out of jail and rehab programs due to her drug addiction, and his father was absent from his life until he was a young adult. It was a great look into the effects of addiction on a family through the eyes of a child, and I think it will help a lot of kids who have complicated family situations feel seen.</font></font></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12813235 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12813235 RILA Communications Fri, 10 Jun 2022 20:26:51 GMT Rhode Island Library Association Awards Librarians, Library Staff, and Library Advocates at Annual Conference <img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/3C3247E4-6CB1-44A1-AF47-9F6B6B54C622_square.jpg" alt="Illustration of a gold medal, text atop the medal reads &quot;RILA Annual Awards 2022.&quot;" title="Illustration of a gold medal, text atop the medal reads &quot;RILA Annual Awards 2022.&quot;" style="margin: 10px;" width="200" height="200" border="0" align="right"> <p>SMITHFIELD, RI - The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) presented its annual awards at its Annual Conference, which was held May 25 and 26 at Bryant University in Smithfield. The theme for the conference was “Restore, Reconnect, Reflect.”</p> <p>"This year’s award recipients represent a wide cross section of library staff and advocates,” said RILA President Rachael Juskuv. “We were so fortunate to be able to have this awards reception in person this year, and give the winners the recognition they richly deserve."</p> <p>The 2022 RILA Award winners are:<br></p> <h4>Library Champion Award: Elyse Wasch, Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Senator Jack Reed.</h4> <p>“Elyse worked tirelessly behind the scenes as an advocate for libraries in Rhode Island and around the country,” said Karen Mellor, Chief of Library Services of the Office of Library &amp; Information Services. “Following the Senator’s lead as a champion of libraries, she developed an expertise in libraries and library legislation unrivaled by anyone on Capitol Hill and built broad bipartisan support for the Senator’s library agenda. During the pandemic she worked to secure funding for libraries in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, resulting in over $2.3 million of federal funding to help Rhode Island libraries respond to and recover from the pandemic. We are so very grateful for her efforts - Elyse is indeed a true champion of libraries.”</p> <h4>Outstanding Librarian Award: Nancy Kellner, Youth Outreach Librarian, Rogers Free Library, Bristol.</h4> <p>“When COVID hit, the library did not have a director. Nancy stepped up to the plate as co-interim director. Being a director is already a tremendous amount of work, but being a director during a pandemic is even harder. She encouraged staff to call, email, or text whenever they needed something. She never complained, and never said no. Nancy is a wonderful leader,” said Kristin Amaral, a former employee at the Rogers Free Library.</p> <h4>Outstanding Library Paraprofessional Award: Bethany Mott, Head of Circulation, East Smithfield Public Library</h4> <p>“Ms. Mott has made significant contributions to library programming. She runs the monthly evening book group, hosts craft classes, and is responsible for the graphic design and printing of the monthly library newsletter. She has been instrumental in the planning and design of the library’s new Makerspace. Ms. Mott is an important and vital member of the library workforce,” said Catherine Lynn, president of the Friends of the East Smithfield Public Library.</p> <h4>Meritorious Friend of the Library Award: Catherine Murray, Friends of the Rogers Free Library, Bristol</h4> <p>“The latest project Catherine has contributed to is the launch of our affiliation with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL),” said Insley Julier of Rogers Free Library. “Catherine generates marketing and promotion for DPIL, and her knowledge and understanding of graphic design and communications are only part of what she brings to the table. Her sense of humor always enlivens our meetings. We are thrilled that Ms. Murray has received this award.”</p> <h4>Meritorious Friends of the Library Award: The Friends of the Exeter Public Library</h4> <p>”Rhode Island’s newest library, the Exeter Public Library, which opened in September 2004, is the direct result of Exeter residents Helen Douglas, David Zannelli, and the Friends of the Exeter Public Library,” said Tien Tran, the library's director. “It is hard to overstate the amount of work that Helen, Dave, and the Friends put in through numerous programs and initiatives that played such an important role in the library’s creation. The Friends are creating an endowment with the Rhode Island Foundation to preserve and grow the funds that they have raised over the years. I am so moved and humbled by the comprehensiveness of their vision and support.”<br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12812687 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12812687 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 23:22:07 GMT Rhode Islanders Travel to Portland, OR for 2022 PLA Conference <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><em style="">submitted by Julie Holden, Cranston Public Library</em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">It has been over 2 years since there was an in-person national library conference, and this year’s Public Library Association (PLA) conference drew a semi-large crowd of library workers from across the country. Although Portland, Oregon is pretty much one of the farthest conference spots away from Rhode Island, many library staff from the Ocean State were able to make the trip.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">According to attendance estimates, over 4,000 people journeyed to the Oregon Convention Center, which was down from the 8,700 who attended the Nashville conference in 2020. Each attendee had to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test, and masks were required while at all indoor conference events. PLA also provided a virtual conference option this year, with about 1,100 people taking advantage. “Travel Portland,” the local tourist agency, gave out free TriMet rail passes to all attendees, so that we could ride the light rail to and from all downtown locations and even the airport.&nbsp;</font></p> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/tzmo15aL1fa9jtFzAzrOm9PrnGKOKTmdaHPZEaoE3YfvwKOFUIqHuSP2PFQHuM7LQRPPvCuwSF2HIeF3XgFo0JObElP1SoGXBp7n9zX9L0WRaEzG4bGpCbkZ5wGfUaWlqJJ_v7UY" width="329" height="184"></font> </div> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">In keeping with past PLA conferences, the “Big Ideas” stage opened up early each morning with inspirational speakers: author and lawyer Brittany K. Barnett, and recent 40-game</font> <em><font color="#000000">Jeopardy</font></em> <font color="#000000">champion Amy Schneider. The conference opening speaker was the impressive Luvvie Ajayi Jones, author of</font> <em><font color="#000000">Professional Troublemaker,</font></em> <font color="#000000">who encouraged us to speak up and speak out. The closing session featured actor and author Kal Penn (of</font> <em><font color="#000000">Harold &amp; Kumar</font></em> <font color="#000000">fame), who told us the hilarious tale of how he came to work in President Obama’s administration as Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The conference sessions were packed with new and interesting ideas from libraries across the country and included engaging sessions on the current topics we are all facing in our libraries: the first amendment; inclusion, diversity, equity, and access; censorship and intellectual freedom; and the digital future.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The exhibit hall featured aisles of library vendors, including everyone’s favorite prize supplier, Rhode Island Novelty! Lots of publishers were giving away both uncorrected proofs and published books to conference attendees, who then had to make the most difficult calculation facing a library employee: just how many free books can I actually fit in my suitcase to take home with me?&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">All in all, it was a nice return to in-person conferencing, and if you have never been to PLA, the next conference will take place a lot closer to home, in Columbus, Ohio, in 2024.</font></p> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/U4Zw7a70gbjIerG7pOv9iMoZfGVT2RhvrPSWt4SuGqVToBlHZXSBR-hPccDtzTGg49XHDQMbXfkRfk5_9TTIvr7Eb_XXY2dC6EhQFVXRrLMsnje2P4_vHHsKSsreCCmIzXM3X7Vt" width="436" height="327"></font> </div> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="center"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><em style="">Library Journal</em> Kline Award Event with staff from the Cranston Public Library.</font></p> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><br></font></font> </div> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BGyUCi1k7AVQ7qKVxedKdNYJAnrdR2yYhdeUyg6f-EuqfPrU0Qm880m9MtzCh1xMAmRNX8Y6cOnXwmDjwChX9PgpwXO7Tct7-xpW8FHM__oRFzNooomoXJ1y7AbQd3cwD0dc12h2" width="257" height="343"></font></font> </div> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><font color="#000000">The cherry blossoms were in full bloom in Portland - photo courtesy of</font> <a href="mailto:karenmcgrath@cranstonlibrary.org" style="" target="_blank"><span data-rich-links="{&quot;per_n&quot;:&quot;Karen McGrath&quot;,&quot;per_e&quot;:&quot;karenmcgrath@cranstonlibrary.org&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;person&quot;}"><font color="#1155CC">Karen McGrath</font></span></a>.</font></font> </div> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><br></font></font> </div> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/nTv_LtKZ1h4qhB_WQsyoH-do5U5VFo7xzNQ82Ahrg8-fcCYFmZXQGtsdNQGNH3SEYYtqif_kyI8SHocmnibauBevAzXUZYZfmsOCIcIVDBYyFaqGEIp2CQCwrc9KFjb2px2b44ZM" width="423" height="317"><br></font></font> </div> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><font color="#000000">“Keep Portland Weird” - photo courtesy of</font> <a href="mailto:karenmcgrath@cranstonlibrary.org" style="" target="_blank"><span data-rich-links="{&quot;per_n&quot;:&quot;Karen McGrath&quot;,&quot;per_e&quot;:&quot;karenmcgrath@cranstonlibrary.org&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;person&quot;}"><font color="#1155CC">Karen McGrath</font></span></a><font color="#000000">.</font></font></font> </div> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><br></font></font> </div> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_wTge8_AEJg0O582Hwmv0j9NILoNHcpeZl4Q-FzdSL1fV27Gnr0eaj0JmMVELBiH8IItvVGIgkAz_8c-QwmmzErUaMn03Ls_QD6VksmhGgyTprnTk074Q3xzS0HnYxEddENeocDf" width="423" height="317" style=""><br></font></font> </div> <div align="center"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><font><span style="">The Oregon Convention Center featured a giant cosmic swinging pendulum - a favorite meet-up spot of conference attendees. Photo courtesy of Karen McGrath.</span></font></font> </div> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12707564 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12707564 RILA Communications Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:53:11 GMT West Warwick Named a Finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/imls-medal-service-350x565.png" alt="" title="" width="175" height="282.5" border="0" align="right">For the second year in a row, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has named West Warwick Public Library as a finalist for their National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. Since 1996, the award has honored 176 institutions that demonstrated extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service. West Warwick is the only institution in the state to be a finalist and they are the first in Rhode Island to have been a finalist more than once in the history of the award.</p> <p>Read the full press release at <a href="https://www.imls.gov/news/imls-names-finalists-2022-national-medal-museum-and-library-service" target="_blank">https://www.imls.gov/news/imls-names-finalists-2022-national-medal-museum-and-library-service</a>.<br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12700443 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12700443 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 17:20:46 GMT Middle School Libraries Meet Virtually to Tour a 'Mindfulness Room' <p><font style="font-size: 14px;" color="#312C28" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, seven middle school librarians met virtually to discuss middle school library topics and see the new social emotional room at Burrillville Middle School. In attendance for the meeting were Stephanie Mills, Melanie Roy, Christina Ash, Jen Simoneau, Diane Lebrun, Lisa Girard and Jill Fernandes.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;" color="#312C28" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/google%20meet%20-%20Diane%20Lebrun.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;" width="427" height="260"></font></p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/IMG_1463%20-%20Diane%20Lebrun.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0" width="200" height="267" align="left" style="color: rgb(49, 44, 40); font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 10px;"> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;" color="#312C28" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The social emotional room, funded through an&nbsp;OLIS ARPA grant, is a repurposed conference room with windows, located off the main library. It was established for the purpose of calming down students who are agitated, anxious, upset, or simply need to take quiet space somewhere. Diane Lebrun showed the room to the librarians and explained how sensory materials were added to the space with the help of the school psychologist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist. There is a diffuser with natural oils, fidget toys, a rocking egg-shaped chair, bean bag seating, a CD player with meditations, along with a variety of other things deemed helpful in mindfulness practices.</font></p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/IMG_1464%20-%20Diane%20Lebrun.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0" width="200" height="267" align="right" style="color: rgb(49, 44, 40); font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 10px;"> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;" color="#312C28" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The team put together a binder filled with activities ranging from mindfulness eating (with mints) to coloring pages designed to lessen stress in students. The sixth grade teachers took on the task of introducing the room to the students and leading them through the activities in order for them to understand the purpose of the room. Diane explained the process of logging into the room through a google form, and then setting a timer for ten minutes. At the end of the time, students log out of the room giving feedback on how they feel. The room has been open for about a month and there are a handful of students who use the room on a regular basis, with more starting to take advantage, as well.&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 12px;" color="#7B6E65" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 14px;" color="#312C28">The meeting was very productive, and we discussed the need to meet more often on various middle school topics. Some of the topics we plan to meet on are new ways to collaborate with teachers, genrefying our collections, and updating our collection and reconsideration policies. Our group is open to any middle school librarian who wants to virtually discuss these timely topics. Our next meeting will be April 26th at 8:30am. Please email</font> <font style="font-size: 14px;" color="#214352"><u>lebrund@bsd-ri.net</u></font> <font style="font-size: 14px;" color="#312C28">for a link to the meeting.</font></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12691627 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12691627 RILA Communications Wed, 06 Apr 2022 18:28:52 GMT Tiverton Public Library Forms Purr-fect Partnership with Local Cat Cafe <p><span><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">When Bajah’s Cat Cafe opened in Tiverton last year, the staff at Tiverton Public Library racked their brains about how they could justify a group visit to the new business…staff meeting at the cat cafe, anyone? Luckily, the cafe’s owner, Amanda Souza-Viera, contacted the library about hosting a book group at the cafe.</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/20220214_145434%20-%20Communications%20Committee.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" style="margin: 10px;" align="right" width="267" height="200">The business consists of a cafe area, serving fresh local coffee, baked goods, and cat-themed gift items, and Bajah’s Villas - a room where cats from local animal shelters live until they are adopted. Patrons can reserve time in the cat room to interact with the cats. Since opening in May 2021, almost a hundred cats have found homes after spending time with patrons at the cafe. Deb Estrella, Tiverton Library’s Adult Services Librarian, was excited about the idea of hosting a book group there – even more so when she learned the discussion would take place in the cat room!</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The group meets once a month in Bajah’s Villas to discuss a different cat-themed book. The group alternates between fiction and nonfiction, and has even discussed middle-grade books. The library secures copies of the book to be discussed for patrons to pick up at the library or the cafe. At the beginning of the meeting, Amanda talks about the cats who are staying in the Villas that month. The program is free and open to the public, but guests are welcome to purchase a drink or treat while they participate in the group. And, should the conversation lag, there are always the cats.</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/20220321_143941%20-%20Communications%20Committee.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" style="margin: 10px;" align="left" width="267" height="200">"I think reading is very important, and I believe book groups are fun and beneficial,” says Amanda. “They bring a community together where individuals can learn and discuss something that matters to them. Having the meeting with cats definitely encourages this as well. Partnering with the Tiverton Library has been such a great experience! Deb has really grown the group and makes each meeting interesting with her discussion topics about the books. We have received lots of positive comments about how well Deb interacts and gets people engaged."</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">“This has been such a fun book group to organize and be a part of,” said Deb. “It has allowed us to meet and develop relationships with residents in the northern part of town as well as folks just over the line in Massachusetts. Some have even come from Connecticut. We are proud to support a new business in town…and you can’t beat an afternoon spent talking about books with a cup of tea surrounded by napping cats.” In April, the group will meet to discuss <em>Murder Past Due</em> by Miranda James.</font></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12691601 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12691601 RILA Communications Sat, 02 Apr 2022 12:00:00 GMT Ask, Listen, Empower Virtual Book Club <p style="line-height: 18px;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/elxfKqLiLsiuIU-Y9uVVItkUCWlu4Dcu7dVVlO1P1Jw5_TNTLgv_60EZgRZGMSf7fUHoO10jo5IfAJMGB6L4amWlh4RgTuCiZXZVu0CuMSl0SlDs_uWiD6rkpF4vKA" width="210" height="298" align="right" style="margin: 10px;"></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">From January through March 2022, the American Library Association hosted a virtual book club around its new publication</font> <a href="https://catalog.oslri.net/search/?searchtype=t&amp;SORT=D&amp;searcharg=Ask%2C+Listen%2C+Empower%3A+Grounding+Your+Library+Work+in+Community+Engagement&amp;searchscope=1" target="_blank"><em><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;"><u>Ask, Listen, Empower: Grounding Your Library Work in Community Engagement</u></font></em></a><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">, edited by Mary Davis Fournier and Sarah Ostman (ALA Editions, 2021). Library workers across the country applied, and 100 were selected, to participate in a series of three virtual book club sessions. Each session focused on a different chapter from the book and offered a live conversation with the chapter's author(s) and smaller breakout discussions.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">Several librarians from Rhode Island participated in the monthly book discussion. The following is a summary of the sessions by three of those participants.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 17px;"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 17px;"><strong>Session 1: Partnering for Greater Impact</strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">written by Lori DeCesare, Assistant Director at Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">The first session of the series, held on January 12th, focused on the chapter titled “Partnering for Greater Impact,” written by Cindy Fesemyer. The session began with a conversation with Ms. Fesemyer moderated by Flo Trujillo.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">Libraries are renowned for developing, sustaining, and leveraging community partnerships. The collaboration between the library and other community entities benefits all involved - offering expanded opportunities to provide programs, enhance services, and support the library’s mission. This collaboration is powerful - yielding collective achievements greater than those that could be achieved by an individual organization on its own, as a result of shared goal setting, pooled responsibilities, and combined efforts.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">Fesemeyer noted that, before establishing a partnership, it is important to focus on your organization first. The Aspen Institute’s</font> <a href="https://csreports.aspeninstitute.org/documents/ActionGuideFINAL_7_12_17.pdf" target="_blank"><em><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;"><u>Action Guide for Re-Envisioning Your Public Library, Version 2.0</u></font></em></a> <font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">offers a SOAR assessment to explore the strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results of your library.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">An effective tool examined during the session was a Community Map, shown below, which aids in examining potential community partners. Identify the individuals and groups in your community that fall into each of these categories. Another suggestion was to take a walk and look around the community. Introduce yourself, and identify common goals and explore the possibility of a partnership over coffee. If you are both agreeable, move forward with an easy project to start (often an extension of something the library already does well). If successful, extend the partnership, ensuring that it continues to be beneficial to your library, but be willing to end the collaboration when it is time.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;" align="center"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/0001.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="500" height="386"><br></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 11px;">&nbsp;(Fournier and Ostman 39)</font><br></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">During the breakout session, participants were asked to discuss their community maps. The highlight of the discussion in my breakout group was a rural Vermont library who partnered with their local conservation group to offer a very successful workshop on chainsaw safety at the library!&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">This first of three sessions in the</font> <em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">Ask, Listen, Empower</font></em> <font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">Virtual Book Club encouraged us to explore beyond our traditional partnerships and become more innovative, allowing us to expand our reach of community-specific targeted programs and services and achieve more than we could alone.</font></p><br> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 17px;"><strong>Session 2: Ethical and Inclusive Community Engagement&nbsp;</strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">written by Deb Estrella, Adult Services Librarian at Tiverton Public Library</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">The second session held on February 16th featured Ellen Knutson and Quanetta Batts, who wrote a chapter in</font> <em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">Ask, Listen, Empower</font></em> <font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">titled “Ethical and Inclusive Community Engagement.” The session was moderated by Miguel Ruiz.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">The chapter describes a</font> <a href="https://www.vpl.ca/sites/vpl/public/Community-Led-Libraries-Toolkit.pdf" target="_blank"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;"><u>public involvement continuum</u></font></a> <font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">developed by Vancouver Public Library in British Columbia, which ranges from simply giving information (where the library is centered and decides what the community needs and how best to meet those needs) to truly partnering and collaborating with another organization (where the community is centered and leads the planning). During the live conversation, Knutson reminded us that “the world is bigger than you” and that you can do more with others than you can alone. Batts highlighted the importance of approaching potential community partners without an agenda - to come to the table with only the intention to listen rather than to fix what you perceive as a problem. She described how she would go on a “listening tour” of the stakeholders in her area. Knutson also pointed out that these conversations should be happening all the time, not just when you have a project in mind - build the relationship before you need the relationship.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">Throughout the chapter, the authors stress centering inclusion in libraries’ community engagement work. This requires an understanding of your own or your institution’s privilege and intersectionality and meeting community members - literally - where they are. The authors found the most success meeting potential partners in their homes and places of business, learning, or worship. The authors also reminded us to recognize our biases and make sure we are not approaching certain patrons as “problems” to be fixed, but rather people with unique perspectives and experience that can make our services stronger, more relevant, and more accessible to the population we’re trying to reach.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">During the breakout session, each breakout group was presented with a hypothetical community need and challenged to brainstorm ideas for how to work with the community to meet that need. The activity illustrated for all of us how many minds can create greater opportunities than we could have imagined on our own.</font></p><br> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 17px;"><strong>Session 3: Community-Centered Programming - Tools and Techniques</strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">written by Insley Julier, Adult Services Librarian at Rogers Free Library</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">Led by the chapter’s author Audrey Barbakoff and moderator Veronica Casnova, the third session of the ALA</font> <em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">Ask, Listen, Empower</font></em> <font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">book club on March 16th was grounded in the principle that library programs and service should be planned “</font><em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">by</font></em> <font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">and</font> <em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">with</font></em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">, rather than</font> <em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">for</font></em> <font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">or</font> <em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">at</font></em><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">, your community” (Fournier and Ostman 47). Barbaroff noted that libraries have the tendency to look at what they already have the capability to do and focus on solving people’s problems. But that lens puts too much emphasis on needs, with librarians acting as “saviors.” She argued that we need to move from a deficit-based approach to an asset-based model, where we approach programming and services with cultural humility and leverage the strength of community assets (organizations and individuals), who already have knowledge about the community served.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">In her chapter, Barbakoff outlines a path to develop community-centered programming. Steps include developing specific goals about what the library intends to do; environmental scanning (doing background research, so as to not waste the time of the community assets during later interviews); asset mapping (creating visual maps or diagrams representing key players, relationships, and resources within a defined geographic area); and key stakeholder interviews. These interviews are used to identify partners/community experts and to pinpoint the areas in which the library should expand programs or resources. In addition, the interviews can ascertain the challenges or barriers to access for underrepresented or marginalized groups. Barbaroff noted that efforts should be made to maximize the benefit to these groups and minimize the burden placed upon them. For instance, if a program is aimed at single mothers, can childcare be provided to allow them to attend? Her primary thesis was that libraries should not aim to save, but instead focus on working with outside groups and individuals as partners and friends, while honoring their expertise.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;">The book club was a valuable experience, allowing participants to connect to other professionals across the country to learn more about how they are promoting community engagement in their libraries large and small.</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12685996 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12685996 RILA Communications Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:12:13 GMT RILA Statement on the Censorship of Information and Diversity Education <p style="line-height: 27px;" align="center"><font face="Arial" color="#000000"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/rila_logo_draft2.png" alt="" title="" style="margin: 10px;" width="534" height="107" border="0"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 27px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="" color="#000000">In accordance with the</font> <a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statement/opposition-censorship-racial-injustice-black-history-diversity-education" style="" target="_blank"><font color="#004B80"><u>American Library Association (ALA) statement issued on August 18, 2021</u></font></a><font style="" color="#000000">, the Rhode Island Library Association is committed to upholding our core values, which include equitable access to knowledge, social justice, and intellectual freedom. As members of a profession committed to free and equitable access to information and the pursuit of truth, we stand firm in opposing any effort to suppress knowledge, to label “controversial” views, or dictate what is orthodox in history, politics, or belief. As such, RILA strongly opposes</font> <a href="https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText22/HouseText22/H7539.pdf" style="" target="_blank"><font color="#004B80"><u>House Bill 7539, introduced by Representative Patricia Morgan of Coventry, Warwick, and West Warwick</u></font></a><font style="" color="#000000">. This legislation, as proposed, pretends to protect civil rights in education, but in reality seeks to erase history, ignore science, and silence Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, as well as the LGBT community.&nbsp;</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 27px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font color="#000000">Efforts, such as</font> <a href="https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText22/HouseText22/H7539.pdf" target="_blank"><font color="#004B80"><u>House Bill 7539</u></font></a><font color="#000000">, to censor any consideration or discussion of racism, slavery, Black American history, Indigenous history, and related issues and concerns in our schools, colleges, and universities pose a real and present threat to libraries’ ability to fulfill their role as trusted community institutions that provide factual and accurate information that reflects the breadth of the American experience about these topics.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000">The consequences of this bill would impact student personal and academic development because it:</font></p> <ul> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fact 1: Forces librarians to go against the</font> <a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/corevalues" style="" target="_blank"><font color="#003471"><u>American Library Association Core Values</u></font></a> <font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">of the Freedom to Read by purging collections of books that share the authentic experiences of human beings who happen to be people of color or LGBT people.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fact 2: Ignores the</font> <a href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1161358.pdf" style="" target="_blank"><font style="" color="#003471"><u>research</u></font></a> <font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">that shows students will enjoy reading more and increase their reading comprehension skills when they have choice in what they read.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fact 3: Disregards the fact that</font> <a href="https://nces.ed.gov/blogs/nces/post/bar-chart-races-changing-demographics-in-k-12-public-school-enrollment" style="" target="_blank"><font style="" color="#003471"><u>the demographics of public school students</u></font></a> <font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">is rapidly changing so that the minorities, especially hispanic students, are becoming the majority. Students should have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in what they read as well as read stories of different cultures and people as part of their personal, social, and educational development.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000"><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000">Fact 4: Forces teachers to ignore white supremacy and the well-documented history of violence and discrimination against black, indigenous, and other people of color.</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fact 5: Prevents teachers from</font> <a href="https://content.aia.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/CAE_Report_v7_FINAL_interactive.pdf" style="" target="_blank"><font style="" color="#003471"><u>creating a safe learning environment</u></font></a> <font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for all students where they are free to express and explore their own identities.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fact 6: Disallows teachers to teach students media literacy skills such as how to identify bias, propaganda, and fact vs. opinion,</font> <a href="https://ed.stanford.edu/news/stanford-researchers-find-students-have-trouble-judging-credibility-information-online" style="" target="_blank"><font style="" color="#003471"><u>essential skills in today’s world where misinformation and disinformation in news media and social media content is rampant</u></font></a> <font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and threatening our democracy.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fact: 7: Fails to comprehend that national and state content area standards, curriculum, and textbooks used for instruction are</font> <a href="https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/Documents/Three-Essentials-to-Improving-Schools.pdf" style="" target="_blank"><font style="" color="#003471"><u>district responsibilities</u></font></a> <font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and unfairly targets teachers for punishment.&nbsp;</font></font></font></p> </li> </ul> <p style="line-height: 27px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000">A commitment to intellectual freedom and social justice requires that libraries not only protect the truth from suppression, but also prevent its distortion. We oppose any legislative proposal or local initiative intended to ban instruction, consideration, or discussion about the role of racism in the history of the United States or how systemic racism manifests itself in our schools, workplaces, and government agencies.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 27px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000">RILA pledges to join with library workers and libraries to oppose any proposal to censor information resources, curricula, or programs addressing racial injustice, Black American history, indigenous history, and diversity education. Further, we commit to supporting libraries, library workers, schools, colleges, and universities facing these challenges and developing tools that will prepare library workers to defend their collections, counter falsehoods, and engage their communities in important conversations about racial injustice and empowering everyone to fully participate in our democratic society.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 27px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000"><font face="Arial" color="#000000">Questions about RILA’s position on this and related issues may be directed to <u><a href="mailto:communications@rilibraries.org" target="_blank">communications@rilibraries.org</a></u>.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 27px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000">For more resources and support for Intellectual Freedom please visit the homepage of the <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/intellectual-freedom">RILA Intellectual Freedom Committee at https://rilibraries.org/intellectual-freedom</a>.<br></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12690133 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12690133 RILA Communications Tue, 29 Mar 2022 20:36:53 GMT April 2022 Spotlight: New England Library Association (NELA) <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><em>Welcome to the</em> <span>RILA Bulletin</span> <em>Spotlight Series, where we feature the important work of a different RILA or RI library section, committee, roundtable, initiative, or organization in each issue.</em></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><em><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">Questions or suggestions for this column? Please send an email to</font></span> <a href="mailto:communications@rilibraries.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><u>communications@rilibraries.org</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">.</font></span></em></p><br> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="center"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QYJzDhEKgsFjrNPCVUQ2pMsuCXvx2MdnIRJNWualJIGTx-lsNTF9-Itq5ljDszmNU6vhuegCZJU2JiHFRmbKGqtGSOjXjLJLml2HYLNw-eXdVePbbiqZd-UdG5zclcTinFZaSMDB" width="300" height="231"></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><strong><font><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 18px;"><font color="#202124" face="Arial"><br></font></font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 24px;">April 2022 Spotlight: New England Library Association (NELA)</font></span></font></strong><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZtowUMpAsD9qg9Izcm-z64rxcP_CHZUq_c1A49EDZFc6gByYb8cbgn7LPqGA0s2AKD5l0osHu_SfeccC_pXngFzCe_jKhfXsph0Qck6XEs65z874WfGWIJt0AuQNW9pejv4l5BSe" width="152" height="229" align="right" style="margin: 10px;"></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">For this issue, we asked Kelly Parlin to tell us about her role as RILA Representative to</font></span> <a href="https://www.nelib.org/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><u>NELA</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">. Kelly is a Teen Librarian at Rochambeau Library in Providence, Rhode Island.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>What is the mission or purpose of NELA?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">The mission of the New England Library Association is to provide educational and leadership opportunities for library staff in support of improved library services for the people of New England. To that end, the association (1) engages regionally in important discussions in the library profession, (2) encourages the exchange of ideas through a variety of formal and informal events and (3) collaborates regionally and nationally with allied organizations. NELA is a chapter of the American Library Association.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>When was NELA formed?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">Officially chartered in 1963, the New England Library Association is a regional organization whose membership represents a wide range of library-related interests. Its objectives are to initiate, plan, and support regional activities; to encourage the exchange of ideas; and to cooperate with regional and national agencies having related interests.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>What made you personally interested in being involved with this program?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">Having attended the NELA-sponsored New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS) in 2019, I knew I wanted to further my leadership skills by getting more involved in the big picture of libraries. I was excited to participate in the behind-the-scenes efforts of RILA and NELA, as well as network with library professionals across the region. I also looked forward to visiting other libraries across New England; although, sadly the pandemic prevented me from enjoying this aspect of the position. Hopefully the next representative will get to travel to beautiful libraries throughout New England!</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>What is NELA’s proudest achievement?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">In my opinion, I think NELA has done great work in providing career development and leadership training opportunities. My NELLS experience in 2019 was a highlight of my career, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested! I describe NELLS as a summer camp/therapy retreat for librarians who not only want to better themselves, but also their individual institutions. I made powerful connections with the other participants, and I’m excited to run into them at future conferences! I’m glad NELLS exists, and I hope to participate in NELLS II when I’m qualified.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>What ongoing challenges does this program face?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">NELA is composed of volunteers, so it’s a challenge to recruit new board members due to the time commitment and effort involved. That said, it can be a worthwhile investment to build skills, make connections, and add to your resume.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>If money and time were not an issue, what is NELA’s number one wishlist item to support its mission or purpose?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">I wasn’t sure how to answer this question, but when I asked other board members what they think, one said that being able to expand the NELLS leadership program so it can be for anyone (rather than having certain year requirements) would be ideal. I also believe that without the constraints of time or money, NELA could execute more grants on a larger scale due to its ideal positioning as a regional organization.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>What partnerships with other groups or individuals (inside or outside of RILA) have been most beneficial for NELA to meet its goals or objectives?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">NELA has many committees and also works directly with the state library organizations of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. This has been very beneficial in leveraging grant opportunities, comparing statistics, keeping informed of happenings in the region, and connecting professionals across state boundaries.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Is NELA looking for new members, and how can those interested get involved?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">NELA is currently recruiting a vice president, a member-at-large, and a secretary for the Executive Board. There are also openings on the Conference, Educational Assistance, Membership, and Public Relations Committees. For sections, the Information Technology Section (ITS) is accepting new members including a member-at-large position, and the Academic Librarians Section (ALS) needs a new chair. Interested parties may contact Faithe Miller Lakowicz, the Volunteer Coordinator, at</font></span> <a href="mailto:volunteer@nelib.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><u>volunteer@nelib.org</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">. Alternatively, they may fill out the 'Get Involved' form on the</font></span> <a href="https://www.nelib.org/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><u>NELA website</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>What book are you reading now that you’d like to promote?</strong></font></span></p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0-3laDAZl7KsO3Q4sm8Coec8GiIIHDNHulbBsCIUV8E3SRG_cnmEtB26fzIZdgZc_t0YVTyEhNKVXJpj-c4ZBhfmDU95E_W-oUI1BrLqM3LnbE4-VSlLZg3s_F2t5up4EnkSAZB3" width="137" height="200" align="left" style="margin: 10px;"> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">I recently finished the middle grade graphic novel</font></span> <a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2605330?lang=eng" target="_blank"><span><span style=""><u><span style=""><span style=""><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><em>Snapdragon</em></font></span></span> <span style=""><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">by Kat Leyh</font></span></u></span></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">, and I loved it! The story content was wonderful, the plot easy to follow, and the art so expressive that it perfectly captured the characters' thoughts and feelings. I highly recommend it!</font></span></p><br> <br> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12685912 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12685912 RILA Communications Sat, 05 Feb 2022 16:54:03 GMT February 2022 Spotlight: RILA Financial Literacy Roundtable <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><em>Welcome to the RILA Bulletin Spotlight Series, where we feature the important work of a different RILA or RI library section, committee, roundtable, initiative, or organization in each issue.</em></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><em><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">Questions or suggestions for this column? Please send an email to</font></span> <a href="mailto:communications@rilibraries.org"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC"><u>communications@rilibraries.org</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">.</font></span></em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>February 2022 Spotlight: RILA Financial Literacy Roundtable</strong></font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/l2DJKwpBBTv6h0Ha64wHNv-8sjyCk6jHHzYcvyCPIrUwdYbTZ_BLl6CGC7bQpAQvIS67s-4BKhXu050aeqGUgJna1wSOkejlOmlt2FU_AXP9hJYn4D-FzuSa-7hqb8CUpyxO_pP1" width="126" height="214" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;; font-size: 15px; margin: 10px;" align="left">In honor of 2022’s Money Smart Week (April 9-16), we asked RILA Financial Literacy Roundtable (FLRT) Chair Jen Linton to take the spotlight for this issue. Jen is a Reference Librarian at Warwick Public Library.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is the mission or purpose of the RILA Financial Literacy Roundtable (FLRT)?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">To support and promote financial literacy programs at libraries across the state</font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">.&nbsp;</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What made you personally interested in being involved with this program?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">I'm a longtime fan of personal finance books. I still have my dog-eared copy of Suze Orman's</font></span> <a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1723921?lang=eng"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#1155CC"><u>The Road to Wealth</u></font></em></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">, which was the first book that talked about money in a way that made sense to me. When the opportunity to join FLRT arose, it was an easy decision. It's been great to connect with librarians around the state. My hope is to collaborate and find new ways to spread information to patrons and empower them to make informed choices about their finances.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is the FLRT’s proudest achievement?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">FLRT members recorded a</font></span> <a href="https://www.rhodyradio.org/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#1155CC"><u>Rhody Radio</u></font></em></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">show that featured</font></span> <a href="https://www.rhodyradio.org/podcast/episode/24aefaf0/new-and-notable-books-personal-finance-made-easy"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC"><u>our favorite Financial Literacy books</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">. The process was more fun than I expected, and I added books to my own reading list.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What ongoing challenges does this program face?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Finances are awkward to talk about. Personally, I've noticed that patrons tend to check out financial books but don't attend programs. I would love to find ways to bridge that gap, or at least find more passive programming opportunities.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>If money and time were not an issue, what is the FLRT’s number one wishlist item to support its mission or purpose?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">Oh, wow! I've been keeping an eye on the new RI</font></span> <a href="https://www.jumpstart.org/what-we-do/support-financial-education/standards-2021/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC"><u>financial literacy standards for students</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">. I love the idea, and my dream would be for all ages to have access to content that will help them gain confidence with their money. Consistent, quality programming for all! (A librarian can dream.)</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What partnerships with other groups or individuals (inside or outside of RILA) have been most beneficial for the FLRT to meet its goals or objectives?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.moneysmartweek.org/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC"><u>Money Smart Week</u></font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">(created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago) is a free annual event that can be promoted by all libraries. A variety of programs are offered for all ages, and marketing materials are available to download. It's a quick and easy way to offer financial education to patrons. The</font></span> <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC"><u>Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</u></font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">is also a huge asset when it comes to free materials to give to patrons. Publications can be ordered online covering a number of topics.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Is the FLRT looking for new members, and how can those interested get involved?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">Absolutely! If you're interested in all things financial literacy, send an email to</font></span> <a href="mailto:flrt@rilibraries.org"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC"><u>flrt@rilibraries.org</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What book are you reading now that you’d like to promote?</strong></font></span></p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LbNWLvrG3uArj62gDwrzytCSLrVRqpRBRYBQhGZlHQ8Y0tI2z4Fb8RHE2WcRN5q5xBXZZezXMXLUlyXuhS9sUpJDKa5xC5II3xsArW13qkRkYmdvK-HfGwWgmcmWj20QGM8fXxtu" width="132" height="200" align="right" style="margin: 10px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">Currently reading a NetGalley copy of</font></span> <a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2696269?lang=eng"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#1155CC"><u>Hello, Molly!</u></font></em></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">by Molly Shannon, which has been a surprise. I was expecting an upbeat, behind-the-scenes look at SNL, but so far it has been a candid and heartbreaking look at her upbringing. Hard to put down!</font></span></font> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12577166 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12577166 RILA Communications Sat, 05 Feb 2022 16:09:15 GMT Thinking Outside the Box with Breakout Boxes <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;"><em style=""><font style="">written by&nbsp;</font><font style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Alicia Vaandering,&nbsp;</span></font><span style="">Assistant Professor and Student Success Librarian at&nbsp;</span><span style="">University of Rhode Island</span></em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000" style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="">Library orientations and other introductions to library services feeling stale? Breakout boxes can help gamify traditional library orientations and provide engaging and effective introductions to collections and services for new library users. Similar to escape rooms, breakout boxes require participants to work as a group to solve a series of clues in order to win the game. In September 2021, the URI Libraries piloted a new breakout box game, A Rhody the Ram Breakout Adventure, for incoming first-year, transfer, and international students.</span><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000">Beginning in Spring 2020, librarians at the URI Libraries began to prepare for the upcoming fall orientation week (O-Week) scheduled for early September at the University of Rhode Island. Our goal was to create an engaging game that would require student participants to collaborate together to use library resources and identify important library services.&nbsp;</font><span style=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000">As Student Success Librarian, I spearheaded this effort and utilized breakout boxes purchased from <a href="http://breakout.edu" target="_blank"><u>breakout.edu</u></a> to design a new game: A Rhody the Ram Breakout Adventure. In this game, participants were given a scenario in which Rhody the Ram, the URI mascot, was lost in the library and needed help answering a series of clues to help him find his way out of the URI Libraries. To solve the clues, participants had to navigate the library website, use the library catalog to find books, and identify library services and collections in order to open a series of locks and win the game.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Breakout1%20-%20Alicia%20Vaandering.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="400" height="267" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;">Library orientation is optional at the University of Rhode Island, and over 50 students chose to attend one of the eight sessions of A Rhody the Ram Breakout Adventure from the wide range of orientation activities offered as part of O-Week. While many students signed up individually, hoping to learn more about the library and meet other new students; a small number signed up with partners or as a small group. Many students celebrated their win by enjoying the candy from their unlocked boxes, taking pictures with provided photo props, asking follow-up questions about the library, and exchanging contact information with the new friends they met while playing the game.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#000000" style="font-size: 15px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Breakout4%20-%20Alicia%20Vaandering.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" style="font-family: Arial;" width="400" height="267"><font><br></font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;">While A Rhody the Ram Breakout Adventure was designed as a library orientation for college students, the use of breakout boxes offers promising potential for library orientations and programming to other library users in and outside of the classroom. Clues can easily be changed and scaled to meet the needs of diverse users who have varying levels of knowledge about library collections and services. The game encourages participants to work through their clues as a group, which allows the supervising librarian to run multiple games simultaneously. Finally, by piggybacking on the success and popularity of escape rooms, breakout boxes provide a unique balance in which participants learn more about the library without feeling like they are attending an instruction session.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 15px;"><br></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12577077 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12577077 RILA Communications Sat, 05 Feb 2022 15:22:15 GMT Healthy Families at the Cranston Public Library <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#000000">The Cranston Public Library (CPL) has recently received a $29,500 grant from the Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 7. With this grant, CPL has launched the "Healthy Families" Initiative, which aims to connect residents with factual and timely health information, with a specific focus on households where more than one language is spoken.</font></span></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#000000"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/HealthyFamiliesLogo.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="267" height="86"><br></font></span></font></p> <p></p> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#000000">Through programming and services, Healthy Families aims to engage with members of the community around current health topics and help library patrons of all ages find up-to-date, accurate information regarding healthy living as well as disease management and prevention. The initiative will empower families through carefully curated materials and increase access to dependable library and local community resources.</font></span></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#000000">“Our goal is to encourage library patrons to recognize the library as a confidential place for free health information in English and other languages,” said Carla Jaggi, project coordinator for the grant. “We currently have a Healthy Families Kiosk at the Central Library with printed material on multiple topics in both English and Spanish, and plan to add a touch-screen, interactive element in the near future.”</font></span></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#000000">“The Cranston Public Library staff has been specially trained to direct patrons to multilingual, multicultural health resources,” said Julie Holden, Assistant Library Director. “Our partnerships with the OneCranston Health Equity Zone (HEZ) and the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center ensure that we are bringing the best information to the community.”</font></span></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#000000">“In addition to library resources, we will be presenting several in-person and virtual programs on a wide range of health topics from area experts,” said Zachary Berger, Adult Services Librarian. “This is a continuation of health-related programming that we began during the height of the pandemic, and we are excited to use this grant funding to continue our efforts.”</font></span></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#000000">This project is funded by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Cooperative Agreement Number UG4LM012347 with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester.</font></span></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12577038 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12577038 RILA Communications Thu, 27 Jan 2022 20:40:51 GMT RILA Self-Nomination Form Now Available <p>Each election year, RILA members may self-nominate for open positions on the RILA Executive Board. This year, we have <strong>3 open board seats</strong>:<br></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PH0KqBzfjUZnUz8-h_v9sqXPpR1uNIeR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Member at Large</a> (2 year term)</li> <li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1btpDosQaQfGXbVTOwjs6F_yVi43R-8cy/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">New England Library Association Representative</a> (2 year term)</li> <li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AMf4_ia8a-nrPU5RC0i0bjKkVmPeId-u/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">American Library Association Councilor</a> (3 year term)</li> </ul> <p>The 2022 Nominating Committee, chaired by the immediate past president, has put forth a slate of candidates to fill these roles; however, any RILA member in good standing can also self-nominate in accordance with the RILA by-laws, which state:<br></p> <p class="quotedText">Those members interested in nominating themselves for any positions on the Executive Board, should complete a Right of Petition at least 90 days before the annual business meeting.The petition must have 20 signatures of members of the Association supporting the person for the nomination. This would allow the name to be included in the Nominating Committee’s presentation of names to the Executive Board.</p> <p>If you wish to self-nominate, please complete the <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczbjmh2YD8TUUvB5fF4ULXmr31dE0tl2jjCw1GPwYT16OV8A/viewform" target="_blank">RILA Executive Board Self-Nomination Form</a> by February 24, 2022. Questions? Please email Julie Holden, Chair of the Nominating Committee, at <a href="mailto:julieholden@cranstonlibrary.org">julieholden@cranstonlibrary.org</a>.</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12323343 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12323343 Sat, 22 Jan 2022 15:22:25 GMT "We are ALL Readers" Celebration of Books Looking for Volunteers <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">We are ALL Readers</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">is an innovative opportunity for children of the West Bay/South County region and their families to mingle with authors of acclaimed literature, engage in story walks and creative programs about literature, hear and read stories together, make their own books, and more. This week-long celebration of diverse children’s literature is a collaborative project of librarians, authors, and educators from the West Bay region and across Rhode Island, also including authors from nearby states.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">All children deserve the opportunity to see themselves reflected in literature. All children also deserve the opportunity to travel into different life experiences, times, and cultures through the pages of a book. The goal of We are ALL Readers</font> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">is to create an event that celebrates windows and mirrors in children’s books, spurs the imagination of young readers, and gives children the opportunity to engage with great literature and build authentic connections with authors.