|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
MSLA Logo
Items with an * are time sensitive.
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:
Beyond the Veil: Making Sense of the Spirit World; Online Symposium - Starts September 20*
Climate Action Planning (Part 2): Disaster Preparedness and Community Resilience - September 26*
Climate Justice - October 3*
Collaborating for Access: Librarians and Independent Publishers Webinar - October 5*
Revitalizing Morale: Cultivating a Supportive Library Culture - October 11*
Preventing Burnout and Fatigue: A Masterclass with Loida Garcia-Febo - October 12*
The State Library Resource Center (SLRC) presents: An Introduction to Copyright and Intellectual Property in Libraries - November 15*
Career Success Month: Future of Work: Call for Participation! - Jan 22 - Feb 23, 2024*
RESOURCES, PUBLICATIONS AND NEWS:
Howard County Library System (HCLS) Project Literacy - Pathways to Success - Applications DUE September 22*
Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Bechtel Fellowship Opportunity - Applications DUE October 15*
WebJunction Resources
Libraries in the News
Reminder of Topics in the Previous Digest
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:
Beyond the Veil: Making Sense of the Spirit World; Online Symposium - Starts September 20*
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) will host an online symposium this fall that will explore the history of human interaction (beliefs and practices) with supernatural, paranormal, mystic, and psychical phenomena and the intersection of race, spiritualities, magic, mysticism, and feminist expression with the otherworldly.
The inspiration for the theme is the Library's Special Collections holdings, including the Eileen J. Garrett Parapsychology Foundation Collection.
There are scheduled six presentations throughout the semester, all held virtually via WebEx. You can click each presentation below for descriptions.
Climate Action Planning (Part 2): Disaster Preparedness and Community Resilience - September 26*
Tuesday, September 26; 2 - 3:30 p.m.
This panel discussion will feature practitioners with deep experience in preparing both their libraries, and their communities, for the impacts of climate change. Our panel will speak to traditional disaster preparedness, business continuity planning, community resilience work, and preparing communities for severe weather events and the increased likelihood of food supply interruptions. While libraries are not first responders, they should be connected with the emergency management community and be positioned as part of both the short-term and long-term “first restorer” network as disruptions amplified by climate change happen with more frequency.
Learn more and register here.
Climate Justice
Tuesday, October 3; 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Climate justice recognizes the disproportional impacts of climate change on the people and places least responsible for the problem: systematically oppressed communities and communities of color. Libraries that approach climate action through the lens of climate justice can accelerate necessary work in communities to ensure all are heard in disaster preparedness and emergency management work. Learn how to think like a 21st century economist and how libraries can help lead the way to a just transition of our communities to strengthen community resilience and livability not just in the aftermath of climate change-driven disasters, but well before they ever happen.
Learn more and register here.
Collaborating for Access: Librarians and Independent Publishers Webinar - October 5*
Thursday, October 5, 2 - 3 p.m.
What do librarians REALLY want from publishers, and how can smaller and independent publishers create a better ecosystem? In our sixth Collaborating for Access webinar, Chief Officers of State Libraries Association (COSLA), Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), and ReadersFirst are partnering with the Independent Publisher Caucus to bring together librarians and smaller and independent publishers to explore how they can work together to provide greater access for patrons. Topics will include: Opportunities for independent publishers in the library market; licensing options that are most attractive to libraries; and ways that libraries and independent publishers can work together to mutual benefit.
Please register here.
This session is open to all. Please feel free to share this invitation forward with anyone who might be interested.