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">Reading is critical to kids’ academic growth, but it is also important for social and emotional development. Researchers have found that reading fiction actually increases the reader’s capacity to understand what other people are thinking and feeling. Reading books written from a diversity of lived experiences helps kids build empathy and communication skills for the 21st century. In this recent period of COVID-19, when so many children have lived in isolation from their peers and their teachers, the social-emotional development has been particularly and dramatically affected.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">This extensive group of collaborators has come together to plan a week-long celebration of diverse children’s literature across the West Bay for the first week of April. During the week we will have smaller events, culminating in a celebratory book festival on April 9, 2022.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">In partnership with local public and school libraries and other community organizations, they are planning to host:</font></p> <ul> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">Storywalks in East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Kingston, West Warwick, and Exeter featuring a diversity of picture book stories with outdoor installations of picture book pages along a walking path, so that children, families, and caregivers can explore the book and the outdoors together.</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">Free virtual author visits for local elementary schools on April 8th. Authors will provide 20-minute zoom storytimes and Q&amp;A with students at local schools.&nbsp;</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">Bookmaking and comics workshops for kids and poetry writing workshops for teens, hosted by local teaching artists.&nbsp;</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">A book festival on April 9th, featuring a diverse lineup of award-winning children’s book authors and illustrators who will speak and read from their work, interact with children, and sign books.&nbsp;</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#222222">A free book for each child attending and bringing a stamped event passport to the event on April 9th. Children will be able to collect stamps at all of the planned events and storywalks.</font></span></font></font></p> </li> </ul> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">The planners are currently seeking volunteers and authors/illustrators willing to donate their time.&nbsp;</font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#222222" face="Arial">To volunteer, please contact Jeanette Bradley at</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#555555" face="Roboto, sans-serif"><a href="mailto:jeanette@jeanettebradley.com" target="_blank">jeanette@jeanettebradley.com</a>.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#555555" face="Roboto, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12299941 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12299941 RILA Communications Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:49:26 GMT Patricia Redfearn Honored by House Resolution <p>The Rhode Island House of Representatives honored Patricia Redfearn on her retirement after 18 years as director of the George Hail Free Library in Warren, RI. <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NzT8ULuc-P1HJvQoSWgSfvx3jGxNu3JmepbOblC-CY8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Read the full House Resolution H 7039 online</a>.</p> <p>You can read more about Patricia's career at George Hail via EastBayRI at this URL:</p> <p><a href="https://www.eastbayri.com/stories/redfearn-retires-after-18-years-at-george-hail-library,95328" target="_blank">https://www.eastbayri.com/stories/redfearn-retires-after-18-years-at-george-hail-library,95328</a><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12284591 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12284591 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 14:26:20 GMT 2022 RILA Conference: Save the Date & Call for Proposals <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2022-savethedate.png" alt="RILA 2022 Annual Conference. The theme is &quot;restore, reconnect, reflect.&quot; Conference is May 25-26, 2022, at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI." title="RILA 2022 Annual Conference. The theme is &quot;restore, reconnect, reflect.&quot; Conference is May 25-26, 2022, at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI." width="267" height="267" border="0" align="right">Save the Date! The Rhode Island Library Association 2022 Annual Conference will be held on <strong>May 25 - 26, 2022</strong>, at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. The youth &amp; school library track will be on Thursday, May 26, 2022.</p> <p>The conference theme is Restore Reconnect Reflect. The Conference Committee hopes that we will be able to get together in person for a restorative event that allows us to reconnect with each other and with the fundamentals of the library profession while reflecting on library services during trying times. The Conference Committee is monitoring the situation with the pandemic and will be prepared to move to a virtual conference should the necessity arise.</p> <p><a href="https://forms.gle/XcMM9obMN8r1D3Jc7" target="_blank">The Call for Proposals is now open and accepting your submissions</a>. The committee strives to create a vibrant conference that will leave attendees invigorated and inspired. As part of this year's theme Restore Reconnect Reflect, we are looking for proposals that address core library services and highlight our fundamental library values including information access, intellectual freedom and censorship, building community, and equity, diversity and inclusion. Your proposal does not need to fit the theme to be considered for inclusion in the conference.</p> <p>Please submit your proposals by <strong>Sunday, February 6, 2022</strong>, at the <a href="https://forms.gle/XcMM9obMN8r1D3Jc7" target="_blank">2022 RILA Annual Conference Call for Proposals form</a>. You will also find a link for a Google Doc with all required questions to help you more easily work on proposals before submission. We look forward to reading your proposals!</p> <p>For any questions, please contact the conference committee at conference@rilibraries.org.<br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12254627 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12254627 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:52:38 GMT December 2021 Spotlight: The RILA Mentorship Program <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><em>Welcome to the</em> <span>RILA Bulletin</span> <em>Spotlight Series, where we feature the important work of a different RILA or RI library section, committee, roundtable, initiative, or organization in each issue.</em></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><em><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">Questions or suggestions for this column? Please send an email to</font></span> <a href="mailto:communications@rilibraries.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC">communications@rilibraries.org</font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">.</font></span></em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong style="">December 2021 Spotlight: The RILA Mentorship Program</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">This month, we talked to RILA Mentorship Program Co-Chairs Kieran Ayton and Dorothy Swain. Kieran is the Emerging Technologies Librarian at RI College. Dorothy is the Director at the Greenville Public Library.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Mentorship%20snip.PNG" alt="" title="" border="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#222222">With thanks to Aaron Coutu, Assistant Director/Technology Coordinator<br> at the&nbsp;</font></em></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#222222">Cumberland Public Library, for making the RILA Mentorship logo.</font></em></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is the mission or purpose of the RILA Mentorship Program?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The goal of the RILA Mentorship Program is to provide encouragement, support, and guidance to early and mid-career library staff to promote their professional development and growth.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What made you personally interested in being involved with this program?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Kieran was RILA President and the formation of a mentorship program was a goal that was identified by the strategic planning consultants with whom the RILA Executive Board worked. Dorothy was identified as a contact due to her leadership work in NELLS (New England Library Leadership Symposium).</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>When was this program formed, and what was the catalyst for forming it?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Dorothy and Kieran started the RILA Mentorship Program in 2019, based on the RILA 5-year strategic plan that was launched in 2018.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is the Mentorship Program’s proudest achievement?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">This program was developed at the request of RILA members as a benefit to the library community. We are proud to have been able to organize this program from the ground up by partnering mentors and mentees from all library types with similar interests and professional goals.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What ongoing challenges does this program face?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">The RILA Mentorship Program was originally intended as a face-to-face program. We had to change the program format due to COVID-19 and rely on virtual meetings and trainings.</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">&nbsp;</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>If money and time were not an issue, what is the Mentorship Program’s number one wish list item to support its mission or purpose?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">This is a free program available to all RILA members with low overhead costs. The major challenge has been for program participants to meet in-person due to COVID-19 restrictions. Another challenge has been to recruit new mentors and mentees to participate.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What partnerships with other groups or individuals (inside or outside of RILA) have been most beneficial for the Mentorship Program to meet its goals or objectives?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://mentorri.org/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC">MentorRI</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">provided an initial training and framework for the RILA Mentorship Program to use for its launch. Currently, we are working with Valerie Karno (Director of the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Library and Information Studies) and Mary MacDonald (URI Library liaison to GSLIS) to form a partnership to pull in library school students as RILA mentees.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Is the Mentorship Program looking for new members, and how can those interested get involved?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">Yes! The program is currently accepting applications for both mentors and mentees to apply for the 2022 calendar year cycle. You must be a current RILA member to join. Applications are available here:</font></span> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/mentorship"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC">https://rilibraries.org/mentorship</font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">&nbsp;</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What book are you reading now that you’d like to promote?</strong></font></span></p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/phJG3myUS5LIu-NQAiKgqSlnwzdB8kCKWdLsvFUpBPhxzH0vsVPb521G-yzJfT3bvt9I-pWw3m2xPjFTbYDqATQ_eSjGv-6NY0jLFDs5JfEbIizx6OGyIYnpDcG70f2-poFQyfo5" width="133" height="200" align="left" style="margin: 10px;"></font> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">Dorothy’s favorite book is</font></span> <a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1051893?lang=eng" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#1155CC">Pride and Prejudice</font></em></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">by Jane Austen because it has a strong female protagonist and has a romantic storyline.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></font></p> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dRNRvg9tGoQeIvGpQz-nQCB0oQRFwnZQZ2gc9xIp9rp7_hbdCuuovKrrXAdfNNxsxwCmIo44kUv1pV2PTNzclKME94vqOL5Sfapye2UgWq0WkG-AuxddROmpARw7jdo4zwxPM3hk" width="133" height="200" align="left" style="margin: 10px;"></font> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">Kieran recently finished an early Agatha Christie mystery called</font></span> <a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2098327?lang=eng" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#1155CC">Peril at End House</font></em></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">featuring Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective. It was a fun bedtime read</font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124">.</font></span></font></p> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div> <div align="left"> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style=""><br></font> </div> <p align="left"><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12154422 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/12154422 RILA Communications Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:04:15 GMT Senator Reed Visits North Providence Any Place Office Space <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/rsz_north_providence_library_stef_and_michael_discussing_lsta_project_with_group_-_stefanie_blankenship.jpg" alt="Senator Jack Reed standing in the North Providence Union Free Library speaking with director Stef Blankenship about their &quot;Any Space Office Place&quot; project." title="Senator Jack Reed standing in the North Providence Union Free Library speaking with director Stef Blankenship about their &quot;Any Space Office Place&quot; project." style="margin: 10px;" width="267" height="200" border="0" align="right">Senator Jack Reed visited the <a href="https://nprovlib.org/" target="_blank">North Providence Union Free Library</a> on October 14, 2021, to get an in-depth look at their Library of Rhode Island (LORI) Grant project, Any Place Office Space. Using grant funds, the library created “at home” offices that include a laptop, mobile hotspot, and a portable printer, and will be loaned for a 3-month period. Senator Reed was intrigued by the project which provides technology and digital access to patrons outside of the physical library.&nbsp; He was also able to see 8 public computers added into the computer area funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) technology grant.</p> <p><a href="https://www.valleybreeze.com/2021-06-08/north-providence/grant-allows-np-library-loan-out-home-office-kits#.YMeETEwpDIV" target="_blank">Read more about North Providence’s project in the Valley Breeze.</a><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11589214 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11589214 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 17:23:06 GMT Rhode Island Represents at Gale Impact Live Virtual Conference <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif">Rhode Island librarians were well represented at the</font> <a href="https://blog.gale.com/impact-live-free-virtual-event-for-public-libraries/" target="_blank"><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><font color="#1155CC"><u>Gale Impact Live 2021 Conference</u></font></font></a> <font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif">on September 29<sup>th</sup> and 30<sup>th</sup>. The free virtual conference offered more than 20 sessions of professional development for public librarians. The conference was held live, but was also recorded so attendees could view the sessions after it ended.</font></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Impact%20Live.PNG" alt="" title="" border="0"><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif"><br></font></font></p> <p><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The theme of the conference was&nbsp;“Connect. Inspire. Elevate.” It focused on the ways libraries adapted to provide services to their communities in the face of building closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The speakers came from libraries around the country and addressed topics including advocacy, business development, programming, and diversity and inclusivity. Both days offered a midday meditation break led by a wellness professional.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif">Rhode Island library staff presented on both days of the conference. On Wednesday, Karen Mellor from the RI Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), Beatrice Pulliam from Providence Public Library, and Ed Garcia from Cranston Public Library gave a presentation titled “Pivot Your Workforce Development Efforts toward Online Learning</font>.” They spoke about how Rhode Island libraries adapted to support workforce development during the pandemic.</font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Pivot.PNG" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></font></p> <p><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The statewide AskRI partnership added Udemy as a resource, which provides access to on-demand courses on a huge variety of topics. Karen mentioned promoting Udemy to state employees who had to quickly adapt to working from home:&nbsp; “What happened was I kept promoting Udemy with the IT folks, and when they had a few moments to breathe, they found this wealth of courses in Udemy.” She mentioned topics including cloud-based computing, web design, coding, and network security. “Udemy was really important during this time. I had a number of division chiefs promoting it.”</font></p> <p><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Both Beatrice and Ed mentioned the self-care and personal development facets of Udemy, including things like meditation or learning a musical instrument.</font></p> <p><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">On Thursday, Stephen Spohn from Ocean State Libraries (OSL) and Kelly Metzger from OLIS presented “Follow the Data Journey: Using Data to Fuel Strategic Planning and Decision-making.”</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Data.PNG" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></font></p> <p><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">During this session, Kelly and Stephen described an ongoing partnership between OSL, OLIS, and Gale Analytics to develop a custom product that would help libraries in Rhode Island develop an understanding of the their service environment, identify gaps in service to their community, and aid in strategic planning.</font></p> <p><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">With funding through a LORI Grant, Gale was able to create five custom, interactive dashboards for OLIS and OSL. These analytical tools overlay non-identifying patron information with Census, Community Insights, and Mosaic data. Analyses can be broken down for each library or library, library system, or region so libraries could see how they compare with comparable libraries/systems in the area and identify actionable steps they could take.</font></p> <p><font color="#373737" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The dashboards have just recently been released, but Stephen and Kelly expressed excitement over the results they have seen so far. They look forward to publishing and refining the dashboards, collecting more data, and supporting Rhode Island libraries in using them to improve and extend their services.</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11402185 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11402185 RILA Communications Thu, 07 Oct 2021 15:38:48 GMT Announcing the 2022 RI Latino Books Award Nominees! <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/RILBALogo2022%20-%20Maria%20Cotto.png" alt="Rhode Island Latino Books Award logo, featuring an illustration of someone lying on the ground reading a book." title="Rhode Island Latino Books Award logo, featuring an illustration of someone lying on the ground reading a book." width="267" height="267" border="0" align="right">Our newly formed Rhode Island Latino Books Award Committee is proud to announce the <a href="http://www.rilatinoarts.org/LatinoBooksAward.html" target="_blank">2022 RI Latino Books Award</a> (formerly known as Rhode Island Latino Books Month Book Award) Nominees.</p> <p>We are going on our eight year promoting Latino literature for grades kindergarten through 12th grade. Students are encouraged to read three books according to their grade level and vote for their favorite book starting in April through the end of May. Free book sets are provided to Rhode Island public libraries and school libraries in partnership with the Rhode Island Center of the Book. Participants interested in receiving free book sets must promote the nominated books and submit their students’ or patrons votes.</p> <p>Join us in promoting a Latino literature by bring communities together to celebrate diversity and encourage people to embrace our differences.</p> <p><a href="http://www.rilatinoarts.org/resources/Latino-Books-Month-2022-flyer.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2022%20RILBA%20Nominees%20-%20Maria%20Cotto.png" alt="" title="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;" border="0"></a><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11147631 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11147631 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:48:01 GMT Join the RILA Mentorship Program <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/RILAMentorshipLogo.png" alt="RILA Mentorship logo: The letters &quot;RILA&quot; on white in a blue rectangle and an illustration of one person helping another up a staircase." title="RILA Mentorship logo: The letters &quot;RILA&quot; on white in a blue rectangle and an illustration of one person helping another up a staircase." width="225" height="275" border="0" align="right">The RILA Mentorship Program is finishing its first year to great success. We had 15 mentor/mentee pairs (30 participants total). We are now accepting applications for both Mentors and Mentees for the 2022 year.<br> <br> Mentoring is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the life of another person and to gain new insights into our rich profession. You can give and receive guidance and take your career to the next level. Please join our program today to develop lasting professional relationships with others in the field.<br> <br> To be a part of the RILA Mentorship Program:<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;You must be a current RILA member.<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;You may be a library employee, retired librarian or current library school student.<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;You must make a one-year commitment that includes meeting with your mentor/mentee at least 3-4 times per year by phone, email, web conferencing, or in-person meeting.<br> &nbsp;<br> <strong><a href="https://goo.gl/forms/ibJkfmSLSUatSdVo2" target="_blank">Click here to fill out the Mentor Application.</a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://goo.gl/forms/fFroXKiOJ8YRSf1o2" target="_blank">Click here to fill out the Mentee Application.</a></strong></p> <p>You can read the Program Guidelines for more information. &nbsp;<br> For questions, please contact <a href="mailto:mentor@rilibraries.org" target="_blank">mentor@rilibraries.org</a>.<br> <br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11147480 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11147480 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:02:23 GMT Pascoag Free Public Library 150th Anniversary Soiree! <p><img src="https://www.pascoaglibrary.org/files/styles/8_columns/public/photos/150th.png?itok=Pe7oqnpM" width="190" height="134.5" align="right"></p> <p>Pascoag Public Library is celebrating a sesquicentennial (150 years) this year -- 1871-2021. The library will welcome people from all over Rhode Island to the Soiree on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Hors d'oeuvres, punch, coffee, and an anniversary cake will accompany congratulatory testimonials.</p>In addition, they will have a series of posters (<strong>12</strong> in all), telling their story on display in the library.&nbsp; Stop in and see a new one each month. <p>Learn more at <a href="https://www.pascoaglibrary.org/sesquicentennial-celebration" target="_blank">https://www.pascoaglibrary.org/sesquicentennial-celebration</a><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11147384 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11147384 Wed, 06 Oct 2021 19:16:22 GMT October 2021 Spotlight: Cornucopia of Rhode Island (CORI) <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><em style="">Welcome to the</em> <span style="">RILA Bulletin</span> <em style="">Spotlight Series, where we feature the important work of a different RILA or RI library section, committee, roundtable, initiative, or organization in each issue.</em></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-style: italic; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">Questions or suggestions for this column? Please send an email to</font></span> <a href="mailto:communications@rilibraries.org" style="" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style=""><em><u>communications@rilibraries.org</u></em></font></span></a><span style="font-style: italic; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">.</font></span></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><em><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial"><br></font></span></font></em></p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/CORI%20Photos/cori-newlogo.png" alt="Cornucopia of RI logo" title="Cornucopia of RI logo" border="0"><br> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">October 2021 Spot</font><font face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;" color="#333333">light:</font></span> <font color="#333333"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">Cornucopia of Rhode Island</font></span></font></strong></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#202124"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Bohyun%20Kim.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="184" height="249" align="right" style="margin: 10px;">This month, with its fall mini-conference taking place right around the corner, we talked to</font> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/cori" target="_blank" style=""><u><font color="#1155CC">Cornucopia of Rhode Island (CORI)</font></u></a> <font color="#202124">Chair Bohyun Kim to learn more about this RILA section. Bohyun is Chief Technology Officer and Professor at the University of Rhode Island Libraries in Kingston, RI.</font></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is the mission or purpose of CORI?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">CORI serves the library community of color in RI. Our objectives are to promote library services to people of color within Rhode Island and the development of librarians and library staff of color.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What made you personally interested in being involved with this organization?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">CORI is the organization serving the library workers of color in RI. Through CORI, I wanted to meet other POC library workers like me and add my efforts to building our community and making it stronger.</font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#3C4043" face="Roboto, sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is CORI’s proudest achievement?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">We hold a mini-conference every year that is free and open to all. And this year, it will be on Nov 4. <em>[</em></font></span><em><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span><font face="Arial"><font color="#202124">Editor’s note:</font> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/cori" target="_blank" style=""><u><font color="#1155CC">read more about the upcoming mini-conference and register here</font></u></a></font></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial">!</font></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">]</font></span></em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What ongoing challenges does CORI face?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">The greatest challenge is to seek active participation from CORI members.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>If money and time were not an issue, what is CORI’s number one wishlist item to support its mission or purpose?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">Once the pandemic clears, we would love to have a big social gathering for networking so that CORI members can meet one another in person again!</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What partnerships with other groups or individuals (inside or outside of RILA) have been most beneficial for CORI to meet its goals or objectives?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">We want to thank Julie Holden, Past President of RILA, for helping us with CORI mini-conference logistics both last year and this year!&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Is CORI looking for new members, and how can those interested get involved?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">Please drop by our CORI quarterly online meeting and contact us by email. More info about CORI is available on our website at</font></span> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/cori" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>https://www.rilibraries.org/cori</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What book are you reading now that you’d like to promote?</strong></font></span></p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/6GXSAtkJSdFHwz8wHIPTy5nPuD3TkPI9pTz1N4Va5j5jnPa6_3MFk_QIffsYn4CLrPTc8Oq4ciCM6bLbtQpZtxGFApibzAhQb1WipzngCWMRXuLdR916Ldmmz4nO0bkwpT9R9xja=s0" width="133" height="200" align="left" border="0" style="border-color: rgb(55, 55, 55); margin: 10px;" alt="Trying Not to Try cover photo" title="Trying Not to Try cover photo"></font> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2410052?lang=eng" target="_blank"><u><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font face="Arial">Trying Not to Try: The Art and Science of Spontaneity</font></em></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font face="Arial">by Edward Slingerland</font></span></font></u></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">. It discusses the concept of wuwei</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(248, 249, 250);"><font color="#202124" face="Roboto, sans-serif">(無爲)</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">in Chinese philosophy in the context of social psychology.&nbsp;</font></span></font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11145612 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/11145612 RILA Communications Wed, 01 Sep 2021 17:01:07 GMT Ed Garcia Awarded the 2021 Emerson Greenaway Award <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20greenaway.png" alt="" title="" border="0">Congratulations to Ed Garcia, director of the Cranston Public Library, for being awarded the 2021 Emerson Greenaway Award by the New England Library Association!</p> <p>Each year NELA awards the Emerson Greenaway Award to an individual who has provided distinguished service in librarianship.&nbsp; Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NELA made the decision not to present this award in 2020. As a result, two outstanding individuals are presented with this honor in 2021: Jennifer Alvino and Ed Garcia.</p> <h3><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" class="WaContentDivider WaContentDivider dividerStyle001" data-wacomponenttype="ContentDivider">Jennifer Alvino: Director of the Windham Public Library in Windham, Maine</h3> <p>By the time Jen graduated with an MS in Library and Information Services in 2008 from Simmons College, she had already dedicated many years to working in public libraries.&nbsp; She began her career in 1994 as a Page at the Portland Public Library.&nbsp; Since then, she has held a variety of positions, from office assistant, substitute, and Lending Services and Systems Coordinator in Portland, to Technology Coordinator, Head of Lending Services, and Interim Assistant Director at the Walker Memorial Library, before becoming the Director of the Windham Public Library in 2013.&nbsp;</p> <p>Jen’s influence as a librarian extends well beyond her service area.&nbsp; She has made significant contributions to the Maine Library Association as a longtime active member, recently serving as the Association President from 2019-2021.&nbsp; MLA named her Outstanding Librarian of the year in 2014.&nbsp; Jen has also been active in the American Library Association for many years, was the ALA Maine Chapter Councilor from 2014-2017, and has been active on many committees.&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition to her many achievements, Jen is described by her colleagues as collaborative, thoughtful, dedicated, humble in her leadership, and generous with her time.&nbsp; As a former New England Library Leadership Symposium attendee and former ALA Leadership Institute graduate, Jen freely gives her time to mentor students and colleagues whenever they need guidance.&nbsp; She is a fierce advocate, having been instrumental in guiding a team that championed students’ right to read in response to adverse legislation proposed in Maine in 2019.&nbsp; Jen’s successful work in defeating this legislation was important and instructive for other states’ efforts to defeat similar legislation.&nbsp; Library workers across the country, but in particular those within the New England region, benefit greatly from the selfless work Jen has done over the course of her career.</p> <h3>Edward Garcia: Director of the Cranston Public Library in Cranston, RI</h3> <p>Ed has made an enormous impact on libraries in Rhode Island and across the country since graduating from the University of Rhode Island’s GLIS program.&nbsp; He started as the Assistant Director of the Adams Memorial Library in 2008, but has since spent the majority of his career in Cranston, serving as the Information Access Librarian, Technology Coordinator, and has been the Director since 2012.&nbsp; Ed was the first library in the state to go fine-free for teens and children, providing framework for other libraries in the state to follow suit, thus removing barriers to library access among RI youth.&nbsp; Under Ed’s leadership, the Cranston Public Library was the winner of the Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize.</p> <p>Ed has been an active member of the Rhode Island Library Association for many years and served as the President of the Ocean State Libraries from 2014-2017.&nbsp; Ed has also served as a member of the American Library Association’s executive board since 2018, where he is lauded for his ability to guide discussions towards productive outcomes, and for his ability to bring people with strong and opposing viewpoints together.</p> <p>Ed is known among his staff, colleagues, and friends for his strong leadership, collaborative spirit, and his willingness to help develop young talent.&nbsp; Ed freely shares his knowledge and willingly mentors those within his circle, and is known to be fair-minded, forward-thinking, generous, humble and likable.&nbsp; He is a dedicated librarian with a strong collaborative vision.&nbsp; Ed is always the first to acknowledge and praise the contributions of others, preferring not to stand in the spotlight alone.&nbsp; He is a true leader who has had a positive impact on libraries both within the New England region and around the country.</p> <p>Please join the Rhode Island Library Association and New England Library Association in thanking both Jen Alvino and Ed Garcia for their outstanding contributions to libraries over the course of their careers.&nbsp; They will be presented with the distinguished Emerson Greenaway Award at the NELA conference on October 18th, 2021.<br> <br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10974732 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10974732 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 16:41:06 GMT Joseph Uscio Concludes a Nearly 38-Year Career at the North Providence Union Free Library <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/20210819_155349.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" align="right" width="310" height="324" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;">After nearly 38 years working as a reference librarian at the North Providence Union Free Library, Joseph Uscio counts the past year and half as his most memorable time spent working in the public library. Despite being closed for 2 months, NPR got back into action with curbside pickup, like so many libraries, keeping the staff very busy. Joe related that, despite the lack of library delivery, he and his coworkers served patrons by pulling their holds, weeding the collection, and offering a free library of those weeded books. “People really like it,” he enthused.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">When asked what he plans to do in retirement, he quipped that he will spend more time with his 10-year-old son, “before I fall apart.” He will continue cultivating his love of Japanese culture which began in 1990. He became friends with local residents originally from Japan after asking if they could help him learn more about a folding screen he owned. Those folks have since returned to Japan, meaning he has no one with whom to practice his Japanese language learning. On the other hand, Joe is an accomplished player of the shinobue, a type of Japanese flute. He was recently asked to play at the Black Ships Festival in Newport, but he declined. He enjoys martial arts since it is a lifetime pursuit. He has a particular interest in Japanese swordsmanship. Martial arts is something he shares with his son who has been involved with karate and kung fu since he was 5.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial"><font color="#000000">Joe is well-known in North Providence and is often stopped at the grocery store by folks asking him if their books have come in. He said he feels a bit like a celebrity in town, so the</font> <a href="https://www.valleybreeze.com/2021-08-24/north-providence/after-37-years-np-librarian-uscio-says-goodbye#.YS0K9I5KgdU" target="_blank" style=""><u><font color="#0000FF">feature story in the <em style="">Valley Breeze</em></font></u></a> <font color="#000000">seemed par for the course. Working in the same place for so many years means that he actually worked at the smaller library that existed on George Street, because NPR relocated to its current location on Mineral Spring Avenue.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/20210819_152739.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="534" height="253" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">Joe loves helping people, and the relationships he has forged with patrons and especially staff, whom he considers as an extended family. With his interests in music, science, art, and literature, Joe feels that to be an effective librarian, a person’s entire background comes into play.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><br></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10969426 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10969426 RILA Communications Sat, 07 Aug 2021 18:24:23 GMT West Warwick Public Library Celebrates Pride with “Fun and Fabulous” Drag Storytime <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="center"><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nvVu4bPfybpkIKN-_YwHOud8VuKukqBRJRB-LoOcp12glZpfEQWC1Ued9ha0BMQa1ZxinBpLw8F1x9_8lgJwndD8VElf85aVnm2HJB85RU3ff5B5M8SsCPbpbgGMdvCy_OpiGQrM" width="500" height="347"></font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">A jam-packed Drag Storytime, featuring local drag performers Ninny Nothin and Randi Xtra Xtra, took place at 11:00am and 1:00pm at West Warwick Public Library (WWPL) on June 26, 2021, to celebrate Pride and showcase the diversity of the community. Both events were full, with 70 parents, teens, and children attending each session.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Rashaa Al-Sasah, Head of Youth Services, and Emma Brelsford, Youth Services Librarian, organized and hosted the events. The two librarians worked with the drag artists to select age-appropriate materials to read during the program.</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">According to Al-Sasah, “The event went off without a hitch despite the pushback and protests of people who were opposed to the event taking place, with a majority of this [opposition] coming from outside of the West Warwick community.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">A great deal of planning was necessary for the day to run smoothly. “We planned in advance how we would have attendees enter the library and parking lot,” Al-Sasah said. “We had check-in points both at our parking lot and door as the library was not open for library services that day and [was open] only for this special event. This created and ensured a safe environment for all our patrons in attendance.”</font></span></p> <p align="center"><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hdlbZ4FhNqg0gGjB-MmmMFort0PPDxMrCDKo6bLJzL2Af3ZeJ7VKzd9g9YrDgLXx4fi3L2CHhkIHDMi0gL55QDdkXq5QOrtEk5_cMXeokMrOTXxks98aKMkxfPe5d7u3p6VpYjgH" width="624" height="323"></font></span></p> <p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><em><font color="#202124">Drag artists Ninny Nothin (left) and Randi Xtra Xtra (right)</font></em></span><span><em><font color="#202124"><br></font></em></span></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font color="#202124">Titles selected for storytime reading included</font></span> <a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2441168?lang=eng" target="_blank"><span><em><font color="#1155CC"><u>Stick and Stone</u></font></em></span></a> <span><font color="#202124">by Beth Ferry,</font></span> <a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2448191?lang=eng" target="_blank"><span><em><font color="#1155CC"><u>Be Who You Are</u></font></em></span></a> <span><font color="#202124">by Todd Parr,</font></span> <a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2463803?lang=eng" target="_blank"><span><em><font color="#1155CC"><u>Not Quite Narwhal</u></font></em></span></a> <span><font color="#202124">by Jessie Sima, and</font></span> <a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2619257?lang=eng" target="_blank"><span><em><font color="#1155CC"><u>Peanut Goes for the Gold</u></font></em></span></a> <span><font color="#202124">by Jonathan Van Ness. Each book is well known for themes of inclusion and acceptance. Songs were also used to engage the audience.</font></span></font></p> <table style="border-color: initial;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br> <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ciCVbVzSJ7LK84qqWHF6tMOxDQnEpW0nJ6EmPxVyKwlhY8BN7-HaUcd6F1uTbYU25tSGrwIuB1O1AgxdbqiLGMqwTj9Hmo9RMMJfn6B5-ez2I8nSvZVrsM37-kRPlkmgD0xO8LPN" width="135" height="136"></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <br> <div align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Uz4ha0CgMS9Zt_KxAxRvs4Bc_88WwfEp6oo23NH0MTjrPaptcfdopant_AW0WGvkuESP5Ou-PjAzeS9vsr22p0ioTLXxjs34kfMIN_CEcnrc2nUuXBSgtPpibCEJTSuOVkX5EjYt" width="135" height="135"></div> </td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br> <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2KJlgn7nFopYWTKG9N94NVRLgt_gX2o81EEzpajvASpaTptGW1TlmT8Eq4JhXcnshif5Z9IkN78P4zlGCT5yZY_DmqGiF9M-YU7pYtTqM0_tI9A_oqyrWZM4tL-_YwsgHSh2jQ5K" width="138" height="138"></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br> <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/B1P3PB3MHSzUW0GNyD-FPsuW4GjqijyUK_Zp5mAYce0_VqgsqHf6DS-4LQLzJlehP7gcmzMYEOQ6cpxef3shtcfEQJCA8WPyBDfA5lhb9s5KUG8-R05sUDmmCoTNqy1RpZPMLQUg" width="139" height="139"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font color="#202124"><em>Books that were read during WWPL's Drag Storytime</em></font></span></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font color="#202124">Participants from within and outside the WWPL community were involved with staging the event and contributing to a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Volunteers from the LGBTQIA+ community support and empowerment groups</font></span> <a href="https://parasolpatrol.org/" target="_blank"><span><font color="#1155CC"><u>Parasol Patrol</u></font></span></a> <span><font color="#202124">and</font></span> <a href="https://freemomhugs.org/" target="_blank"><span><font color="#1155CC"><u>Free Mom Hugs</u></font></span></a> <span><font color="#202124">were on hand to redirect attention away from protestors. A bubble machine provided further diversion. Attendees entering the library lobby were greeted by staff, and volunteers at tables represented community and health groups</font></span> <u><a href="https://www.pflagprovidence.org/" target="_blank"><span><font color="#1155CC">PFLAG of Greater Providence</font></span></a><span><font color="#202124">,</font></span> <a href="https://www.youthprideri.org/" target="_blank"><span><font color="#1155CC">Youth Pride, Inc.</font></span></a></u><span><font color="#202124">&nbsp;and</font></span> <a href="https://www.thundermisthealth.org/" target="_blank"><span><font color="#1155CC"><u>Thundermist Health Center</u></font></span></a><span><font color="#202124">. Al-Sasah intentionally organized the lobby so that “parents and children could pick up information and swag and talk to representatives of the organizations,” learn about available resources, and make community connections on their way into the event.</font></span></font></p> <p align="center"><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/qJycua2eEzHmTxp16lv4hl6wEwUju6Wx7GFGiDY_E7LrIclxWimMCNvw_Jsp4VVRQMxChAXAeAR5rTQVk4X-i0OGKwpYdlrIUKK1f_K1ebirh_yRloivjFy5i7i7Pa06Ym6zZziD" width="360" height="270"></font></span></p> <p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><em><font color="#202124">Volunteers from Parasol Patrol<br></font></em></span></font><em><font color="#202124" style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">make themselves available outside the library&nbsp;</font></em></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The audience greeted the drag performers with great enthusiasm and applause. In between the reading of each book, Al-Sasah and Brelsford joined the drag performers to lead a singalong to songs including “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “The More We Get Together.” After Drag Storytime was over, attendees were invited to make a fairy wand craft and pose with the drag artists for photos.</font></span></p> <p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/s2iKqFmtexCuINsSNXwltOOAKJr1LMyHVyQnm_Ws4QNOwvW5vNSBHYaRSXf0Gcs0p8wHYuS3s7dDFdkbSERoUy6IXop9AS1C08aMW6XrWXVoM69LX-lWWaHVZfIgeLN9szA_u7T2" width="624" height="359"></font></span></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><em><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Drag performers and WWPL staff lead the audience in a singalong</font></em></span></font></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">“It was a wonderful day with parents and children who were both LGBTQIA+ and allies who enjoyed listening to stories about friendship and being yourself,” said Al-Sasah.</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">WWPL staff reported that the drag performers “were very happy with the event, particularly [with] the care and measures” taken to ensure the safety and comfort of performers and attendees alike. Safety was of primary concern to Al-Sasah, particularly since “one of the performers was the center of a lot of online harassment” and “we wanted to make sure they knew they were safe.”</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">“We had a lot of positive reactions overall but there was some negative attention, in particular on social media,” Al-Sasah continued. “Two local Catholic priests were opposed to the event, [as were other] religious groups from outside of our community who sought to have the event canceled.”&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Nevertheless, Al-Sasah is very happy with how the program went and felt that it “was certainly one of the highlights of my library career thus far to see all the happy kids and families thank us and the artists for telling them and their children to just ‘be who you are!’” The draw of the event has even resulted in newly devoted patrons to the library.</font></span></p> <p align="center"><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/GOa1L2dzCWbJyU4hIPyKq7E62LRffGguf3rcEuVOXmg_6g6IiZmE59G0yzo1ZbHghfPYGC6S-O-0J336_SkrlTsW00aeGcaAkF_Vouw_A5NTKU5UeRrFoWn10eUmIsTPQ4A5Ub2Y" width="424" height="318"></font></span></p> <p align="center"><span><em><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Volunteers from Parasol Patrol&nbsp;</font></em></span><em><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">escort patrons to and from the building</font></em></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Drag Storytime was an especially important event because “WWPL is committed to incorporating equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice into all our efforts and practices,” said Al-Sasah. “Working in West Warwick for several years, I found that we had a lot of LGBTQIA+ youth and families in our community [and] we didn't have any programs that were for our younger children. I thought this would be the perfect type of program for these kids and families to know they belonged and were welcome at the library.”</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Al-Sasah continued, “We were thrown a lot of unexpected curveballs with the backlash but to us, this meant we were doing this for all the right reasons and [this] only further solidified our purpose in celebrating the diversity of our patrons.”&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><span><font color="#202124" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Will there be another Drag Storytime in West Warwick any time soon? “We certainly would love to host it again,” said Al-Sasah, “but have not made any plans just yet. But I would love to see more RI libraries host one, too!”</font></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10858507 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10858507 RILA Communications Sat, 07 Aug 2021 18:05:31 GMT August 2021 Spotlight: School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI) <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><em style="">Welcome to the</em> <span style=""><span>RILA Bulletin</span></span> <em style="">Spotlight Series, where we feature the important work of a different RILA or RI library section, committee, roundtable, initiative, or organization in each issue.</em></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><em><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">Questions or suggestions for this column? Please send an email to</font></span> <a href="mailto:communications@rilibraries.org"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>communications@rilibraries.org</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">.</font></span></font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/rr-xd9kxQ9pr8zUXuOdCShCO0-Oo0S2_84opc1lbxXGRZgvg-hwU8sCij5OqIUbaefUgrXzeq4fIWdyo17gVYXPcky6LX2M1K84ns4-_KBYjvW721A6_QslFT7bU-3e6YEEs7tS0" width="624" height="156" style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px;"></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong style="">August 2021 Spotlight: School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI)</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Kjc6M_xT6J70ongIDa_uwbrxxhu4izn1gQo70xL4ig9Sg4oVE54_ZR-UJnra7PYKWXvzLZiTQrEwtwb8fmbC2G5vd7Cd26PoEi5uRLydXys6QjIutmZdAIpL5nHBWD6Bpu-CPbJ7" width="267" height="226" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" align="right">This month, with the new school year right around the corner, we talked to Joan Eldredge-Mouradjian, President of School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI). Joan is the School Library Media Specialist at Narragansett Pier School in Narragansett, RI.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is the mission or purpose of SLRI?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">Our mission is three-fold: to promote the improvement of instruction through opportunities that broaden the professional knowledge, understanding, and experience of our members; to provide leadership in defining, interpreting, and promoting effective library media programs to the community; and to serve as facilitator between the State Department of Education, Office of Library and Information Services, professional organizations, and the general public.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What made you personally interested in being involved with this organization?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">I was really inspired to become an active member of SLRI by my friend Sarah Hunicke, who is a past president of the organization. Sarah is passionate about libraries. I was always a member of SLRI, but I think I took for granted all the work and advocacy the organization accomplishes on behalf of school librarians. Over the past years, some districts have cut librarian positions at all levels, reduced funding, and really minimized the importance of a school library staffed by a Library Media Specialist. I thought it was time to give back to my beloved profession and the organization that has supported libraries.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is SLRI’s proudest achievement?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">After nearly two years of work with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and the RILA Legislative Action Committee, SLRI made a presentation to the RI Council on Elementary and Secondary Education requesting that RIDE endorse the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National School Library Standards. At the end of the meeting, the Council voted unanimously to accept the Standards. This endorsement reinforces the importance of librarians and school libraries in Rhode Island and recognizes the value of a standards-based library curriculum, which is a critical component of student academic success.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">RIDE has since officially endorsed the AASL National School Library Standards, which are used to guide school library curriculum in RI. The endorsement solidified RIDE’s belief that strong school libraries and certified school librarians play a key role in student learning and achievement. These Standards emphasize important aspects of student learning and development that allow students to develop the abilities to think, to create, to share, and to grow.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What ongoing challenges does SLRI face?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">The biggest challenge for SLRI is to ensure that school librarians are recognized for their role in the success of all students. The roles and responsibilities of school librarians have evolved in recent decades to meet the needs of today’s learning initiatives. It is more important than ever, in this age of information and disinformation, that students are given the research skills necessary for college and career readiness and the skills to be informed and active citizens. Now, with the plethora of information available to students, librarians are needed more than ever.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>If money and time were not an issue, what is SLRI’s number one wish list item to support its mission or purpose?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">If money were no object, SLRI would ensure that every school in Rhode Island was staffed with a certified Library Media Specialist, and that the LMS would have a budget that allowed for the purchase of proper resources for every student.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What partnerships with other groups or individuals (inside or outside of RILA) have been most beneficial for SLRI to meet its goals or objectives?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">Being part of RILA has made SLRI a stronger organization. For example, SLRI and the RILA Legislative Action Committee worked together to promote the adoption of the AASL Standards by RIDE. The Rhode Island Library and Information Network for Kids (RILINK) supports libraries, students, and teachers with training and shared resources. RILINK has been invaluable to the SLRI community. [</font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#202124" face="Arial">Editor’s note: RILINK is the membership-based statewide consortium of school libraries.</font></em></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">]</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Is SLRI looking for new members, and how can those interested get involved?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">One of the goals for SLRI is to encourage all school librarians in Rhode Island to join the organization. Involved members will help SLRI to continue advocating for librarians in RI. Please join SLRI or renew membership</font></span> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/membership"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>by clicking here to access the RILA membership web page</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">. Librarians wishing to become involved in SLRI can</font></span> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/slri"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>click here to visit the SLRI web page</u></font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">and contact any board member for information.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What book are you reading now that you’d like to promote?</strong></font></span></p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/teP60P4CyPd3jWpVmwk9gDDsMg-Xz8-mJ0U25_X9V92r-cmarXczi_uEMboqQCmb0mxdLDlBWl8qcjRvnwaqiUEypU9gT5BoU3bKw0mU9cc_b-wpKi3w6okL8Q3w5hG2xe7FgZj3" width="132" height="200" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;"></font> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2647681?lang=eng"><u><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial">The Rose Code</font></em></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial">by Kate Quinn</font></span></u></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">. I loved this book because it focuses on a little-known story of female British code breakers in World War II. This is a page-turner, with characters I cared about.</font></span></font></p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br> <br> <br></font> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10858103 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10858103 RILA Communications Sat, 07 Aug 2021 14:25:39 GMT A Look Back at the Coalition of Library Advocates, 1982-2021 <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">As a RILA member you may have read recently about the dissolution of the COLA section. Some of you may never have heard of the group, so here’s the scoop:</font></p> <table width="99%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" watable="1" class="contStyleExcSimpleTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="left"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="25%" align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;1982</font></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top"> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was on the radio, “E.T.” was on the big screen, EPCOT opened in Orlando, FL, a severe recession began in the U.S., and the Coalition of Library Advocates formed.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Within weeks of the original group’s formation, President Reagan had proposed zero funding for libraries in the federal budget. COLA collected over 7,000 signatures to protest the cut. That spring, COLA members presented the petitions to their Congressional delegation in Washington, DC on Legislative Day. Library funding was preserved.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">COLA began as an outgrowth of the 1979 Governor’s Conference on Library and Information Services, which was held to prepare for the first White House Conference on Library and Information Services. Until 1985, when it was incorporated, COLA was a loose “organization of organizations.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="25%" align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;1984</font></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top"> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">By 1984, it became clear that COLA needed to incorporate and to achieve federal nonprofit status. It also became clear that COLA’s membership base should be primarily laypeople with input on the Board from a representative of each of the state’s professional library associations. Funds were needed to carry out its mission, making membership dues a necessity.</font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">A 1984 conference, “Libraries in the Future of Education: A RI Perspective,” was chaired by Richard Olsen, then Director of the James P. Adams Library at Rhode Island College. This was the library community’s response—the first in the nation—to</font> <em><font color="#000000">A Nation at Risk</font></em><font color="#000000">, published by the National Commission on Excellence in Education, which deplored the poor quality of education in the United States and proposed a fix that said not one word about libraries. COLA’s conference brought keynote speakers, panels of educators, and representatives of public, school, special, and academic libraries together to discuss mutual concerns. It may have been the first time that educators and librarians met together in such a forum. The participants recommended ways of bringing together teachers, school and public librarians, students, and parents. They offered ideas on political action, advocacy, public relations, and—most importantly—the need for groups to communicate with each other.</font></font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000"><br></font></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="25%" height="" align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;1986</font></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="" height="" align="left"> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">COLA is instrumental in helping to pass—by 68% of the vote—the 1986 Rhode Island Constitutional amendment mandating state support of public libraries. Rose Ellen Reynolds, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and later a COLA Chair, shepherded the amendment through.</font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="25%" height="" align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;1989</font></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="" height="" align=""> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">This set the scene for the 1989 legislation—advocated strongly by COLA—that requires Rhode Island to fund its public libraries by at least 25% of operating expenses. That mandate, combined with a generous state library construction program, makes the State of Rhode Island a national leader in library funding.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">A statewide library fair, held in Warwick Mall. Then-Director of DSLS, Fay Zipkowitz, pranced around the Warwick Mall in a stiflingly hot gorilla suit, exhorting shoppers to learn about library services at the exhibits prepared by all types of Rhode Island libraries and library organizations during a statewide library fair. There were television and computer demonstrations, film showings, and a “Stump the RI Historical Society” exhibit.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="25%" height="" align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;1991</font></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="" height="" align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">COLA helped to organize the 1991 Governor’s Conference on Library and Information Services in preparation for the second White House Conference. Later, the group agreed on eight top-priority recommendations that became a blueprint for action for the Rhode Island library community. COLA published these priorities in a widely circulated Agenda for the Nineties.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="25%" height="" align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;1994</font></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="" height="" align=""> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">1994 brought the renowned and hilarious Arch Lustberg to Rhode Island to teach laypeople and professionals techniques for giving testimony and persuading others.</font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="25%" height="" align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;2006</font></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="" height="" align=""> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">A conference that brought together library Friends groups and library Trustees to share their experiences in supporting libraries was greeted with enthusiasm.</font></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">COLA Sweethearts: Each year the group honored a local library supporter as their “Sweetheart of the Year,” because the annual meeting had been held in February. These library advocates included the late Senator Claiborne Pell and our current Senator Jack Reed, along with our local grassroots supporters, including Joan Ress Reeves. COLA also awarded scholarships to URI GSLIS students.</font><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10854280 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10854280 RILA Communications Sat, 07 Aug 2021 14:00:29 GMT Summer Highlights at Greenville Library <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#37302D"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font>Greenville Library staff took programming outside -- way out! Hitting the trail, the park, and the library lawn, Greenville staff collaborated with community groups and volunteers to connect with Smithfield patrons.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#37302D">Here are a few highlights from the Greenville Library staff from the 2021 Summer Reading program:</font></p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Conservation7_21%20(1)%20-%20Cassie%20Patterson.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0" width="267" height="356" align="left" style="color: rgb(55, 48, 45); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;"> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#37302D">The morning of Thursday, July 15th, shaped up to be a warm summer day and just right for an outdoor program. Children and their parents/caregivers joined volunteer Renee Finlay and Children’s Librarian Babs Wells for the Woodland Whispers Story and Craft program at the Smithfield Conservation Center. The families enjoyed a read aloud story while sharing lively connections about the summer activities they have been doing together.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#37302D"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Renee then led a guided hike, which featured the native plants that can be found on the trails.&nbsp;</font><span><font style="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Children and their grown-ups also foraged for leaves, twigs, and other natural materials for the printmaking craft. While using either paintbrushes, sponges, or finger painting, beautiful nature prints were created by children and adults! Many of the patrons who attended this program asked when we can all get together again. Renee and Babs already have plans for another outdoor library program&nbsp; at the conservation center in October.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#37302D"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/BookBuggy%20-%20Cassie%20Patterson.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="267" height="356" style="color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" align="right">Also on July 15, Children’s Librarian Babs Wells and Assistant Director Cassie Patterson took the newly minted “Greenville Library Book Buggy” on the road to spread the word on summer programs. The buggy was purchased with funds from the OLIS Summer Mini Grant. We packed the cart full of donated books, info on summer at the Greenville Library, and a few surprises for the kids. The cart was a hit among young and old at a food truck and fireworks event held at Deerfield Park in Smithfield. Visiting with patrons we’ve missed seeing at the library and making new friends was the highlight of this outreach effort. We look forward to more adventures in the community with our book buggy.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#37302D"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/StorytimeSafari2%20-%20Cassie%20Patterson.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" align="left" width="267" height="356" style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;">Later in July, the library collaborated with Cadence Academy Preschool in Smithfield to present Storytime Safari. Developed by Patty DeFrancesco, this program brought children outside under the library’s sequoia tree.&nbsp; Children listened to a story read by Patty and then explored stations set up with safari-themed crafts. As they completed each craft, children presented their safari passport to be stamped by one of our volunteers. Participants were able to remain socially distanced as they navigated the stations in small groups.</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10853542 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10853542 RILA Communications Tue, 27 Jul 2021 19:37:50 GMT Scholarship Opportunity: LJ Fostering an Antiracist Library Culture <p></p> <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/OLIS%20RILA%20Scholarship.png" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></p> <p>The Office of Library and Information Services and RILA are partnering to support professional development for individuals interested in advancing their understanding of systemic racism and developing practical skills to foster antiracist library environments. OLIS and RILA will provide a limited number of scholarships for individuals to attend Library Journal’s</p><em>Fostering an Antiracist Library Culture</em>, a 3-week online course that will run virtually on Tuesdays from September 28 - October 12. This opportunity is open to all library staff from any type of RI library and RI public library trustees. Visit the Fostering an Antiracist Library Culture course page (<a href="http://www.libraryjournal.com/?event=equity-in-action-sept-2021" target="_blank">www.libraryjournal.com/?event=equity-in-action-sept-2021</a>) to learn more about the course, see an outline of the schedule and read about the presenters.<br> <br> <a href="https://forms.gle/KhWBq8Y16RvniXbY7" target="_blank">Please complete the online application</a> to be considered for this scholarship, which will cover the full cost of enrolling in the course. OLIS and RILA will announce scholarship winners no later than August 27. Applications are due by August 20 at 4:00 PM https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10778162 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10778162 Fri, 02 Jul 2021 19:57:37 GMT SLRI Documentary Selected for International Film Festivals <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Site/Home%20Page%20SlideShow/SLRI.png" alt="" title="" style="display: block;" border="0"></p> <p>Congratulations to the School Librarians of Rhode Island section! Their documentary "Overdue: The Value of School Librarians" was named as an official selection of the Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Green Mountain International Film Festival.</p> <p>SLRI produced this short documentary-style advocacy film to show the value of school librarians. Anyone is free to view and share the video to use for advocacy purposes. The full 15-minute film is licensed under Creative Commons public license 4.0 and is available to view and share on Vimeo at this URL:</p> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/445826301/def52b7668" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/445826301/def52b7668</a></p> <p>In addition to the film, SLRI has prepared resources to help viewers start advocating for their school librarians. These include a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EH_LyF22-Ha--ylRuJM7ZdgAUvboZEIwQIi4AQyAwnA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">film viewing welcome letter</a>, a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ekdFiLBUmaeknoDRB0VO22R9UEGd9WVYqafkGDtEaTc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">film discussion guide</a>, and an <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tX3GyHCNts6eGnZIt_daSmjEAwSL7kdoF0BoM9cIkBo/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">advocacy letter template</a> to send to your school board, principal, newspaper, parent groups, administration, or any group that has a stake in education.</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10721676 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10721676 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:47:28 GMT Rhode Island Library Association Awards Librarians, Library Professionals, and Library Supporters at Annual Conference <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20Conference/header.png" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span>The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) presented its annual awards at the RILA Annual Conference, which was held virtually June 3-4, 2021. The theme for the conference was “Well + Connected: Libraries and Healthy Communities,” and the recipients of this year’s awards exemplify the library community’s commitment to creating and supporting strong and healthy communities.</span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font face="Arial, sans-serif">"This is an exceptional slate of award recipients,” said outgoing RILA President Julie Holden, “and we are honored to highlight and promote their work, especially our library supporters, former Representative Robert Jacquard and Mary Ann and Walter Sloco</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">mb."</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><span><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style=""><span><span style="">Congratulations to the winners of this year's RILA Awards:</span></span></span><br></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><strong><span><span>Library Champion Award:&nbsp;</span></span>Robert Jacquard, Former State Representative, District 17, Cranston</strong></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">“During his long tenure at the State Hous</font><font face="Arial, sans-serif">e, Jacquard was a champion for Rhode Island libraries and a tireless advocate for full funding of state grant-in-aid for public libraries,” said Ed Garcia, director of the Cranston Public Library. “For his unwavering support of libraries and his hard work and advocacy for increased library funding, Jacquard exemplifies the qualities and dedication of a library champion and is deserving of recognition with this award.”</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span>“I really appreciate this award from the library association,” said Robert Jacquard. “Libraries have been as important as local schools to me during my time in the general assembly. I think we’re going to see, after the pandemic, that libraries are more important to people than ever.”</span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><strong><span>Outstanding Librarian Award:&nbsp;</span>Michelle Steever, Librarian at East Greenwich High School<br></strong></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span>“With Mrs. Michelle Steever’s arrival at East Greenwich High School, we gained more than a media specialist,” said David Amiradri, a student at the high school. “We gained a technology-savvy executive, with a clear vision of the library of the future. We gained a compassionate educator, understanding of the challenges faced by students in the twenty-first century.”</span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><span>“She has brought her leadership skills and broad perspective to the School Improvement Team as we develop best practices and student supports,” said Frank Lenox, a teacher in the science department at East Greenwich High School. “Through all of our interactions, I am reminded how central a library is to the daily practices of a school community. And even more, how essential a librarian can be to the staff and students of every school community.”</span></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span>“Her reach and impact extends well beyond the faculty, staff, and students at East Greenwich High School,” said Patricia Page, Business and Digital Technology Educator at East Greenwich High School. “Michelle has redefined what a student-centered, professional learning community looks, feels, and sounds like.”</span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><strong><span>Outstanding Library Paraprofessional Award:&nbsp;</span>Lynda LaCava, Library Assistant at North Providence Union Free Library</strong></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><font color="#000000">“Lynda</font><font color="#000000">&nbsp;has been inside, outside, and all around North Providence performing outdoor story times, virtual visits to nearby parks, and never once let weather or the pandemic deter her from providing these essential&nbsp;services to&nbsp;the community,” said Stefanie Blankenship, director of the North Providence Union Free Library.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><strong><span>Trustee of the Year Award:</span>&nbsp;Dorothy Swain, Chair of the Board of Trustees at North Providence Union Free Library</strong></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span>Ms. Swain “embodies the true sense of libraries, beyond physical buildings, and is always at the ready to help and serve,” said&nbsp;<font color="#000000">Stefanie Blankenship, director of the North Providence Union Free Library. “</font>She has led us through one of the most difficult years without once faltering. Though she has seen this library go through many transitions, this past year was without a doubt the most jolting. Yet, her steadfast manner held us all together.”</span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span><strong><span>Meritorious Friend of the Library Award:&nbsp;</span>Mary Ann and Walter Slocomb, Cranston Public Library</strong></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 15px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span>“The Slocombs have been strong supporters of the Cranston Public Library for several years,” said Ed Garcia, director of the Cranston Public Library. “Mary Ann and Walter created the Mary Ann and Walter Slocomb Fund at the Cranston Public Library Association in 2016 with a $10,000 donation. To date, they have donated over $50,000.&nbsp; Mary Ann and Walter have been incredible friends of the Cranston Public Library, not only donating their money but in giving of their time. They have volunteered at our Friends book sale and also attend library programs and special events. They have been a major part in the Cranston Public Library becoming a nationally recognized award-winning library.”</span></font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10602266 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10602266 RILA Communications Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:13:22 GMT June 2021 Spotlight: RILA Legislative Action Committee <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><em>Welcome to the</em> <span>RILA Bulletin</span> <em>Spotlight Series, where we feature the important work of a different RILA or RI library section, committee, roundtable, initiative, or organization in each issue.</em></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><em><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">Questions or suggestions for this column? Please send an email to</font></span> <a href="mailto:communications@rilibraries.org"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial">communications@rilibraries.org</font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">.</font></span></em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 18px;"><strong style="">June 2021 Spotlight: RILA Legislative Action Committee</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">This month, we talked to Ed Garcia, Chair of the RILA Legislative Action Committee. Ed is the Director of Cranston Public Library.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ufCKsDtTozj4ZmjUX4ppmu7836AxhM-JoPw9Cgp2DPeh173bDpyimqoFerUJ4602eNaZvbrr-OYMxc-moJUS6-0UcVQSx9vrVU3JTq6V3-9Dj_7YMIlIrDGwJ6lLVuZROK56kpHi" width="148" height="184" align="right"></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is the mission or purpose of the RILA Legislative Action Committee?</strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">The Legislative Action Committee is responsible for recommending a legislative plan for the Association. The Committee assists and advises the Executive Board and the membership in appropriate action to affect proposed legislation.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><em>What made you personally interested in being involved with this organization?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">I've always been very interested in the power of advocacy, [in] being able to talk to a legislator or an official and influence their decision making. Advocating for an issue—in this case, the importance of libraries—and telling the stories of how we impact the lives of our users has always been an important part of what I do as a Library Director and advocate.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><em>What is the proudest achievement of the Legislative Action Committee?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">The Committee has been very successful in recent years. We successfully advocated for $1.1 million in additional state aid to RI public libraries. Working with our School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI) colleagues, we were able to leverage some legislative advocacy into working with the RI Department of Education to have the American Association of School Libraries (AASL) National School Library Standards officially adopted.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><em>What ongoing challenges does the Legislative Action Committee face?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">We are constantly working to achieve full funding of state aid to libraries as prescribed by law.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><em>If money and time were not an issue, what is the number one wish list item of this Committee to support its mission or purpose?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">It would be nice to have enough time, money, and people to produce more advocacy communications to go to not only RILA members but to the general public in support of libraries.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><em>What partnerships with other groups or individuals (inside or outside of RILA) have been most beneficial for this Committee to meet its goals or objectives?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">Within RILA, being able to work with sections like SLRI on important issues is key. Also being able to learn from advocates at the Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA) has been personally impactful to me. Being able to work with and learn from amazing library advocates like Joan Ress Reeves and Rose Ellen Reynolds, both of whom helped found COLA, has been a privilege. We also work closely with both the ALA Public Policy and Advocacy office and Chapter Relations office to advocate to our federal delegation in Congress. Rhode Island is the envy of other states because of our strong presence in Congress, with incredible library supporters in Senators Reed and Whitehouse and Congressmen Cicilline and Langevin.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><em>Is the Legislative Action Committee looking for new members, and how can those interested get involved?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">Please visit</font></span> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/advocacy"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>https://www.rilibraries.org/advocacy</u></font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">and sign up for advocacy updates and to stay informed on advocacy-related issues.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><em>What book are you reading now that you’d like to promote?</em></strong></font></span></p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://encore.oslri.net/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2522394?lang=eng"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>Dark Work: the Business of Slavery in Rhode Island</u></font></em></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial">by Christy Clark-Pujara. This book was eye opening about the history of slavery in Rhode Island. Even after slavery was abolished in the North, Rhode Island was still in the business of producing goods that supported slavery in the South.</font></span></font> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10601793 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10601793 RILA Communications Tue, 18 May 2021 16:32:50 GMT COLA Presents Awards, Votes to Dissolve at Final Annual Meeting <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">The Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA) Annual Meeting, held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, was its final meeting. After much study and thought, COLA’s Board of Directors, in close and careful consultation with RILA’s Board, asked for COLA to be fully absorbed into RILA rather than exist as a separate board with a chairperson. In this way, the efforts of library supporters will be part of RILA’s general actions. It was specifically noted that, with the efforts of the Legislative Action Committee, the work of COLA is continuing. All members of RILA continue to receive those updates, and now we can encourage anyone in the state who supports libraries to join RILA for a nominal fee.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">The groundwork laid by people including Rosellen Reynolds, Tom Viall, Joan Ress Reeves, and many others will not be forgotten. The vote at the annual meeting was unanimous to dissolve the organization.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#222222"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">At this year’s final annual meeting, the following awards were presented:&nbsp;</font></span></font><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">The</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000"><strong>William Bergeron Public Library Scholarship</strong>&nbsp;</font></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">was presented to</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000"><strong>Christina Swiszcz</strong></font></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><em><font color="#000000">.</font></em></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">Christina has worked at the Newport County Campus Library of the Community College of Rhode Island for several years. Her primary role is managing the circulation desk, including hiring and managing the student employees. For Christina, making connections with students, helping them find materials and other campus resources, is incredibly rewarding. Besides being an outstanding student, Christina plans on continuing to serve the public as an academic librarian after graduating with her masters in library and information studies (MLIS).</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">The <strong>Linda Aldrich School Library Scholarship</strong></font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">was presented to</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><span><font color="#000000" style=""><strong>Elena Hughes</strong>.</font></span></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">Elena has been dedicated to school libraries since she began at the University or Rhode Island's Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (GSLIS). She has been to Tanzania to build a rural school library, and next year she will be participating in the RILA mentoring program. One of Elena's goals is to collaborate with other school media specialists to develop and share best practices in school librarianship and how they are inherently primed for advocacy. Elena is interested in developing library curriculum that embeds social emotional learning, cultivating collections and resources that reflect the diverse needs and experiences of the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">The <strong>Sweetheart of the Year Award</strong></font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">was presented to</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><span><font color="#000000" style=""><span><strong>Karen Mellor</strong>, Chief of Library Services, Office of RI Library and Information Services</span><em><span>.</span></em></font></span></span> <span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000" style="">As Rhode Island’s Chief of Library Services since 2013, Karen has long been a trusted advisor, ally, and collaborator of COLA as well as the library community. Since the pandemic, she has worked heroically to coordinate CARES Act grants for library expenses and support librarians in adapting to the year’s challenges with everything from policy development to the creation of virtual services.</font></span></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">The <strong>William E. Reeves Award</strong> for outstanding programming by a Library Friends Group</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">was presented to the</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><span><font color="#000000" style=""><strong style="">East Smithfield Public Library Friends Group</strong></font></span></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">for sponsoring the presentation about the Esmond Bunny blankets. Their event brought together library users and community members to hear from local historian Sandra Achille. Ms. Achille discussed the local history of the Esmond Mills, located in East Smithfield, RI, from 1906 to 1948. This event received news coverage in the Valley Breeze and was well attended for a cold January 2020 evening.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20Conference/Reamer%20photoA.jpeg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="185" height="259" align="left" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 0px;">Those who attended also listened to a wonderful talk given by Frederick Reamer, a Pawtucket resident. Dr. Reamer (shown in photo) is a professor in the graduate program of the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College. His research and teaching have addressed a wide range of issues, including mental health, health care, criminal justice, public welfare, and professional ethics. Dr. Reamer received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1978) and has served as a social worker in correctional and mental health settings.</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">Dr. Reamer is also the host of</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><em><font color="#000000"><strong>This I Believe New England</strong>&nbsp;</font></em></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">on The Public’s Radio, where he shares stories of New Englanders. The story he shared with us about the impact of a single book on his life was powerful. We thank him sincerely for the beautiful ending to a bittersweet meeting.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">We thank everyone who came together and supported the decision to dissolve COLA in its current iteration. Thanks go to the remaining active board members who helped plan this meeting: Gale Eaton, John Bucci, Lisa Ashe, Karen Markin, and Emilie Benoit.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;"><em>-- Submitted by 2020-2021 COLA Chair Robin Nyzio, MLIS; branch librarian at the William Hall Library</em></font></span></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10520688 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10520688 RILA Communications Wed, 14 Apr 2021 16:50:42 GMT OLIS and RILA Sponsor Town Hall Discussion with Senator Jack Reed for National Library Week <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) and the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) sponsored a "town hall" virtual discussion with&nbsp;Senator&nbsp;Jack&nbsp;Reed&nbsp;on Monday, April 5th, to celebrate National Library Week. Discussion centered on how libraries have adapted during the coronavirus pandemic, how we safely reopened our libraries, and some of the impactful programming we provided to the public during the last year.</font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20Conference/Sen.%20Reed%20Natl%20Library%20Week1%20.png" alt="" title="" border="0"></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="">Senator&nbsp;Reed&nbsp;spoke to attendees about the introduction of the Library Stabilization Fund Act, which was incorporated into the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will provide $200 million to the nation’s libraries through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Senator&nbsp;Reed&nbsp;has also introduced the&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.ala.org/advocacy/buildlibraries" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ala.org/advocacy/buildlibraries&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1618503184124000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEAnqCrhb00PZikDRQ24BrUM1CVHg" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><font color="#1155CC"><u>Build America’s Libraries Act</u></font></a><span style="">; if passed, this legislation will provide federal funding for library construction for the first time in over two decades. Panelists at the event included Cheryl Space (director, Providence Community Library); Ryan Brennan (director, Rogers Free Library); Brigitte Hopkins and Bill Lancellotta (executive director and assistant director, Westerly Library); Amber Bliss (head of information services, West Warwick Public Library) and Ed Garcia (director, Cranston Public Library). OLIS Chief Library Officer Karen Mellor and RILA President Julie Holden moderated the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></font></p> <p><span style=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20Conference/Sen.%20Reed%20Natl%20Library%20Week4.png" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></font></span></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The theme for&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1618503184124000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE4LF6BdlJB22VQwcRBmUVpwz8utw" target="_blank"><font color="#1155CC">National Library Week</font></a>&nbsp;(April 4-10, 2021), “Welcome to Your Library,” promoted the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic, libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. We are grateful to Senator Reed and his staff for taking the time to celebrate libraries during this special week and for continuously supporting funding for library services.</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10312765 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10312765 RILA Communications Tue, 13 Apr 2021 19:51:40 GMT April 2021 Spotlight: RILA Conference Committee <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><em><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20Conference/RILA%20Spotlight%20Series.png" alt="" title="" border="0" align="left" width="240" height="240" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 0px;"><em>Welcome to the RILA</em> Bulletin <em>Spotlight Series, where we feature the important work of a different RILA or RI library section, committee, roundtable, initiative, or organization in each issue.</em></em></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><em><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">Questions or suggestions for this column? Please send an email to</font></span> <a href="mailto:communications@rilibraries.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">communications@rilibraries.org</font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">.</font></span></em></p> <p><br></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 18px;"><strong style=""><span style="">April 2021 Spotlight: RILA Conference Committee</span></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">This month, we talked to Nicolette Baffoni and Joseph Morra, Co-Chairs of the RILA Conference Committee. Nicolette is the Library Development Manager at the Rhode Island Office of Library &amp; Information Services (OLIS). Joseph is the Branch Manager of Olneyville Library, Providence Community Library.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><em>What is the mission or purpose of the RILA Conference Committee?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">The RILA Conference Committee is responsible for planning and implementing all conferences sponsored by the Association. The Annual Conference is to include programs on current library concerns. Any conference is to provide an opportunity for exchange of ideas on a formal and informal basis.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><em>What made you personally interested in being involved with this organization?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Joseph</strong></font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>:</strong> The annual conference was my first entry point in becoming involved. However, the seed was planted by my URI GSLIS professors, who highly encouraged students to join a professional organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Nicolette</strong></font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>:</strong> I really value the connection and collaboration that come from getting involved with an organization like RILA.&nbsp; At my job at OLIS, I was planning learning opportunities and events for library staff as part of my job and so when I was looking for a way to get more involved in RILA, the Conference Committee was a great entry point for me!&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><em>What this Committee's proudest achievement?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">Our proudest achievement has been the pivot in 2020 from an in-person conference to a virtual one. In the early days of the pandemic, there was so much uncertainty and no one thought we’d be social distancing and working from home until the end of May, let alone for over a year. We put off the decision until the very last minute and ended up figuring out all the logistics of our very first virtual conference in about 4 weeks because we were adamant that we did not want to cancel. In the end, we were able to offer a mostly smooth-running virtual conference that was free to RILA members and brought together more than 200 people from the RI library community.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><em>What ongoing challenges does the Conference Committee face?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">There is always a challenge of balancing the budget. Ultimately, the annual conference acts as a fundraiser for RILA, and we want to end the event in the black. It takes hard work and creativity to attract vendors, keep costs down, and set reasonable registration fees while still trying to put on an excellent, professional conference. The 2020 and 2021 conferences presented an entirely new challenge in this regard: costs are lower for a virtual conference, but how do we attract vendors and attendees, and curate an experience that is worth taking a day to attend?&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><em>If money and time were not an issue, what is the number one wish list item of this Committee to support its mission or purpose?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">If money were not an issue, we would love to invite some bigger name speakers to present keynotes. Each year, we continue to find absolutely excellent keynote speakers on a shoestring budget, but it would be great to open up our search to include some presenters who are national presenters, but come with a higher price tag. It would also be fun to be able to splurge on whatever the finest meal options are for lunch! Carving station, anyone?&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><em><strong>What partnerships with other groups or individuals (inside or outside of RILA) have been most beneficial for this Committee to meet its goals or objectives?</strong></em></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">The Conference Committee benefits so much from working with the RILA Communications Committee, who help us promote our events. That includes promoting the request for proposals, registration, and just generally hyping the annual conference. The Conference Committee also benefits from having an engaged RILA President and Vice President (both current and past) who are willing to offer their input and expertise throughout the planning process. Finally, we’d be remiss if we did not mention Bryant University; when the conference is in person, the use of Bryant’s facilities for the past several years has allowed us to put on a comfortable, professional conference while also keeping costs down.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><em>Is the Committee looking for new members, and how can those interested get involved?</em></strong></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">Yes! When you become a RILA member, you have the opportunity to be a part of a number of different committees (e.g., Conference, Intellectual Freedom) or become part of the mentorship program, either as a mentor or mentee. The Conference Committee, in particular, is always excited to welcome new members and requires a commitment of about 1 day per month, plus additional assignments and day-of-conference support. As a Conference Committee member, you help to plan the conference theme, speakers, and sessions and brainstorm creative ways to make the conference a great experience for attendees, presenters, and exhibitors. If you want to get involved in planning for the 2022 conference, please email Nicolette Baffoni (<a href="mailto:nicolette.baffoni@olis.ri.gov" target="_blank">nicolette.baffoni@olis.ri.gov</a>).&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">Interested in attending the 2021 RILA Conference? Registration opens on April 19th. Please visit</font></span> <a href="https://rilibraries.org/rila2021" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">rilibraries.org/rila2021</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;">for more information.</font></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#202124" face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20Conference/2021_savethedate.png" alt="" title="" border="0" width="481" height="270"><br></font></span></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10308945 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10308945 RILA Communications Fri, 19 Mar 2021 19:55:49 GMT West Warwick Public Library Named Finalist for 2021 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service <span>West Warwick, RI—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that West Warwick Public Library is among 30 finalists for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. West Warwick Public Library is the only institution in Rhode Island to be selected as a finalist for this award, and the first library in the state to be so recognized by IMLS since Providence Public Library in 2001.</span> <p><span>"The revival and reinstitution of the National Medals by IMLS is another signal of recovery and renewal in the nation’s very challenging—but very hopeful—times,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “We are celebrating not only the ongoing excellence of the best of our museums and libraries, but their extraordinary efforts through the pandemic, the recession, the racial justice protests, and national divisions to serve, heal, and bring together our communities. Congratulations to all 30 finalists."</span></p> <p><span><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/COLA%20photos/WWPL.png" alt="" title="" style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" border="3"><br></span></p> <p><span>The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.</span></p> <p><span>“Like many towns across the country, West Warwick - once a center of manufacturing in the state - has had to face up to the economic and social challenges of the more recent past.” said Library Director Colin McCullough. “Yet our diverse population remains vibrant and optimistic for the future, an attitude buoyed up by the West Warwick Public Library. Our patrons’ needs might be informational, educational or – given the last twelve months – simply fun and entertainment, but each request is met with the same care and consideration by a dedicated staff. This recognition on the part of IMLS is a well-deserved tribute to their creativity, commitment to inclusivity, and sense of community.”</span></p> <p><span>To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging West Warwick Public Library’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media as part of the Share Your Story campaign, using the #IMLSmedals hashtag, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.</span></p> <p><span><br> National Medal winners will be announced in late spring. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during a virtual National Medal Ceremony this summer.</span></p> <p><span>To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.</span></p> <p><span>About the Institute of Museum and Library Services<br> The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__www.imls.gov%26d%3DDwMFaQ%26c%3DdWz0sRZOjEnYSN4E4J0dug%26r%3DfvTSlEr-0FFa3EkqG9ZVQcTiEeuKIr2lM9gcxRqarUo%26m%3DRA1E_oKOvf6B9fszJr4y84NKMk82OKinmX6zVEKlvHg%26s%3DoqJFq_cLQSfe2lmuq3FYXnnG9U3ZyyfG4Q9LXDNwuO4%26e%3D&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C381b4fb987274e27e05f08d8eb0dfec3%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637517792650784615%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=tCmfx1SYJJQ3a1u4acEqUcSap5WALkPxVXATOimVIMw%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.imls.gov</a> and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.</span></p><span><font style="font-size: 15px;"># # #</font></span> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10215101 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10215101 RILA Communications Wed, 10 Mar 2021 18:20:11 GMT In the Round: RILA Members Learn About Learning Circles <p><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">In February 2021, 21 librarians from state, public, and academic libraries across Rhode Island participated in a 5-week professional development training on how to facilitate learning circles. This opportunity was offered through the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) in partnership with</font></span> <a href="https://www.p2pu.org/en/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#0563C1" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><u>Peer to Peer University (P2PU)</u></font></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">. It was made possible by a donation from</font></span> <a href="http://ebsco.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">EBSCO Industries, Inc.</font></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">, in coordination with the RI Office of Library &amp; Information Services, and supported by staff from the Providence Public Library.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">RILA had two goals for offering this training: to introduce this model of peer-driven learning to Rhode Island libraries and to train facilitators who could then bring a special learning circle, titled</font> <a href="https://howtotalkaboutrace.wixsite.com/learningcircle" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#0563C1" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><u>How to Talk About Race</u></font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">, to library staff throughout Rhode Island.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><strong>What is a learning circle?</strong></font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Learning circles are free, peer-led study groups where people can take an online class together, virtually or in person. P2PU offers hundreds of</font> <a href="https://www.p2pu.org/en/courses/" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#0563C1" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><u>free, online courses covering a variety of topics and interests</u></font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">. Participants in the training learned how they could also adapt any freely available courses, from sources like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda), and others, to the learning circle format.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">“Learning circles create valuable opportunities that not only increase engagement and retention in online courses, but (more importantly) also create accessible spaces for library patrons to increase their confidence in topics that are important to them in a supportive environment,” says Grif Peterson, Executive Director of P2PU.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">“Learning Circles meet the mission of public libraries head-on!” says Joyce May, Acting Director​ of East Providence Public Library. “Both value community and shared experiences. Both create exciting opportunities for lifelong learning and, most importantly, both value the integrity of each and every patron and participant.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Because learning circles use a peer-driven learning model, the person in the facilitator role does not need to be an expert in the material being presented. They are simply there to keep time, move the agenda along, and to learn along with the rest of the group.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">“</font><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">I really appreciated the emphasis on the meeting facilitator not needing to have all the answers” says State Librarian Megan Hamlin-Black. “I think, so often, whoever is steering the meeting feels like they need to be the expert, but that mentality or framework leaves out room for personal growth.”</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><strong>Learning about learning circles…in a learning circle.</strong></font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Participants met via Zoom for 5 weeks, for 90 minutes each week, to learn about learning circles and experience what they are like by participating in one themselves. The participants met in two groups, led by Beatrice Pulliam and Sherry Lehane of the Providence Public Library and Grif Peterson and Qumisha Goss of P2PU.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Each week, participants were engaged using a blend of video, text, and large- and small-group discussions to explore how learning circles are designed; how to select, organize, and facilitate a course; and how to hold productive conversations around sensitive topics.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Julie Holden, Assistant Director&nbsp;of</font> <a href="http://cranstonlibrary.org/" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Cranston Public Library</font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">, said the learning experience was “delightfully different. I very much enjoyed learning in this group setting instead of being lectured to. There was time for verbal participation and time for non-verbal participation using a shared document, plus individual work time; the whole experience was the closest to a classroom experience that I've ever had on Zoom. I never felt Zoom fatigued.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">“The format of the Learning Circle, with check-ins, breakout groups, and time for reflection, helped all of us to feel more comfortable with one another, which led to some great discussion!” says Gretchen Sotomayor, Special Programs and Instruction Librarian at Salve Regina University’s McKillop Library. “Another benefit to the Learning Circle structure is that it does not require advance preparation. Instead, participants review materials together, and then discuss the issue. [How to Talk About Race, the subject of RILA’s upcoming learning circles] is not an easy topic to facilitate, and the session on ‘difficult discussions’ provided guidance on how to navigate ‘moving toward conflict’ and being okay with silence in a group.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Because learning circles use a peer-learning model, participants are encouraged to take responsibility for their own grasp of the material and look to themselves and their fellow learners for insight. Everyone is a student, and everyone is a teacher.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">“I appreciated the evolution of the training experience,” says Meredith Bonds-Harmon,</font><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br></font><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Head of Reference at East Providence Public Library. “We all seemed to move from awkward and confused to more confident, connected, and assured, or at least I did! As an adult, learning a new skill is not an everyday event. So it did stretch me, and I really appreciated how our facilitators did not try to soothe discomfort but instead move along with us, at our pace.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><strong>Experience a learning circle yourself, and explore how to tackle a tough subject with your peers and patrons.&nbsp;</strong></font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Learning%20Circles%20__Social%20Posts%20__Instagram%20(Square).png" alt="" title="" border="0" width="322" height="322" align="right">Our newly trained learning circle facilitators will put what they’ve learned into practice by leading learning circles of their own on the topic of</font> <a href="https://howtotalkaboutrace.wixsite.com/learningcircle" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#0563C1" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><u>How to Talk About Race</u></font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">The How to Talk About Race learning circle was developed as an in-person workshop by Amrita S. Patel and Denise LaForce, former colleagues at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in North Carolina. They brought the workshop to P2PU because they trusted the learning circle model to responsibly convey their expertise to new communities around the country. Amrita further adapted the course based on feedback from RILA.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">“To hear new communities are adapting the content is exciting and exactly what Denise and I hoped for when we adapted ‘How to Talk About Race’ to a Learning Circle”, says Amrita. “Conversations about race can be deeply polarizing, but it can be empowering when you have the resources to navigate them respectfully, confidently, and comfortably.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of introducing this learning circle topic to the Rhode Island library community,” says Colleen Wolf, Reference Librarian and Technology Instructor at Warwick Public Library. “I am excited about learning alongside my colleagues while we engage in important and perhaps difficult conversations.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">All Rhode Island library staff are invited to participate in one of these free, 5-week learning circles beginning the week of March 29th</font><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">. There are a variety of days and times available to accommodate your schedule.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Click here to learn more and to register:</font> <a href="https://www.p2pu.org/rila/" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#0563C1" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><u>https://www.p2pu.org/rila/</u></font></a></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10182933 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10182933 RILA Communications Wed, 10 Feb 2021 17:39:15 GMT RILA Legislative Action Report <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">The legislative session at the State House is in full swing. In January, the RILA Executive Board approved the 2021 Legislative Priorities as presented by the RILA Legislative Action Committee.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>State Aid to Libraries</strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">In recognition of the importance of public libraries in our society, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed legislation providing for state aid for public library services. Rhode Island law (RIGL §29-6-2) establishes state aid for the support of local public library services to be equal to at least 25% of the amount appropriated and expended by the city or town from local tax revenues or funds from the public library's private endowment two years prior. RILA typically advocates to the General Assembly to fully fund state aid to Rhode Island’s public libraries at 25%. Due to financial constraints brought about by the pandemic, RILA supports level funding of state aid to libraries for FY2022.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Net Neutrality</strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial">The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC’s) December 2017 “Restoring Internet Freedom Order” grants internet service providers (ISPs) unmitigated freedom to violate net neutrality principles, while severely infringing upon Americans’ right to fair internet access and endangering the innovation economy. The internet is essential for people to have a voice in the political process and to access the viewpoints of others. Publicly supported institutions, such as libraries, universities, and K-12 schools, provide their community members with equal access to the internet. Limiting access means users’ rights to participate in democracy is diminished and the foundation of our nation’s democracy is undermined. RILA has supported legislation supporting net neutrality in 2018, 2019, and 2020. RILA supports</font> <font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><a href="http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText21/HouseText21/H5054.htm"><u>H5054</u></a>,</font> <font color="#000000" face="Arial">which calls for any ISP doing business with the state of Rhode Island to adhere to net neutrality principles.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Funding for AskRI</strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">The State of Rhode Island provides Rhode Islanders, young and old, with online access to research databases, business resources, language learning tools, and encyclopedias through <u><a href="http://AskRI.org" target="_blank">AskRI.org</a></u>, created and funded by the Statewide Reference Resource Center grant (RIGL §29-6-9). In 2017, state budget constraints required that the grant be reduced by $300,000, nearly one-third of the total allocated. Consequently, statewide access to online homework help (via the <u><a href="http://Tutor.com" target="_blank">Tutor.com</a></u>&nbsp;service) for students was eliminated. Several public libraries purchased subscriptions to Tutor.com after state funding was lost, further straining municipal budgets. The only genealogy research database available statewide was also lost due to these budget constraints. Restoration of these funds could be used to make critical digital content available to library users during the pandemic.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Importance of School Librarians</strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">School librarians contribute to improved student achievement. More than 60 studies across the country have shown a correlation between professionally staffed school libraries and higher student achievement. Certified school librarians select technology and resources that are aligned to the curriculum, help students select reading materials, and collaborate with teachers to create authentic learning experiences that challenge students to think, share, create, and grow. RILA has made significant progress working with School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI) and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to approve the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards for School Librarians statewide and supports continuing that work with a target of Fall 2021 for adoption. RILA also supports changes to the Rhode Island Basic Education Plan or legislation that would require certified school librarians in every school receiving education funding from the state of Rhode Island.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ebooks &amp; Licenses</strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial">Publishers have the ability to cut libraries out of the ebook marketplace simply by refusing to sell to them. This severely limits libraries’ ability to offer ebooks to patrons who rely on the library for literature and information. RILA supports the re-introduction of the 2020 bill (</font><a href="http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/billtext20/senatetext20/s2773.htm"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>S2773</u></font></a><font color="#000000" face="Arial">) that requires any publisher who licenses electronic books and digital audiobooks to the general public (consumer) in Rhode Island to also offer such licenses to libraries in the state on comparable terms.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>New</strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial">The committee is also tracking</font> <a href="http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/billtext21/housetext21/h5148.htm"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>H5148</u></font></a>,&nbsp;<font color="#000000" face="Arial">which calls for the creation of a Rhode Island Broadband Development Plan and a Rhode Island Broadband Council. Rhode Island is one of only two states that do not have a Broadband Coordinator or other entity coordinating broadband efforts and the only New England state without one. This bill was introduced last year without librarian representation on the Council and did not pass. This year, we worked with the sponsor to have a librarian as a member of the proposed Council. RILA supports this bill and will advocate for its passage.&nbsp;</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">We are also tracking bills focused on public records, open meetings, harassment in the workplace, and minimum wage increases. These bills, although not specifically about libraries, could impact library operations.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial">For more information about RILA’s legislative work please visit:</font> <a href="https://cqrcengage.com/alari/?0"><font color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>https://cqrcengage.com/alari/?0</u></font></a></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">Ed Garcia</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial" style="font-size: 14px;">Chair, Legislative Action Committee</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10078397 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10078397 RILA Communications Sat, 06 Feb 2021 17:16:00 GMT Rhode Island’s Historic Newspapers Now Available to Search on Library of Congress’ Chronicling America Website <p style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">Providence Public Library (PPL) and the Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) have announced that the first batch of Rhode Island’s historic newspapers digitized through a National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP) grant are now freely available for researchers via the Library of Congress’&nbsp;</font></span><a href="https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">Chronicling America</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">site.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">In 2019, the two organizations were awarded a $250,000 NDNP grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress to digitize historic newspapers and make them available via&nbsp;</font></span><a href="https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">Chronicling America</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">for the first time. The NDNP supports the creation of a national, digital resource of historically significant newspapers published between 1690 and 1963, from all states and U.S. territories. PPL and RIHS have committed to digitizing more than 50,000 pages of historic newspaper content by August 2021.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">The project funds were awarded following a letter of support by Senator Jack Reed, who noted the RIHS’s remarkable historical collection of microfilm reels of 314 Rhode Island newspaper titles that ceased publication prior to 1923 but remained unavailable for research. The grant funding will enable PPL, in partnership with the RIHS, to complete a full inventory of master microfilm reels, digitize at least 100,000 pages, and market and promote these digital resources to the broader community.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">While additional titles will become available as the project is ongoing, this first batch includes almost 9,000 pages from:&nbsp;</font></span></p> <ul> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;"><em>Herald of the Times</em> (1830-1856)</font></span></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;"><em>Literary Cadet and Rhode-Island Statesman</em>; <em>Literary Cadet and Saturday Evening Bulletin</em> (1826-1829)</font></span></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;"><em>The Literary Echo; The Literary Echo &amp; Pawcatuck Advertiser; Westerly Echo &amp; Pawcatuck Advertiser</em> (1851-1858)</font></span></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;"><em>Newport Gazette</em> (1777-1779)</font></span></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;"><em>The Northern Star; The Northern Star and Warren and Bristol Gazette;&nbsp; The Northern Star and Constitutionalist; Northern Star, Farmer &amp; Mechanics Advocate; Rhode Island Constitutionalist</em> (1826-1855)</font></span></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;"><em>The Pioneer Woman’s Advocate</em> (1852-1853)</font></span></font></font></p> </li> </ul> <p style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">The addition of the</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">Newport Gazette</font></em></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">brings the earliest published newspaper to be included in Chronicling America to date. The paper was published by British forces occupying Newport using the printing press of Solomon Southwick. Southwick was the printer of the pro-Revolutionary</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">Newport Mercury</font></em></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">and had buried his press in an effort to keep it out of enemy hands. Despite his efforts, British forces found and dug up the press and used it to print their own paper.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">In addition, the first batch includes other titles of interest, such as</font></span>&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">The Pioneer Woman’s Advocate</font></em></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">, published by Miss Anna Spence in Providence and which advocated for suffrage and women’s rights during the 1850s;&nbsp;</font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">The Literary Echo &amp; Pawcatuck Advertiser</font></em></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">published in the southern coastal community of Westerly and covering parts of southeasten Connecticut; and</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">The Northern Star and Warren and Bristol Gazette</font></em></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">out of the port town of Warren in the early 19th Century as it transformed from an economy built on the Atlantic Slave Trade. Prior to this award, many of these newspapers were only available on microfilm at the RIHS and required researchers to use them in person. Now available online, they are open electronically to researchers across the world and in context with other papers from across the country.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">“The newspapers we’re digitizing are among the most valuable resources available for researchers, scholars, and anyone curious about history,” said Jordan Goffin, Head Curator of Collections at PPL. “We’re very excited that we can finally bring them to the public free of charge, as well as for another opportunity to collaborate with our colleagues at the Rhode Island Historical Society.”</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 25px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#000000" face="Arial">“Our delight in this project cannot be overstated. It is the culmination of an effort to make these newspapers accessible since the 1950s, when the RIHS began microfilming them. This is one of the purest ways in which we fulfill our mission to share Rhode Island's past.” said Richard J. Ring, Deputy Executive Director for Collections and Interpretation at RIHS. “We are off to a promising start in this partnership</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">with Providence Public Library and truly appreciative of the support of the Library of Congress.”