Revitalizing Morale: Cultivating a Supportive Library Culture - October 11*
Wednesday, October 11; 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Building on research and insights presented in the webinar, Low Morale in Libraries: Impacts and Countermeasures, this panel discussion delves deeper into essential facets that foster a healthy and supportive library culture, exploring institutional and individual solutions to countering low morale. Examining how organizational culture, library hierarchies, and management styles affect the workplace experiences of library staff, we’ll explore various strategies for library staff working to navigate power dynamics and advocate for positive personal or organizational change. Recognizing the trauma, stress, and burnout experienced by library staff, we’ll consider how to:
- Assertively communicate needs while embracing change, set boundaries to address toxic positivity, and foster a compassionate environment
- Explore visionary leadership approaches for inclusive libraries and promote collaboration for library staff at all levels
- Gain insights on trauma-informed practices and collective care to help recover from burnout and foster empathy and resilience
Join this panel of researchers, library practitioners, and changemakers as they share experiences, research, and practical strategies to help foster a healthier, empowered library environment.
Learn more and register here.
Preventing Burnout and Fatigue: A Masterclass with Loida Garcia-Febo - October 12*
Thursday, October 12; 2 - 3 p.m.
The Library 2.0 Mental Health and Wellness Series
“Burnout is the biggest problem at our library” is a phrase we increasingly hear from library workers at all types of libraries. Conditions of being short-staffed and overworked, of doing more with less, of managing personal difficulties, and then facing challenges related both to access to information and to polarization--these can really get to be too much for librarians. While burnout is not considered a medical condition but “an occupational phenomenon,” it is surely felt by workers as it brings acute stress that is difficult to manage.
In this masterclass, we will start with definitions of burnout and fatigue which are characterized by different symptoms. We will focus on different "sections" as we identify specific areas and their challenges, the combination of which can be unique to each participant, thereby allowing you to apply the specific strategies that you need at any give moment. Our "sections" will include: self-reflection to check in with ourselves; creating a checklist to identify stressors igniting burnout and fatigue; and then a set of strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue.
This 60-minute training is presented by Library 2.0 and hosted by Loida Garcia-Febo. A handout copy of the presentation slides will be available to all who participate.
Register by Oct 10 via https://tinyurl.com/bdzru4bs . Please register with your library provided work email. Gmail domains will not grant access to the archive. Session will be recorded and placed on our Maryland Libraries Training Niche Academy.
- This masterclass is free for those on individual or group all-access passes for the Dr. Steve Albrecht Service, Safety, and Security webinars, even though not officially part of that series, and will be available in the all-access recordings until the end of 2023.
If you have any trouble registering for an event or if you have any questions, please email admin@library20.com.
The State Library Resource Center (SLRC) presents: An Introduction to Copyright and Intellectual Property in Libraries - November 15*
Wednesday, November 15; 2 - 3 p.m.
Does the word copyright give you anxiety? Don’t let it! This presentation will cover the basics of copyright law and how it interacts with librarianship. Participants will practice conducting several fair use analyses and be given tools and hints to help when faced with copyright concerns. Lastly we will discuss current events in the world of copyright and the changing landscape of the public library.
Learn more and register here.
Career Success Month: Future of Work: Call for Participation! - Jan 22 - Feb 23, 2024*
Maryland Public Libraries Workforce, Career & Business Community of Practice members are working together to host Career Success Month: Future of Work on Jan 22 - Feb 23, 2024. During this month, classes and programs will be focused on Business and Career resources and skills to assist jobseekers and entrepreneurs with navigating the rapidly changing work environment.
We invite all Maryland Public Libraries to participate in collaboratively promoting and when possible, planning programs at their libraries for Career Success Month 2024. Through participation, partner libraries will gain access and awareness of programming provided by all participating libraries. Here are the easy steps to participate.
These impactful, results-driven classes and programs will be available for the community members in your county. The offerings will be in a mixture of in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats which allows all library systems to have access to programs not ordinarily available.
Hosted at library branches throughout Maryland, these programs will provide information and guidance from subject-matter experts. Examples include new job roles created by Automation and AI; practical guides for being a Creative; Upskilling and Employee Well-Being. Attention will also focus on niche demographics like immigrants, youth and veterans.
Here is a link with more details about the above-mentioned topics.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Adam Davidson.