</font></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10065957 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10065957 RILA Communications Sat, 06 Feb 2021 16:09:45 GMT A New Tradition Begins at the East Providence Public Library <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1D2228" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Looking for a way to spread cheer during the holiday season, the East Providence Public Library staff joyfully hit the road to sing carols in the community. The year had been challenging for so many. Patrons missed coming to programs at the library and the staff missed their patrons. Spreading some good, old-fashioned holiday cheer seemed like a sweet and simple way to bring the library out into the community.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1D2228" face="Calibri, sans-serif">A group of library employees (and some of their family members) volunteered their time to sing during one afternoon and one evening in the week before Christmas. Two weeks before, Public Services Librarian Michelle Perry posted a flyer and sign-up sheet to the library’s Facebook page and the response was immediate. Patrons were delighted, grateful, and excited for this event. Some scheduled visits for elderly and homebound relatives. Another wanted to put a smile on the face of a loved one battling cancer. And still another asked if the staff would sing outdoors at a nursing home. On the first day, the carolers made their last stop at the mayor’s home. The mayor was so thrilled that he did a <a href="https://fb.watch/3uw2bEi7WE/" target="_blank">live Facebook video</a> of the carolers and introduced each library staff person to his audience. His video, which was also posted to the City of East Providence’s Facebook page, has since had close to 6,000 views and generated over 50 comments.&nbsp;</font><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/LyricalLibrarians%20-%20East%20Providence%20Public%20Library.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" style="color: rgb(29, 34, 40); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1D2228" face="Calibri, sans-serif">Calling themselves the Lyrical Librarians, staff visited 15 households scheduling visits 15 to 30 minutes apart. Michelle planned the stops, organizing them geographically from one end of the city to another. Each caroler received a list and a map to download to their phone as well as lyrics to 10 or so carols. Given the cold (and their voices), the singers quickly learned it best to stick to the same four or five songs. Due to the pandemic, each masked staff member traveled separately so parking could be tricky on smaller streets. The evening event also made it difficult to see, but Michelle provided the carolers with battery-lit Christmas necklaces and headbands and Santa hats, and she came dressed as a Christmas tree!&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1D2228" face="Calibri, sans-serif">At one of the stops, neighbors walking their dogs stopped to listen and began to sing along. Other neighbors came out to their porches and joined the physically distanced fun. In times of such uncertainty, it was wonderful to see people singing and dancing and safely enjoying the moment. Library staff with the tag line "we don't claim to sound good, but we guarantee fun!” made it happen, and, for that, both patrons and staff shared very special holiday memories. A new tradition begins.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1D2228" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10065859 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/10065859 RILA Communications Mon, 04 Jan 2021 18:34:30 GMT Professional Development Opportunity: Facilitation Training for Learning Circles <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span><span><font>RILA is partnering with</font></span></span> <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.p2pu.org%2Fen%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846203026%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=4ma7x%2B7ggNbC9v9Vm0XQmmL%2FmIxL4epYCszb5oLdPq8%3D&amp;reserved=0"><span><font><span>Peer 2 Peer University</span></font></span></a> <span><span><font>to offer free facilitation training for <span>Learning</span> <span>Circles</span>—peer-led <span>learning</span> groups—and you are invited to join!<br></font></span></span></font></p> <p data-wacopycontent="1"><font style="font-size: 16px;" data-wacopycontent="1" face="Tahoma"><span data-wacopycontent="1"><span data-wacopycontent="1"><font data-wacopycontent="1">For more information on this initiative and to apply,</font></span></span> <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSegGO3GNqV47nYPBAF5qwbKm5DFP25fbYJYgdGK6WIc0dLmXg%2Fviewform&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846223018%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=5L33tXv5rOA2ua6MpKIdmVQ4HGqCAQFeDmz8IKmKUZI%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-wacopycontent="1"><span data-wacopycontent="1"><font data-wacopycontent="1"><span data-wacopycontent="1">please fill out this application</span></font></span></a><span data-wacopycontent="1"><span data-wacopycontent="1"><font data-wacopycontent="1">. <strong data-wacopycontent="1">Applications are due by January 8, 2021.&nbsp;</strong></font></span></span></font></p> <p data-wacopycontent="1"><font style="font-size: 16px;" data-wacopycontent="1" face="Tahoma"><span data-wacopycontent="1"><span data-wacopycontent="1"><font data-wacopycontent="1"><strong data-wacopycontent="1"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/RILA%20Facilitator%20Training%20Cohort%20Header.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></strong></font></span></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span><span><font>In this virtual 5-part professional development training, experienced facilitators will share how to organize and support <span>Learning</span> <span>Circles</span> in your library, teach you how to hold productive conversations around sensitive topics, then support you as you run your first <span>Learning</span> <span>Circle</span> for library staff across Rhode Island based on the course</font></span></span> <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhowtotalkaboutrace.wixsite.com%2Flearningcircle&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846213014%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=BP5aqcwPh6ePiZ%2FJwEMm41p0fVUv8msQ%2Bb%2FM1TWQDAQ%3D&amp;reserved=0"><span><font><span>How to Talk About Race.</span></font></span></a><span><span><font>&nbsp; Best of all, you do not need to be an expert on any particular topic to be a facilitator.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span>&nbsp;<span><font>The facilitator training is 5 weeks (One 90 minute session each week) and will take place the weeks of January 18 - February 15, 2021.</font></span></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhowtotalkaboutrace.wixsite.com%2Flearningcircle&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846213014%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=BP5aqcwPh6ePiZ%2FJwEMm41p0fVUv8msQ%2Bb%2FM1TWQDAQ%3D&amp;reserved=0"><span><font><span>How To Talk About Race</span></font></span></a> <span><span><font>is a 4 week course and will be offered to the RI library community in April &amp; May, 2021. Dates to be determined.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span><span><span><font>Learning</font></span></span> <span><font>facilitation skills is a great opportunity and member benefit for those RILA members who are looking to gain a professional edge.&nbsp; And, after you are trained, you can run <span>Learning</span> <span>Circles</span> in your library for your clientele. Many libraries are using the <span>Learning</span> <span>Circle</span> method (see past</font></span></span> <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.p2pu.org%2Flapl%2F%3Forder%3Dlast_meeting_date%26signup%3Dclosed%26team_id%3D22&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846223018%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=oIDKZXLHnpJO2r7jBzr07Gu3WUjbyCSe203j2Had%2BoU%3D&amp;reserved=0"><span><font><span>Los Angeles Public Library <span>Learning</span> <span>Circles</span> here</span></font></span></a><span><span><font>).</font></span></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span><span><font>For more information on this initiative and to apply,</font></span></span> <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSegGO3GNqV47nYPBAF5qwbKm5DFP25fbYJYgdGK6WIc0dLmXg%2Fviewform&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846223018%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=5L33tXv5rOA2ua6MpKIdmVQ4HGqCAQFeDmz8IKmKUZI%3D&amp;reserved=0"><span><font><span>please fill out this application</span></font></span></a><span><span><font>. <strong>Applications are due by January 8, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></font></span></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span>&nbsp;</span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span><span><span><font>Learn</font></span></span> <span><font>more about <span>learning</span> <span>circles</span>:</font></span></span> <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEtGir9xG7Pw%26ab_channel%3DP2PU&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846233003%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=6nuogVaVse6zbPO3px4VUgy3p%2BE%2FGUshZao%2FX1NxM2U%3D&amp;reserved=0"><span><font><span>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtGir9xG7Pw&amp;ab_channel=P2PU</span></font></span></a></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma">&nbsp;<span><strong><span><font>Videos:</font></span></strong></span></font></p> <p><a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DH5vReon6uL4%26ab_channel%3DP2PU&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846233003%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=0w59%2BodlnBIIB3HKYsXm1W7Smq9KO%2FqHS3kGWZETrrk%3D&amp;reserved=0"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span><font><span>What does a <span>learning</span> <span>circle</span> look like?</span></font></span></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dtr79oP_cg1M%26ab_channel%3DP2PU&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846243002%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=TF67Pk3NLCsLZpuZ%2FaILjrhRR9Uos2xhWcjoYU7qa9w%3D&amp;reserved=0"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span><font><span>Tips for New Facilitators</span></font></span></font></a></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma">&nbsp;<span><strong><span><font>Language:</font></span></strong></span></font></p> <p><a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.p2pu.org%2Ft%2Fwhy-are-learning-circles-needed%2F3031&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846243002%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=Eg8F9grEJkDLOnZ1k1cXddDryQakzhsmSbLskrEOiEc%3D&amp;reserved=0"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span><font><span>Why are <span>learning</span> <span>circles</span> needed?</span></font></span></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fpresentation%2Fd%2F1iN_lmDov-xI0J5k4vYFbG4xGL1A-q0DBXdZ-nCfEQhs%2Fedit%23slide%3Did.g48b0301b60_0_153&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C87325167b200454ecccb08d8ab45a0c4%7C6c853569e95e43788926ab9501a771a3%7C0%7C0%7C637447662846252994%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=0u4xxCuCQz05oB7o1VLvrbin9AhBybfMvqDmAsZbAL0%3D&amp;reserved=0"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><span><font><span>Intro to P2PU and <span>learning</span> <span>circles</span></span></font></span></font></a></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9663967 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9663967 RILA Communications Wed, 09 Dec 2020 21:14:45 GMT Regional Resource Sharing Conference Draws 200+ Participants <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/image1.png" alt="" title="" border="0" width="355" height="271" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">On Wednesday, November 18th, members of the Library of Rhode Island (LORI) Resource Sharing Working Group (RSWG), in collaboration with the state library agencies of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, presented "Sharing Visions: 2020 New England Resource Sharing Conference." The day-long virtual event was hosted on Warwick Public Library’s Zoom platform. Portions of the Conference were funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library (CSL).</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Just over 200 unique logins were recorded, with peak attendance during the event reaching 155 simultaneous viewers. Registrations came in from 29 states, from as far west as California and Washington, as far south as Louisiana and Alabama, and from many places in between. One international attendee represented Mount Royal University Library in the Canadian city of Calgary. Almost half of the audience was composed of academic library staff, though all library types, consortium and state library agency staff, trustees, and vendors were also represented.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">After a brief welcome by Conference host Zach Berger, Chair of the LORI RSWG, opening remarks were made by Karen Mellor, Chief of Library Services for the State of Rhode Island, and James Lonergan, Director of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Keynote Speaker Trevor A. Dawes, Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums and the May Morris University Librarian at the University of Delaware, began his presentation with a moving reminder that the University was established on land recognized “as the traditional home of the&nbsp;Lenni-Lenape and Nanticoke tribal&nbsp;nations.” Dawes “express[ed] gratitude to the original caretakers of&nbsp;this&nbsp;land,” and encouraged Conference viewers to learn more about and build relationships with the Indigenous people in their own communities.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Dawes extended this powerful tribute by acknowledging the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and requested a moment of silence to recognize the many Black and Brown lives lost to structural and systemic racism.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">From this social and historical context, Dawes’ ensuing talk about the need for libraries to adapt to change, especially in the midst of a pandemic, was especially timely and touched upon many factors—including technology, workflow, organizational structure, anti-racism outreach, and leadership—that can contribute to the development of more effective and inclu</font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">sive resource</font> <font color="#333333"><font style="font-size: 14px;">sharing models.&nbsp;</font><span style=""><font style="font-size: 14px;">Immediately following the keynote presentation, Berger interviewed Dawes, who also took questions from the audience.</font></span></font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Session 1 presenter Nettie Lagace, Associate Executive Director of the National Information Standards Organization (NISO), gave a talk on “Standards as Frameworks for Connection and Collaboration,” in which she presented an overview of what NISO is, the scope of its work, its organizational partners, and how its staff develops and adopts standards. Lagace included information about the many NISO Working Groups, including current projects to recommend practices for improving delivery of and access to digital content.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The second session featured Brad Bullis and Gail Hurley of CSL co-presenting with Amy Terlaga of Bibliomation on the use of FulfILLment open source software for interlibrary loan requests. The presenters explained the need for a transition to the new software, recent and future enhancements to interlibrary loan processes, and the impact of the pandemic on lending and borrowing in Connecticut.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Multiple panelists joined the Conference for Session 3, entitled “Project ReShare: A Community-Owned Resource Sharing System.” Sebastian Hammer and Kristen Wilson of Index Data co-presented with Jill Morris of the Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium (PALCI) to talk about the “community of libraries, consortia, and companies that came together in 2018 to create a new resource sharing platform” called Project ReShare that is “co-owned and managed by its community of users and based on open standards and open technologies.” With a focus on the need for innovative development of resource sharing systems that meet patron expectations while factoring in issues of pricing, market consolidation, and library transformations, the panel discussed the Project ReShare model in depth and provided an inside look at the software interface. Hammer provided a first peek at ReShare's plans for a Controlled Digital Lending (CDL) module that would serve as a bridge between libraries' physical and electronic collections by managing digitized copies of print materials.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Session 4, entitled “Expanding Patron Identity: Issues, Options, and Opportunities,” was presented by Daniel “Dazza” Greenwood, a researcher at MIT Media Lab and Lecturer at Connection Science in the MIT School of Engineering. Greenwood, who is also the founder of CIVICS.com, spoke about the role of libraries as trusted civic institutions and the need to lower barriers to patron access through the creation of a civic identity that would simultaneously provide privacy protection.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The final session of the day was a multi-part look at the challenges of delivery sustainability by staff members of three New England state library agencies: Chaichin Chen from the Rhode Island Office of Library and information Services (OLIS); Dawn La Valle from CSL; and Janet McKenney from the Maine State Library (MSL). Each state’s funding and governance model, interlibrary loan volume, delivery logistics, and other factors were reviewed, and innovative approaches such as cost sharing, cooperative solutions, floating collections, and alternatives to delivery were discussed.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The day’s closing remarks were made by Maureen Sullivan, Interim State Librarian at CSL, and Berger.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The Sharing Visions Planning Committee, comprising Berger, Chen, La Valle, Scott Kehoe (Massachusetts Library System), Paul Kissman (MBLC), and Jana Stevenson (Director of Warwick Public Library), expressed great satisfaction with Conference turnout, speaker presentations, and overall logistics. “When we had to pivot because of the pandemic from an on-site venue [originally scheduled to occur at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts] to a virtual one, we were initially overwhelmed by the prospect of managing such a large event across an entire day of sessions,” Berger said. “But things came together beautifully, and everyone involved seemed to get a lot of value from participating.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Chen added, “The biggest takeaway for me is that we are better and stronger together. Conference attendance is a testament to librarians’ hunger for a high-level resource sharing program.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000"><font face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">Previous coverage</font></font> <font face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif"><font color="#000000">of the Sharing Visions Conference was published in the</font> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9280999" target="_blank" style=""><u style=""><font color="#0000FF">October 2020 issue</font></u></a> <font color="#000000">of the RILA Bulletin. Presenter resources and session recordings will be shared via the</font></font> <a href="https://olis-ri.libguides.com/rswg/sharing-visions"><font face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" color="#0000FF"><u>Conference website</u></font></a><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">.</font></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9417770 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9417770 RILA Communications Sat, 05 Dec 2020 16:08:49 GMT A Look Back As We Move Forward -- Cornucopia of RI: A Library Community of Color Hosts Mini Virtual Conference with Tracie D. Hall <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Cornucopia of Rhode Island (CORI): A Library Community of Color and Section of the Rhode Island Library Association, presented its annual fall mini conference,</font>&nbsp;"<span><font color="#000000" style="">A Look Back As We Move Forward."</font></span> <font color="#000000">on November 4, 2020</font> <font color="#000000">via Zoom</font><font color="#000000">. Over 60 librarians, library directors, and library staff throughout the Northeast registered for the 2-hour conference.</font></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/68191-1.png" alt="Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director, ALA" title="Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director, ALA" border="0" align="right" width="267" height="277">Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director, American Library Association (image right) was the featured speaker. Tracie suggested that Rhode Island library directors to be creative and financially support library students of color as they pursue their Master’s degree, as the University of Rhode Island no longer has a grant for the Prism Program. Tracie discussed in detail</font> <em><font color="#000000">Race, Redlining and Resistance: Libraries Making of the Next Civil Rights Movement</font></em><font color="#000000">. She stated that as librarians we could have a passive or proactive attitude toward red lining, as she highlighted today’s information poverty with various examples. Ms. Hall stated that she believes “information access is a public health issue” and that library services must exist beyond library buildings. Tracie was passionate about universal broadband and the privileged majority, indicating that this is a case of urgency.</font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Keith Stokes, Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group, moderated the conference.&nbsp; Mr. Stokes is a lecturer with expertise in early African and Jewish American history and frequently appears on national historical programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Karen Mellor, Chief of Library Services for Rhode Island's Office of Library &amp; Information Services, acknowledged the many contributions of Cornucopia to the RI library community as she welcomed Tracie to Rhode Island.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">CORI would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s annual fall mini conference during these challenging days. A special thank you to Julie Holden, President of RILA, and Dymond Bush, 2020-2021 American Library Association Spectrum Scholar, for their assistance and technical skills.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">For additional information about CORI, visit their blog: <a href="http://cornucopiaofri.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://cornucopiaofri.blogspot.com/</a></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9406876 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9406876 RILA Communications Sat, 05 Dec 2020 15:50:07 GMT Public Librarians Sharpen Skills to Develop Virtual Programming for Adults <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2LWH15z0mFItrsoUfE4CY4PLGcGZzcfmsdCqnLK0HzmGxgvXGUMs5k7gK1bHI8v70zqaHS0_uUxpsVwuI423a99-MENtU_6gNBb4wPUkXoekMKBnpoH5lyY32YXMiAkn7Dnsxi4" width="431" height="287" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">Thanks to funding from the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), several public librarians from around the state recently attended a 4-week online course called "Creating Virtual Programs for Adults." The class was facilitated by nonprofit consortium</font> <a href="https://infopeople.org/"><font color="#1155CC"><u>Infopeople</u></font></a> <font color="#000000">and was taught by Janie Hermann, the Public Programming Librarian at the Princeton (New Jersey) Public Library. Hermann is also the Chair of the American Library Association’s</font> <a href="https://programminglibrarian.org/about/programming-librarian-interest-group"><font color="#1155CC"><u>Programming Librarian Interest Group</u></font></a><font color="#000000">.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Rhode Island library staff who completed the course were Zach Berger of Cranston, Melissa Chiavaroli of Cumberland, Britta Obertello of South Kingstown, Kyera Shea of Rogers Free Library, and Lee Smith of Mount Pleasant.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">The above participants joined library staff from all over the country in synchronous&nbsp;</font><span style=""><font color="#000000">meetings during the first and third weeks of the course to discuss an overview of virtual programming and how to host and market online programs, respectively. During the second week, participants worked asynchronously to explore a variety of digital delivery platforms. The final week was devoted to learning how to evaluate the success of online library offerings.</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">To earn credit for course completion, participants attended the two synchronous class meetings, completed assigned activities, and interacted with fellow students in online discussion forums. Activities included brainstorming new program ideas, matching ideas with the best virtual platform, applying marketing strategies, developing a program planning worksheet, and designing program evaluations. Students also were assigned various videos to watch and articles to read.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Hermann, whose own library held 275 virtual adult programs from March through the end of August, brought a wealth of experience to her role as instructor. She stressed the importance of using data to tell stories about library programming and emphasized how crucial it is to measure both quantitative and qualitative elements when evaluating a program’s success.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">The course was a valuable experience for the Rhode Island participants, all of whom are working on implementing what they’ve learned. The group shared highlights of their newly acquired knowledge during an OLIS Continuing Education (CE) Adult Services Roundtable session on November 12. A</font> <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/UeaPzWO2mFJnuHrxj04EDMs_xFBl6oD5_p-ZD0drmHG3EOx7xOA9gyl-5-z10Eq-.OtiKDj22KDK8sVXs"><font color="#1155CC"><u>recording</u></font></a> <font color="#000000">of the discussion can be viewed using this passcode:&nbsp;</font><font color="#222222">4.r?LL75</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Nicolette Baffoni, the OLIS Learning &amp; Community Engagement Coordinator, served as liaison between the Rhode Island attendees and the Infopeople consortium and acknowledged that “this has been a disruptive and difficult time” for libraries to offer ongoing programming during a pandemic. The timing of the course offering was fortuitous. “The OLIS CE team has been looking for ways to offer more in-depth learning opportunities for librarians and library staff based on feedback we’ve gotten from the RI library community,” Baffoni said. “In the end, attendees of both the course and the follow-up session were able to get some new ideas, access high-quality resources, and hopefully build a bit of confidence in this new, now necessary, way of offering programs. I hope this is a model OLIS will be able to continue exploring, as it was a win all around.”</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9406842 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9406842 RILA Communications Sat, 05 Dec 2020 15:08:23 GMT Why YouTube Matters to Westerly Library and Wilcox Park! <p><font face="Arial, sans-serif">by Monica Brennan, MLIS<br></font><span style="">Head of Youth Services at Westerly Library and Wilcox Park</span></p> <p><font face="Arial, sans-serif">If you are anything like me, your 2020 Thanksgiving Day started with the Red Titan Macy’s Day balloon capturing your heart. Perhaps, unlike many of you, though, I am a devoted, old-school Red Titan super fan! I am also a super fan of Ryan, the nine-year-old, multi-millionaire YouTube toy influencer who inspired the creation of Red Titan. Of course, you probably know what I am going to write next: Ryan and his superhero doppelganger, Red Titan, have over 40 billion views on YouTube! WOW!</font></p> <p><font face="Arial, sans-serif">The Westerly Library and Wilcox Park YouTube channel has yet to hit 40 billion views, but here are three reasons why YouTube matters to Westerly Library and Wilcox Park:</font></p> <ol> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Our patrons have viewed our 100+ YouTube programs over 4,000 times. Based on our community surveys during the pandemic, our patrons wanted engaging content and programs that they could view on their time. YouTube met this goal.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Our community partners, including emergency responders, government officials, educators, faith leaders, trustees, friends of the library, library staff, and library volunteers, have all collaborated on creating compelling, fun, and informational programming content for our community. YouTube empowered our community’s voice.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Our YouTube content has inspired our community to be more mindful, to create beautiful crafts, to learn new professional skills, to imagine new ways to communicate, and to engage with literature and nature in new and unconventional ways. YouTube has spread positivity and hope in a dark, lonely, and challenging time.</font></li> </ol> <p><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Cp8CUPEsXU" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/RUnaway.PNG" alt="" border="0" width="532" height="336" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;" title=""></a><br></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Every single one of our YouTube videos tells its own wonderful and creative story. However proud I am of these YouTube videos, I am exponentially more proud of my staff and coworkers’ thoughtful, collaborative work that has made these videos possible! The staff at Westerly Library and Wilcox Park have come together to create YouTube content to meet our community’s unique wants and needs. The YouTube platform has enabled us to fulfill our association’s mission and vision statements, listed below, throughout this exhausting pandemic.</font></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Mission:</font></strong> <font face="Arial, sans-serif">The mission of the Memorial and Library Association is to strengthen community and enrich lives by stimulating intellect and sparking imagination through access to literature, information, technology, nature, and the arts.</font></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Vision:</font></strong> <font face="Arial, sans-serif">Westerly Library and Wilcox Park strives to be a premier intellectual, cultural, and botanical asset for the region.</font></p> <p><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPnV2Oc504o" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/wreath.PNG" alt="" title="" border="0" width="532" height="326" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"></a><br></font></p> <p><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Perhaps the Westerly Library and Wilcox Park YouTube will never reach Ryan and Red Titan’s 40 billion views, but it has already delighted, inspired, and engaged thousands within our community! So, during this time of thanksgiving, we are grateful to have YouTube to marry our staff’s creative talents with the power of the internet.</font></p> <p><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Spotlighted below are some of our favorite Westerly Library and Wilcox Park YouTube videos:</font></p> <ul> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">The Runaway Bunny: Wilcox Park Sensory Stroll<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Cp8CUPEsXU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Cp8CUPEsXU</a></font></li> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Virtual Tree Lighting<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufEUnI5JGeM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufEUnI5JGeM</a></font></li> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Folk-Tales: Monica Brennan<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EN-wTiOusc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EN-wTiOusc</a></font></li> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Wreath Workshop!<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPnV2Oc504o" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPnV2Oc504o</a></font></li> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Halloween Hop Obstacle Course<br> <a href="https://youtu.be/sxM_8X-ZGIM" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/sxM_8X-ZGIM</a></font></li> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Animation Nation: How to Make a Brick Film<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZQynaMMWcc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZQynaMMWcc</a></font></li> <li><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Community Hero Storytime with Senator Dennis Algiere<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rmYwuOXY0M" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rmYwuOXY0M</a></font></li> </ul> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9406778 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9406778 RILA Communications Tue, 24 Nov 2020 19:35:44 GMT RILA Endorses Ed Garcia for President of the American Library Association <p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Ed-Garcia-1-819x1024.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" align="right" width="201" height="252">The Rhode Island Library Association Executive Board is pleased to endorse Ed Garcia for President of the American Library Association.</font></span></p> <p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ed has been a leader in our organization for many years. As chair of our Legislative Action Committee, he has presented testimony at the State House, written bills, and secured key meetings with legislative leadership, the governor, and the Department of Education on important issues, such as state aid to libraries and support of school librarians. Ed has represented Rhode Island on a national level, working with our congressional delegation and as a regular attendee for National Library Legislative Day.</font></span></p> <p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ed is an informed, capable, and caring library leader, and will be a positive and visionary ALA president.</font></span></p> <p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em>The 2020-2021 RILA Executive Board</em></font></span><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9384751 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9384751 RILA Communications Mon, 26 Oct 2020 18:29:42 GMT Rhode Island Library Association Awards Librarians, Library Professionals, and Library Supporters <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="center"><font style="font-size: 35px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/rila_logo_digitally_upscaled_4x%20(1).jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="159" height="191"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="center"><font style="font-size: 35px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">PRESS RELEASE</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 19px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">Rhode Island Library Association Awards Librarians,</font> <font style="font-size: 19px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">Library Professionals, and Library Supporters</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) presented its annual awards at the RILA Annual Conference, which was held virtually on Thursday, May 28th, through Friday, May 29th, 2020 on Zoom. The theme for the conference was “Think Outside the Books,” and the recipients of this year’s awards exemplify the library community’s commitment to finding creative solutions to contemporary challenges.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">“We had hoped to hold an in-person ceremony at some point to recognize the achievements of our award winners,” said RILA president Julie Holden, “but it might be many more months before we can do so. We want to formally congratulate this year’s recipients with the hope that we will be able to celebrate in person at a later date.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">The 2020 RILA Award winners are:</font></p> <ul> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><strong><font style="font-size: 16px;">Library Champion Award:</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Ida D. McGhee</strong> (retired) founder of Cornucopia of RI (CORI), a library community of color, and advocate for the power of libraries to change our world.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><strong><font style="font-size: 16px;">Outstanding Librarian Award:</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Jana Stevenson</strong>, Director of Warwick Public Library.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><strong><font style="font-size: 16px;">Outstanding Library Paraprofessional Award:</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Emily Greene</strong>, Head of Interlibrary Loan at the University of Rhode Island’s Robert L. Carothers Library.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><strong><font style="font-size: 16px;">Trustee of the Year Award:</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Stephen Cicilline</strong>, Chair of the Greenville Public Library Board of Trustees.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><strong><font style="font-size: 16px;">Meritorious Friend of the Library Award:</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Michelle Lefort</strong>, for her volunteer work at Primrose Hill School Library, Hampden Meadows School Library, Barrington Middle School Library, and Barrington Public Library.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial"><strong><font style="font-size: 16px;">Special Thanks</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>to Carla Weiss</strong> (Rhode Island College, retired) <strong>and Jim Kinnie</strong> (University of Rhode Island, retired) for their decades of service leading RILA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee. Through the years, Carla and Jim have led RILA in championing the value of intellectual freedom in addressing the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the USA PATRIOT Act, banned books, patron privacy and confidentiality, and net neutrality.</font></font></font></p> </li> </ul> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">The</font></em> <a href="http://rilibraries.org" target="_blank"><em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">Rhode Island Library Association</font></em></a> <em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">is a professional organization that serves its members through career development, education, advocacy, networking partnerships, and legislative action.&nbsp;</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="center"><span style=""><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">###</font></span></p> <p><span style=""><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><br></font></span></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9326851 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9326851 RILA Communications Sun, 11 Oct 2020 18:10:15 GMT RILA members can attend NYLA's 2020 Conference for membership prices! <p><span>The New York Library Association virtual conference is extending member pricing to Rhode Island. For every RILA member who registers by Oct. 31st, RILA will receive 50% of your registration fee.</span></p> <p><span><strong><a href="https://www.nyla.org/events/nyla-virtual-annual-conference-2020/345/" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a> Use the code "PROVIDENCE" to register.</strong></span></p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Site/Home%20Page%20SlideShow/NYLA%202020%20Virtual%20Conference.png" alt="NYLA 2020 Virtual Conference &quot;Strengthening Our Core&quot;" title="NYLA 2020 Virtual Conference &quot;Strengthening Our Core&quot;" border="0"><br> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9297181 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9297181 RILA Communications Sat, 03 Oct 2020 15:42:00 GMT Upcoming Regional Conference Coordinated by LORI Resource Sharing Working Group <p style="line-height: 21px;"><em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">Free virtual event to examine visionary approaches to resource sharing</font></em><br></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/6-z_5hKyJbe7ZySJfuvkNo5Jp1QCjYehvt1s32IIe6_6PyvhZaiARaapYNtTR-3kkgYQwLPfIlWSwIR_IkRSC7QUuplaLYyyGejDf7Oz27MQb0MAL6kHhr8YekQ9mkHlfR1x-s-N" width="473" height="360"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">On November 18th, the Library of Rhode Island (LORI) Resource Sharing Working Group, in partnership with the state library agencies of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, presents a day-long, free, virtual conference to bring together library staff from all over New England to learn about the future of resource sharing.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">The event, which is called "Sharing Visions" and kicks off at 9:00am, features keynote speaker</font> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tadawes/"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">Trevor A. Dawes</font></a><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">, Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums and the May Morris University Librarian at the University of Delaware. Dawes will speak about the changing landscape of resource sharing and examine its future role as an integral part of library services.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">In other sessions,</font> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">Nettie Lagace of the</font></span> <a href="https://www.niso.org/"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">National Information Standards Organization</font></a> <font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">(NISO) will examine how s</font><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">tandards can support resource sharing partnerships. A team from Connecticut State Library will discuss the implementation of its Evergreen</font></span> <font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">FulfILLment project. Sebastian Hammer,</font> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">Co-Founder and President of</font></span> <a href="https://www.indexdata.com/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">Index Data</font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">, will speak about</font></span> <a href="https://projectreshare.org/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">Project ReShare</font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">, a community-owned resource sharing system. Hammer will be joined by Jill Morris, the Executive Director of&nbsp;</font></span><a href="http://www.palci.org/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#2954D1" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">PALCI</font></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#333333" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">,</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">the Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium, and Kristen Wilson, Project Manager and Business Analyst at Index Data</font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#333333" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">.</font></span> <font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">Dazza Greenwood of the</font> <a href="https://www.media.mit.edu/"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">MIT Media Lab</font></a> <font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">will share insights about patron identity management.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">The day will close with a presentation on delivery sustainability, with remarks by Chaichin Chen of the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services, Dawn LaValle of Connecticut State Library, and Janet McKenney of Maine State Library.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">Staff from all library types are invited to participate. For more information and to register, please visit the</font> <a href="https://olis-ri.libguides.com/rswg/sharing-visions"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">conference web page</font></a><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">.</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9280999 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9280999 RILA Communications Sat, 03 Oct 2020 15:23:30 GMT The Rhode Island COVID-19 Archive <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/covid%20archive.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">The</font></span> <a href="https://ricovidarchive.org/index.php"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">Rhode Island COVID-19 Archive</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">is a public digital archive created and maintained by the</font></span> <a href="https://www.provlib.org/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#384154" face="Arial">Providence Public Library</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">and the</font></span> <a href="https://www.rihs.org/"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#384154" face="Arial">Rhode Island Historical Society</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">Created in March 2020, during the beginning of our state’s stay-at-home orders, the digital archive is composed of submissions from Rhode Islanders from all walks of life documenting and sharing their lived experiences during the pandemic. The archive strives to represent the diversity of experiences throughout our state; we believe that every person in our community has something of value to contribute to this documented history, and that we are empowered by telling our many stories. We’re particularly interested in views that may be otherwise lost, obscured, or ignored in news media accounts, press releases, and government advisories.&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">The archive</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#222222" face="Arial">is built on an Omeka platform, and uses a number of stock and slightly modified plugins, along with a customized theme. Project team members focus on different aspects of the archive and its operation (technology, cataloging and metadata, outreach, and/or education) based on their interests and skill sets.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">We’re happy to accept</font></span> <a href="https://www.ricovidarchive.org/contribution"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">contributions</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">to the archive from librarians and library users across the state, and also welcome submissions of</font></span> <a href="https://www.ricovidarchive.org/collections/browse"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">collections</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">from individuals or groups. Some examples of collections could include:</font></span></p> <ul> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">Classroom assignments</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">Neighborhood support efforts</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">Artistic &amp; creative projects</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">Non-profit organizational responses</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">Social media groups</font></font></p> </li> </ul> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">We encourage RILA members to</font></span> <a href="https://www.ricovidarchive.org/contact"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">contact us</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#11151C" face="Arial">if they have questions about the archive or ideas about potential collaborations.</font></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9280970 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9280970 RILA Communications Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:43:19 GMT RILINK Virtual Summer Conference Sets Standard for Future Sessions <p style="line-height: 18px;"><em><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Pandemic pivot does not dampen enthusiasm or participation</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;" align="center"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/SPmapQS1V8NK637lu4SsbZB46ByBZEujaGUL0IMG6_2ucYy7YHD7aFj9vQletfY7BUALWM8zXtjeAfNCY8qfRdvM3oA_7gNoCvepW1D5kjhxxe5q9WgOcnW9ST4op0hkng" width="624" height="104"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">The Rhode Island Library Information Network for Kids (RILINK), the statewide consortium of K-12 school libraries, held its twelfth annual conference in July—this time with a virtual twist. The unusual circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic necessitated either cancelling the event entirely or switching to an exclusively online platform. The former option was out of the question, and RILINK staff felt ready to handle the challenges of the latter.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">With great thanks to the RILA Conference Committee for lending training materials and providing advance support and guidance, RILINK presented “Standard Bearer: Library to Classroom” on July 14, 15, and 16. The event was free to all, featured keynote speakers and 20 sessions, and was broadcast using Zoom.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Professor Mary Moen of the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (GSLIS) joined librarian Marianne Mirando of Westerly High School to present a keynote address that introduced attendees to the new Rhode Island School Library Curriculum Guide.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;" align="center"><font><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style=""><font style="font-size: 32px;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Zno5NrYrm8RL5621gS7E4Fmxiy-Wv8ViMoVpw4UOggQmcMYVUy04CsGykHgEsR-ZvRD8w8Of7QGL7tRFZlO2hbPzW5TyGhxvGlo5ZQPsYCIpZkZGJDGEwDAbh1ulUyMFuQ" width="579" height="314"></font></font><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style=""><font style="font-size: 32px;"><br></font></font><em style=""><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">Marianne Mirando co-presents the keynote session on July 14</font></em><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style=""><font style="font-size: 32px;"><br></font></font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">According to Moen and Mirando, the development and implementation of the Guide was 4 years in the making and involved a committee of several School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI) members. Taking its foundation (with permission) from similar work done in New York, the Rhode Island School Library Curriculum is “</font><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">aligned with the 2018 AASL National School Library Standards and includes grade level benchmarks, lesson plan ideas and graphic organizer assessments.” A</font></span><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">nchor Standards and Indicators establish a framework for guiding school librarians through the curriculum and scaffolding information literacy and research instruction across all grade levels.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">The Rhode Island School Library Curriculum Guide is hosted on the RILINK Schools site and may be viewed at</font> <a href="http://guides.rilinkschools.org/riproject" target="_blank"><font color="#1155CC" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">guides.rilinkschools.org/riproject</font></a><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Other conference presenters included school and public librarians and library staff, members of AskRI and the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), professional consultants, and vendors. Topics included using social media for library advocacy, capturing library usage data, navigating Google Classroom, and connecting students with #OwnVoices fantasy novels. Members of the Rhode Island Children’s, Middle School, and Teen Book Award Committees (RICBA, RIMSBA, and RITBA, respectively) presented the latest nominees and award-winning titles. RILINK staff offered a variety of sessions on consortium member benefits and services.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;" align="center"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/RfuEBn0YvLWVHtAtVr1Fw9mH32f_kGUaxv14bd_NVCpibCNWDnaRGvr-RR64c2ILFkR3tRbd-O5cfazoW7dxFFadpgDOnC51AHWAhWfxS5HaxNz-C1pmRbZ_RlWq9kC-jA" width="624" height="301"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;" align="center"><em><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">From “Advocating for the Library with Social Media”</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Initial conference feedback was very positive, and RILINK anticipates increased demand for future virtual sessions. Jackie Lamoureux, one of RILINK’s Member Services Librarians, stated that she “missed personally meeting and networking with colleagues [but that] the virtual conference format had a lot going for it. More people were able to attend, and presenters didn’t have any travel issues.” Donna Good, RILINK’s eResources specialist, was impressed that “through the monitoring of the invaluable 'Chat' [feature in Zoom], we were able to observe the participants' enthusiastic comments, questions, sharing, and the resulting flow of their creative juices.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Attendees had similarly enthusiastic remarks about both conference topics and the virtual platform, with one who stated that “the Zoom conference was the next best thing to a live conference,” and another who “felt very comfortable with [the technology] and might even prefer this to an in-person conference in the future.”&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Sharon Webster, who served as the primary conference project manager and is RILINK’s Professional Learning and Technology Support Specialist, was energized by the "positive feedback from participants” and pointed out that “the almost flawless execution of our first virtual conference is testament to the hard work of the entire RILINK team."</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">View complete RILINK Summer Conference 2020 details at</font> <a href="https://guides.rilink.org/sc2020" target="_blank"><font color="#1155CC" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">guides.rilink.org/sc2020</font></a><font color="#000000" face="Source Sans Pro, sans-serif">.</font></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9164482 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9164482 RILA Communications Fri, 07 Aug 2020 18:12:51 GMT Two School Librarians Look Ahead to Servicing Students <p style="line-height: 21px;"><em>by Stephanie Mills</em></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">School librarians are no stranger to collaborating with teachers within their buildings, but this past school year found them relying on their professional colleagues for ideas. When students and teachers went to distance learning, school librarians immediately tapped into their creativity to continue offering services to students in different ways. From driving house to house to deliver books, as Meredith Moore did, to creating fun Tik Toks to keep their students entertained (we are looking at you, Tasha White), school librarians tried to keep their students at the heart of their plans.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">As a giant question mark looms over the upcoming school year, Melanie Roy and Stephanie Mills, both middle school librarians, have been brainstorming ideas for how to continue to meet the needs of students. Many schools have already said that traditional library visits will not be allowed. Here’s a list of what they hope to accomplish this year!</font></p> <ol> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Collaborate with our incredible public librarians to ensure we are providing every possible opportunity to our patrons.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Library%20Card%20Supply%20Ad%20-%20Stephanie%20Mills.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="298" height="297" align="right" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial;"> <p style="line-height: 18px;" align="left"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Hold a public library card application drive to promote that a library card is an essential “back to school” supply, just like a pen or pencil! Also, provide a link to</font> <a href="https://www.oslri.org/library-closings/" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>apply online</u></font></a> <font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">as another viable option for families. Ask our faculty to put a “public library card” on their back-to-school supply list they provide to students and families.<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Plan an online orientation for students, with a focus on accessing digital platforms for reading and research. What we realized in the Spring is that creating short videos for students, teachers, and families to access is just GOOD teaching practice. Plan a place to store these videos for later use by our patrons - preferably on our library websites.<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Devise a weekly system to provide readers with book recommendations. Promote ebooks and audiobooks, particularly through BookLynx and Overdrive as a priority. We are unsure about ILL delivery, so finding ways to get books we do not have in the hands of our readers is of utmost importance.<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Curate and share up-to-date resources available to students, teachers, and families as well as video tutorials on our library websites. Create a library Google Classroom students and staff can access for login information that cannot be posted publicly.<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Devise creative ways to get books into readers’ hands - pod bins for 6 weeks, longer patron checkouts, deliver and pick up books at homerooms.<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Be good models of copyright adherence for students and staff by sharing Kiera Parrott’s</font> <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/113E-0ffElTRoI7zsvk6gjxrAgepeD-JGAD55-ftSfrc/edit" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>SLJ Publisher Directory</u></font></a> <font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">widely, in order to properly implement online read alouds for our students. Perhaps create a video about copyright adherence for our staff to access as well.<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial"><font color="#000000">Provide “Reader’s Advisory” via a Google Form. While students may be able to use RICAT to log in and place a hold on a specific title, many students will still need to be guided to new reading choices. Having an open-ended Google Form allows students to give examples of books and authors they have enjoyed or topics they would like to know more about, giving the librarian more opportunities to provide personalized titles. Also, be sure to promote AskRI.org’s</font> <a href="http://web.b.ebscohost.com/novelist/search/novbasic?vid=0&amp;sid=d509457a-db3a-4190-8acb-8a55726c5f22%40sessionmgr103" target="_blank" style=""><u><font color="#003471">NoveList</font></u></a> <font color="#000000">to teach students how to advocate for themselves.<br> <br></font></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Post photos of books and book displays to school social media to provide as many opportunities as possible for our patrons to virtually “browse” the library.<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Create ways to keep students engaged in the content-fun distractions like trivia sent out in Google Classroom, “Where’s Waldo” pictures with your Bitmoji hidden, weekly resources featured, ask for student input to establish weekly hashtags to engage the larger community.<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Provide online office hours to give staff and students opportunities to see you and learn outside of regular lessons.<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Establish a weekly time for students who would normally want to chat about books, life, etc. (your library regulars) a time to Zoom and connect. Create a shared Google Slideshow that they can add book recommendations to and refer back to later for ideas. Consider a</font> <a href="http://chsereads.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial"><u>blog</u></font></a> <font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">for students (Thanks, Heidi Blais!) to submit book recommendations! (Here's a&nbsp;</font><a href="http://pvmsreads.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">middle school example</font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">).<br> <br></font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial">Above all, try to think of this as “one difficult year.” It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the uncertainty and the knowledge that we aren’t able to teach how we normally do. However, librarians are always a mix of creativity and ingenuity, and this can be a year to show all our stakeholders that we can shine, even in the face of adversity.</font></font></font></p> </li> </ol> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9150971 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9150971 RILA Communications Sat, 25 Jul 2020 15:08:20 GMT Former Peace Corps Volunteer Returns to the Philippines and the Library She Established There <p style="line-height: 19px;"><em><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">By Juliann Cerrito</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">I had a simple objective: to revisit the village where I was a Peace Corps volunteer and, perhaps, to see if the library I created still existed and to find a former co-teacher or two. Was it that difficult? Apparently, yes, it was.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Thirty-seven years ago, I was a senior in college and pondering my future after graduation. A small poster in Emerson Hall at Western New England College caught my attention. It was for the Peace Corps, and I decided to inquire. I ended up applying and, boy, what a process! It took 7 months to receive an acceptance letter. I departed in September 1984 for San Diego, then Manila. I then spent 2½ years living and working in the Philippines; I met my husband there.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">After a 3-month training, I ended up in a simple town where rice and corn were its main crops. First I reported to the rural health unit in town, and then I made my way from there. Health educators in the Peace Corps have no job descriptions, and the job is as “loosey-goosey” as it comes. I met the doctor that led the clinic, and she was lovely. I also met her midwives and health technicians. Crying babies, frail elderly folks, and the like lined the room on sturdy wooden benches. I noticed that people would show up at 8:00 am, hoping the doctor would arrive at 9:00 am, only to finally be seen by 1:00 pm. Many times, they waited until late in the afternoon to be seen. There was a carinderia (a small outdoor restaurant) outside the clinic where patients and staff could get cold drinks and lunch.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">I began visiting nearby barrios with the midwives, hoping one would catch my interest and had a need I could fill. I knew I would not stay in town and live the rather luxurious lifestyle of color TV and maid service that I had in the home I was then occupying. I knew the Peace Corps meant sacrifice and aiding others. I finally chose a village, called Aromin, which was led by a woman and was located in a corn-growing region. The village was reachable by public transport—though “transport” meant 25 minutes in a jeep, then a boat ride across the river, then 1 hour on foot…in the hot sun! I did use a parasol. The village was very poor and didn’t have electricity or running water at that time. My home, which was built for me, was constructed of bamboo and had a grass roof. Beautiful as it was, it was fragile and blew away in a typhoon about 20 years ago.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Very slowly, I assessed the needs of the community and, as a health volunteer, I determined that dental education in the elementary school and basic health classes at the high school would be my objectives. In addition, I taught mothers’ classes on Saturday, which included dental care, nutrition, family planning, and potable water projects. The high school was one village over and, after speaking to the principal, we agreed I would teach the juniors and seniors three times per week, half in English and half in Tagalog (the medium of instruction in the Philippines). I had my own lingua franca, if you will. The school had a tin roof and no doors. Oftentimes, I would sweat profusely trying to teach and, yes, wonder why I was there.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;" align="center"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><em style=""><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/childreninaromin.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="397" height="530"><br></em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;" align="center"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><em style="">Children in Aromin</em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">My first observation was that there was no library anywhere. I’m not sure why I was surprised. The entire town did not have one; neither did the local university. The closest libraries were at the prestigious University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de la Philippines, two upper-crust schools. I had grown up privileged, but didn’t know it: my hometown in Rhode Island had a lovely library, as did the surrounding towns. I used to bike to the East Greenwich Public Library to be greeted by Mrs. Rice and Ms. McPartland. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s</font> <em><font color="#000000">Little House</font></em> <font color="#000000">books were my favorites. After being in the Philippines for 4 months, I learned that comic books were one of the only reading sources. The</font> <em><font color="#000000">Manila Times</font></em> <font color="#000000">was available and read in town, but it never made it out to the village. The paper was considered a luxury.&nbsp;</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">My peers were equally distressed to find out there was no library. After sharing resources with each other, we learned that the US Navy had a book sponsorship program. Books could be mailed to San Diego, and then the Navy would transport them overseas. I proceeded to ask friends and family to put together cartons of books they were not using and mail them out to California. They were happy to oblige. The Navy also contributed books.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Approximately 6 months later, a small truck arrived at the high school with many crates of books. It was extremely exciting. I was given a room in which to set up a library. It took a few days! My biggest concern was the security of the books, but I had to let that go. There was no way a building with few doors and no locks could keep a library safe. The rule was that students could read the books during the school period, before and after school, and during lunch. I had chosen elementary-level books for the collection. Although the local children and teens had only a basic knowledge of English, they still enjoyed the pictures and the challenge.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">My contract expired in December 1986, and I headed home in January of 1987. I decided to return in 2020. My two sons and I had planned this trip for 9 months, and we planned to leave on March 3rd. We discussed the pandemic carefully ahead of time, but we decided to go through with the trip--my sons’ grandmother, Carmen, is 95 years old, and we did not know if we would ever see her again.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">We were puzzled to find the JFK airport virtually empty. Our flight to Seoul was 75% empty, which was alarming as well. We arrived as the Philippines was experiencing the very early stages of the pandemic. Every store we visited had a temperature taker at the front door, and people were wearing masks. Patience was the only way to endure the visit.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">One evening at Grandma Carmen’s home, there was a knock on the door. We opened it to find three local health officials. Rumors had circulated that foreigners were in town, and the officials wanted to ask us questions about our health and take our temperatures. It was odd, to say the least. We had a lengthy discussion and because I’d had a cold the week before, we were labeled “suspicious.” We were instructed to visit a hospital the next day for blood tests to see whether our white blood count was elevated; COVID-19 tests were not available.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">This didn’t go over very well with me or my family. I wanted to proceed to my village the following day, not visit a local hospital. In fact, I was told I</font> <em><font color="#000000">couldn’t</font></em> <font color="#000000">visit my village. I was beside myself. The people in Aromin had planned an enormous party for me, because they hadn’t seen me in 33 years. The following day, we had to visit two hospitals to get the travel clearance we needed in order to go home the following week. The hospitals were basic, with no gloves and no COVID-19 tests. After getting clearance from hospital number two, the doctor asked to take photos. I thought that was odd. While the doctor took photos, I noticed a sign on the wall announcing that cleft palate surgery was now free and that next week was “Leprosy Prevention Week.” I was perplexed that leprosy was still a problem there. I was glad that cleft palate surgery was now free. What a difference between here and home.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;" align="center"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/hospitalphoto.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0" width="437" height="328"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;" align="center"><em><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">Juliann and her Family Visiting the Hospital</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">After visiting the hospitals, my family was still considered “under suspicion,” but I was given permission to travel to Aromin. I went the next day, but was only able to stay for 4 hours. We had to leave the next morning for Manila, because the capital was closing in so many days and we would have missed our flight back to the United States.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font color="#000000" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">I learned that the library I’d established no longer exists. All the books were taken into peoples’ homes; that is fine by me. There has never been another initiative in 33 years to develop another library. Think of this, and love your library.</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9124442 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9124442 RILA Communications Fri, 05 Jun 2020 14:35:06 GMT RILA Statement on Anti-Racism <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Tahoma"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) condemns the actions of police brutality in Minneapolis that led to the horrific death of George Floyd, and stands with the</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://www.bcala.org/statement-condemning-increased-violence-and-racism-towards-black-americans-and-people-of-color" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA)</font></a></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">and the</font></span> <a href="http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2020/06/ala-executive-board-stands-bcala-condemning-violence-and-racism-towards-0" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">American Library Association (ALA)</font></span></a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">in condemning violence and racism towards black people and all people of color. For far too long, we have witnessed the destruction of lives and communities at the hands of those who feel that people’s skin color determines their worth.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></font></p><font face="Tahoma"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">We condemn the persistent threats and systemic oppression that people of color face daily in this country and around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></font><font face="Tahoma"><br></font> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Tahoma"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">We affirm libraries as champions of democracy and a free society and will continue to stand up, with, and for people of color in our profession and in our community.&nbsp;</font></span></font></p><font face="Tahoma"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">RILA believes in advocacy, collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, equal access for all, and intellectual freedom.&nbsp;</font></span></font><font face="Tahoma"><br></font> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Tahoma"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">RILA commits to work towards anti-racist education and will use our collective voice to speak against biased behaviors that limit the rights of people of color to equitable treatment in local, state, and national policies. In the darkness, we will bring the light.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></font></p><font face="Tahoma"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">Th</font></span></font><font face="Tahoma"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">e RILA Executive Board</font></span></font><br> <font face="Tahoma"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/RILALogo6.png" alt="" title="" width="539" height="150" border="0"></font></span></font> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font face="Tahoma"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">The Rhode Island Library Association is a member organization and includes the following sections: Cornucopia of Rhode Island (CORI), a library community of color, the Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA), and the School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI).&nbsp;</font></em></span></font></p><br> <br> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9017223 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/9017223 RILA Communications Mon, 11 May 2020 19:16:50 GMT Warwick Public Library Children’s Staff Gets Creative <p><strong>Warwick Public Library Children’s Staff Gets Creative</strong></p> <p><em>What Happens When Children’s Librarians Are Put on a Stay-at-Home Order?</em></p>Members of the Warwick Public Library (WPL) Children’s Department have used their natural creativity to reimagine how to deliver vital programs and services to their patrons during the coronavirus pandemic. Their <a href="https://warwicklibrary.org/kids">revamp of the Kids Page</a> on the Library’s website was created by Ellen O’Brien, Children’s Department Manager, and staff members Pam Miech, Christine Kayal, Andrea Hutnak, and Corey Paul, and features several ways that children and their families can stay connected to all that WPL has to offer even while staying at home.&nbsp; <p>In addition to recorded story times and Zoom book group meetings, the Children’s Librarians have brainstormed other activities that do not revolve around screen time. The <a href="https://warwicklibrary.org/slider/join-our-spring-reading-program">Spring Reading Program</a> started on April 1 and uses the Beanstack reading program tool. In addition to reading, participants are encouraged to complete various activities to earn badges. So far, 303 participants of all ages have logged over 28,000 minutes of reading and activities. Participation is not limited to just Warwick residents—interested patrons from all over the state may join in.</p> <p></p> <p>This summer, WPL will be using Beanstack in place of its usual Summer Reading Program. Activities will include visiting various historical sites in the city, performing Daily Acts of Kindness, and finding different ways to enjoy a book, such as reading to family members or pets. Department Manager O’Brien is working with the Warwick School Department to train teachers on using Beanstack for summer learning assignments.</p> <p>“Librarians are naturally resourceful and masters at finding the tools they need to provide the best possible services to patrons,” says Jana Stevenson, WPL Deputy Director. “There are many valuable resources online, but our librarians are also working to provide access to experiences offline. As we move forward to plan for a Summer Reading Program that will be like no other, I am confident the librarians of Rhode Island will provide a reprieve in a time of chaos.”</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8961730 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8961730 RILA Communications Mon, 20 Apr 2020 17:27:45 GMT Rhode Island Libraries Celebrate National Library Week, April 19-25, 2020, Provide Innovative Services in Response to COVID-19 <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Times New Roman, serif"><em style=""><font style="font-size: 19px;" face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#000000">The Rhode Island Library Association highlights the work done&nbsp; libraries that continue to serve their communities</font></em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#000000">The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) will virtually celebrate Rhode Island libraries’ innovative responses to continue to meet community needs while protecting staff and patrons during COVID-19 as part of the American Library Association’s National Library Week, April 19–25, 2020.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri, sans-serif" color="#000000"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">National Library Week is a time to highlight the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. While nearly all Rhode Island libraries are closed to the public, library workers continue to provide services in inspiring ways. This year’s national theme was originally&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font>“Find your place at the library,” but due to the global pandemic, the American Library Association decided to flip the wording on the theme to</font></span></font><span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;“Find the library at your place.”</font></span></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">“Typically, RILA celebrates National Library Week with Rhode Island Library Day, a day-long celebration that includes special events and fine forgiveness,” said&nbsp;<span>Julie Holden, president of the Rhode Island Library Association.</span>&nbsp;“This year, we are celebrating the incredible amount of online activities and virtual services that library staff are providing as a way to connect to the public during this time of social isolation.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">RILA will promote several programs and activities from libraries throughout the week using the hashtag #RILibraryWeek2020 on social media. These activities include live story times, sing-a-longs, virtual book club chats, writing sprints, and senior social hours.&nbsp; Libraries across the state have been promoting all the digital resources that are available from home to Rhode Island residents, some of which are accessible without a library card.&nbsp; In addition, many library staff are hard at work using their maker talents to create personal protective equipment needed during COVID-19.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">Rhode Island residents can learn about upcoming library events through a centralized calendar on the Office of Library and Information Service’s website:</font><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#222222">&nbsp;<a href="https://olis-ri.libcal.com/calendar/rilibrary/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://olis-ri.libcal.com/calendar/rilibrary/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1587488560695000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHmL3KdCXzZkzNElQLkhBbNbC0gRw"><font color="#0000FF">https://olis-ri.libcal.com/calendar/rilibrary/</font></a>&nbsp;</font><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">or by following RILA on Twitter and Facebook @rilibraries.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><em style=""><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#000000">The&nbsp;</font><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__rilibraries.org&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=L93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0&amp;r=xD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg&amp;m=QJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU&amp;s=2TCS6KcsFQxdJ56SkYdITyVONZjZCHIKUhfpyJGR4ms&amp;e=" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u%3Dhttp-3A__rilibraries.org%26d%3DDwMFaQ%26c%3DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%26r%3DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%26m%3DQJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU%26s%3D2TCS6KcsFQxdJ56SkYdITyVONZjZCHIKUhfpyJGR4ms%26e%3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1587488560695000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHlf8dXLsmdASYno73zNv-n0VsILw" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><font color="#1155CC" style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial, sans-serif">Rhode Island Library Association</font></a><font style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 15px;" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;</font><font color="#000000"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial, sans-serif">is a professional organization that serves its members through career development, education, advocacy, networking partnerships, and legislative action. RILA believes in:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</font><br></font></em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000"><em>•&nbsp; &nbsp; Advocacy</em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000"><em>•&nbsp; &nbsp; Collaboration</em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000"><em>•&nbsp; &nbsp; Diversity, Equity &amp; Inclusion</em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000"><em>•&nbsp; &nbsp; Equal Access for All</em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000"><em>•&nbsp; &nbsp; Intellectual Freedom</em></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000">&nbsp;</font></p> <p align="center" style="line-height: 16px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#222222" face="Calibri, sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8911251 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8911251 RILA Communications Tue, 03 Mar 2020 18:54:50 GMT LIBRARIANS RAISE THEIR VOICE AGAINST BIG PUBLISHING’S UNFAIR, UNCONSTITUTIONAL, ANTI-COMPETITIVE E-BOOK POLICY <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><em><font style="font-size: 19px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/rila_logo_digitally_upscaled_4x%20(1).jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="112" height="134"><br></font></em></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><em><font style="font-size: 19px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif">Rhode Island Library Association warns that Big Publishing’s e-book restrictions disproportionately threaten Rhode Island library users’ ability to access new releases, sets a dangerous precedent of exclusion</font></em></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif">CRANSTON, RI –&nbsp;</font></strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif">The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA), the American Library Association, local neighborhood librarians, and Rhode Island library patrons gathered today at Cranston Central Library to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rilibraries/videos/626794738159545/" target="_blank">speak up against Big Publishing</a>’s unfair, unconstitutional, and anti-competitive practices that limit libraries’ ability to provide residents, taxpayers, and library patrons with full access to new publications.</font></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#222222">“Library support in our state is high, and our patrons know the intrinsic value of being able to freely access books, movies, music, high-speed internet, educational classes, cultural programs, and more. Rhode Islanders particularly value our access to e-books,” said&nbsp;<strong>RILA President and Cranston Assistant Library Director Julie Holden</strong>. “When Big Publishing blocks libraries from buying e-books, they’re obstructing Rhode Islanders’ constitutional right to public libraries. Librarians are speaking up loudly against these unfair and unconstitutional practices, and we urge Rhode Island elected leaders to take action that forces Macmillan and Big Publishing to end their anti-library and anti-competitive practices.”</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#222222">Senator Mark McKenney (District 30 – Warwick) has filed legislation that would prohibit publishers setting any limits on the number of e-book and audiobook licenses a library can purchase.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#222222">“The bill I have filed simply requires publishing houses to offer libraries reasonable terms on electronic books and digital audio books. No more, no less,” said&nbsp;<strong>Rhode Island State Senator Mark McKenney</strong>. “Specifically, it precludes a publisher from limiting the number of e-book licenses libraries can obtain when new books come out. Libraries should be able to get these books in the same way as the public. It’s that simple.”</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#222222">In November 2019, Macmillan Publishers put in place a new policy limiting libraries’ ability to purchase new e-books. Macmillan now sells only one copy of a newly released e-book title per library system. After eight weeks, libraries may purchase unlimited copies of the e-book for a two-year license. Because Rhode Island provides e-books to libraries through the Ocean State Library consortium, that means Macmillan limits one copy of a new e-book for the first eight weeks after publication for the entire state.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#222222">“The national response against Macmillan’s anti-library e-book policy has been overwhelming, and we are proud to stand with the Rhode Island Library Association to urge action that holds Macmillan accountable,” said&nbsp;<strong>ALA Senior Director of Public Policy Alan Inouye</strong>. “Rhode Island is a unique state with a single library system, a structure that provides library users with many benefits. But Rhode Island library users are disproportionately hurt by Big Publishing’s unfair and potentially unconstitutional e-book practices. ALA sees Rhode Island as a model for the rest of the nation on how to stand up against Big Publishing and work toward restoring library users’ equitable access to e-books.”</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#222222">The Rhode Island Library Association signed on to the American Library Association’s #eBooksForAll campaign last year. At the press conference today, RILA spoke out on the Big Publishing policies to educate lawmakers and other elected officials, public advocates, library users, and the general public. In the weeks ahead, RILA will continue to speak out and inform library users about Macmillan’s and Big Publishing’s unfair and unconstitutional practice. Through their outreach, RILA aims to inspire a broad coalition to take a range of actions blocking Macmillan’s and other publishers’ unfair practices directed toward libraries.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif">In February, <a href="https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/bringing-congress-board-ebooksforall/" target="_blank">RILA held a roundtable meeting with U.S. Representative David Cicilline</a> (District 1) to discuss steps Congress can take to ensure that publishers cannot discriminate against libraries and library users. Following that meeting, Congressman Cicilline&nbsp;</font><a href="https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/bringing-congress-board-ebooksforall/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/bringing-congress-board-ebooksforall/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1583347588774000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHnDfvB88Ei-TqE-bFMtByrHBieTw"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#0563C1">said</font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif">&nbsp;he “look[s] forward to continuing our work together as the investigation wraps up and legislative fixes are introduced later this year.” In addition to meeting with Congressman Cicilline, RILA board members will meet with the Office of the Attorney General in the weeks ahead to discuss Macmillan’s potential violations of Rhode Islander’s constitutional rights and individual RILA members will request meetings with mayors and town managers to encourage local leaders to sign on with #eBooksForAll.</font></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#222222">“The United States’ public library system is considered by many to be our most democratic institution, providing the public equitable and full access to information. Cranston has a rich history of public libraries with our first, the Auburn Public Library, opening in 1888,” said&nbsp;<strong>Cranston Mayor Allan Fung</strong>.&nbsp;“Cranston is fortunate to have six vibrant branches, which provide access to library services throughout the city.&nbsp;The limitation of the licensing of e-books to libraries would undermine the basic mission of the library to promote and provide free literacy, access and opportunity to all Rhode Islanders.”</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#222222" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif">For more information on ALA’s #eBooksForAll campaign, visit&nbsp;</font><a href="https://ebooksforall.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ebooksforall.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1583347588774000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGoM2UBWua6xVQAHPVbRkqGuLpL3w"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#0563C1">https://ebooksforall.org/</font></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri Light, sans-serif" color="#222222">###</font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8792043 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8792043 RILA Communications Sat, 22 Feb 2020 14:24:43 GMT Rhode Island Library Community Shares Ebook Purchasing Concerns with Congressman David Cicilline <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) hosted a lively and productive roundtable discussion of current ebook selling practices to libraries on Monday, February 3, 2020 at East Providence Public Library. Attendees included librarians, library stakeholders, patrons, and special guest U.S. House Representative David Cicilline.&nbsp;</font></span><br> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">The purpose of the roundtable was to discuss recent changes in the ebook publishing industry and communicate to the Congressman how these changes are negatively affecting the library patrons in his district and across the country. Congressman Cicilline is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the Chair of the Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law (ACAL) Subcommittee, which is conducting a bipartisan investigation into competition in digital markets. RILA thought it fitting to have this discussion with him and bring to his attention how these publishers’ policies are affecting libraries and the public they serve.</font></span></p> <div align="left"> <span><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rsluHlU3gZS8sp3EzHvPlkSD6aCWDeQdjaYYoCu-bI9NA7n3Ti63BQxazn6-GpWhJ_WNaCNhsscGnG3TWtUX6kbCHEiLgwtAzJ6CfWJS5O6WVOv6MV3wlMkay1ibxM0PKdVxl85Y" width="286" height="214" align="left"></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">RILA President, Julie Holden, began the session with opening remarks summarizing the current challenges to libraries: last November, Macmillan Publishing placed an embargo on libraries such that each library</font></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><em><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">system</font></em></span> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">is only allowed to purchase a single license of a new ebook during the first 8 weeks of publication. (Which means that Rhode Island libraries, which make up one library consortium, must share one copy of a new ebook.) This limitation puts even tighter restrictions on libraries, which have been facing challenges to providing cost-effective and equitable access to ebooks for its patrons for years. For example, Amazon, the fifth-largest publisher of ebooks, refuses to sell ebooks to libraries at all. Those publishers that do sell to libraries often charge up to five times more than what it charges the average ebook customer, and libraries only have access to those titles for a certain period of time or a certain number of checkouts, after which the title must be purchased again.</font></span> </div> <div align="center"> <span><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/qK4-IkcQvSol5BCWohVpGZWC_ddOGxIce22Dv74WVcvQD-perTku3XHmdNw7_ygyM76slJco3e_sEmUfUhPOzon4u8EER72KjdIH8KmKG7Z2fF7oI_EVkZ-xZXDU62TjcLi0584-" width="298" height="223" align="right"></span> </div> <p><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">Congressman Cicilline then spoke about his efforts in Congress and the bipartisan investigation that the ACAL Subcommittee is conducting into digital markets. The investigation began last June and the Subcommittee has been holding hearings and producing documents focused on three main areas: identifying and documenting competition problems, assessing whether dominant companies are engaging in anticompetitive behavior, and determining whether existing laws, policies, and enforcement procedures are adequate to address any issues uncovered by the investigation. The Subcommittee has already held five hearings looking at the free and diverse press, innovation and entrepreneurship, the role of data and privacy in competition, perspectives of the antitrust agencies, and competitors in the digital economy.</font></span></p><span><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cBspxy8O5QNk99ufO9XoJJ7zNCGAseHdmkOe6OjYY6ByGfxs8yNrO-pbrRVavoBz-s6mPNH-if9REHKBqyNpY-ekFIzRuXE3KkofBXCTfEmfmsrQQXyFEnvPibRzr--zEKbM1pMu" width="286" height="214" align="left"></span> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">Stephen Spohn, Executive Director of Ocean State Libraries (OSL), provided an update on the current state of electronic materials purchasing and the challenges the state-wide consortium faces. Stephen used blocks to illustrate how, unlike with print materials, where a library or library consortium may purchase as many copies as it likes at the same price as the average consumer - or even at a discounted price - the consortium is only able to purchase licenses to electronic materials at significantly higher prices. Despite the increase in price, the library or consortium still doesn’t own the material - they only own the license to use it for a specified amount of time, after which they must purchase another license. In the end, libraries end up paying three times more than the average consumer for ebooks and six times more for audiobooks. The result of this purchasing model is that, while ebooks make up only 3.2% of the OSL collection, they make up about 15% of the budget. Embargoes, such as the one Macmillan has employed, only exacerbate this problem.</font></span></p><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">Stephen’s opening remarks summarized the state’s libraries’ concerns well: “Libraries are a public good. We are not a corporation; we’re a public good; we are part of democracy. We ensure that everyone has access to knowledge, technologies, and resources to participate in our democracy and to access opportunities that are hallmarks of our nation. Limiting access to books for library users is immoral, unethical, and counter to the very principles upon which our nation was founded. And embargoes that prevent or curtail library purchasing and price fixing by large corporations must end.”</font></span><br> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">Following these opening statements, the floor was opened for discussion by the roundtable members of how these digital sales practices are affecting patrons directly. For example, Jill Smith spoke of her son, who relies on OSL’s ebook and digital audiobook collection, and her mother, who is visually impaired and uses the state’s Talking Books program as well as OSL’s digital audiobook collection. She also stated that, as a licensed therapist, she often refers her clients to ebooks and digital audiobooks on mental health topics that they can access privately on OSL’s eZone. She expressed concern over the effects of the Macmillan embargo on her family’s and patients’ abilities to access digital materials. Charlotte Toolan spoke of the frustration of wanting to read a new series, only to find that the third and fourth books in the series were available on the eZone, but the first two books were not. She discussed this with OSL staff and learned that, because of low circulation, OSL had decided not to repurchase the licenses to the earlier books in the series - but then that means that the money spent on the later books has likely been wasted, as no one wants to start a series midstream. Karen Mellor, Chief of Library Services for Rhode Island, described an example in which a young student would have to wait 6 to 8 months for the next ebook in a popular series - she would be in different grade by the time she was able to access that title.</font></span></p> <div align="center"> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000"><span><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/S21PY4et87H16qLBhd3K3vLaX-u9TMCwxOZN9bCATskGFkpmSZgeRWGKViNrYWqIp4_F41cSvUH0DlRmTWNguExyKiadnJCYeECMBUBtacWn97lWUJ74smoMj33vyhmNXSG7xzQA" width="268" height="201"></span></font></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000"><span><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/bWCjJKZLDVEVKcvuIDQeXZyeLuoOELDpf_NC5xMoTnUo9v0bHfNw6zcWQ0agK2ehHaDK7x4ZQ2uTZtl7yg-EnM9b2DXXieIEe5zw_w5fB-djGWc5ZYcLEV9DcA1TsrDUIHk602Y0" width="266" height="200"></span></font></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000"><span><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Gm7GxmPw8ywUTTb39jrjPX9XVBN8HidoTdI3qYcA4bETKrvyXkNTiu0Kl7TqMXjuvD0iEVGV1l23n4i6eKWfWYyCux886iiKztjyDnS6rFHhREnUPzT9Cmlutu7PbLURtNuVwbtf" width="268" height="201"></span></font></span><br> </div> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial" color="#000000">Throughout the discussion, Congressman Cicilline was engaged and asked a lot of questions. At the end of the session, he requested copies of statements and examples of the effects discussed in order to weave them into the ACAL Subcommittee investigation. He remarked that the concerns raised during the roundtable discussion provided great examples of why issues of digital market dominance matter to regular people.</font></span><br></p><br> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8763484 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8763484 RILA Communications Tue, 04 Feb 2020 14:10:09 GMT The Rhode Island Library Association Hosts E-book Roundtable with Special Guest Congressman David Cicilline <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">EAST PROVIDENCE, RI -&nbsp;</font></strong><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">On Monday, February 3, the Rhode Island Library Association hosted U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (RI-01) at a roundtable for library staff and library patrons from around the state to discuss current unfair terms of availability and pricing in the e-book market.</font></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">The roundtable, which took place at the East Providence Public Library Weaver Library in East Providence, provided attendees the opportunity to voice their concerns to Congressman Cicilline about the increasing difficulty in gaining access to e-books and other digital content from the library.&nbsp;</font></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">“We are thankful to Congressman Cicilline for taking the time to listen to our concerns, as recent market changes in the publishing industry have put libraries in an unsustainable position,” said Rhode Island Library Association president Julie Holden.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">The discussion was initially prompted by Macmillan Publishers’ eight-week embargo on sales of new e-book titles to libraries, a policy that went into effect on November 1, 2019. The Rhode Island Library Association</font></span><a href="https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__www.rilibraries.org_blog_7910020%26d%3DDwMFaQ%26c%3DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%26r%3DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%26m%3DQJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU%26s%3DCuuoKDqcN3ceKvOA3M3rtjfQNAqZDRoXIp0nW3jLyog%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctnesi%40wpri.com%7Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%7C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%7C0%7C0%7C637163626830079331&amp;sdata=LhPnOFB5j9A%2Bn2todarH%2BI5D6jX35RZMRtOJjGVF8AU%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Furldefense.proofpoint.com%252Fv2%252Furl%253Fu%253Dhttps-3A__www.rilibraries.org_blog_7910020%2526d%253DDwMFaQ%2526c%253DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%2526r%253DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%2526m%253DQJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU%2526s%253DCuuoKDqcN3ceKvOA3M3rtjfQNAqZDRoXIp0nW3jLyog%2526e%253D%26data%3D02%257C01%257Ctnesi%2540wpri.com%257Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%257C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%257C0%257C0%257C637163626830079331%26sdata%3DLhPnOFB5j9A%252Bn2todarH%252BI5D6jX35RZMRtOJjGVF8AU%253D%26reserved%3D0&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1580907044231000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEBMPnefVcopCwhPbbFzSQuv2nBKw"><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;denounced</font></span></font></a><span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;the publisher’s change in terms and joined the American Library Association’s</font></span><a href="https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__ebooksforall.org_%26d%3DDwMFaQ%26c%3DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%26r%3DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%26m%3DQJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU%26s%3DJ8QEV2YFp2ry9EwmMd3gB8mBvSQKG7rrU51FKEBcYyE%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctnesi%40wpri.com%7Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%7C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%7C0%7C0%7C637163626830089324&amp;sdata=X5VqL6xHHLe46tETkocDBmWBRvaOEPN9G%2BjSn0QOGZs%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Furldefense.proofpoint.com%252Fv2%252Furl%253Fu%253Dhttps-3A__ebooksforall.org_%2526d%253DDwMFaQ%2526c%253DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%2526r%253DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%2526m%253DQJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU%2526s%253DJ8QEV2YFp2ry9EwmMd3gB8mBvSQKG7rrU51FKEBcYyE%2526e%253D%26data%3D02%257C01%257Ctnesi%2540wpri.com%257Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%257C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%257C0%257C0%257C637163626830089324%26sdata%3DX5VqL6xHHLe46tETkocDBmWBRvaOEPN9G%252BjSn0QOGZs%253D%26reserved%3D0&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1580907044232000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG1Q6VtepLz43-HqBprqbxp2YUKMQ"><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;#eBooksForAll campaign</font></span></font></a><span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;calling on Macmillan to reverse the embargo and restore full access to its complete e-book catalog.</font></span></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">“Last fall Ocean State Libraries&nbsp;</font><a href="https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__www.oslri.org_ocean-2Dstate-2Dlibraries-2Dcalls-2Dfor-2Dmacmillan-2Dto-2Dreverse-2Dlibrary-2Debook-2Dembargo_%26d%3DDwMFaQ%26c%3DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%26r%3DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%26m%3DDmxNvsiczc4eahxha5CquEr7tju38pu5Y5lOhiVOkx8%26s%3DiWUNw2m6q_wKrJccw1a94MAoj8kFyZZ3hlqa-QYK1Xk%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctnesi%40wpri.com%7Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%7C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%7C0%7C0%7C637163626830089324&amp;sdata=6L8TSmTX8Nwa8UeW1tVxlk1VjaxpKbsZOer8YXXv%2FwE%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Furldefense.proofpoint.com%252Fv2%252Furl%253Fu%253Dhttps-3A__www.oslri.org_ocean-2Dstate-2Dlibraries-2Dcalls-2Dfor-2Dmacmillan-2Dto-2Dreverse-2Dlibrary-2Debook-2Dembargo_%2526d%253DDwMFaQ%2526c%253DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%2526r%253DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%2526m%253DDmxNvsiczc4eahxha5CquEr7tju38pu5Y5lOhiVOkx8%2526s%253DiWUNw2m6q_wKrJccw1a94MAoj8kFyZZ3hlqa-QYK1Xk%2526e%253D%26data%3D02%257C01%257Ctnesi%2540wpri.com%257Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%257C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%257C0%257C0%257C637163626830089324%26sdata%3D6L8TSmTX8Nwa8UeW1tVxlk1VjaxpKbsZOer8YXXv%252FwE%253D%26reserved%3D0&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1580907044232000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE5I_eCskGeoDlwE7ZV3awNomzBoA"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial, sans-serif" color="#1155CC">made it clear</font></a><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;that we strongly oppose Macmillan’s attempt to delay access to e-books for our library patrons,” said Holden. “This embargo stands in the way of our mission to provide information in a fair and timely manner to everyone who uses our public libraries. The purpose of today’s discussion was to make sure our Representative is aware of how the practices of Macmillan and other players in digital markets are hurting his constituents and library users across the country.”</font></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">The #eBooksForAll campaign, with nearly 250,000 petition signers, has broadened its scope of interest to other digital content providers, including Amazon publishing, which does not sell any of its e-book titles to libraries. In</font></span><a href="https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__www.ala.org_news_press-2Dreleases_2019_10_ala-2Ddenounces-2Damazon-2Dmacmillan-2Dresponse-2Dcongressional-2Dinquiry-2Dcompetition%26d%3DDwMFaQ%26c%3DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%26r%3DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%26m%3DQJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU%26s%3D-IzJomCn8OsIf3uuKzeSo2GxZVQvspkGiwYEo_haxLU%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctnesi%40wpri.com%7Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%7C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%7C0%7C0%7C637163626830099318&amp;sdata=Pwk908s8Zh03UFpp2dxSUysqUgZ1E39qD5KrjPWTsCs%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Furldefense.proofpoint.com%252Fv2%252Furl%253Fu%253Dhttp-3A__www.ala.org_news_press-2Dreleases_2019_10_ala-2Ddenounces-2Damazon-2Dmacmillan-2Dresponse-2Dcongressional-2Dinquiry-2Dcompetition%2526d%253DDwMFaQ%2526c%253DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%2526r%253DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%2526m%253DQJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU%2526s%253D-IzJomCn8OsIf3uuKzeSo2GxZVQvspkGiwYEo_haxLU%2526e%253D%26data%3D02%257C01%257Ctnesi%2540wpri.com%257Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%257C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%257C0%257C0%257C637163626830099318%26sdata%3DPwk908s8Zh03UFpp2dxSUysqUgZ1E39qD5KrjPWTsCs%253D%26reserved%3D0&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1580907044232000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEAfhGe-O1p8uQhgc8YEktUK9UcBQ"><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;a report to Congress, t</font></span></font></a><span style="background-color: rgb(254, 254, 254);"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">he American Library Association identified “practices by companies like Amazon and Macmillan Publishers that threaten Americans’ right to read what and how they choose and imperil other fundamental First Amendment freedoms.” The report was submitted in response to an inquiry from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law, which is chaired by Congressman Cicilline.&nbsp;</font></span></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial, sans-serif">“As the Chairman of the House Antitrust Subcommittee leading a bipartisan investigation into the state of competition in the digital marketplace, I’m particularly interested in potentially anticompetitive practices harming libraries and their users, especially in Rhode Island,” Cicilline said. “I’m grateful that the Rhode Island Library Association put together today’s roundtable so we could discuss these issues in detail. I look forward to continuing our work together as the investigation wraps up and legislative fixes are introduced later this year.”</font></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">The</font></em><a href="https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__rilibraries.org%26d%3DDwMFaQ%26c%3DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%26r%3DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%26m%3DQJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU%26s%3D2TCS6KcsFQxdJ56SkYdITyVONZjZCHIKUhfpyJGR4ms%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctnesi%40wpri.com%7Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%7C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%7C0%7C0%7C637163626830109314&amp;sdata=lh4t2Dn4PUS6%2FCcWMQ%2BCz0%2F32oxgu5CSOAx%2FAVPoD74%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Furldefense.proofpoint.com%252Fv2%252Furl%253Fu%253Dhttp-3A__rilibraries.org%2526d%253DDwMFaQ%2526c%253DL93KkjKsAC98uTvC4KvQDdTDRzAeWDDRmG6S3YXllH0%2526r%253DxD6V4q2nsqd9oUxgWGo2GXCOkR-bXTtcBc81pLCN-Jg%2526m%253DQJ_xTGY5aIylx5HviBsh3XqI_S-TsgEywpPm__1NeIU%2526s%253D2TCS6KcsFQxdJ56SkYdITyVONZjZCHIKUhfpyJGR4ms%2526e%253D%26data%3D02%257C01%257Ctnesi%2540wpri.com%257Cf3ae9d0462eb4dac58cb08d7a8f1581b%257C9e5488e2e83844f6886cc7608242767e%257C0%257C0%257C637163626830109314%26sdata%3Dlh4t2Dn4PUS6%252FCcWMQ%252BCz0%252F32oxgu5CSOAx%252FAVPoD74%253D%26reserved%3D0&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1580907044232000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGrp9nHjp2sWufNFkzcy4KvWyD0Lg"><font color="#1155CC"><em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;Rhode Island Library Association</font></em></font></a><em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;is a professional organization that serves its members through career development, education, advocacy, networking partnerships, and legislative action. RILA believes in:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></em></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Symbol">·<font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></font> <em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">Advocacy</font></em></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Symbol">·<font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></font> <em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">Collaboration</font></em></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Symbol">·<font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></font> <em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">Diversity, Equity &amp; Inclusion</font></em></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Symbol">·<font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></font> <em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">Equal Access for All</font></em></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000" face="Symbol">·<font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></font> <em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Arial, sans-serif">Intellectual Freedom</font></em><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#000000" face="Times New Roman, serif">&nbsp;</font></font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8721093 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8721093 Julie Holden Mon, 13 Jan 2020 20:17:14 GMT “Pennies in the Cup:” Embracing Empathy While Serving Marginalized Patrons -- Ryan Dowd Presents “The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness” <p>An enthralled crowd of mostly public librarians from all over the state attended a day-long Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) training, “The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness,” at the Central branch of Cranston Public Library on December 11, 2019. Presenter Ryan Dowd is the Executive Director of the second largest homeless shelter in Illinois and is well-known both nationally and abroad for his expertise on the topic.</p> <p>Dowd, who toured the U.S. with filmmaker Emilio Estevez to promote “The Public,” the 2018 movie about the intersection of library services and marginalized patrons, brought plenty of experience, compassion, and humor to his presentation. He runs a “low-threshold shelter” that will accept “just about anyone” and sees a great deal of colorful behavior on a daily basis. During Dowd’s many years of working in the field, he has observed that people experiencing homelessness frequently struggle to follow the rules wherever they are, for a variety of reasons that were made clear during the session. His training program is designed to educate library staff about the need for “empathy-driven enforcement” of the rules in the face of such complex circumstances.</p> <p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MEUO2vMVJe_ZOpgwX8c9LEKJsxeWgDC2eVDgNVtYhy70YRvK8ZY2_O5_3fQ-iQsWxjmjna1wK5CygH8y1zPRetYhTCvc-KEkcXG8GUxm57ZSaY847F0UWAx2ouvAlQp5Iy2Mj1H9" width="624" height="235"></p> <p><em>Ryan Dowd addresses a rapt audience; photo courtesy of Sarah Bouvier, CPL Communications Manager</em></p> <p>Dowd divided the day into four parts: (1) understanding how the lives of people experiencing homelessness are very different from others’ lives, (2) examining when and what kinds of punishment works and doesn’t work, (3) the “psychology of voluntary compliance,” and (4) practical advice for synthesizing elements of parts one through three by using “tools of empathy and psychology.”</p> <p>Empathy took center stage in every discussion and is the driving force behind Dowd’s “pennies in the cup” concept. His premise is that by earning goodwill (represented by those metaphorical pennies, which also can be called “positive relationship credits”) in advance—by going out of their way to be kind to all patrons but especially to marginalized ones—library staff are much more likely to see voluntary compliance from those they serve, including from patrons who may have nothing left to lose and who otherwise may be prone to exhibiting aggressive reactions to any kind of confrontation.</p> <p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nPjsuyueW5RdmhGIux-YCxnsepQaltcIun6XJNc1gEJ3WHBNcplxVpezDsBNeWMXQ1r5VTuhWYqL4HaFzQB9MnCEROznd5N2mAgx2abf_cfbTEuUaeUC50O3Q5mUBUMsmPUX5HH7" width="457" height="302"></p> <p><em>Ryan Dowd explains the three types of homelessness; photo courtesy of Sarah Bouvier, CPL Communications Manager</em></p> <p>The complexity of the homelessness issue and how libraries can and should respond to it was not lost on the organizers of the event. In fact, this “was an easy decision,” according to information provided by OLIS staff member Nicolette Baffoni, because Dowd’s “training addresses the root causes of cyclical poverty and trauma that many people experiencing homelessness face, while also providing a vast array of tools to build relationships, increase empathy and, as a result, increase compliance with rules.”</p> <p>Attendees seemed to grasp the value of the training and gave it high praise. According to Baffoni, “86% of [evaluation] survey respondents strongly agreed that they learned something and were more confident in applying what they learned.” “It was the shortest 7-hour training I think I’ve ever sat through,” wrote one participant. Another commented that the “staff from [my library] who took the workshop continue to bring up what they learned in almost every meeting I have attended since the training.” Someone else pointed out that Dowd’s “techniques can be used to smooth over relations with any kind of patron.”</p> <p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZtDHOg-NyQPVew21alyt2UgBqLPDRuH6YR8V07_Yo3Cec6W6l56N8ACOhcVfGx4z4Q5vnlPlEtTxsjcOnwp6pdLJVfCY0klpeY-JmV0KnHLESR8vsmmfPZsjZCNJ2LuVplZyH9Ac" width="413" height="310"></p> <p><em>Appreciative CPL staff members with Ryan Dowd; photo courtesy of Sarah Bouvier, CPL Communications Manager</em></p>From learning how the brain responds to trauma to understanding the difference between “dignity culture” and “honor culture” to recognizing that forms of non-verbal communication are just as impactful as verbal forms, the workshop was jam-packed with useful tools and information. OLIS hopes to explore ways to bring Dowd’s resources to a wider audience. His 2018 book, The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness : An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone, provides the basis for the training session, and its companion website can be visited at <a href="http://www.homelesslibrary.com/">homelesslibrary.com</a>. https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8562891 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8562891 RILA Communications Sat, 11 Jan 2020 16:34:22 GMT RILINK School Library Consortium Begins Strategic Plan, Creates Buzz with Springshare <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style=""><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/headway-5QgIuuBxKwM-unsplash.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="236" height="157" align="left" style="margin: 8px;">The Rhode Island Library Information Network for Kids (RILINK), the state’s consortium of K-12 school libraries, has reached an unprecedented level of growth in the 22 years since it was first founded. Now with 205 member libraries, Executive Director Dorothy Frechette decided the consortium was overdue to develop a 5-year strategic plan. Work on the planning process has begun in earnest.</span></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">On December 7, RILINK staff met with members of its newly created Advisory Committee for a brainstorming session. The Committee will provide vital feedback on the development of the plan during the coming months.&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Members of the Advisory Committee are:</font></p> <ul> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Martha Badigian, School Library Media Specialist, Peace Dale and Wakefield Elementary Schools</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">John Bucci, Library Board of Rhode Island</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Maria Cotto, Bilingual Children's Librarian, Pawtucket Public Library</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Daniela Fairchild, Director, Rhode Island Office of Innovation</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Andrea Hajian, Librarian, La Salle Academy, Providence</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Sarah Hunicke, Librarian, Portsmouth High School</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Stephanie Mills, Librarian, Park View Middle School, Cranston</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Mary Moen, Assistant Professor, School Media Coordinator, URI Graduate School of Library and Information Studies</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Kathleen Odean, Educational Consultant</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Donna Ottaviano, Executive Director, East Bay Educational Collaborative</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Darshell Silva, Librarian, Davisville Middle School and North Kingstown High School</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Joy Souza,&nbsp;Elementary School 1 Head of School, Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy, and RI Association of School Principals</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Holly Walsh, Office of College and Career Readiness, Rhode Island Department of Education</font></li> </ul> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">RILINK staff looks forward to working with committee members over the next several months to develop a plan to support and improve RILINK’s benefits and services. Frechette hopes to implement the plan before the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.</font></p> <p><font color="#7B6E65" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">One benefit of RILINK membership is access to Springshare’s LibGuides CMS to build library websites.&nbsp;The RILINK Schools</font> <a href="http://guides.rilinkschools.org/"><font color="#1155CC">collection of LibGuides sites</font></a> <font color="#000000">was recently featured as a client story in Springshare Buzz. Frechette states that RILINK Staff members Sharon Webster and Zach Berger were instrumental in researching, implementing, and offering trainings for LibGuides to RILINK members.&nbsp;</font> <a href="https://buzz.springshare.com/stories/rilink"><font color="#0563C1">Read the client story</font></a> <font color="#000000">and learn more about RILINK on the</font> <a href="http://www.rilink.org/"><font color="#1155CC">consortium’s website</font></a><font color="#000000">.</font></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8544558 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8544558 RILA Communications Sat, 11 Jan 2020 14:17:05 GMT Providence Public Library and the Rhode Island Historical Society Awarded Funding for Historic Newspaper Digitization Project <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><span style=""><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/mr-cup-fabien-barral-Mwuod2cm8g4-unsplash%20(1).jpg" alt="Photo by Mr Cup / Fabien Barral on Unsplash" title="Photo by Mr Cup / Fabien Barral on Unsplash" border="0" width="243" height="324" align="right">The Providence Public Library (PPL) and Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) are excited to announce the award of $250,000 in federal funding that will support an ongoing partnership to complete an extensive digitization project of Rhode Island’s historic newspapers. The funds are being awarded as part of the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Library of Congress, to create a national digital resource of historically significant newspapers published between 1690 and 1963 from all the states and U.S. territories available through the Library of Congress. This is the first time that Rhode Island has participated in the program.&nbsp;</span><br></font></p> <p><font color="#2A2A2A" style="font-size: 14px;">RIHS holds a remarkable collection of microfilm reels of 314 Rhode Island newspaper titles that ceased publication prior to 1923. However, this collection, critical to understanding the development of both the state and the nation's rich history, remains unavailable for research in an online format.&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font color="#2A2A2A" style="font-size: 14px;">This grant funding supports PPL, in partnership with the RIHS, to digitize at least 50,000 pages of historic RI newspapers, provide the Library of Congress preservation copies of microfilm reels, and promote the accessibility of these digital resources to the broader community.</font></p> <p><font color="#2A2A2A" style="font-size: 14px;">The principal project activities and results will include:</font></p> <ul> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#2A2A2A" style="font-size: 14px;">RIHS will complete full inventory of master microfilm reels. In addition to title and publication dates, research into individual titles regarding readership, editorial stance, political orientation, and geographic coverage will be noted as it is available. Second-generation silver negative duplicates will be produced.</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#2A2A2A" style="font-size: 14px;">An Advisory Board will convene, establish decision-making protocols, and prioritize a list of titles for digitization.</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#2A2A2A" style="font-size: 14px;">PPL will scan, edit files, and create metadata.</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#2A2A2A" style="font-size: 14px;">PPL will maintain regularly scheduled quality review checks for digital files and metadata accuracy.&nbsp;</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#2A2A2A" style="font-size: 14px;">PPL will first submit test digitization run to RIHS for approval.</font></li> <li style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#2A2A2A" style="font-size: 14px;">At least 100,000 pages will be digitized.</font></li> </ul> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8543655 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8543655 RILA Communications Tue, 07 Jan 2020 17:44:03 GMT Woonsocket Harris Public Library Builds Partnerships to Serve the Homeschool Community <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#333333">Woonsocket's homeschool community has noticeably grown over the past several years. As more families came to the Woonsocket Harris Public Library during school hours, Library staff realized there was a need for programming.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#333333">In March 2019, the homeschool outreach coordinator, Solitaire Frisby, and Chris Goldstein, the Children’s Librarian, met with Sarah Carr, Assistant Director at the Museum of Work and Culture. What started in May as a small, one-time program developed into a well-attended, free, bimonthly educational program for all ages. This partnership is ideal in meeting the specific needs of Woonsocket residents, as many are challenged with a lack of finances and/or transportation. Melissa Robb, of ENRICHri, reached out and helped invite homeschoolers beyond the Woonsocket area. The program had visitors from Worcester, Cumberland, Pawtucket, and other communities.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#333333">Homeschool families register with the Museum of Work and Culture, and the program starts at the Museum at 10am. A volunteer from the Museum leads families on a tour of specific parts of the Museum related to the topic of the day. Families then leave the Museum and travel to the Library nearby to continue in an immersive educational experience, which may include snacks, a craft, a hands-on STEAM activity, and green screen and other technology from the library's 2017 Studio Rhode Grant.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#333333"><font>Each program has a different topic. In May, they focused on the French-Canadians' journey to America and how they established roots in Woonsocket, predominately by working in the mills; they had 23 participants. October's topic focused on mill work and the ecology of the Blackstone River; they had roughly 45 participants.&nbsp;</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#333333"><span style="">December’s program was entitled, “Global Holiday Traditions.” The museum offered four fantastic speakers from Dorcas International who shared their personal experiences having grown up in Quebec, The Congo, Israel, and Portugal; there were 68 participants.&nbsp;</span></font><span style=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#333333">While the Museum provides area-specific tours of its facility and provides volunteers to lead discussions, the Library followed up with a slew of activities, including: a stamp-as-you-go holiday scavenger hunt, a holiday card-writing station for residents of a local nursing home, green screen photos, and the opportunity to taste new foods at the refreshment station. They had various displays, including a Chinese New Year dragon, as well as a functional 'German Christmas Market' in which homeschool students took turns as the vendor, selling donated children's books. It was a big hit, enjoyed by all, with lots of great feedback.</font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><span style=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#333333"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/1%20-%20Chris%20Goldstein.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0" width="259" height="195" style="color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;; font-size: 15px;">&nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/IMG_6841%20-%20Chris%20Goldstein.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0" width="262" height="196" style="color: rgb(55, 55, 55); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;; font-size: 15px;"><br></font></span></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><span style=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#333333">The Library's homeschool program collaboration with the Museum will continue into 2020 with two more events already scheduled for February and April.&nbsp;</font></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8508688 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8508688 RILA Communications Mon, 06 Jan 2020 22:55:29 GMT RILA Launches Mentorship Program! <p style="line-height: 21px;" align="center"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/RILA%20Mentorship%20Promo%20Graphic.PNG" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">Did you know that January is</font> <a href="https://www.mentoring.org/our-work/campaigns/national-mentoring-month/"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">National Mentoring Month</font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">? Mentoring is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the life of another person and to gain new insights into our rich profession. You can also give and receive guidance and take your career to the next level. RILA is officially launching its new Mentorship Program this year, and we would love your participation. Please join our program today to develop lasting professional relationships with others in the field.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">To be a part of the RILA Mentorship Program:&nbsp;</font></p> <ul> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">You must be a current RILA member.</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">You may be a library employee, retired librarian, or current library school student.</font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 19px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">You must make a 1-year commitment that includes meeting with your mentor/mentee at least 3 or 4 times per year by phone, email, web conferencing, or in-person meetings.</font></font></p> </li> </ul> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">You can sign up to be a Mentor or a Mentee. We are seeking both types of applicants and anticipate formally launching our first cohort this Spring.&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://goo.gl/forms/ibJkfmSLSUatSdVo2"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">Click here to fill out the Mentor Application</font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#0000FF" face="Arial">.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://goo.gl/forms/fFroXKiOJ8YRSf1o2"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">Click here to fill out the Mentee Application</font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#0000FF" face="Arial">.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">You can read the</font> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/mentorship-guidelines"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">Program Guidelines</font></a> <font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 21px;"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">For questions, please contact</font> <a href="mailto:mentor@rilibraries.org"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">mentor@rilibraries.org</font></a><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial">.</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8497391 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8497391 RILA Communications Sat, 02 Nov 2019 13:50:36 GMT Public Libraries Fight for Lower Prices and Greater Access to eBooks <p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;">This news story out of <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#121212">Multnomah County,&nbsp;</font></span>Oregon, provides a good summary of the issues at play in the battle between public libraries, which have seen increased ebook use, and ebook publishers which are raising prices and instituting policies that restrict access.</font></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="https://katu.com/news/following-the-money/multnomah-county-library-in-the-fight-with-publishers-over-price-of-ebooks?jwsource=cl" target="_blank"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;" color="#0000FF">Watch the Video Here</font></a></span></p> <p>Access the full article here:&nbsp;<a href="https://katu.com/news/following-the-money/multnomah-county-library-in-the-fight-with-publishers-over-price-of-ebooks">https://katu.com/news/following-the-money/multnomah-county-library-in-the-fight-with-publishers-over-price-of-ebooks</a></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8088192 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/8088192 RILA Communications Mon, 30 Sep 2019 19:00:48 GMT Rhode Island Library Association Calls for Macmillan to Reverse Library eBook Embargo <p align="left"><font style="font-family: Open Sans; font-size: 15px;" align="start" color="#000000">On July 25, Macmillan Publishing announced it would become the only major (Big 5) publisher to limit eBook lending for U.S. libraries. Under its new licensing model, scheduled to begin November 1, 2019, a library may purchase one copy upon release of a new title in eBook format, after which the publisher will impose an eight-week embargo on additional copies of that title sold to libraries.</font></p> <p align="left"><font style="font-family: Open Sans; font-size: 15px;" align="start" color="#000000">As American Library Association (ALA) President Wanda Brown asserted that same day, “Macmillan Publishers’ new model for library eBook lending will make it difficult for libraries to fulfill our central mission: ensuring access to information for all. Macmillan’s new policy is unacceptable.”</font></p> <p align="left"><font style="font-family: Open Sans; font-size: 15px;" align="start" color="#000000">Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) President Julie Holden agrees and adds, “By providing readers with wide access to authors and their works, libraries are partners, not adversaries, of the publishing industry. We contribute to the success of Macmillan’s writers and authors, who will be negatively affected by this embargo.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 22px;" align="left"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/10u-2m3Q61IFcPtXc_v2ziyOmUnTBg_uB/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><font color="#40B2CF"><font style="font-size: 15px;">See the full Press Release here</font></font></a></p> <p><font color="#FFFFFF"><br></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7910020 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7910020 RILA Communications Mon, 15 Jul 2019 14:00:30 GMT Peace Dale Library Restores George Washington Needlework <img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/George.jpg" style="margin: 8px;" alt="A picture of the 19th Century Needlework depicting Gilbert Stuart's Landsdowne portrait of George Washington" title="A picture of the 19th Century Needlework depicting Gilbert Stuart's Landsdowne portrait of George Washington" width="267" height="318" align="left">Many Rhode Island libraries reside in historic buildings and contain legacy artwork that may eventually need attention and care. This was the case with a large framed 19th-century needlework at Peace Dale Library depicting Gilbert Stuart's Landsdowne portrait of George Washington. It has hung in the Library's Rhode Island History Room for decades, and its provenance and creator are unknown. Over time, staff and patrons had noted that threads appeared damaged and canvas showed through, and suggestions had been made to have the piece looked at by the University of Rhode Island's Textile Conservation Laboratory. <p>The Library has had a long-standing relationship with the Narragansett-Cooke-Gaspee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who over many years have generously donated books and shelving for the Library's local history collection. Since the needlework's subject matter was George Washington, the Library approached the Chapter in the spring of 2017 to ask if they would be interested in exploring the possibility of a restoration. They agreed, and the Library contacted the Textile Conservation Laboratory to set up a visit.</p> <p>The Laboratory, for a nominal standard fee, will examine an item and prepare a "Conservation Analysis &amp; Recommendations and Treatment Report." Rebecca Kelly, Director of the Laboratory, and one or two of her students came to the Library to take a look at “George.” On the basis of that visit, they produced the report laying out the anticipated work and costs. This was shared with the DAR Chapter, which agreed to fund the project.&nbsp;</p>Once this was all determined, Director Kelly returned to the Library to transport "George" to the Laboratory on the University's Kingston campus. Over the next 15 months, "he" underwent various conservation procedures, including vacuuming away dust and particles, microscopic examination of fibers, and detaching webbing and newspaper used in previous framing. “He” was then fitted with a cotton-covered acid-free backing and placed in a new frame with spacers to keep the embroidery out of contact with the protective glass.&nbsp;<br> <p>Framing was done at the Laboratory, with components brought there by the framer, eliminating the need for transport to a different location. The cost of framing, separate from the conservation itself, was shared equally by the DAR Chapter and Friends of the Peace Dale Library.</p>The project took nearly two years, longer than if the Library had used a professional conservation firm, because the University's Laboratory is a teaching facility. But it was gratifying to all involved to be able to work together--the Peace Dale Library, the DAR Chapter, the Friends of the Peace Dale Library, and the Textile Conservation Laboratory. The Library’s needlework picture is now set for another 150 years. The DAR Chapter helped to preserve a public artwork featuring a principal figure of the American Revolution. A number of Textile Conservation students had an opportunity to participate in the research and assist with aspects of the work.&nbsp; And the Friends of the Peace Dale Library made a lasting contribution to one of the cultural resources housed in the Library.&nbsp; <p>“George,” newly vibrant, came "home" in May, 2019. On May 22, the Library hosted a public unveiling, with Rebecca Kelly as the featured speaker. As the next century of life for this historic artwork begins, we invite all in the RILA community to come take a look!</p>Submitted by Jessica Wilson, Reference and Local History Librarian<br> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7778150 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7778150 RILA Communications Sat, 13 Jul 2019 13:38:34 GMT Staying Positive Against All Odds <p>In midst of a funding battle, Maury Loontjens Memorial Library in Narragansett is a finalist to be named one of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/nicest-places-contest/" title="https://www.rd.com/nicest-places-contest/">Nicest Places in America</a>.</p> <p>As the people of this seaside town fight to save their library, the librarians go about their business, serving the community.</p> <p>Narragansett’s public library is so unassuming that you might drive right by it if you didn’t know what you were looking for. But to the 15,000 people who make this seaside town their home, the library is where the knitting club meets, high schoolers hunker with tutors, preschoolers sit wide-eyed at story time—and where it’s impossible to miss how gracious the staff is in the face of an existential threat.</p> <p>Recently the town council voted to slash the facility’s budget in half and put on hold plans for a much-needed new building for the 10,000 people who visit a month. The library may lose its eligibility for additional state funding, putting five full-time and 14 part-time staffers’ jobs in jeopardy. The fight has gotten ugly at times, with heated arguments at town council meetings. Through it all, the librarians have stayed above the fray, continuing to smile, making the library an oasis of civility even as a battle rages around it.</p> <p>“We have no say in the politics,” says library director Patti Arkwright. “So we just go with the flow. We’re just happy to serve the people who use our library.”</p> <p>“As soon as you come through that door, they make you feel like you’re the most important person in the world,” says local resident Suzan Amoruso, who nominated the place. When her grandchildren visit from out of town, the first place they ask to go is the library.</p> <p>Supporters drop in regularly with boxes of chocolates and plates of cookies for library staffers, who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty. Like the time when a woman told a librarian she was lonely and longed for a dog. A short time later another patron mentioned plans to move and the need to rehome a dog. The librarian connected the two parties and a match was made.</p> <p>At a recent council meeting, one woman stood and gave the crowd a history lesson about the town that has been her home for more than 90 years. The library, she argued, is a reflection of Narragansett’s core values kindness and civility, no matter what you’re facing. Before she sat back down, she said simply, “This is who we are. We are this library.”</p><strong>The Nomination</strong> <p>As the current town council attempts to dismantle the library, the librarians continue to make it a center of the community. Residents are gathering around to save the library.</p> <p>In a very outdated space, the librarians continue to run very current and interesting programs. They speak out at every town council meeting to try to convince the present town council that a library is not just a place to check out a book. They stay calm and positive.</p> <p>The first place my grandchildren want to visit is the library. Other residents in Rhode Island say, “I love your library.” The librarians there are so nice, so helpful.</p> <p>I had a very sentimental chair that my mother sat in. When it had to be given away the library was the perfect place for it. I can visit it and when I see others in it reading it brings me joy. Residents are doing all they can to prevent the library from being cut and to have it moved into the building that was purchased by the town. And through it all, the library staff keep welcoming all who enter.</p> <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/image1.jpg" alt="A donated chair that reminds our nominator of her mother is one of many things that make this place special." title="A donated chair that reminds our nominator of her mother is one of many things that make this place special." style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;"><br></p> <p>A donated chair that reminds our nominator of her mother is one of many things that make this place special. Photo courtesy Suzan Amoruso.</p> <p>Think that Maury Loontjens Memorial Library in Narragansett, Rhode Island is the Nicest Place in America? Vote <a href="https://www.rd.com/nicestplaces/the-nicest-place-in-rhode-island-maury-loontjens-memorial-library-in-narragansett/">here</a>!</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7778099 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7778099 RILA Communications Mon, 20 May 2019 14:42:53 GMT "Project Read: Feed Your Mind and Your Heart" <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Have you shared a book with young people in your school, family or community that you would recommend to others? The Rhode Island Library and Information Network for Kids (RILINK) invites you to share that title with others in our online survey. Click on the image to participate!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://rilink.libsurveys.com/suggest" target="_blank"><br> <img border="2" src="https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/130/images/READ_logo_small.png" width="221" height="158"></a></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7351726 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7351726 RILA Communications Wed, 15 May 2019 15:44:38 GMT Resume Review at RILA 2019 <p style="line-height: 14px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;">When opportunity comes knocking, make sure you’re ready!&nbsp;The 2019 RILA Conference will offer resume review by professionals in the field who regularly hire staff and know what will get you the attention you desire when applying for jobs.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 14px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;</font></p> <p style="line-height: 14px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;">Resume Review sessions will be held <strong>3-4PM</strong> on <strong>Wednesday, May 22nd</strong> and <strong>10:15-11:15AM</strong> on <strong>Thursday, May 23rd</strong>.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 14px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 14px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;">Drop-ins are welcome, so bring your resume with you to the RILA Conference! If you’d like more in-depth, personalized resume advice, please email your resume to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:melissa@cumberlandlibrary.org">melissa@cumberlandlibrary.org</a>&nbsp;for review prior to the conference.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 14px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 14px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;">Even if you’re not actively job hunting, it’s always a good idea to keep your resume updated. Don’t miss this opportunity to give your resume a spring makeover with professionals from across the library and human resources field!</font></p> <p style="line-height: 14px;"><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 14px;"><br></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7343128 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7343128 Mon, 13 May 2019 20:30:43 GMT A Conversation on the State of Our Libraries <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wf1FovtKv_PRfNIKIhQzg0sDvNi2OuCePVV4Y9l3itOEbdEfRvE-QdDLWW84oROlKgr3R8Dv_mhzGoeT9IGFlrSvxqdKSYAqn-pt4rkD0dI0qm06L8sJ_Sxe4NX5Jm_AzKywOjv0" width="267" height="399" align="right" alt="(Photo Credit Sarah Bouvier, CPL Library Communications Manager)" title="(Photo Credit Sarah Bouvier, CPL Library Communications Manager)" border="1" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 8px;"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">On April 1, Cranston Public Library’s (CPL’s) Central branch was the gathering place for over 50 library colleagues and special guests for a “Conversation on the State of Our Libraries,” with U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), as featured speakers. CPL Director Ed Garcia warmly welcomed guests and turned the podium over to Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, who gratefully acknowledged that Senator Reed has long been a champion of libraries.</font></p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font>Senator Reed focused his remarks on the “new and improved”</font> <a href="https://www.imls.gov/about-us/legislation-budget/timeline"><font color="#1155CC">Museum and Library Services Act of 2018</font></a><font>, which was signed into law on December 31, 2018. “All Americans are beneficiaries of libraries,” the Senator said. “We are not individual islands—this is a connected system.” Emphasizing the critical nature of these partnerships, he went on to extol the Act’s legislative highlights in making libraries hubs for community involvement and providing crucial support for digital, financial, and other literacies, as well as fostering lifelong learning. Senator Reed also expressed his “special duty” as successor to the late Senator Claiborne Pell to support the IMLS, which he recognized as an important part of the Pell legacy.</font></font></p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font>Dr. Matthew opened her talk by explaining why the Institute chose its “Transforming Communities” theme for its new</font> <a href="https://www.imls.gov/about-us/strategic-plan"><font color="#1155CC">Strategic Plan</font></a><font>. Libraries must “turn inside out to connect with what your constituents feel is important,” she said, declaring that libraries should “work with the momentum of their communities—it’s not up to the IMLS to say what that is.” Therefore, she continued, that’s why the IMLS has a</font> <a href="https://www.imls.gov/about/mission"><font color="#1155CC">new mission</font></a> <font>to “advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.”</font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"></p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font><br></font></font> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Ya0lvVwNnzKyOaJqGrifmmeQSN7BuGcRzn1tbpmAkwIpglpP7llgx7lCAN6rFD3Ds-_7guB63nfKooy0ysbGZemnh4Dt1j19cBQvSOplbCnT6OK--u3WaNaVEHAkbC76AFc4WDC7" width="487" height="324" alt="Senator Reed, Dr. Matthew, CPL Director Ed Garcia, and Cranston Mayor Allan Fung " title="Senator Reed, Dr. Matthew, CPL Director Ed Garcia, and Cranston Mayor Allan Fung " style="margin: 8px; display: block;"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><em><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 12px;">Senator Reed, Dr. Matthew, CPL Director Ed Garcia, and Cranston Mayor Allan Fung</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><em><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 12px;">(Photo Credit: Sarah Bouvier, CPL Library Communications Manager)</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><em><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font>The enthusiastic crowd was especially appreciative of Dr. Matthew’s announcement that all small states will now benefit from a reconfigured IMLS funding formula, with Rhode Island receiving $1,086,913 in 2019. She offered tips for applying for IMLS grants, which include reviewing the Institute’s</font> <a href="https://www.imls.gov/about-us/strategic-plan"><font color="#1155CC">Strategic Plan</font></a><font>, forming meaningful community collaborations and partnerships, understanding the impact of projects (including how to both pilot and evaluate them), anchoring work in what’s already been discovered, and using known data and practice to take risks to evolve. Dr. Matthew also pointed her audience to the IMLS “</font><a href="https://www.imls.gov/blog/2018/06/biscuits-vs-granola-innovative-ways-libraries-archives-and-museums-scale"><font color="#1155CC">Biscuits vs. Granola</font></a><font>” blog post of June 18, 2018 for practical advice on “how practitioners can scale up a new idea.”</font></font></p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font>In her conclusion, Dr. Matthew emphasized the need for efforts to “identify opportunities for further capacity- and skill-building” as an essential part of “understanding the social wellbeing impacts of the nation’s libraries and museums. ” A January 2017 “Community Catalyst” report is</font> <a href="https://www.imls.gov/publications/strengthening-networks-sparking-change-museums-and-libraries-community-catalysts"><font color="#1155CC">available online</font></a> <font>to help with this process.</font></font></p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">In the next segment of the program, during which library staff from around the state spoke about new projects and initiatives, Rhode Island Chief of Library Services Karen Mellor kicked things off by recognizing that “We are one of the handful of states that enshrines the right to library services in its Constitution” and by acknowledging that an “extensive network allows Rhode Island to move forward with innovative projects and respond to the needs of all library types.”</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Bi5aj0ZC2gwXkze-2aN95MdAHsmH4InKpiG77W4U3EoL5O7T_f5bjkWpMv8JUclOdv1rGdwiDZ1_86jyZIxwQTAMRrfK-o9h9tZoO8OIyns5EiBxii-eN_Pq1Icjd8aNXmUt3pJa" width="515" height="344" style="display: block; margin: 8px;" alt="Danielle Margarida of OLIS addresses the group " title="Danielle Margarida of OLIS addresses the group "></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><em><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 12px;">Danielle Margarida of OLIS addresses the group</font></em></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><em><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 12px;">(Photo Credit: Sarah Bouvier, CPL Library Communications Manager)</font></em></p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font><br></font></font> <p style="line-height: 17px;"></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Select speakers then spoke for a few minutes each about resourceful, transformative library projects and services happening in Rhode Island. These include:</font></p> <ul> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><span style=""><font color="#222222">The Office of Library and Information Services’ (OLIS) participation in the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) pilot cohort of</font></span> <a href="http://www.ala.org/yalsa/train-trainer-project"><span style=""><font color="#1155CC">Transforming Teen Services: A Train the Trainer Approach</font></span></a><span style=""><font color="#222222">. Through this project, Danielle Margarida, OLIS Youth Services Coordinator, and Rebecca Ott, Tiverton Public Library Teen Librarian, have been trained to transform teen services by training teen librarians to feel more comfortable integrating connected learning and computational thinking into teen programs and services. The project is being implemented by YALSA in partnership with the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies and is funded by the IMLS.</font></span></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font>The</font> <a href="https://studiorhodewoonsocket.blogspot.com/"><font color="#1155CC">My Woonsocket Life</font></a> <font>Studio Rhode project at Woonsocket Public Library, described by Library Director Leslie Page as a means to “get people in the community thinking about community identity” through short videos in which patrons talk about the past, present, and future of the city.</font></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font>The</font> <a href="https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/EXCITE"><font color="#1155CC">EXCITE Transformation for Libraries</font></a> <font>“boot camp” training program, in which several RI libraries (including teams from Bryant University, CPL, and Westerly Public Library) were joined by other library teams from around the Northeast to learn how to “reverse engineer” programming and services to better meet the needs of patrons. Julie Holden (Assistant Director, CPL), Maura Keating (</font><span style=""><font color="#222222">Research and Instruction Librarian,</font></span> <font>Douglas and Judith Krupp Library, Bryant University), and Bill Lancelotta (Assistant Director, Westerly Public Library) described how the training provided valuable tools for refining the design thinking process and enabling library staff to connect with communities in new and exciting ways. Funding for the training is made</font> <span style=""><font>possible by IMLS grant # RE-95-17-0068-17 in the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.</font></span></font></font></p> </li> <li> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font>Using virtual reality to “bring” attractions to Providence Community Library (PCL) patrons, as discussed by Library Director Cheryl Space and IT Manager David Sok.</font> <a href="https://olis-ri.libguides.com/studiorhodetoolkit/providence"><font color="#1155CC">Virtual Providence</font></a> <font>“</font><span style=""><font>is a series of 360-degree video tours of cultural institutions in Providence created by local teens in the library.” PCL has also developed a</font></span> <a href="https://www.provcomlib.org/blog/pcl-computer-builders-program-makes-debut-olneyville"><span style=""><font color="#1155CC">Computer Builders</font></span></a> <span style=""><font>program that teaches kids and teens how to build computers, which are then fitted with a plaque with their names and added to the computer lab. This is an ongoing program that began in 2017.</font></span></font></font></p> </li> </ul><span style=""><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Written by Zach Berger, RILA Communications</font></span><br> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7339046 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7339046 RILA Communications Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:44:12 GMT Register Now! RILA 2019 Conference <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">The Rhode Island Library Association is pleased to announce that our Annual Conference registration is now open! The 2019 RILA Conference is packed with fantastic keynotes, breakout sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities for all library types.&nbsp;<font color="#FF0000" style="">Register now to lock in early-bird rates!</font></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Tahoma">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><u><a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/page-1776018" title="https://www.rilibraries.org/page-1776018"><font color="#0070C0" style="font-size: 19px;"><font color="#954F72" face="Tahoma">RILA 2019: Get Informed!</font></font></a></u></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma">Bryant University, Smithfield, RI</font></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma">May 22nd &amp; 23rd, 2019</font></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/page-1776018" title="https://www.rilibraries.org/page-1776018"><font style="font-size: 16px;"><font color="#954F72" face="Tahoma">https://www.rilibraries.org/page-1776018</font></font></a></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Tahoma">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Tahoma"><strong><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FCRQmvN02oaQSxJw9WgsxanK1dQm4JlM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Conference Schedule</a></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Tahoma"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;"><strong><u><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma">Keynote speakers:</font></u></strong></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Tahoma"><strong><em>G. Wayne Miller</em></strong><em>, Director, Story in the Public Square</em></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Tahoma"><strong><em>Wanda Brown</em></strong><em>, ALA President-Elect</em></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Tahoma"><strong><em>Michael A. Spikes</em></strong><em>, Consultant, News Media Literacy</em></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Tahoma">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Tahoma"><a href="https://rila.wildapricot.org/event-2395646"><font color="#954F72">​​</font></a>Join your colleagues at the 2019 RILA Conference – we can’t wait to see you there!&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#FF0000">Early-bird pricing ends May 10th</font>, so&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/event-3350301"><font color="#954F72">don't delay, register today!</font></a></font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7275837 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7275837 Sun, 10 Feb 2019 23:11:15 GMT New England Library Leadership Symposium Info Night <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong style="">New England Library Leadership Symposium Info Night</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Wednesday, February 20 at 6 pm</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Panera Bread, 4000 Chapel View Blvd in Cranston</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#1D2129">Are you looking to enhance your career with library leadership training? The New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS) is a five-day intensive training program designed to foster the mentoring and development of library leaders. Learn about this exciting opportunity for career and personal growth by attending the NELLS Info Night at the Chapel View Panera near Garden City in Cranston on Wed, Feb 20 at 6 pm. Speak with NELLS alum currently working in Rhode Island libraries and NELLS 2017 mentor, Dorothy Swain to gain insight on how this training benefited&nbsp;them and what you can get out of it.</font></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#1D2129"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/NELLS-RI.png" alt="" title="" border="3" width="267" height="267" style="border-color: transparent;"><br> Email your NELA State Representative, Jessica D’Avanza to RSVP and/or for questions at:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ri@nelib.org"><font color="#1155CC">ri@nelib.org</font></a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jessicad@barringtonlibrary.org"><font color="#1155CC">jessicad@barringtonlibrary.org</font></a>&nbsp;or find our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/521586731666848/"><font color="#1155CC">Facebook event</font></a>&nbsp;and let us know you are “going.”<br> <br> NELLS takes place every other year and this year’s Symposium will be held in North Andover, MA at the&nbsp;</font><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RollingRidgeNA/"><font color="#365899">Rolling Ridge Retreat &amp; Conference Center</font></a><font color="#1D2129">&nbsp;from August 12 to 16, 2019. It is led by ALA past-president&nbsp;</font><a href="https://www.facebook.com/maureen.sullivan.3958"><font color="#365899">Maureen Sullivan</font></a><font color="#1D2129">&nbsp;and is a cooperative effort of the&nbsp;</font><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nelibraries/"><font color="#365899">New England Library Association</font></a><font color="#1D2129">&nbsp;and all six New England state library associations. Applications with 3 letters of reference are being accepted through March 15. More information can be <a href="http://nelib.org/connect/committees/new-england-library-leadership-symposium-nells/" target="_blank">found here.</a></font></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#1D2129"><br></font></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#365899"><font color="#1155CC"><br></font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7156918 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7156918 RILA Communications Mon, 04 Feb 2019 18:50:58 GMT Money Smart Week 2019 - March 30th - April 6th <p style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="https://www.moneysmartweek.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.moneysmartweek.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1549392558431000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFmCSm1UPR55wx5cxcGUpjElvfdwQ" style=""><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 16px;"><font color="#1155CC" style=""><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/RhodeIsland_B_2019.png" alt="" title="" border="0" width="534" height="129"></font></span></font></font></a></span></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="https://www.moneysmartweek.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.moneysmartweek.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1549392558431000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFmCSm1UPR55wx5cxcGUpjElvfdwQ" style=""><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 16px;"><font color="#1155CC" style=""><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font><br></font></span></font></font></a></span></p> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.moneysmartweek.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.moneysmartweek.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1549392558431000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFmCSm1UPR55wx5cxcGUpjElvfdwQ" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC" style=""><span style="background-color: transparent;">Money Smart Week</span></font></a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">begins on March 30th! Still haven’t booked a program? The</font></span> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/flrt" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://rilibraries.org/flrt&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1549392558431000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHtUE0C1qB9JEv2v9Ocqr1XIsyZXA" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font>Financial Literacy Roundtable</font></span></font></a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">has compiled a list of contacts for financial education providers throughout the state to help you get started:</font></span> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Documents/Financial%20Literacy%20Programming%20Resource%20List%202019.pdf" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://rilibraries.org/resources/Documents/Financial%2520Literacy%2520Programming%2520Resource%2520List%25202019.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1549392558431000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHBSdOxnLVm1mYSmxwj4SgsBtWP1A" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font>Financial Literacy Program Resource List</font></span></font></a><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">.</font></span><br></font></p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 16px;"><br></font> <p style="line-height: 18px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">We would love to help you promote your Money Smart Week events, so please submit them to <a href="mailto:flrt@rilibraries.org"><font color="#1155CC">flrt@rilibraries.org</font></a> by Friday, March 1st. Events will be listed in our statewide calendar, posted to our</font></span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/moneysmartweekri/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/moneysmartweekri/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1549392558431000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHNqDYCwmPPs86ALj_QteAJZg2RPg"><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font>Money Smart Week RI Facebook</font></span></font></a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">page (follow us there!), and promoted at our kick-off event.</font></span></font></p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 16px;"><br> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">This year, FLRT is partnering with the</font></span> <a href="http://fpari.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://fpari.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1549392558431000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHUSpE7FUAbV3UKICrjuagx43LXiw"><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font>Financial Planning Association of RI</font></span></font></a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">to host Financial Planning Day at the</font></span> <a href="https://www.nplib.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nplib.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1549392558431000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEcUOvrJttqoHJXN07SsPt02OxZZg"><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font>North Providence Public Library</font></span></font></a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">to kick off MSW. The event will take place on Saturday, March 30th from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and is open to the public. Certified Financial Planners will provide free, one-on-one consultations with attendees, as well as present on Investing Basics and Real World Retirement Planning. Please find the flyer attached. Visit</font></span> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/financial-planning-day-tickets-55378122455" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.eventbrite.com/e/financial-planning-day-tickets-55378122455&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1549392558431000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGXgOiq6jT3-e4_zs_fNauU_vi8xg"><font color="#1155CC"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font>Eventbrite</font></span></font></a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"><font color="#000000">for details and to register.</font></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#222222">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></font> <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 16px;"><br></font></p> <p><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 16px;">RILA Financial Literacy Roundtable</font></p> <p><a href="mailto:flrt@rilibraries.org"><font color="#222222"><font color="#1155CC" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 16px;">flrt@rilibraries.org</font></font></a></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7146060 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7146060 RILA Communications Thu, 31 Jan 2019 15:03:51 GMT RILA Partners with the School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI) <p style="line-height: 17px;" align="center"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/RILA.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/SLRI_Logo.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) welcomes the School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI) into our organization as new RILA Section.</font></p><br> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">“SLRI is excited to move forward and join forces with our colleagues across Rhode Island,” stated Lisa Girard, SLRI President. “We will be stronger together!”</font></p><br> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">“RILA’s mission is to serve all librarians in our state and this collaboration will help us to further this goal”, says Kieran Ayton, President of RILA.</font></p><br> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">SLRI is a professional organization representing school library media professionals and support staff working for school library media, computer, and instructional technology programs in Rhode Island. &nbsp;The purpose of SLRI is to provide leadership and support for school library media professionals and support staff in the development, promotion, improvement, and evaluation of school library media, computer, and instructional technology programs in all Rhode Island schools. You can</font> <a href="https://www.slri.info/"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">visit the SLRI website here</font></a><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">.</font></p><br> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">Members of all both organizations can now join or renew their Section memberships on the</font> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/membership"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">RILA website</font></a></p><br> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">The</font> <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">Rhode Island Library Association (RILA)</font></a> <font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">is a professional organization that serves its members through career development, education, advocacy, networking partnerships and legislative action. Through collaboration and community partnerships RILA will inspire and promote excellence in library services.</font> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 19px;" color="#0000FF" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 19px;" color="#0000FF" face="Times New Roman"><br></font></span></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7139030 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/7139030 RILA Communications Thu, 10 Jan 2019 15:34:51 GMT Call for Proposals! RILA 2019 Conference <h1><strong><font color="#006DB4" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 24px;">2019 RILA Conference: "Get Informed!"</font></strong></h1> <p><strong><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Join us for the 2019 Rhode Island Library Association Annual Conference</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">on <font color="#1268A0">May 22nd &amp; 23rd</font> at <font color="#1268A0">Bryant University</font> in Smithfield, RI.</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></strong></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">The 2019 RILA Conference will launch a statewide news literacy initiative, featuring engaging sessions on news and media literacy, civic education and democracy, and many other topics of interest to public, academic, school, and special librarians and library staff.&nbsp;<strong style=""><font color="#1268A0" style="">We can't wait to see you at the conference!&nbsp;</font></strong></font></p> <p><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#1268A0" face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br></font></strong></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><span style="background-color: yellow;"><font>Interested in presenting? <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/vh2TK1iodC3haGLi2" style="">Submit your proposal today!</a></font></span></strong> <em><span style="background-color: yellow;"><font>Conference proposals are due February 22nd.</font></span></em></font></p> <p><em><span style="background-color: yellow;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></span></em></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><font>Sponsor &amp; Exhibitor <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/event-3172098">registration is now open</a>!</font></strong> <font>Please review our <strong style=""><a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Documents/2019%20RILA%20Exhibitor%20Sponsor%20Package.pdf"><font>exhibitor package</font></a></strong> for details and contact <a href="mailto:conference@rilibraries.org" style="">conference@rilibraries.org</a> with any questions.</font></font></p> <p><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br></font></p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Get%20Informed%20-%20RILA%202019%20Conference%20Image.png" alt="" title="" border="0" width="534" height="300"> <p><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br></font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6993377 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6993377 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:57:33 GMT Looking for a Mentor? Apply for NELLS 2019 Now! <p>Hello everyone,</p> <p><br></p> <p>Happy New Year!</p> <p><br></p> <p>Are you - or do you know - someone who is a new librarian looking for a mentor?&nbsp; Please consider applying for this wonderful leadership opportunity through the New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS).</p> <p><br></p> <p>RILA and OLIS contribute funding for mentors and mentees to participate in this five-day intensive training program designed to foster the mentoring and development of leaders in state and regional library associations. NELLS was created through a cooperative effort of the New England Library Association and all six New England state library associations.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Please feel free to contact me with questions at <a href="mailto:president@rilibraries.org">president@rilibraries.org</a>.</p> <p>The deadline for applications is March 15, 2019.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Thank you,</p> <p><br></p> <p><font color="#000000">Kieran Ayton, RILA President</font></p> <p><font color="#000000">Associate Professor</font></p> <p><font color="#000000">Emerging Technologies Librarian</font></p> <p><font color="#000000">Interim Head of Digital Initiatives</font></p> <p><font color="#000000">Rhode Island College</font></p> <p><a href="mailto:kayton@ric.edu"><font color="#000000">kayton@ric.edu</font></a></p> <p><font color="#000000"><br></font></p> <p><br></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="100%" valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="390" valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif">NELLS 2019 - Now Accepting Applications!</font></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td width="210" valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/nelib/nells-2019-accepting-applications?e=418d630f9f"><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif">View this email in your browser</font></a></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="border-style: solid none none;"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="600" valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <h1 align="center"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">NELLS 2019</font></h1> <h3 align="center"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">August 12th - 16th<br> Now Accepting Applications!</font></h3> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);"> <p><img border="0" width="5" height="5" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2425ea8ad3/images/blank.gif" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2425ea8ad3/images/blank.gif"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p align="center"><a href="https://nelib.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=529e01f921281cddff0bdd730&amp;id=b79742c2a0&amp;e=418d630f9f" title="&quot;&quot; t "><img border="0" width="600" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/529e01f921281cddff0bdd730/images/2f528f99-fb49-412f-b369-5fe7dd194fe6.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/529e01f921281cddff0bdd730/images/2f528f99-fb49-412f-b369-5fe7dd194fe6.png"></a></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);"> <p><img border="0" width="5" height="5" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2425ea8ad3/images/blank.gif" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2425ea8ad3/images/blank.gif"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="50%" valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td width="50%" valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div align="center"> <strong><font style="font-size: 24px;"><a href="http://nelib.org/nells-2019-application/" target="_blank">Apply Today!</a>&nbsp;</font></strong> <div align="center"> <strong><font style="font-size: 24px;"><strong><font style="font-size: 24px;"><br></font></strong></font></strong> </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="600" valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p style="line-height: 20px;"><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">The purpose of this five-day intensive training program is to foster the mentoring and development of leaders in state and regional library associations. NELLS was created through a cooperative effort of the New England Library Association and all six New England state library associations. NELLS has been held six times since its inception in 2003, most recently in 2017.<br> <br> NELLS 2019 is taking place August 12th – 16th, 2019 at the&nbsp;<a href="https://nelib.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=529e01f921281cddff0bdd730&amp;id=e7ab86d3a4&amp;e=418d630f9f"><font color="#772BE0">Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center</font></a>, North Andover, MA. &nbsp;The tuition/housing fee for 2019 is TBD.</font><font color="#43404D" face="Georgia, serif"><br> &nbsp;</font></p> <p align="center" style="line-height: 20px;"><strong><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">**To learn more about the 2019 NELLS event, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://nelib.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=529e01f921281cddff0bdd730&amp;id=cd0e898d72&amp;e=418d630f9f"><font color="#772BE0">HERE</font></a>.**</font></strong></p> <p style="line-height: 20px;"><font color="#43404D" face="Georgia, serif"><br></font> <font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;">Sincerely,</font><font color="#43404D" face="Georgia, serif"><br> <br></font> <font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="mailto:nells@nelib.org"><font color="#772BE0">Mary Etter</font></a> &amp; <a href="mailto:nells@nelib.org"><font color="#772BE0">Krista McLeod</font></a>&nbsp;- NELLS Co-Chairs</font></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="border-style: none none solid;"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p align="center"><a href="https://nelib.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=529e01f921281cddff0bdd730&amp;id=1539a72d43&amp;e=418d630f9f"><img border="0" width="49" src="https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-facebook-96.png" alt="Facebook"></a></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p align="center"><a href="https://nelib.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=529e01f921281cddff0bdd730&amp;id=7e9ea6ffa8&amp;e=418d630f9f"><img border="0" width="49" src="https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-twitter-96.png" alt="Twitter"></a></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p align="center"><a href="https://nelib.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=529e01f921281cddff0bdd730&amp;id=3b86b7705e&amp;e=418d630f9f"><img border="0" width="49" src="https://cdn-images.mailchimp.com/icons/social-block-v2/color-link-96.png" alt="Website"></a></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="600" valign="top"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><em><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif">Copyright © 2018 (c) New England Library Association, All rights reserved.</font></em><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif"><br> You are receiving this email because you are an active contact with the New England Library Association.<br> <br> <strong><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Our mailing address is:</font></strong></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif">(c) New England Library Association</font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif">55 N Main St, Unit 49</font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif">Belchertown</font><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif">, MA 01007</font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif"><br> <a href="https://nelib.us8.list-manage.com/vcard?u=529e01f921281cddff0bdd730&amp;id=12ca3f7537">Add us to your address book</a></font></p> <p style="line-height: 17px;"><font color="#43404D" face="Arial, sans-serif"><br> <br> Want to change how you receive these emails?<br> You can <a href="https://nelib.us8.list-manage.com/profile?u=529e01f921281cddff0bdd730&amp;id=12ca3f7537&amp;e=418d630f9f">update your preferences</a> or <a href="https://nelib.us8.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=529e01f921281cddff0bdd730&amp;id=12ca3f7537&amp;e=418d630f9f&amp;c=a4347a6b4d">unsubscribe from this list</a></font></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6980060 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6980060 Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:53:43 GMT RILA Sections: COLA Advocates for Libraries and Provides Educational Workshops <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Greetings from COLA’s new chair. I am excited to be coming on board at this ground-breaking moment in COLA’s history. COLA is one of two independent organizations that recently chose to join forces with RILA. In our case, the decision was made in order to amplify our advocacy efforts on behalf of all libraries in Rhode Island and to allow us to offer more educational workshops on how libraries transform lives. While RILA is comprised primarily of professional practitioners, COLA is a grassroots organization of community residents eager to preserve and expand library services in the state. Merging with RILA enables COLA to build its capacity to advocate and educate for all our libraries.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Please visit&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://colari.org/">COLA’s website</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://www.facebook.com/rhodeislandcola/">Facebook page</a>&nbsp;(or follow us on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:https://twitter.com/colariorg">Twitter</a>) for additional information on our Coalition. We are in the process of moving our web presence to the RILA umbrella, and we will let you know as soon as that transition is complete.&nbsp;If you are interested in adding your voice in support of Rhode Island’s libraries, please consider joining us. To join COLA (or renew your membership), please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/membership">membership page</a>.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">First you must join <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/membership">RILA at the membership level</a> that best fits your employment status. If you are a practicing librarian, please select the salary level that best matches your income. Students, retirees, trustees and supporters can join at the $15 level. During the membership process, you will be able to join the COLA Section.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Thank you,&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Sharon A. Lux</font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6998198 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6998198 RILA Communications Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:39:56 GMT RILA Section: CORI Serves to Promote and Increase Librarians and Library Staff of Color <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Cornucopia of Rhode Island: A Library Community of Color (CORI), begins 2019 as a section of the Rhode Island Library Association. A grass root organization CORI was founded in the fall of 2005 with a mission and goal to serve the library community of color and an objective to promote library services to people of color within Rhode Island and the development of librarians and library staff of color.<br> <br> CORI meetings has provided a forum that encourages the exchange of ideas and the discussion of issues, problems and concerns of librarians and library staff of color.&nbsp; Members are mentoring librarians and library staff of color and encouraging librarianship as a profession to people of color as well as promoting the development and delivery of multi-cultural collections, services and programs.<br> <br> Cornucopia aimed to present community conferences on the diverse minority groups in Rhode Island. The first conference held in 2005 was entitled “I is not for Indian” and was a total success as it enlightened the many librarians of the inadequate portrayal of Native Americans in children’s books and literature. This conference was followed by a workshop on the Chinese language and culture; a combined effort with the University of Rhode Island Confucius Institute. In following years CORI’s Fall Conferences as they became known, included the Cape Verdean Community, the Rhode Island Hispanic Community, and the African American Community. A community conversation on Rhode Island students included the president of the American Library Association, Barbara Stripling and United States Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island. Senator Reed, a prominent advocate for libraries and librarians has supported CORI throughout its incorporation.<br> <br> CORI has also presented at the annual RILA Conference. The very first presentation was Dr. Carla Hayden, past president of ALA, former director of the Enoch Pratt Library and now Librarian of&nbsp;Congress. Other presenters have included former Commissioner Deborah A. Gist, Rhode Island Department of Education, Pamela Goode, an associate editor of American Libraries Association, Keith Stokes, former Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and Attorney Veronica Hobbs, Director of the Domestic Violence Training &amp; Monitoring Unit for the Rhode Island Supreme Court.<br> <br> CORI is very excited about the next phase of the organization as a section of RILA.&nbsp; The potential benefits for CORI uniting with RILA are many. An excellent example is the organizations would increase the effective advocacy for library services in all Rhode Island libraries and to improve the quality of life of all Rhode Islanders. Why not join us as we continue to better our state.<br> <br> For additional information on CORI, <a href="http://cornucopiaofri.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">visit our blog</a>.&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 14px;">If you are interested in adding your voice in support, please consider joining us. To join CORI (or renew your membership), please visit the&nbsp;</font></span><a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/membership"><font style="font-size: 14px;">membership page</font></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 14px;">.</font></span></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">First you must <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/membership" target="_blank">join RILA at the membership level</a> that best fits your employment status. If you are a practicing librarian, please select the salary level that best matches your income. Students, retirees, trustees and supporters can join at the $15 level. During the membership process, you will be able to join the CORI Section.</font></p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br> <br> Submitted by Ida D. McGhee, MLIS</font> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6998197 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6998197 RILA Communications Fri, 21 Dec 2018 21:16:07 GMT RILA Signs Deeds of Gift with COLA and CORI <p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font style="font-size: 14px;" color="#1D2129" face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, .SFNSText-Regular, sans-serif">Today marked a historic day for RILA as we signed Deeds of Gift with both the Coalition of Library Advocates and Cornucopia of Rhode Island as Sections of RILA, bringing together our three rich organizations!</font></span></p> <p><br></p> <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Deed%20of%20Gift%20Signing%20December%202018%20cropped.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="534" height="204"><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6969582 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6969582 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 22:27:23 GMT RILA Urges Congress to Increase the LSTA Grants to States Program <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma">The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) joins with other state library associations and national organizations to urge Congress to invest in the nation’s education and economy by increasing the LSTA Grants to States program to $325 million per year, or one dollar for every American, to support library services in Rhode Island and across the nation.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font face="Tahoma"><font style="font-size: 16px;">LSTA funding in Rhode Island supports statewide services such as the </font><a href="http://www.olis.ri.gov/reading/srp/index.php" target="_blank"><font><font style="font-size: 16px;"><font style="">C</font></font><font style="font-size: 16px;">hildren’s Summer Reading Program</font></font></a><font style="font-size: 16px;">, the</font> <a href="http://www.olis.ri.gov/tbl/" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 16px;">Talking Books Library for the visually impaired</font></a><font style="font-size: 16px;">, digital literacy training, and local library services across the state as coordinated by the State of Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS).</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font face="Tahoma"><font style="font-size: 16px;"><br></font></font></p> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma">“LSTA is of vital importance to Rhode Island,” says Kieran Ayton. “This funding will serve a diverse people through these library programs and is crucial to continuing to provide these resources to residents in the state.”</font></p> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma">Funding for the Grants to States program through the Institute of Museum and Library Services currently allocates $164 million to support state-based library services, approximately 49 cents per resident or about .00004 percent of the total federal budget.</font></p> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 22px;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fxnb1Efxp_0E0Tf6cE3yabNlp2gW_7preH3PPHlkiYU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma">See full resolution here.</font></a></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Tahoma"><br></font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6960385 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6960385 RILA Communications Thu, 06 Dec 2018 15:12:06 GMT COLA and Cornucopia of RI Join the RILA Family! <br> The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) welcomes the RI Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA) and Cornucopia of Rhode Island (CORI) into our organization as RILA Sections. <p><br></p>“This connection creates a larger advocacy voice for the Rhode Island Library Community”, says Kieran Ayton, President of RILA. “This will allow us to build opportunities around the state with combined networking activities, programming and professional development.” <p><br></p>The RI Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA) works to improve library services through advocacy, education, and public awareness. For over 30 years COLA has supported Rhode Island Libraries through petitions, Congressional testimony, and strategic communications with RI legislators. <p><br></p>Cornucopia of Rhode Island (CORI) serves the library community of color. CORI mentors librarians and library staff of color, promotes the development of multicultural services and programs, and professional and educational activities. <p><br></p>Members of all three organizations can now join or renew their Section memberships on the <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/membership" target="_blank">RILA website.</a><br> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6948373 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6948373 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:58:14 GMT RILA Stands with ALA and GLBTRT in support of LGBTQ civil liberties <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yeYUC_yVUsYSiZ1fp_x2P8jZu6bsOpumoWu4_M05nXTY-cQk04OqDRtAktY6nUybijzzSTxtu7KV7XJ5HP_CWO12RiUSWrYxWaDxgAU1lenUsyHjn0FNwVq9QQYnXzUx7PdCLkhw" width="120" height="144" style="font-size: 12px; border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" alt="RILA Logo" title="RILA Logo" align="right"></font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><br></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">Contact: RILA Communications Committee</font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Arial">Rhode Island Library Association</font></p> <p style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="mailto:communications@rilibraries.org"><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial">communications@rilibraries.org</font></a></p> <p><br></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) supports the American Library Association (ALA) and the ALA Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT) in their response to the Trump Administration’s proposals to “narrow the definition of ‘sex’ under Title IX and exclude Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender citizens from the protections of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act”.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">We are deeply concerned about the Administration’s proposals as they are in direct conflict with RILA’s values and commitments, and we affirm the following assertions as put forth by the ALA:</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;</font></p> <ul> <li> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">“Libraries strive to serve as institutions that mirror all facets of our society. Our goals are to empower our members to serve all communities regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or class, with tools that foster education and lifelong learning.”</font></p> </li> <li> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">“The proposed regulatory and policy changes are in direct conflict with ALA’s fundamental values, principles, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.”</font></p> </li> <li> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">“Our goals are to empower our members to serve all communities regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or class, with tools that foster education and lifelong learning.”</font></p> </li> <li> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">“We oppose government measures that marginalize populations and deny individuals' civil rights and the full protection of the law. We will not support government actions that will harm ALA members and the 1.4 million Americans who identify with a gender other than their birth sex.”</font></p> </li> <li> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">“We stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ members, colleagues, families, friends, community members, and students, and we fully support efforts to fight for acceptance, and understanding of all members of society.”</font></p> </li> </ul> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">To view the full ALA statement, go here: <a href="http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2018/11/ala-glbtrt-continue-voice-support-lgbtq-civil-liberties">http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2018/11/ala-glbtrt-continue-voice-support-lgbtq-civil-liberties</a></font></p> <p><span style="background-color: transparent;"><font face="Arial" style="font-size: 16px;"><br></font></span></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6889604 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6889604 Wed, 12 Sep 2018 17:26:52 GMT Virtual Reality in Rhode Island <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">In the fall of 2017 I attended the Futures Conference in Atlantic City where I saw a presentation by Oculus VR, LLC. The company donated Oculus Rift VR systems to 90 libraries in the state and basically said, “Have fun!” And they did!! Just google “Oculus Rift in California libraries” and you’ll find all kinds of press.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">In their presentation, Oculus noted how VR is currently being used. I was moved by the research being done with full immersion virtual reality; empathy building in particular. So, I looked at my conference mates and said, “OK, Let’s do this!!” But, VR is expensive, and this was 6 months before every library journal published an article about having VR in the library. My conference mates were excited, but also not convinced to spend the money.<img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2%20bags%20contents.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" align="right" width="240" height="320" style="margin: 8px;"></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">When the Studio Rhode Next Generation Library Challenge, phase 2 came along, I decided this was my chance. I wrote the grant with the idea that Warwick Library would have a permanent VR set up, as well as a traveling VR system that we could loan out to libraries in Rhode Island. I firmly believe that as a small state we should be sharing big ticket items that may not be used regularly. (Aren’t we the ultimate sharers?)</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br></span></font><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/2%20bags.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" align="left" width="167" height="223" style="margin: 8px;"></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">I received the grant and now we have a traveling HTC Vive VR system, an Asus ROG STRIX Gaming Laptop loaded with over 65 VR experiences and games, and all you need to set up a room scale virtual reality experience. Give me a call, I’ll bring it to you. If you need training, we can plan a session where I hang out and teach your staff how to set it up and use it. Then you can hold your own programs, without the cost of purchasing a whole system. Thanks to Studio Rhode and OLIS!!</font></p> <p><br></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Here are some of the programs we have done so far:</font></p> <ul> <li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Minecraft creation camp – teens built a replica of the library in Minecraft and were able to explore it in VR. This was intense and I had a lot of help with it. The teens knew what they were doing, but I knew nothing about Minecraft.<br></font></li> <li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Book group attendees have watched experiences that relate to the books they were reading. An example is they were reading about immigration and refugees and they watched Forced to Flee, a live film made in the Rohingya Refugee camp.<br></font></li> <li><font style="font-size: 14px;">We have done several demonstrations in the lobby, to peak interest and get the word out that we have VR.<br></font></li> <li><font style="font-size: 14px;">Teen Gaming time<br></font></li> <li><font style="font-size: 14px;">30 minute appointments for the public to sign up to use VR</font><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></li> </ul> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><font face="Tahoma">By&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#222222">Jana L. Stevenson&nbsp;</font></span></font></span> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Deputy Director, Warwick Public Library</font></font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://warwicklibrary.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://warwicklibrary.org&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1537981885915000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEKN83Umzvhjt671SAB-lcj4biuug"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#222222" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font color="#1155CC">warwicklibrary.org</font></font></font></a></span></p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br></span> </div> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6692333 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6692333 RILA Communications Wed, 12 Sep 2018 17:14:58 GMT Spirits, Séances, and a Ringing Watch: Spiritualism and the papers of Joseph Peace Hazard <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">As part of my coursework for my MLIS, I completed two professional field experience (PFE) internships at the James P. Adams Library, Rhode Island College. &nbsp;During my first PFE (Fall 2017), I learned about different aspects of digitization by working with Kieran Ayton and Andy Davis on several ongoing projects in the Digital Initiatives Department. &nbsp;During my second PFE (Spring 2018), I got to apply the skills I learned in my first PFE by working on a new project with Marlene Lopes in Special Collections, in collaboration with Andy Davis in Digital Initiatives. &nbsp;RIC student workers J Bruscini, Catherine Butler, and Natasha Soto also worked on this project.&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">Special Collections at RIC holds the Nathaniel Terry Bacon collection, which includes the personal and business papers of Nathaniel Terry Bacon, as well as the personal papers of other members of the socially prominent Bacon and Hazard families.&nbsp; For our project, my PFE supervisors selected the papers of Joseph Peace Hazard (1807-1892) of Peace Dale.&nbsp; Hazard’s papers reflect his personal passions, which included architecture, travel, and Spiritualism.&nbsp; In Special Collections, you can find Hazard’s correspondence regarding his construction projects; tickets, hotel bills, calling cards and letters of introduction from his extensive travels abroad; and personal letters, notes, and a journal regarding Hazard’s interest in Spiritualism.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/JPH.JPG" alt="" title="" border="0" align="right"><font face="Tahoma"><br></font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">For this project, we decided to digitize Hazard’s journal and other documents related to Spiritualism. &nbsp;We started with Hazard’s journal, in which Hazard recorded instances of his pocket watch “ringing.”&nbsp; Hazard believed this “ringing” to be a form of communication from his “Spirit Friends.” &nbsp;We first digitized this journal using a copy stand with a digital SLR camera.&nbsp; We also used a pane of glass, which was ordered specifically for this project, to keep the journal pages flat during the photography process.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><br></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000">After the journal was photographed, we cropped the images in Photoshop and created a</font> <a href="https://issuu.com/digitalinitiatives/docs/jph_diary_low_res"><font color="#0563C1">PDF of the journal</font></a><font color="#000000">. &nbsp;We then transcribed the journal, adding notes to explain historical oddities in the text (for example, Hazard’s watch began “ringing” during a visit to “Beyrouth [Beirut] in Syria”; Beirut is now in Lebanon, but during the time of Hazard’s visit in 1878, Beirut was part of Ottoman Syria). &nbsp;J Bruscini used Adobe InDesign to create an</font> <a href="https://issuu.com/digitalinitiatives/docs/jphazard_diary_reduced"><font color="#0563C1">e-book</font></a> <font color="#000000">which presents the original journal pages alongside their transcription.</font></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000" face="Tahoma"><br></font></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#000000">Once the journal was transcribed, we reviewed the rest of Hazard’s papers to select additional documents related to Spiritualism for digitization, including leaflets, newspaper clippings, letters, and personal memoranda. &nbsp;Once digitized, these additional documents were then uploaded and assigned metadata in</font> <a href="https://digitalcommons.ric.edu/jp_hazard/"><font color="#0563C1">RIC’s Digital Commons</font></a><font color="#000000">. We curated these documents in an</font> <a href="http://www.ricdigitalcommons.com/SpecialCollections/exhibits/show/jphazard/hazard"><font color="#0563C1">Omeka exhibit</font></a> <font color="#000000">which presents Hazard’s papers in the broader context of 19</font><sup><font color="#000000">th</font></sup></font> <font color="#000000"><font face="Tahoma">century Spiritualism. &nbsp;Finally, we presented our work to the public during programs held at the Greenville Pu</font>blic Library and the Peace Dale Public Library.</font></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font color="#000000"><br></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;">In addition to making Hazard’s papers more accessible to researchers, we hope that this project will spark some public interest in the local history collections held by Special Collections and the digitization work done by Digital Initiatives.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;"><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 15px;">By Patricia McIvor</font><br></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p style="line-height: 1px;"><br></p> <p style="line-height: 1px;"><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6692263 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6692263 RILA Communications Thu, 26 Jul 2018 18:59:00 GMT Summer Meals at the East Smithfield Public Library <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/summerlunch2.jpg" alt="Lunches are served at the East Smithfield Library" title="Lunches are served at the East Smithfield Library" border="1" align="right" width="329" height="186" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 4px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">As the children’s librarian at the East Smithfield Public Library, I periodically attend monthly Children’s Service Round Table meetings. Attended by Rhode Island children’s librarians, these meetings are held at different library locations and each agenda focuses on a variety of topics of concern and interest. The meetings are run by Danielle Margarida, the Youth Services Coordinator, at OLIS. At one of the meetings about the Summer Reading Program, Azade Perin, Child Nutrition Program Outreach Coordinator from the Rhode Island Department of Education, gave a presentation about Summer Meals. She wanted to let librarians know that summer meals can be served at public libraries. Her enthusiasm about making sure children can access food throughout the summer was infectious.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Summer meals are funded by the USDA and certain requirements need to be met, in order for a library to qualify as a site to serve meals. According to the <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program" target="_blank">USDA website</a> (2017), “a site is the physical location, approved by the State agency, where you serve SFSP (Summer Food Service Program)”. Libraries are considered open sites, which are sites “that operate in low-income areas where at least 50 percent of children residing in the area are eligible for free and reduced-price meals, based on local school or census data” (USDA, 2017). Since libraries are considered open sites, they are seen as ideal places for serving summer meals. One of the main perks of being an open site is that any child may receive a meal without a parent/caregiver filling out any paperwork. All meals are served to children and teens under the age of eighteen and must be eaten on-site (USDA, 2017).</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">After that meeting with Ms. Perin, I received an email letting me know that East Smithfield Public Library would qualify as an open site. After two meetings and a few emails, everything was finalized. We were able to use our programming room to serve the meals. We decided on a schedule of Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, beginning on July 9th and ending on August 16th.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/summerlunch1.jpg" alt="The room where Summer Lunches are served at the East Smithfield Library" title="The room where Summer Lunches are served at the East Smithfield Library" border="1" style="margin: 4px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left" width="346" height="196"> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">The role the library plays in this is simple. We set up the room, and the meal provider (usually associated with the food service program at the local public school department) comes and serves the meals. I used some ideas from articles on summer meal programs held at other libraries.&nbsp; I put tablecloths on the tables and provided small activities for the children such as books, coloring sheets and Legos. I also scheduled programming to take place before and after the lunch program.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Since the program has started, twelve meals have been served, on average, each day. It seems like a small amount, but I believe that there has been a positive impact in the community. There are patrons attending the lunch program who are new to the library. They are attending story times and using the children’s area. There are teens who are walking to the library to have lunch and to use the computers. And, there are children who typically come to the library, enjoying lunch as well. Overall, this has been a positive experience for our library, and I hope that we can do it again next summer.</font></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.valleybreeze.com/2018-07-11/observer-smithfield-west/free-summer-meals-program-kicks-east-smithfield-library#.W1oaldJKiUk" target="_blank">See coverage of the program in the Local News</a></span></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font face="Tahoma">Carol Derosier, Children’s Librarian</font><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><font face="Tahoma">East Smithfield Public Library</font></font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6399732 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6399732 RILA Communications Mon, 14 May 2018 20:03:42 GMT Sensory Storytime Support Group Fills Needed Service <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Storytime has always been a cherished memory and early exposure for families who engage with libraries. Sometimes though, families who have children who are distracted easily or have different needs do not feel comfortable attending. Sensory Storytime fills that gap and provides a service for community members.</font></p> <p><br></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Sensory%20Story%20Time%20Support%20Group1.jpg" alt="Barbara Wells, Head of the Children's Department at the Greenville Public Library and Maria Cotto, Bilingual Children's Librarian Pawtucket Public Library presenting at a Children's Meeting in September 2017" title="Barbara Wells, Head of the Children's Department at the Greenville Public Library and Maria Cotto, Bilingual Children's Librarian Pawtucket Public Library presenting at a Children's Meeting in September 2017" border="0" style="margin: 8px;" width="267" height="200" align="left"></font><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#222222" face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">“I’ve been on a mission to promote sensory storytime,” said Maria Cotto from the Pawtucket Public Library. “I learned about it first at an OLIS continuing education program where I saw a Librarian from the Brooklyn Public Library explain how to implement a sensory story time.</font></span></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2012/03/sensory-storytime-a-brief-how-to-guide/" target="_blank">Sensory Storytime</a> is an interactive, educational storytime&nbsp;</font><font style="font-size: 14px;">for children preschool age to 8 years old with autism and/or sensory challenges, but all children are welcome. It involves books, picture schedule, songs, movement, felt board and therapeutic play that incorporate the five senses.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Maria started the program at her library after learning about it five years ago.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">With her personal experience of raising a child with autism, she saw knew that she wanted to offer this at her library. Once she started creating it, she found that other librarians wanted to join in.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Barbara Wells, from the Greenville Public Library is part of the Support Group. She has been hosting Sensory Storytime for about a year and a half.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">“I started with one program,” said Wells. “It took some time to learn about it and get it initially started, gathering the materials and planning the stories. But once it got started, we got a good response.”</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Wells has also engaged with community partners and promoting the Sensory Storytime with <a href="http://www.theautismproject.org/" target="_blank">The Autism Project</a> and the <a href="https://www.autismri.org/" target="_blank">Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment.</a></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">“Engaging with our community partners has been great,” said Wells. “They are putting the word out and bringing the people to our library.”</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">That’s the biggest reward that they’ve both found- the community's positive response.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">“We are able to connect families to the library,” says Cotto. “We let them know that they don’t have to be alone and that they are part of the community. Parents may feel that their children are too disruptive for the library, but we want to make the library a welcoming place for them.”</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Wells agrees.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><font face="Tahoma">“As families continue to attend the sensory story time children begin to feel welcome and make friends,” she said. “The best part is seeing these families visiting the library besides attending the story time. They feel comfortable and a part of the library community, while connecting with other families. I’ve met some families who didn't’ go out because they didn’t know where to bring their child and now they know that the library is a place they can be a part of.”</font><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/Sensory%20Story%20Time%20Support%20Group2.jpg" alt="1st Sensory Story Time Support Group at the Pawtucket Public Library" title="1st Sensory Story Time Support Group at the Pawtucket Public Library" border="0" width="273" height="365" align="right" style="margin: 8px;"></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">The Sensory Support Group connects the libraries in RI who are offering this service. <font face="Tahoma">Currently, about five libraries are involved.</font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">“We had our first meeting there was so much excitement,” said Cotto. “We were sharing our experiences and getting ideas of what we can do next.”</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Anyone is welcome to learn more about Sensory Storytime. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rhode-Island-Sensory-Story-Time-Support-Group-184245458869666/" target="_blank">Rhode Island Facebook Group</a> or email <a href="mailto:risensorystorytime@gmail.com">risensorystorytime@gmail.com</a></font></p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6171860 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6171860 Mon, 14 May 2018 16:48:48 GMT Libraries and Local Farmers Markets Create Community <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/FarmersMarketCollage3.jpg" alt="Weaver Library Farmers' Market Collage" title="Weaver Library Farmers' Market Collage" border="0" width="258" height="258" align="left" style="margin: 8px;">What do you do when you have a successful outdoor library program every summer? If you are the East Providence Public Library, you find a way to use your beautiful outdoor space in a new and exciting way. You apply for a grant and even when you don’t get it, you are not dismayed. &nbsp;Your passion for the project - a Farmers’ Market - drives you forward.&nbsp; Naturally, this project will meet the library’s programming goal of building and strengthening community. At best, the project will be embraced by patrons and residents, city officials, and library staff, and it will be sustainable for years to come. &nbsp;At worst, it will be a 12-week learning experience, full of fun, challenges, hard work, and a fresh, new network of farmers, producers, businessmen, musicians, artists,&nbsp; educators, journalists, photographers, farmers’ market supporters and customers who learn about the library and its vital role in the community.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">We are pleased to announce that the Weaver Library Farmers’ Market will open for its fifth year on June 21, 2018. For the next twelve weeks, hundreds of people will arrive on the Weaver lawn to purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, eggs, balsamic vinegar, baked goods, granola, plants, flowers, honey, and other goods from local farms and small businesses. &nbsp;Each Thursday, customers of all ages will shop to live music and, on many market days, enjoy special children’s programming such as concerts, arts and crafts, pop-up-play, ice cream socials, and special guests such as Max Man, RI’s recycling hero.&nbsp; It makes for a lively afternoon in the neighborhood and the library is at the center of it.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">When we opened the market in 2013, some asked why a library would consider a role<img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/FarmersMarketCollage2.jpg" alt="Weaver Library Farmers' Market Collage" title="Weaver Library Farmers' Market Collage" border="0" align="right" width="270" height="270" style="margin: 8px;"> in the local food system. Our response was simple. Why wouldn’t a library want to use one of its beautiful, natural resources to provide the community with fresh, wholesome food, and support farmers and small businesses in the process? &nbsp;Why wouldn’t a library want to reconnect its community with the food they eat and, especially, the people who grow it? It is our belief that Farmers Markets, like libraries, are about the people. Both engage folks in learning, interacting, and enjoying new experiences. Both create relationships as do libraries. Finally, Farmers’ Markets may be seasonal, but they speak to the future of our communities and the state as do libraries!</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We are librarians and stories still mean everything to us. When customers and vendors tell us that they love the community spirit present at the market or millennials&nbsp;praise the market’s “vibe”, we beam. One young couple, who often travel out of state for work, said that the library and the Farmers’ Market gave them a needed sense of home. Another woman related how proud she was that her hometown finally had a Farmers’ Market. It gave her one more reason to come to the library.</span></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">While there are many social benefits to a library Farmers’ Market, being able to offer SNAP/EBT, Bonus Bucks, WIC, and Senior Coupons, has allowed us to serve all members of our community. The library could not have done this on its own however. Grant funds from the fabulous Farm Fresh RI have made this possible.&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 18px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Joyce May</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Assistant Library Director,&nbsp;</font><span style=""><font style="font-size: 14px;">East Providence Public Library</font></span></p> <p><span style=""><a href="https://www.facebook.com/weaverlibraryfarmersmarket/" target="_blank"><font style="font-size: 14px;">Weaver Library Farmers Market Facebook Page</font></a></span></p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font> <p style="line-height: 1px;"><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6166942 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6166942 Mon, 14 May 2018 16:02:22 GMT Public Broadband in Rhode Island <p><a href="https://www.aclu.org/report/public-internet-option" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/PublicInternetOptionACLU.png" alt="" border="3" align="right" width="221" height="284" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 8px;" title=""></a><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">Public broadband in Rhode Island is possible and can help ensure net neutrality.</font><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Tahoma;">&nbsp;Hundreds of communities throughout the United States have already developed programs that provide municipal internet access at faster speeds than is presently available on the open market. While the principles of net neutrality are great, they do not do enough to ensure that all Americans are provided with access to information. Communities can design programs so that the principles of net neutrality are ensured.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Tahoma;"><br></span></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">To use healthcare as a metaphor, net neutrality is akin to the ACA while public broadband is more like universal healthcare. The ACLU has recently launched <a href="https://www.aclu.org/report/public-internet-option" target="_blank">“The Public Internet Option”</a>, a national effort to educate people about public broadband. A wealth of resources are available online and there are a growing number of communities with initiatives presently underway, notably Cambridge, MA and the state of Kentucky. There are several successful programs, especially in Chatanooga, TN. The digital economy in areas that adopt public broadband experiences tremendous growth due to the faster speeds and better connectivity that public broadband provides. More information and a robust community can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://muninetworks.org" target="_blank">muninetworks.org</a>. The Post Road Foundation, a new nonprofit devoted to providing resources to support public connectivity, has recently received substantial funding from the Rockefeller Foundation. Public broadband systems can be devised in numerous ways. Chatanooga has developed a system that operates public broadband in much the same way that municipal water departments operate. Other communities develop systems that rely on public-private partnerships.&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 14px;">In Rhode Island, we have a unique and exciting opportunity because as a small state we can hopefully institute a statewide program. Any public broadband option would gain popularity among the general public as a potential cost savings. Additionally, speaking as a librarian who navigates the byzantine E-Rate system, a public system would greatly reduce the stress level of librarians and teachers who are subjected to that system on a nearly continuous basis.</font><font face="Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, WaWebKitSavedSpanIndex_1">&nbsp;</font><br></p> <p><font face="Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, WaWebKitSavedSpanIndex_1" style="font-size: 14px;"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Brendan Ryan</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Technical Services Librarian, ​</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 14px;">Providence Athenæum</font></p> <p><a href="mailto:bryan@provath.org"><font style="font-size: 14px;">bryan@provath.org</font></a></p><font face="Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, WaWebKitSavedSpanIndex_1"><br></font><br> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6165823 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/6165823 Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:29:46 GMT East Greenwich School Librarian Position Threatened - Community Rallies, Future Unknown <img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/IMG_1835.jpg" alt="Kieran Ayton speaks at a East Greenwich Poetry Slam, speaking about the importance of libraries" title="Kieran Ayton speaks at a East Greenwich Poetry Slam, speaking about the importance of libraries" border="1" width="267" height="200" style="margin: 8px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left"> <p>Due to volatile town politics and other agendas, East Greenwich school librarians are getting the short stick. The East Greenwich School Libraries’ budget has been zero dollars for the past three years. No new books or resources have been purchased since 2014. The most current Town Budget level funded the East Greenwich School System and this has led the School Committee&nbsp;to remove the high school library media specialist position. The East Greenwich community has noticed this and is taking action. Will this be enough to gain the attention of town officials?&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>“The good thing is that (the school librarian issue) is creating a lot of awareness about what librarians do,” says Maura Keating, East Greenwich resident and co-chair of the <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/ilartrila/">RILA ILART Roundtable</a>. “Parents did not know about what the librarians do at school and are a now little more concerned.”</p> <p><br></p> <p>“I’m familiar with the situation, but I was surprised how many residents didn’t know what was going on,” said Kimberly Kinzie, resident and member of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/EngagedEastGreenwich/">Engaged East Greenwich</a>, a local Facebook group dedicated to events in town. “I’d be at the bus stop and telling people that we didn’t have a high school librarian. People were just not aware of the situation, they didn’t know what was going on, but they are horrified when they know.”</p> <p><br></p> <p>Once they knew, the community started to speak up. There are now three grassroots groups -- “The EG Library Lions”, “Engaged East Greenwich” and “Creating&nbsp;Good&nbsp;EGGs” -- comprised of concerned citizens that have hosted numerous events; from poetry slams, creating “Little Free Libraries” around the town that collect books specifically from the high school reading list to creating a <a href="http://www.saveschoollibrarians.org/eastgreenwich">petition website</a>.</p> <p><br></p> <p>“East Greenwich prides itself on the quality of its public schools,” said Kate Goldman, a parent and member of Creating Good EGGs (East Greenwich + Global). “The fact that we are not meeting our students' needs or even complying with basic standards is an outrage and stands in direct opposition to what we believe our community to be.”</p> <p><br></p> <p>This community effort has captured the attention of local school and town officials.</p> <p><br></p> <p>"In a very short period of time we had to make some significant decisions,” said Carolyn Mark, Chair of the East Greenwich School Committee. “We were hoping that this was a temporary situation. It was a reasonable decision in an awful situation.”</p> <p><br></p> <p>Before they made the cut, the East Greenwich School Committee&nbsp;didn’t know that they couldn’t share school librarians between schools. The previous middle school library media specialist retired and the Committee decided to fill the position with the current high school library media specialist, leaving the high school position empty. This decision will cost the school district accreditation issues in the future.</p> <p><br></p> <p>“Properly staffing library media resources is considered essential in our accreditation,” said Mark. “It's a concern in the long run - we are responsible and the school board can to respond to and remedy the situation."</p> <p><br></p> <p>Some residents fear that elementary school media specialists in East Greenwich will be transferred to the high school, leaving the lower-level schools with less support. In the last seven years, three of the East Greenwich Teachers of the Year have been Library Media Specialists (Phyllis Humphrey, 2016; Beth Gorter, 2015; and Connie Zack, 2011)</p> <p><br></p> <p>"We can't move them, it's not an option,” said Mark. “We have rock star library media specialists in elementary schools and they are essential media school teachers."</p> <p><br></p> <p>Even with this information, the exact details of what will happen next is still unclear.</p> <p><br></p> <p>“We had to agree to disagree to make this choice,” says Mark. “Things did not work out the way we hoped this year, but I'm hoping that it will be remedied.”</p> <p><br></p> <p>Currently, the School Committee is creating the upcoming school year budget. They do know that they will be receiving $400,000 of Rhode Island State Aid.</p> <p><br></p> <p>That's going to help,” said Mark. “But we have others costs that are increasing within the school too. The hope is that we are able to come in with a more reasonable request to the town. If they do level fund us, then we'll have to make some very hard decisions about eliminating programs for the next school year."</p> <p><br></p> <p>This decision won’t be made until the School Committee submits the budget to the town and then the budget goes up for public hearings. The earliest any decision will be made would be in June 2018.</p> <p><br></p> <p>What can the RILA and Rhode Island library community do to support this situation?</p> <p><br></p> <p>“As an EG resident, I would appreciate any efforts by the RI library community to publicize this issue,” says Goldman. “If anyone in the RI library community is interested, in helping with collecting books for the Little Free Libraries, I can help them get started.”</p> <p><br></p> <p>RILA has also been vocal about the issue. Last fall RILA&nbsp;<a href="http://library.ric.edu/ld.php?content_id=39096132">wrote a letter</a>&nbsp;to the East Greenwich school superintendent and school committee protesting the closure of the high school library and advocating for the hiring of a full time credentialed school library media specialist.&nbsp; In January the president of RILA Kieran Ayton, attended a poetry slam for the East Greenwich High School Library where he was able to share RILA's support with the East Greenwich community.</p> <p><br></p> <p>As members of the RI Library Community, we need to speak up and continue to promote the importance of libraries.</p> <p><br></p> <p>“You should be talking about what the value of libraries do and continue to talk,” says Keating. “If you stay silent and worry then they’ll come for you next. Be positive—talk about the impact that you have to your students and community—it is not just about books. It is the last thing that these librarians do—it is the last part of their jobs. School library media specialists do so much more.”</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/5980170 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/5980170 Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:41:53 GMT Layer on the Learning- My Experience at Fred Pryor Seminars <p>By Babs Wells, Children’s Librarian at Greenville Public Library</p> <p><br></p> <p>I recently attended a one-day seminar on the topic of management and leadership. It was facilitated by Fred Pryor Seminars, according to their website they offer 10,000 award winning training options live and online to satisfy learning needs across the United States and Canada.</p> <p><br></p> <p>We dove right in at 9:00 am by introducing ourselves. I was the only public librarian in attendance. I met people who worked in all kinds of professions. &nbsp;It was a diverse bunch of folks.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>The facilitator told us right out of the gate that she didn’t plan on doing most of the talking or lecturing. She briefly shared what the day would look like and that we would have two short breaks with an hour for lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>I have participated in a myriad of workshops, conferences and roundtables that are related to being a librarian, and usually know most of the people who are at these events and programs. &nbsp;It feels comfortable and familiar.</p> <p><br></p> <p>The Fred Pryor seminar placed me in a room where I didn’t know anyone in a format that was completely outside my comfort zone. Early into the morning we broke into small groups to work on one of the many assignments we were given throughout day. At first there was that feeling of uncomfortable silence when one begins to think to themselves, "Who is going to break the ice?."&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>As the day went on it became very interesting to get to know people whose professions are entirely unlike mine but I discovered we also had much in common. There were various strategies and concepts that were explored and shared that can be applied to being a leader whether you work&nbsp;&nbsp; as a department head in a public library, as a banquet captain in a restaurant, as a supervisor at a private catering event or as a manager of groundskeepers at several large cemeteries.</p> <p><br></p> <p>The facilitator had many catch phrases that she tossed out to sum up key points. She called these cheers, AHA’s. Chunk it Out!&nbsp; What gets measured gets done! Be Present!&nbsp; One team One Dream! I found this to be entertaining especially when she asked us to shout out as a group, “You are awesome!"</p> <p><br></p> <p>As I look over my notes along with the workbook we were given I have been inspired to implement some of the techniques and ways of communicating that I learned on that day. I am also excited to explore different concepts and theories that will assist me into growing as a person and a leader.</p> <p><br></p> <p>I highly recommend you to step out beyond the world of libraries to see what may be around the next corner. You just might be inspired to look at your profession with a new perspective.</p> <p><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/5980182 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/5980182 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:57:53 GMT Senator Reed Helps Boost Funding for IMLS <p><font face="Tahoma"><font><font style=""><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); border-color: transparent;"><font style="font-size: 16px;"><img style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/r000122.jpg" alt="" title="" align="right" border="7"></font></span></font></font></font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma"><font><font style=""><font style="font-size: 12px;" color="#303030">Senator Reed has helped secure an increase of $314,000 for the IMLS Grants to States program (to</font></font></font> <font color="#303030"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font style="">$156,103,000</font><font style="">)</font> <font style="">and the same increase for the National Library Leadership grants (to</font> <font style="">$13,406,000)</font> <font style="">over FY16 levels in the bill passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee today.&nbsp; Hurdles remain to get to a final spending bill, but this is great news.&nbsp;<br> <br> OLIS receives approximately half its funding from IMLS and uses these funds to support OLIS activities and programs such as Summer Reading, Continuing Education, Talking Books Plus, and more.&nbsp; Please note that this increase is for the national program, not just for OLIS, but all states, including RI will benefit.<br> <br> Please see the Senator's press release here:<br></font> <a href="http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-advances-measure-to-boost-funding-for-medical-research-public-libraries-and-opioid-abuse-prevention" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-advances-measure-to-boost-funding-for-medical-research-public-libraries-and-opioid-abuse-prevention&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1465588215556000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHy-QQi5XfeS8doHa8z7uomL9m_1A" style=""><font>http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-advances-measure-to-boost-funding-for-medical-research-public-libraries-and-opioid-abuse-prevention</font></a></font></font></font><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#303030"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><br></font></font></font></font><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#303030"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font style="">OLIS receives approximately half its funding from IMLS and uses these funds to support OLIS activities and programs such as Summer Reading, Continuing Education, Talking Books Plus, and more.&nbsp; Please note that this increase is for the national program, not just for OLIS, but all states, including RI will benefit.</font></font></font></font><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#303030"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font style=""><br></font></font></font></font><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#303030"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font style="">Please see the Senator's press release here:<br></font></font></font></font><a href="http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-advances-measure-to-boost-funding-for-medical-research-public-libraries-and-opioid-abuse-prevention" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-advances-measure-to-boost-funding-for-medical-research-public-libraries-and-opioid-abuse-prevention&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1465588215556000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHy-QQi5XfeS8doHa8z7uomL9m_1A" style=""><font face="Tahoma"><font color="#303030"><font style="font-size: 12px;"><font>http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-advances-measure-to-boost-funding-for-medical-research-public-libraries-and-opioid-abuse-prevention</font></font></font></font></a><br> <font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 12px;" color="#303030"><font style="">Also see the news in ALA's District Dispatch:</font></font><br> <a href="http://www.districtdispatch.org/2016/06/good-news-library-funding-senate-appropriations-committee/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.districtdispatch.org/2016/06/good-news-library-funding-senate-appropriations-committee/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1465588215556000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHkzf8omlaTORoGucpXcH_R7k8sQg" style=""><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 12px;" color="#303030"><font style="">http://www.districtdispatch.org/2016/06/good-news-library-funding-senate-appropriations-committee/</font></font></a></p> <p><font face="Tahoma" style="font-size: 12px;" color="#303030"><font style=""><br></font></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/4066408 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/4066408 Fri, 15 Apr 2016 16:03:01 GMT Join Us for Library Libations on Thursday, April 28 at 5:00 pm <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color: white;" valign="top"> <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p align="center"><img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/dca6c8ec4f75696dac512346e/images/dcf5ffc5-e165-4cab-8170-d85675f619b4.jpg" height="267" width="267"></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: none none solid; background-color: white;" valign="top"> <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <h1 style="line-height: 33px;"><font face="Helvetica,sans-serif" color="#202020">You're Invited!</font></h1> <p style="line-height: 24px;"><font face="Helvetica,sans-serif" color="#202020">The Rhode Island Library Association and the New England Library Association invite you to the first Library Libations after-work event. Come and enjoy a drink with fellow librarians at the new location of the Malted Barley in Providence from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, April 28.<br> <br> Warm pretzels, craft beer, library love, and you!<br> <br> <strong><a href="http://themaltedbarleyri.com/prov/locations/providence" title="This external link will open in a new window"><font face="Helvetica,sans-serif"><font color="#2BAADF">The Malted Barley</font></font></a></strong><br> 334 Westminster St.<br> Providence, RI<br> <br> Hosted by your NELA state representative, Jessica D'Avanza.<br> For questions contact <a href="mailto:jessicad@barringtonlibrary.org">jessicad@barringtonlibrary.org</a>.</font></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3964635 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3964635 Fri, 15 Apr 2016 15:57:45 GMT Rhode Island Senate Passes Resolutino in support of National Library Week and RI Library Day <p>Thank you to Senators Hanna Gallo, Cindy Coyne, Paul Fogarty, Roger Picard, and Adam Satchell for introducing this resolution. Particular thanks to Senator Gallo for coordinating this public statement in support of Rhode Island's libraries. Check out the full text of the <a href="http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText16/SenateText16/S2910.pdf" target="_blank">resolution</a>!<br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3964623 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3964623 Wed, 09 Mar 2016 15:21:42 GMT Forum on school library intellectual freedom issues <p>The RILA Intellectual Freedom Committee is planning a public forum on intellectual freedom issues in school libraries. The committee is looking for panelists who can speak to student confidentiality, challenges to the content of books, films, games, websites accessible in the library, and labeling of books and other media according to grade level.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Panelists can include school librarians, teachers, public librarians, children’s librarians, parents, school committee members, and administrators. Please let us know if you are interested in serving on this panel and forward suggestions to us for names of other people who might be interested. We will be advertising the event so that we can reach out to the community, including teachers, parents, administrators, school committee members and other interested parties.</p> <p><br></p> <p>The questions below may be asked of the panelists and we hope to include the audience in discussing these questions.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Topics:<br></p> <ol> <li>Who determines what materials (books, other media) are acquired or accessed in the library and do these suggestions need to be reviewed?</li> <li>How is the library organized?</li> <li>Are items cataloged and/or arranged by subject, age-appropriate levels, or other?</li> <li>How are these levels determined: librarians (through use of books reviews and school library magazines), administrators, school committees?</li> <li>Is there a policy where permission is granted to parents or guardians to see what books have been charged out?</li> <li>How is the choice of websites, games, programs, etc. determined? Librarians, administrators, school committees, etc.?</li> <li>Have there been any challenges by parents, school committees, etc. against materials available in the libraries? And how was it resolved.</li> </ol> <p>Please respond by April 1 to the Intellectual Freedom Committee co-chairs, Jim Kinnie (<a href="mailto:jkinnie@uri.edu">jkinnie@uri.edu</a>) and Carla Weiss (<a href="mailto:cmweiss8@gmail.com">cmweiss8@gmail.com</a>).</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3870928 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3870928 Wed, 09 Mar 2016 15:20:20 GMT Money Smart Week is coming!! <p>Money Smart Week 2016 is only 6 weeks away! If your library is hosting a financial literacy program during the week of April 23-30, we want to hear about it. Please post your event on the Money Smart Week Partner site, or email the details to us and we will do it for you.</p> <p><br></p> <p>There is still time to schedule a program and the Money Smart Week RI website has a wonderful list of program ideas and contacts for you to explore, including banking programs for all ages from Home Loan Investment Bank and cyber security/online safety from the RI State Police Cyber Terrorism Unit. In accordance with Money Smart Week national guidelines, all programs are void of sales pitches and free to your library.</p> <p><br></p> <p>For more Money Smart Week RI resources, including the resource list, logos, the MSW 2016 Media Kit and links to the national calendar, please visit the new MSW RI website at <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Frilibraries.org%2FMoney-Smart-Week&amp;h=8AQHGVk0YAQGhdeSlEHqCigRxGfxHyEdNCH92MZpMN8fXig&amp;enc=AZMpcYvwH4T4R7SI5OFAT7Ul9CbPDPU6h4gle4zTUQ-l0Mbbr0piCzmDHQPX3X6ZEcKyA8-OVNdVwrcHvY8hLccMOYtkumqoq1X6AZAewmx9HshfWqVNNkjcCJG7lT06L8G1Eva208eUKlnJaOyK6vgknSu9NHNAHCPYcVF4RHbo3mzqjlYsDDgDvyjp37ofBYrfdkqrsq7QUkviia2NhByD&amp;s=1">http://rilibraries.org/Money-Smart-Week</a>. If you have any questions, please email the Financial Literacy Round Table co-Chairs at <a href="mailto:FLRT@rilibraries.org">FLRT@rilibraries.org</a>.</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3870926 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3870926 Tue, 01 Mar 2016 21:58:20 GMT Nominate Someone for our New Outstanding Library Paraprofessional Award <p>RILA is pleased to announce a new award category this year and we’re currently seeking nominations for the very first <strong>Outstanding Library Paraprofessional</strong>.&nbsp; Paraprofessionals are integral to library operations and deserve credit for their important roles in our libraries. &nbsp;The annual RILA awards process provides the opportunity for special recognition of the accomplishments, service, and commitment of our colleagues and associates.&nbsp; The RILA Executive Board encourages nominations of committed and deserving support staff for this new award.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Nominations are due by April 1, 2016.</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Criteria for Outstanding Library Paraprofessional Award</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>This purpose of this award is to recognize a library staff member in a non-degreed support position who has made a significant contribution to the library work environment and/or libraries in Rhode Island. The nominee must demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Excels in his/her area of expertise and delivers exemplary service across operations at all levels;</li> <li>Promotes the development and recognition of the paraprofessional as an important and vital member of the library workforce;</li> <li>Plans and implements innovative and effective library programming or services;</li> <li>Increases public knowledge and understanding of library resources, needs, and uses;</li> <li>Develops relationships and fosters collaboration between all staff/departments;</li> <li>Serves the profession through local or regional committees and organizations.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">Awards will be presented at the Annual Conference in May 2016. The RILA Executive Board will determine award recipients based on letters of recommendation.&nbsp;</font></p> <p><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">Please send nomination letters to</font></strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">:</font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jenifer Bond, Associate Director</p> <p>Krupp Library</p> <p>Bryant University</p> <p>1150 Douglas Pike</p> <p>Smithfield, RI 02917</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><font color="#FF0000">Please share this call for nominations at your libraries.&nbsp; Thank you!</font></em></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3853901 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3853901 Thu, 11 Feb 2016 14:25:14 GMT Job Opportunity: Research and Education Librarian Postion at Dartmouth Biomedical Libraries at Dartmouth College <p align="center"><strong><u><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">Research and Education Librarian</font></u></strong></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">The Biomedical Libraries at Dartmouth College are recruiting a Research and Education Librarian. The Biomedical Libraries support clinicians, faculty, researchers, and students in medical sciences, biological sciences and public health. We seek an early-career librarian to join a team of service-focused research and education librarians. This position provides research and education services to the Geisel School of Medicine, the Department of Biological Sciences, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.</font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif"><br></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">ROLE</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">The successful candidate will work with a highly collaborative, supportive, experienced team to develop or enhance the skills necessary to conduct literature searches, teach in the curriculum, conduct systematic reviews, and participate in educational programs. Daily activities may include teaching workshops, working with small groups, creating instructional materials such as LibGuides/Research Guides, and consulting individually with patrons. The ideal candidate will be creative, methodical, progressive, and versatile, and will contribute to existing and emerging services.</font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif"><br></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">QUALIFICATIONS</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">ALA-accredited degree in library and/or information science, or a combination of an advanced subject or professional degree and relevant academic library work experience. &nbsp;Preference will be given to candidates with a background in or an enthusiasm for the health or life sciences.</font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif"><br></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">RANK AND SALARY</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">This is an entry-level Librarian Professional I position in the Dartmouth College Library Classification System of Professional Ranks. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Full benefits package including 22 vacation days; comprehensive health care; retirement plans, including TIAA-CREF; and relocation assistance.</font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif"><br></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">GENERAL INFORMATION</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">The mission of the Biomedical Libraries is to provide health and life sciences information resources and services that advance research and scholarship, education, and patient-care activities.&nbsp; The Biomedical Libraries consist of the Dana Biomedical Library on the Dartmouth campus and the Matthews-Fuller Health Sciences Library at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">Dartmouth College, located in scenic Hanover, New Hampshire, is one of the top institutions of higher learning, and consistently ranked among the best teaching colleges in the United States. Dartmouth consists of four schools—Arts &amp; Sciences, the Geisel School of Medicine, the Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business. As part of the Dartmouth College Library system of nine libraries, the Biomedical Libraries seek to foster intellectual growth and advance the teaching and research missions of the university by supporting excellence and innovation in education and research, managing and delivering scholarly content, and partnering in the development and dissemination of new scholarship.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif"><br></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">Boston and Montreal are within a two- to three-hour drive from Hanover, NH.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif"><br></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">For more information and to apply for this position, visit:</font> <a href="https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/35515"><font color="#000000"><font face="Cambria,serif">https://searchjobs.dartmouth.edu/postings/35515</font></font></a><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif">.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000" face="Cambria,serif"><br></font></p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Cambria,serif">Review of applications will begin immediately.</font> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3813174 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3813174 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 18:26:42 GMT Annual LANES Storytelling Conference in April with a Special Offer <p>The League for the Advancement of Northeast Storytelling (<a href="http://lanes.org/">LANES</a>) is holding its 35th annual Sharing the Fire Storytelling Conference at the UMass Hotel &amp; Conference Center in Amherst April 1-3.&nbsp; Some of the best storytellers in the Northeast will be presenting.&nbsp; The conference, which has the theme Storytelling in a Changing World, is for both advanced and aspiring storytellers.&nbsp; Members of RILA might be interested in attending the conference, and LANES is offering members of RILA, who would be new members of LANES, free membership for those signing up for the full registration at the member price of $235.&nbsp; The membership fee is normally $55.&nbsp; Visit <a href="http://lanes.org/">http://lanes.org/</a> for more details about the conference.</p> <p><br></p> <p>If you are interested in attending the conference, please put the code <strong>(RILIB)</strong> after your last name and <em>do</em> <em>not</em> check off the membership box on your registration form so your free membership will be more easily flagged and set up.</p> <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/LANES.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0"><br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3771074 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3771074 Sat, 16 Jan 2016 18:01:42 GMT Salem (Conn.) Town Librarian Position Open Salem library is well supported by the Salem community and Friends of the Salem Library.&nbsp; The Town Librarian develops and implements library policy, proposes a yearly budget, manages staff and volunteers, oversees library facilities and acquisitions, submits state and local reports, stays current in library science and applies for grants.&nbsp; The position is a 37-hour work week with benefits. The position requires a Master of Library Science with 3 or more years of experience required.&nbsp; Please send resume with cover letter to lisa.jablonski@salemct.gov &lt;mailto:lisa.jablonski@salemct.go&gt; .&nbsp; closing date January 25, 2016.&nbsp; The Town of Salem is an Equal Opportunity Employer. https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3763344 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3763344 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 17:20:40 GMT Citizenfour Film Screening & Tor Browser Demo <p>Attend a free public screening of the documentary film “Citzenfour” on Sunday, January 31 at 1:30 pm at Barrington Public Library. This Academy Award winning film is about whistleblower Edward Snowden and the documents he leaked in 2013 to two journalists that exposed the massive surveillance efforts of the NSA.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Before the film, there will be a demo of Tor browser, featured in the documentary and used by Edward Snowden and journalists Laura Poitras and Glenn Greenwald. Tor network is a group of volunteer operated servers that allows people to improve their privacy and security on the Internet. The demo and time for Q&amp;A will be led by Nima Fatemi of <a href="https://www.torproject.org/index.html.en"><font color="#1155CC">The Tor Project</font></a> and <a href="https://libraryfreedomproject.org/"><font color="#1155CC">The Library Freedom Project</font></a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The film is rated R and is 114 minutes in length. This free public screening is sponsored by Friends of Barrington Public Library and Rhode Island Library Association.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">Barrington Public Library is located at 281 County Road, Barrington, RI. Visit on the web at<a href="http://www.barringtonlibrary.org/">www.barringtonlibrary.org</a> or call 401-247-1920 or find on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram @BarringtonPLRI.</font> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3756517 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3756517 Mon, 11 Jan 2016 20:30:10 GMT Rhode Island Teen Book Award Voting <p>January 11-February 22</p> <p><br></p> <p><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/index.jpg" border="0">It’s that time of year again! Along with the change in calendars comes the time when the teens of Rhode Island get a chance to pick the book they think is best they have read, from a list selected by teachers, public librarians, and school library media specialists. That’s right! It is election time for the 2016 Rhode Island Teen Book Award!</p> <p><br></p> <p>Where can our teens in grades 7-12 vote? Well, they can do it in their schools and local public libraries. Interested schools and libraries can find a basic sample ballot that can be adapted for use on the Rhode Island Teen Book Award website at <a href="http://riteenbookaward.org/">http://riteenbookaward.org/</a>.<br></p> <p><br></p> <p>Participating schools and libraries may accept teens' ballots. Remember, teens are only eligible to if they have read at least three titles from the nominee list. Voting results should be emailed to teenlibrarianbrandi@gmail.com.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Results due by Monday, February 22nd at the latest.</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3752693 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3752693 Thu, 03 Dec 2015 20:16:32 GMT 3rd Annual RI Author Expo to be at Lincoln Mall on December 5 <span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif">The Association of Rhode Island Authors (ARIA) announces that the 3rd Annual Rhode Island Author Expo will be held on Saturday, December 5th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lincoln Mall.</font></span> <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif"><br></font></span></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif">The Expo will feature over 100 published Rhode Island authors highlighted by Jon Land (<em>Strong Light of Day</em>), Claudine Pepin (<em>Lets Cook French</em>), Thomas Cobb (<em>Darkness the Color of Snow)</em> and Sean Faye Wolf (<em>The Elementia Chronicles</em>). Books on display from participating authors will be from a wide variety of genres including romance, mystery, horror, history, biography and children's. Hundreds of autographed books will be available for purchase and a list of all participating authors is posted on ARIA's website, <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/www.RIAuthors.org/riexpo">www.RIAuthors.org/riexpo</a>. Parking and admission to the event will be free.</font></span></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif"><br></font></span></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif">In addition to book signings, the expo will feature children’s story times and a variety of presentations.</font></span></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif"><br></font></span></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif">The Lincoln Mall is located at 622 George Washington Highway in Lincoln, conveniently located near the intersection of Route 146 and Route 295.</font></span></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif">The Rhode Island Authors Expo is co-sponsored by The GRC Bluebook, Pawtucket Credit Union, The Independent Publishers of New England (IPNE), Wakefield Books, DropCards and Cardi's.</font></span></p> <p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif"><br></font></span></p><span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif">The Association of Rhode Island Authors</font></span> <span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Bookman Old Style,serif">(ARIA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of local, published writers of both fiction and non-fiction committed to raising awareness of the outstanding written works crafted by writers in Rhode Island. More information about the group can be found on its website <a href="https://www.rilibraries.org/www.RIAuthors.org">www.RIAuthors.org</a>.</font></span> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3673259 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3673259 Thu, 03 Dec 2015 15:41:51 GMT Financial Literacy @ Your Library <font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif">Tuesday, January 05, 2016</font> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif">2 p.m. - 4 p.m.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif">Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library 1 Memorial Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919</font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif">Want to learn more about financial literacy programming and resources that are available in your community? The Office of Library and Information Services, the Rhode Island Library Association and the OLIS Multi-Type Reference Group are joining forces to assist librarians in developing and promoting financial education programs at libraries across the state.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif">Meet representatives from financial organizations who have partnered with libraries during RILA's Money Smart Week and can offer resources and programming. This is a great opportunity to learn more about financial education programs your library may offer during Money Smart Week, which will take place April 23-30, 2016.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif">Learn about the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) partnership with libraries. Printed resources will be available to libraries. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the resources and programs available so that your library can join financial literacy awareness.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif"><br></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.olis.ri.gov/services/ce/individual.php?code=fina0105"><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#1155CC" face="Arial,sans-serif">Registration required</font></a></p> <p><br></p> <p><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif">Intended Audience:</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif"><br> Library staff who coordinates Financial Literacy programming for all ages.<br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif">In the event of cancellation due to weather, the make-up date is scheduled for January 26, 2-4 pm at the Mohr Library.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" color="#000000" face="Arial,sans-serif">For more information, please contact Lori DeCesare (JOH) or Chris Goldstein (WNS), co-chairs of the Financial Literacy Round Table</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3672724 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3672724 Thu, 03 Dec 2015 15:06:40 GMT Presenters wanted for 2016 RILA conference! <div align="center"> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#202020" face="Helvetica,sans-serif"><img src="https://www.rilibraries.org/resources/Pictures/RILA%20Conference%20Logo.png" border="0"></font></p> </div><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#202020" face="Helvetica,sans-serif">Please share this email with all of the library professionals you know!&nbsp; The Rhode Island Library Association Conference Committee is now taking proposals for the 2016 conference on May 25th and 26th.&nbsp; There are many ways to participate including lightening rounds, full presentations, digital poster sessions, and more.&nbsp; We want to hear your ideas!</font> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#202020" face="Helvetica,sans-serif"><br></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Helvetica,sans-serif">This is a great opportunity to share your expertise, build your resume, and network with amazing librarians from New England!&nbsp; This is the only Rhode Island conference that brings together public, academic, school, and special librarians.&nbsp; We are looking for timely, high quality presentations by passionate presenters.&nbsp; If this describes you, fill out a proposal today! For more information, visit our <a href="http://rilibraries.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=60c8f742fb9755cf3719d4e12&amp;id=c74e55a7c4&amp;e=9b05c7e52b"><font color="#2BAADF">official conference page</font></a> or email <a href="mailto:rilaconference@gmail.com">rilaconference@gmail.com</a>.</font></p><br> <p><font face="Helvetica,sans-serif">Proposals are due by Saturday, January 16.&nbsp; Click <a href="http://rilibraries.us12.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=60c8f742fb9755cf3719d4e12&amp;id=3bcbf07003&amp;e=9b05c7e52b"><font color="#2BAADF">here</font></a> for the RFP.</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3672677 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3672677 Tue, 17 Nov 2015 22:46:02 GMT Save the Date for the 2016 RILA Conference <p align="center"><strong><em><span><font style="font-size: 32px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">RILA Presents:<br> Coloring Outside the Lines</font></span></em></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><span><font style="font-size: 19px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></span></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><span><font style="font-size: 19px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">Wednesday May 25 &amp; Thursday May 26, 2016 – Crowne Plaza, Warwick RI</font></span></strong></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Join RILA as we present a bigger and more interactive conference experience.&nbsp; Whether you are looking to be rejuvenated, inspired, or develop a particular skill, we will have something for you!&nbsp; Connect with your colleagues from around the region and share what is working, what you want to grow, and how your library is making awesome things happen.&nbsp;&nbsp;Plus, be sure not to miss out on an exciting after hours event on Wednesday evening for those who want to keep the party going!&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><strong><u><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">PROPOSALS</font></span></u></strong></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">We are now accepting proposals for the 2016 conference!<span>&nbsp;</span> Do you have A conference app to help you plan your sessions, share your experience on social media, and more!</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Symbol"><span>·<span><font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></font></span> <span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">Fill out the proposal form</font></span> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1R2gIQBxWfM7CjxGZTM469ZZjhmo2yXSyZ1GwRatcO0E/viewform?usp=send_form"><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">HERE</font></span></a><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">.</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Symbol"><span>·<span><font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></font></span> <span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">All submissions are due by</font></span></p> <p><strong><u><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif"><span>&nbsp;</span></font></span></u></strong></p> <p><strong><u><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif"><span>&nbsp;</span></font></span></u></strong></p> <p><strong><u><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">NEW THIS YEAR</font></span></u></strong></p> <p><span><font face="Symbol"><span>·<span><font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></font></span> <span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">A conference app to help you plan your sessions, share your experience on social media, and more!</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Symbol"><span>·<span><font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></font></span> <span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">More vendors and exhibitors!</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Symbol"><span>·<span><font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></font></span> <span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">Digital Poster sessions available all day!</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Symbol"><span>·<span><font style="font-size: 9px;" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></font></span> <span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">Members of any New England state library association or the regional New England Library Association (NELA) can register at the Rhode Island Member rate through the early bird deadline!</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><strong><u><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">About the Location</font></span></u></strong></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">801 Greenwich Ave, Warwick, RI 02886<br> (401) 732-6000</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">This year’s location is seconds off of Rt. 95 and just 2 miles from T.F. Green Airport and the Amtrak/MBTA train station.<span>&nbsp;</span> Ample free parking.<span>&nbsp;</span> Dozens of shopping, entertainment, and restaurant opportunities are located within another 2 miles of the hotel.</font></span></p> <p><span><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></span></span></p> <p><span><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">Amenities include an Italian restaurant and a library-style lounge with a fireplace. There's also an indoor pool, a fitness center and a business center, as well as 21 meeting rooms and free parking. Pets are permitted for a fee.</font></span></span></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">Be sure to tell the hotel you are booking your room as a RILA participant for the best rate!</font></span></p> <p><span><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></span></p> <p><span><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3639422 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3639422 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 14:26:14 GMT Rhode Island Job Opening: Library Program Specialist – State Data Coordinator <p>OLIS is seeking a Library Program Specialist to serve as State Data Coordinator. The position also includes work in the area of library development.</p> <p><br></p> <p>For further information, please visit the <a href="http://lorinet.info/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&amp;t=1100&amp;sid=4c386cbfc6026cadc45e8a902566c927" target="_blank">full job listing on the OLIS Jobline</a>.<br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3630059 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3630059 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:52:40 GMT The NELA section, New England Roundtable of Teen and Children's Librarians (NERTCL) is looking for Rhode Island members! <font style="font-size: 12px;" color="#000000" face="Tahoma,sans-serif">Here is a bit of information about NERTCL. We plan the youth services sessions (about 8-9) at the NELA Annual Conference, including an author luncheon. We also plan a spring one-day standalone every other year. We are working on holding meet-ups as well. We would very much like to have a representative from every state. We try to hold our meetings in each state so that there is at least one meeting where the rep doesn't have to drive far. If you know anyone who would be interested in being our RI state rep, could you send them my or Kara's (</font><a href="mailto:kreiman@westbrook.me.us"><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">kreiman@westbrook.me.us</font></a><font style="font-size: 12px;" color="#000000" face="Tahoma,sans-serif">) information?&nbsp;</font> <p><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3626677 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3626677 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 16:15:23 GMT Media Smart Libraries Workshop - Starting and Growing a Film Program: Elementary Through High School <p>Media Smart Libraries invites you to a workshop in partnership with RISCA that will help you learn about implementing a film program in your library.<br> <br> <strong>Starting and Growing a Film Program: Elementary Through High School</strong></p> <p>Thursday, November 19, 2015<br> 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.<br> Newport Art Museum<br> Series: Media Smart Libraries<br> <br> <strong>Presenter(s)/Discussion Leader(s)</strong>: Brien Jennings, School Media Specialist, Narragansett Elementary School; Nick Marcoux, Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts; Katie Reaves, Beacon School for the Arts; GiveMe5</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="http://www.olis.ri.gov/services/ce/img/msl200.jpg" alt="Media Smart Libraries" height="106" width="200">This two part workshop focuses on developing, implementing, and sustaining film programming for children. Part one is a panel discussion with three Rhode Island educators who will share their experiences with film and media education, including their challenges, successes, and curriculum development. Part two is a presentation from GiveMe5 on their new consulting service for educators and librarians, in which they provide guidance, support, and services for schools and organizations to grow their film and media programming.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This workshop is part of the Media Smart Libraries program which was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. GiveMe5 is sponsored by The Rhode Island Film and Television Office in conjunction with The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Times New Roman,serif"><a href="http://www.olis.ri.gov/services/ce/regis.php">Registration required</a>. Please register on the <a href="http://www.olis.ri.gov/services/ce/individual.php?code=medi1119">OLIS CE website</a> Limited to 25 participants.<br> <br> <strong>Intended Audience:</strong> Public Youth Services Librarians, School Librarians (K-12)</font> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3624910 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3624910 Wed, 28 Oct 2015 14:36:38 GMT Call for Vendor Recommendations for the Annual Conference! <p>The RILA Conference Committee is expanding the vendor exhibit area this year and wants to know who you love!&nbsp; Do you have a vendor that you think other libraries would like as well?&nbsp; Do you have a need for a vendor and want us to help you find one?&nbsp; This year we are in a much larger space, so the goal is to have twice as many vendors!&nbsp; We are looking for suggestions of vendors that you currently use or would like to learn more about at the RILA Conference.&nbsp;&nbsp; If you currently use a vendor that you’d like to recommend, or have a vendor or a vendor need that you’d like to see, please email <a href="mailto:rilaconference@gmail.com">rilaconference@gmail.com</a> and put “Vendor” in the subject line.&nbsp; We look forward to making this the best RILA conference experience possible.&nbsp; Thank you for your input!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Melissa Chiavaroli &amp; Erin Creighton</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3604198 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3604198 Tue, 27 Oct 2015 21:33:49 GMT Two More School Librarians Recognized as Teachers of the Year <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Congrats to Suzanne Lynch, Beth Gorter, Joan Mouradjian, and Jennifer Robinson on the recognition of their great work.&nbsp; They really exemplify the wonderful things school librarians are doing across the state!</font></p> <p><strong><font face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">&nbsp;</font></strong><br></p> <p align="center"><strong><font style="font-size: 19px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Two More School Librarians Recognized as Teachers of the Year</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><font face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Even as Position is Valued by Colleagues, Districts are Cutting Staffing and Funding</font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">RHODE ISLAND - OCTOBER 27, 2015 - Two more school librarians were named 2015 Teacher of the Year in their districts; Suzanne Lynch of Stony Lane and Forest Park Elementary Schools in North Kingstown and Beth Gorter of Hanaford Elementary in East Greenwich join Joan Mouradjian of Narragansett Middle School in Narragansett and Jennifer Robinson of Thompson Middle School in Newport as honorees this year. In 2014, three other school librarians received the honor. Ironically, four of these seven districts have cut library staffing and/or funding for the current school year:</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p> <ul> <li><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#222222">Coventry:</font></strong> <font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font style="font-size: 13px;" color="#000000">As the district moves to Chromebooks, librarians are being given tech duties, reducing time to teach students library skills. There is no book budget - at the Feinstein Middle School, 2014 Teacher of the Year Susan Murphy’s budget has gone from $7,500 to $0 in just a few years.</font></font></li> <li><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#222222">East Greenwich:</font></strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#222222">While positions were spared this year after being on the chopping block, budgets were obliterated. 2015 Teacher of the Year Beth Gorter’s Hanaford Elementary went from $3,000 for collection development last year to $0.</font></li> <li><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">Newport:</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">2015 Teacher of the Year Jennifer Robinson has gone from having a half-time assistant librarian and full-time clerk two years ago to being a solo practitioner.</font></li> <li><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">North Kingstown:</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">Many positions have been chiseled away for the past several years; this year, the Davisville Middle School position was cut from full-time to .6.</font></li> </ul> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">“The fact that 7 out of 36 districts have recognized the work done by school librarians as educators shows that fellow teachers appreciate the value the position - and the highly trained professionals who fill it - brings to both their students and their colleagues,” says Sarah Hunicke of Portsmouth High School, president of School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI). “Unfortunately, some school committees see the library department as dispensable. But</font> <font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;research has shown a correlation between school library programs and student achievement. When a school district thinks that cutting certified school librarians is an easy way to save money, they may actually end up costing themselves more in the long run.”</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">About SLRI -</font></strong> <font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="http://www.slri.info/">www.slri.info</a> - @SchLibRI</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">The purpose of School Librarians of Rhode Island shall be to (1) promote the improvement of instruction through opportunities that broaden the professional knowledge, understanding, and experience of its members; (2) provide leadership in defining, interpreting, and promoting effective library media programs to the community; and (3) serve as facilitator between the State Department of Education, Office of Library and Information Services, professional organizations, and the general public.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif"><br></font></p> <div align="center"> <font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">###</font> </div> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3602990 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3602990 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 17:24:36 GMT RILA Collaborates with COLA & OLIS on Privacy Event for Trustees, Friends, and Other Library Advocates <p>The Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), the Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA), and the RI Library Association (RILA) are joining forces again to present a stimulating program on the important role of library trustees in preserving and protecting patrons’ intellectual freedom and privacy rights.&nbsp; Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions and interactive exercises to facilitate better understanding of why privacy matters to everyone.</p> <p>This session is recommended for library trustees, library directors, and others interested in policy, privacy and intellectual freedom.</p> <p><br></p>Our speaker, Nancy Kranich, was President of the American Library Association from 2000 to 2001. She currently teaches at the Rutgers University School of Communication and Information and conducts special projects for the Rutgers University Libraries. Previously, Nancy served as Associate Dean of Libraries at New York University. <p><br></p> <p>Nancy will examine the differences between confidentiality and privacy, the need for libraries to adopt privacy policies, the importance of understanding the relationship between privacy and the First Amendment, and privacy rights of youth. She will also familiarize trustees with helpful resources such as the ALA Privacy Toolkit. Attendees will leave this session with an understanding of why the library must remain a bastion for both free expression and privacy.</p> <p><br></p> <p>A tireless advocate for free and open access to information, Nancy has spoken out against censorship, filtering, secrecy, privatization, and other attempts to limit the public’s information rights. She also spearheaded ALA's right to know, information commons, and civic engagement initiatives, fostered the development of ALA's privacy and filtering toolkits, formed the Coalition on Government Information, and established the James Madison Awards honoring champions of public access to information. She has testified several times before Congress, attended annual legislative days at the state and national levels, and participated in several White House and Congressional briefings</p> <p><br></p> <p>A light supper will be provided.</p> <p><br></p> <p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">Those interested in registering for this program can do so at <a href="http://www.olis.ri.gov/services/ce/individual.php?code=corn1112">http://www.olis.ri.gov/services/ce/individual.php?code=corn1112.</a></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3571053 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3571053 Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:43:20 GMT Join us to celebrate "October is Information Literacy Month!" <p></p> <p></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) and the School Librarians of Rhode Island (SLRI) invite you to the third annual October is Information Literacy Month Celebration: Celebrating Life Long Learning Across Rhode Island!</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Celebrating Life Long Learning Across Rhode Island!</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">October 26th, 4 – 6:30 pm at Cranston Public Library (Central)</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">140 Sockanosset Cross Rd Cranston, RI 02920</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Celebrating Life Long Learning Across Rhode Island! will showcase examples of information literacy in public, school, academic and special library settings that demonstrate what information literacy looks like across RI libraries and how information literacy affects Rhode Islanders of every age.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">A celebration of the importance of information literacy to the community is a great way to bring information literacy to life for the admin in your life. Invite your director, principal, dean, library board members, friends of your library, representatives of your administration, mayor or anyone else that might be interested to see information literacy in action.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">The Information Literacy Showcase will feature food, fun, and information literacy. Tabletop presentations will allow attendees to explore the showcase in an “open house” environment. Attendees can meet and mingle with librarians while enjoying a catered spread. We look forward to celebrating information literacy and libraries with you!</font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Please RSVP by October 22, 2015</font></p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Times New Roman,serif"><br> <a href="http://goo.gl/forms/u5CznNJ1UO">http://goo.gl/forms/u5CznNJ1UO</a></font> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3563836 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3563836 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 19:10:01 GMT NELLS Reunion Brunch at NELA Conference <p>Hi everyone,<br> <br> There will be a NELLS Reunion Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 10:00am.&nbsp; There is a $25 charge.&nbsp; NELLS Alumni (including mentors) are welcome to register at <a href="http://ams.nelib.org/event-2015805" target="_blank">http://ams.nelib.org/event-2015805</a>.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Please pass this on to anyone you know who was part of NELLS.&nbsp; We currently have about 20 people registered.<br> <br> <br> Thanks,<br> -- Deb<br> <br> Deb Hoadley<br> NELA, Past President/2015 Conference Chair<br> 603-819-1798 (cell)<br> dhoadley@nelib.org<br> http://nelib.org/<br> <br></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3555660 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3555660 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 15:49:32 GMT NEASC Standards <p></p> <p></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Laura Kohl is asking RILA members to take a look at the proposed NEASC Standards for Instituations of Higher Learning.&nbsp;</font> <font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">If you have any feedback please contact her at <a href="mailto:lkohl@bryant.edu">lkohl@bryant.edu</a> so she can share the reactions with the librarians who will be meeting with NEASC representatives.</font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">NEASC has developed new proposed standards for accreditation for institutions of higher education in New England, with a December adoption date, which has removed library standard 7 from the standards. A group of librarians is going to meet with Barbara E. Brittingham,&nbsp;President of the Commission on institutions of Higher Education. We are seeking feedback from librarians across New England, in part for this meeting, and in part for a future statement by ACRL NEC.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Below please find relevant documents.&nbsp;The existing standards are useful for comparison purposes, and the white paper is useful for understanding why the library standard was removed.&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">&nbsp;</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Existing Standards: <a href="https://cihe.neasc.org/standards-policies/standards-accreditation"><font color="#1155CC">https://cihe.neasc.org/standards-policies/standards-accreditation</font></a></font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif" color="#000000">Draft Revised Standards: <a href="https://cihe.neasc.org/sites/cihe.neasc.org/files/downloads/New_of_the_Website/DRAFT_Standards_for_Accreditation_8.25.15.pdf"><font color="#1155CC">https://cihe.neasc.org/sites/cihe.neasc.org/files/downloads/New_of_the_Website/DRAFT_Standards_for_Accreditation_8.25.15.pdf</font></a></font></p> <p><font color="#000000">White paper describing the need for changes:</font> <u><a href="https://cihe.neasc.org/sites/cihe.neasc.org/files/downloads/Standards_Revision_Process/StandardsRevisionDiscussionPaperJanuary2015.pdf"><font color="#1155CC">https://cihe.neasc.org/sites/cihe.neasc.org/files/downloads/Standards_Revision_Process/StandardsRevisionDiscussionPaperJanuary2015.pdf</font></a></u></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Laura Kohl</p> <p>Head of Research &amp; Instruction Services</p> <p>Douglas &amp; Judith Krupp Library</p> <p>Bryant University</p> <p><a href="http://library.bryant.edu/">http://library.bryant.edu</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Calibri,sans-serif">ACRL New England Chapter RI State Representative</font> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3555423 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3555423 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:43:11 GMT 2016 Frances Henne/YALSA/VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) Research Grant <p></p> <p></p>The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), is offering the Frances Henne/YALSA/VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) Research Grant for 2016. This grant of $1,000 provides seed money for small-scale projects that will encourage research that responds to the YALSA Research Agenda. <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Details regarding the applications for the 2016 Frances Henne YALSA/VOYA Research Grant are available from the YALSA Web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ala.org/yalsa/awardsandgrants/franceshenne">http://www.ala.org/yalsa/awardsandgrants/franceshenne</a>. Applications for the grant are due in the YALSA Office by December 1, 2015. For more information please contact us via e-mail, <a href="mailto:yalsa@ala.org">yalsa@ala.org</a>; or by phone: 1-800-545-2433 x 4387.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Amanda L. S. Murphy</p> <p>Youth Services Assistant Manager</p> <p>Warren-Trumbull County Public Library</p> <p>Warren, Ohio</p> <p>330-856-2011 ext. 511</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3550317 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3550317 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 17:15:23 GMT The Book Cart <p></p> <p></p> <p><em>Calling all Librarians...&nbsp;</em></p> <p><em>&nbsp;</em></p> <p><em>Please donate books to The Book Truck- bringing books <u>directly</u> to children in the inner city.</em></p> <p><em>&nbsp;</em></p> <p>The Book Truck will give free books to inner city children by going directly to those neighbors were books are needed the most.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It will be convenient, safe and also a lot of fun.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With the help of RISD, we are creating something of an ice cream truck experience – but for books.&nbsp; With a sound system and alluring exterior, we will capture the imagination and attention, of elementary school kids -in places where the majority of children don’t have books of their own.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To donate books, or even your time,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Please contact Catherine Price at Mail@drcatherineprice.com</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3547157 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3547157 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 17:22:12 GMT ILART Looking for Proposals for Information Literacy Month Celebration <p></p> <p></p> <p>The Rhode Island Library Association’s Information Literacy Action Round Table (ILART) is pleased to announce the third annual October is Information Literacy Month Celebration:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Celebrating Life Long Learning Across Rhode Island!</strong></p> <p>October 26th, 4 – 6:30 pm at Cranston Public Library (Central)</p> <p>140 Sockanosset Cross Rd Cranston, RI 02920</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Poster Sessions! Demonstrations! Show us your stuff!</strong></p> <p>Have you developed a great Info Lit technique, tutorial, or program that you’d like to share with other librarians? Tell us your story!&nbsp; Submit a proposal for the Information Literacy Showcase. We want to know about the success you've had teaching information literacy to your patrons in a public, school, academic or special library setting.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What to Expect:</strong></p> <p>The Information Literacy Showcase features simultaneous tabletop presentations (poster or multimedia), which allows attendees to explore the showcase, ask questions of presenters and network with librarians at their own pace.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Proposal Guidelines Format:</strong></p> <p>In 150 words or less, please provide a brief description of your tabletop presentation, including relevant links to online IL resources, and give a short explanation of how your presentation will relate to the event theme. Topics can focus on blended learning, community programs, national standards, STEM/STEAM and many others. You will be notified via e-mail if your proposal has been selected.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Submit your proposal by Thursday, October 8th by completing the form at:</p> <p><a href="http://goo.gl/forms/uqYHCNgKxI">http://goo.gl/forms/uqYHCNgKxI</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>You will be notified via e-mail&nbsp; by October 13 if your proposal has been selected.</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3545749 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3545749 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 14:21:55 GMT Media Smart Libraries Workshop Announcement <p></p> <p></p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif" color="#000000">URI’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies is the recipient of an IMLS grant to implement the Media Smart Libraries program. One of the goals of the program is to advance the digital and media literacy skills of librarians through a series of free continuing education workshops.&nbsp; We invite you to the first FREE workshop:</font> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">TWITTER 101</font></strong></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">MEDIA SMART LIBRARIES WORKSHOP</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">Tuesday, October 6, 2015</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">East Providence Public Library</font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">Presenter: Catherine Damiani, Digital Services Librarian, East Providence Public Library</font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">Libraries of all kinds are already using Twitter to good effect.Whether it is to broadcast your library events, converse with other professionals, or follow experts and resources, Twitter should be one of your library's communication tools. In this session you will learn how to use Twitter and discuss ways that this micro-blogging tool can facilitate the exchange of information. <strong>We recommend that you create a Twitter account ahead of time and bring your own mobile device.</strong></font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">This workshop is part of the Media Smart Libraries program which was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Grant # LG-07-14-0045-14</font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">We encourage you to BYOB - Bring Your Own Buddy and start tweeting to #mediasmartri</font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">RSVP off list to:</font></p> <p><font style="font-size: 15px;" face="Arial,sans-serif">Mary Moen, Media Smart Libraries Program Director &nbsp;<a href="mailto:mary_moen@uri.edu">mary_moen@uri.edu</a></font></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>--</p> <p>Mary Moen</p> <p>Research Assistant Professor of Library Studies</p> <p>Media Smart Libraries Program<br> Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Graduate School of Library and Information Studies</p> <p>Harrington School of Communication and Media</p> <p>University of Rhode Island</p><font style="font-size: 16px;" face="Times New Roman,serif">Kingston, RI</font> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3540553 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3540553 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:42:29 GMT Join the Conference Committee <p></p> <p></p> <p>The RILA Conference committee is looking for new members!!!&nbsp; Are you interested in helping to shape the new look of the RILA conference?&nbsp; Do you have ideas for speakers, sessions, or activities that conference members will love?&nbsp; If you are passionate about networking, professional development, or current trends in the field, then we want to hear from you!&nbsp; Contact co-chairs Melissa Chiavaroli (<a href="mailto:melissa@cumberlandlibrary.org">melissa@cumberlandlibrary.org</a>) or Erin Creighton (<a href="mailto:elcreighton@gmail.com">elcreighton@gmail.com</a>) for more information about meetings, the time commitment required, or if you would like to join us!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>Melissa Chiavaroli <p>Reference Services Coordinator</p> <p>Cumberland Public Library</p> <p>1464 Diamond Hill Road</p> <p>Cumberland, RI 02864</p> <p>(401) 333-2552 ext. 201</p> <p><a href="http://www.cumberlandlibrary.org/">www.cumberlandlibrary.org</a></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3536756 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3536756 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:08:51 GMT You Are Invited: Life is Good Founders and CEOs Bert and John Jacobs Talk and Booksigning at B&N Warwick <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong><font face="Arial,sans-serif"><strong><font face="Arial,sans-serif">LIFE IS GOOD: The Book: How to Live with Purpose and Enjoy the Ride</font></strong><br></font></strong><font face="Arial,sans-serif"><br> Barnes &amp; Noble Warwick is pleased to host founders and CEOs of Life is Good Bert and John Jacobs for a talk and booksigning for their new book LIFE IS GOOD: The Book: How to Live with Purpose and Enjoy the Ride on Tuesday, September 1st at 7pm at 1350 Bald Hill Rd. Warwick.&nbsp; For over two decades, the much-loved Life is Good® brand has brought smiles, hope and help to millions. Over the course of their business career, founders and brothers Bert and John Jacobs have learned that optimism isn't a marketing tactic - it's the force that drove them to overcome tremendous obstacles and build a $100 million clothing company with just $78 and a used minivan. LIFE IS GOOD: The Book: How to Live with Purpose and Enjoy the Ride is the story of the Jacobs brothers' journey and the secrets to their success.<br> <br> Beginning with their tough upbringing in working-class Boston, LIFE IS GOOD: The Book charts the trajectory of their lives and the company they built. A key influence was their mother, Joan, who could always be counted on to put a humorous and positive spin on everything. "I like running out of money," she would say. "Then I don't have to worry about what I need to buy." This undaunted optimism became the driving force of the Life is Good brand.&nbsp;<br> <br> As they note in their introduction to the book, studies have demonstrated a strong link between optimism and increased mental and physical health, greater resilience in the face of stress and adversity, and a higher overall quality of life. "Optimism is a powerful and pragmatic strategy for accomplishing goals and living a fulfilling life. By acknowledging obstacles and opportunities - but focusing on the opportunities - optimism enables us to explore the world with open<br> arms and an eye toward solutions, progress and growth. It also makes life a hell of a lot more fun," they write.<br> <br> LIFE IS GOOD: The Book offers lighthearted, practical self-help that will inspire and empower readers to embrace life with delight and daring. Bert and John use their experiences to illuminate the 10 Life is Good superpowers that drive optimism:<br> <br></font></p> <ul> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Openness is transformative, allowing us to discover new ways of being and acting by withholding judgments and preconceptions.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Courage is our inner resolve to try new things.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Simplicity sheds unnecessary complications and distractions.&nbsp;</font></li> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Humor is a universal connector.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Gratitude is the practice of taking stock of the many things that are good, right and working in our lives.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Compassion is an act of connecting and sharing in the hard stuff, helping ease the pain, heal the hurt and right the wrongs.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Fun is the irresistible spark that connects and inspires us to feel truly united and alive.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Creativity enables us to reach beyond conventional thinking to make things better.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Authenticity is knowing who you are and acting like it.</font></li> <li><font face="Arial,sans-serif">Love is the most powerful force in the world.</font></li> </ul> <p><font face="Arial,sans-serif">About Bert and John Jacobs:<br> In 1989, brothers Bert and John Jacobs designed their first T-shirts. They began selling their designs in the streets of Boston and out of an old van at colleges and street fairs. Today, Life is Good® is a $100 million positive lifestyle brand focused on spreading the power of optimism. Ten percent of Life is Good's annual net profits go to helping kids overcome poverty, violence and illness. The Life is Good Kids Foundation partners with leading childcare organizations to positively impact the quality of care delivered to the most vulnerable children. Bert and John both reside in Boston. For more information, visit<br> <a href="http://www.LifeisGood.com">www.LifeisGood.com</a>.</font></p> <p><font face="Arial,sans-serif"><br></font></p> <p><font face="Arial,sans-serif">For additional information contact Katie Rendine, Community Business Development Manager Barnes &amp; Noble at 826.4261 or <a href="mailto:crm2159@bn.com">crm2159@bn.com</a></font></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3487841 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3487841 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 13:39:31 GMT RI Children's Book Award Committee Seeks Member <p>The Rhode Island Children's Book Award Committee is seeking a RILA member to serve a three-year term as a RILA representative on the committee. This group meets monthly from September through April to discuss current children's literature and select nominations for the Rhode Island Children's Book Award. Serving as a committee member is a great way to keep up with the latest in children's literature. It does require a significant time commitment as all members are expected to read between six and ten children's chapter books per month. If you are interested please contact OLIS Youth Services Coordinator, Danielle Margarida at <a href="mailto:Danielle.Margarida@olis.ri.gov">Danielle.Margarida@olis.ri.gov</a>.</p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3419719 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3419719 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:31:11 GMT RILA Announces Winners of Annual Awards at Conference <p></p> <p></p> <p>NEWPORT, R.I. – The Rhode Island Library Association announced the winners of this year’s awards of recognition for those serving the patrons of libraries of Rhode Island at the association’s conference at Salve Regina University.</p> <p>This year’s Outstanding Librarian Award was given to Julie DeCesare.&nbsp; DeCesare is an Assistant Professor and Commons Librarian, Head of Education &amp; Research at Providence College's Phillips Memorial Library, where I currently coordinate instructional and educational opportunities between the library, campus community, and beyond.&nbsp; As a Member at Large for RILA since 2011, she’s been a co-coordinator Money Smart Week - RI.&nbsp; When looking at her role in the profession, DeCesare said, “I am committed to Information and Financial Literacy initiatives, as well as positive outreach and awareness of library services on a statewide level.”</p> <p><br></p> <p>The Trustee of the Year Award was shared by Nancy Chaput of the Cumberland Public Library and Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Mercer of the Ashaway Free Library. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>Chaput has been a trustee at the Cumberland Public Library since 2007, serving as the board’s chair for the past four years.&nbsp; She has also been a Friend of the library for over 15 years, serving as president for most of that time.&nbsp; She also serves on the library’s Cumberland Library&nbsp; Fund, a non-profit group that started as a capital building campaign committee and evolved into overseeing the lirbary’s endowments.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>Mercer has served on Ashaway Free Library’s board of trustees for over 25 years.&nbsp; She is the resident historian for the library and the community whil also playing roles in helping to make sure the library gets the funds it needs while serving on the board’s physicial plant, development, and community relations committees.&nbsp; She has also served as the board’s secretary and chair.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Also during the Business Meeting at the conference, the membership elected a new Executive Board.&nbsp; The following is the result:</p> <ul> <li><strong>President:</strong> Aaron Coutu (2015-2017), Cumberland Public Library</li> <li><strong>Vice President/President-Elect:</strong> Julie A. DeCesare (2015-2017), Providence College</li> <li><strong>Past President:</strong> Jenifer Bond(2015-2017), Bryant University</li> <li><strong>Treasurer:</strong> Brigitte Hopkins (2015-2017), Westerly Library &amp; Wilcox Park</li> <li><strong>Secretary:</strong> Kieran Ayton (2015-2017), Rhode Island College</li> <li><strong>ALA Councilor:</strong> Jack Martin (2014-2016), Providence Public Library</li> <li><strong>Member-at-Large:</strong> Andrew Creamer (2015-2017), Brown University</li> <li><strong>Member-at-Large:</strong> Beth Ullucci (2015-2017), Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library</li> </ul> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3379211 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3379211 Tue, 07 Apr 2015 17:56:18 GMT MSW RI 2015 Kick Off: Library & Financial Education Professionals Networking Event <p style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); text-align: center; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Date: Saturday, April 18, 2015<br> Time:1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.<br> Location:&nbsp;<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; color: rgb(31, 73, 125);"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/William+H+Hall+Free+Library/@41.7775593,-71.3933487,16z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xbecb9be41a0ff38" class="ext" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 98, 160);">William Hall Library, Cranston<span class="ext" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 12px 0px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; width: 10px; height: 10px; text-decoration: none; background: url(http://rilibraries.org/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink_s.png) 2px 50% no-repeat;"><span class="element-invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); overflow: hidden; height: 1px; position: absolute !important;">(link is external)</span></span></a></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.538em;">RILA &amp; OLIS invite financial literacy and library professionals from across the state to a networking &amp; information sharing event that will officially launch Money Smart Week RI 2015. The event is a chance for librarians, representatives from community organizations, and state agencies to meet and discuss how we can work together to empower RI citizens of all ages to be “money smart” through financial education programming, outreach, and services.&nbsp; The event also offers an opportunity to learn more about about various financial literacy resources. Speakers at the event include</span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.538em; color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">:</span></p> <ul style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.2em; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> <li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.538em; text-indent: -0.25in;">General Treasurer Seth Magaziner</span></li> <li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.538em; text-indent: -0.25in;">Cranston Mayor Allan Fung</span></li> <li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; color: rgb(31, 73, 125);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">i</span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;">ndividuals from the RI Library and Financial Literacy community</span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Money Smart Week - RI 2015 takes place&nbsp;<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;">April 18-25</strong>&nbsp;and currently has over&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagofed.org/applications/msw_calendar/public.htm?campaign=42" class="ext" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 98, 160);">40 events scheduled<span class="ext" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 12px 0px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; width: 10px; height: 10px; text-decoration: none; background: url(http://rilibraries.org/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink_s.png) 2px 50% no-repeat;"><span class="element-invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); overflow: hidden; height: 1px; position: absolute !important;">(link is external)</span></span></a>&nbsp;in libraries and community spaces throughout the state. Money Smart Week (MSW) is a national initiative from the Chicago Federal Reserveand the American Library Association that promotes financial literacy awareness.&nbsp; Please join us to celebrate the beginning of the 4<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;">th</span>&nbsp;annual MSW RI!&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="http://www.olis.ri.gov/services/ce/regis.php" class="ext" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 98, 160);">Registration required<span class="ext" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 12px 0px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; width: 10px; height: 10px; text-decoration: none; background: url(http://rilibraries.org/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink_s.png) 2px 50% no-repeat;"><span class="element-invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); overflow: hidden; height: 1px; position: absolute !important;">(link is external)</span></span></a>– please RSVP by April 16.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Intended Audience:</strong>&nbsp;Money Smart Week programmers, Librarians and library staff, &amp; the financial literacy community<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Is your library planning a MSW-RI program or event?&nbsp; Let RILA’s MSW co-chairs know!&nbsp; Contact Chris Wallace Goldstein<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">(<a href="mailto:cgoldstein@woonsocketlibrary.org" class="mailto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 98, 160);">cgoldstein@woonsocketlibrary.org<span class="mailto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 12px 0px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; width: 10px; height: 10px; text-decoration: none; background: url(http://rilibraries.org/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink_s.png) -20px 50% no-repeat;"><span class="element-invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); overflow: hidden; height: 1px; position: absolute !important;">(link sends e-mail)</span></span></a>)&nbsp;</span>or Julie DeCesare&nbsp;<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">(<a href="mailto:jdecesa1@providence.edu" class="mailto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 98, 160);">jdecesa1@providence.edu<span class="mailto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 12px 0px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; width: 10px; height: 10px; text-decoration: none; background: url(http://rilibraries.org/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink_s.png) -20px 50% no-repeat;"><span class="element-invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); overflow: hidden; height: 1px; position: absolute !important;">(link sends e-mail)</span></span></a>).</span></span></p> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3285428 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3285428 Thu, 02 Apr 2015 17:55:44 GMT RILA Annual Awards - Nominations Due April 10, 2015 <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> The annual RILA awards process provides the opportunity for special recognition of the accomplishments, service, and commitment of trustees, librarians, and others. &nbsp;The RILA Executive Board encourages you to nominate a deserving colleague or associate for this year’s awards. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> This year’s nominations are due no later than May 9, 2014. Nomination letters should be emailed to RILA Awards Committee Chair and RILA Past President, Eileen Dyer,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:eadyer@gmail.com" target="_blank" class="mailto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">eadyer@gmail.com<span class="mailto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 12px 0px 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; width: 10px; height: 10px; text-decoration: none; background: url(http://rilibraries.org/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink_s.png) -20px 50% no-repeat;"><span class="element-invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); overflow: hidden; height: 1px; position: absolute !important;">(link sends e-mail)</span></span></a> </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> Criteria for Trustee of the Year Award </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> Any trustee of any library who has served on his/her board for at least three years is eligible for this award. &nbsp;These are suggested guidelines, but by no means the only ones, upon which a nomination may be made: </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> • &nbsp; &nbsp;Nominee worked in a readily identifiable way to develop/improve library service to a community, or to a specific segment within the community. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> • &nbsp; &nbsp;Nominee successfully lobbied for increased funding and/or resources for his/her library. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> • &nbsp; &nbsp;Nominee fashioned a plan that successfully enhanced the library’s role in the community. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> • &nbsp; &nbsp;Nominee was instrumental in networking with trustees of other libraries to foster cooperative planning or activities. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> Criteria for Outstanding Librarian Award </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> This award honors the career accomplishments of a librarian who has demonstrated an outstanding record of service to both his/her library and to the library profession. &nbsp;The nominee must be a member of the Rhode Island Library Association. &nbsp;Guidelines for nomination include: </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> • &nbsp; &nbsp;Development of outstanding service in (a) field(s) of expertise, e.g. children’s, administrative, technical. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> • &nbsp; &nbsp;Involvement in statewide library activities. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> • &nbsp; &nbsp;Record of professional library leadership. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> • &nbsp; &nbsp;Encouragement of community/institutional support for library. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> Criteria for Citation of Merit and or Meritorious Friends of the Library Award(s) </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> This award is conferred upon citizens who are neither librarians nor library trustees who have made outstanding contributions to quality library service. &nbsp;This award may be given to an individual or group. </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> &nbsp; </div> <div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);"> The RILA Executive Board will determine award recipients based on the letters of recommendation. &nbsp;The Board reserves the right not to present these awards in any given year. </div> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3285427 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3285427 Tue, 31 Mar 2015 17:54:35 GMT 2015 New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS) <div class="block block-system block-main block-system-main odd block-without-title" id="block-system-main" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 19.5px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77);"> <div class="block-inner clearfix" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> <div class="content clearfix" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> <article about="/2015-new-england-library-leadership-symposium-nells" typeof="sioc:Item foaf:Document" class="node node-article node-promoted node-published node-not-sticky author-jbond odd clearfix" id="node-article-467" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> <div class="content clearfix" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden" style="margin-bottom: 1em; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> <div class="field-items" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> <div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> <p style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style=""><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="">EXTENDED DEADLINE!!!!</span></strong><br> The application deadline has been extended to&nbsp;<span style="">Monday, April 6</span>.<br></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="">Offered every 2 years, The New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS) is jointly sponsored by the New England Library Association (NELA) and the six New England state library associations.&nbsp; The purpose of the symposium is to foster the mentoring and development of members of the library community who are&nbsp;</span><span style="">eager to grow leadership skills. This is a week-long summer academy and leadership retreat for early to mid-career librarians (3-15 years’ experience), paraprofessionals, Trustees and Friends of Libraries.&nbsp; NELLS is a valuable experience for anyone working in or connected to the library field.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="">The Rhode Island Library Association and Office of Library &amp; Information Services seeks applicants to represent Rhode Island at the 2015 NELLS session.&nbsp; Individuals interested in this immersive professional development experience are encouraged to apply! &nbsp;<span style="">Attendees may be recommended by someone or may make their own application&nbsp;<span class="apple-converted-space" style="">&nbsp;</span><span style="">Each applicant must be a current member of RILA or NELA to be eligible</span>. &nbsp;</span>Deadline is&nbsp;<span style="">April 6</span>.&nbsp; Selected attendees will be notified in late spring and this year’s session takes place in early August.&nbsp;</span></p> <p align="center" style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="">NELLS 2015</span></strong><br> <span style="">August 3-7, 2015<br> Rolling Ridge Retreat &amp; Conference Center<br> North Andover, Massachusetts<br> Facilitator: Maureen Sullivan, ALA Past President</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="">For more information and to download an application form:&nbsp;</span><span style=""><a href="http://nelib.org/advance-your-career/nells/" class="ext" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 98, 160);">http://nelib.org/advance-your-career/nells/</a></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3285425 https://www.rilibraries.org/blog/3285425
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