Topic: AI and the Future of Work and Business (virtual presentation)
Description: Adam Davidson is an expert at demystifying complex topics, and he applies these skills to the most crucial issue of our time: the rise of AI. His talks are geared towards curious laypeople—from college students to business decision-makers—who know that AI is likely to transform their careers and business and need a clear framework to understand this new revolutionary technology. AI, he explains, will create massive new winners and, yes, a bunch of losers, as it rewrites our economic rules.
Timeline:
- July - October: Plan and schedule classes/programs
- November: Finalize program schedule and build promotion
- January 22- February 23: Implementation
- March: Review and Evaluation
Howard County Library System (HCLS) Project Literacy - Pathways to Success - Applications DUE September 22*
Howard County Library System is recruiting libraries to join our training cohort for our Pathways to Success program. We will provide the libraries with training and resources. We will share what we've done and what we've learned.
If you are interested, please contact Ben Hamilton with questions. More
Here are the upcoming important dates for the program:
- September 22 - deadline to apply
- Week of September 25 - HCLS interviews library applicants
- October 8 - libraries will be notified
More information can be found here and here.
Follow this link to apply.
Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Bechtel Fellowship Opportunity - Applications DUE October 15*
Applications for the ALSC Bechtel Fellowship are now being accepted.
The Louise Seaman Bechtel Fellowship provides a grant up to $7,500 to a qualified children's librarian to spend up to four weeks reading and studying at the Baldwin Library of Historical Children's Literature of the George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville. The Baldwin Library contains a special collection of 130,000 volumes of children's literature published mostly before 1950. The fellowship is endowed in memory of Louise Seaman Bechtel and Ruth M. Baldwin.
The application and more information can be found here.
The deadline for submitting materials is October 15, 2023.
For any questions about the award/application, please contact ALSC Professional Recognition and Scholarships Committee Co-Chairs, Elizabeth Burns (eburns@njstatelib.org) and Mary Schreiber (schreiberalsc@gmail.com)
WebJunction Resources
Getting Started with Climate Action Planning: This article is part of the series of resources and webinars created by the Sustainable Libraries Initiative team, in collaboration with WebJunction, to support libraries in creating a more sustainable future. The Sustainable Libraries Initiative provides library leaders with a proven path forward to co-create libraries and communities that will thrive in the coming years. As we contend with the realities of climate change, we must act faster, with more concentrated action than ever before. Explore the Climate Action Planning Framework and take steps toward climate change mitigation.
50 Years of Hip Hop: At Queens Public Library (QPL), a six-month celebration of Hip Hop is wrapping up. Situated just across the East River from the borough that birthed this global cultural movement, there’s no better stage for commemorating this milestone. In March, QPL kicked off a six-month celebration of all things Hip Hop, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. But the festivities didn't stop there. The library partnered with more than 30 institutions across New York City and beyond to offer a vibrant array of activities. Collections of Culture: 50 Years of Hip Hop Inside Libraries, Museums and Archives hosted dozens of in-person and virtual events like panel discussions, author talks, and educational forums.
Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 6 September 2023: This is the latest Hanging Together blog post, part of a regular series on issues of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, compiled by a team of OCLC contributors. It includes news of Richland Library’s Let’s Talk Race curriculum made available to all libraries and organizations.
Libraries in the News
Here is a roundup of news stories by way of the Chief Officers of State Libraries Association (COSLA):
-
US Senate Committee on the Judiciary: Book Bans: Examining How Censorship Limits Liberty and Literature, US Senate.gov, Sept 12 (Recording)
-
Red States Quit Nation’s Oldest Library Group Amid Culture War Over Books (Excellent Overview of the Issue), Washington Post, Sept 17
-
Alabama Public Library Service Board Votes To Create List Of Books That Parents Submit Concerns About, CBS42, Sept 13
-
Oakland Librarians Feel ‘More Unsafe’ Than Ever, Internal Report Says, The Oaklandside, Sept 12
-
Book Decisions Are Local, LGBTQ Representation Needed, Says Alabama Library Service Director (feat Nancy Pack), AL.com, Sept 11
-
NCAC Launches Network of Local Groups to Fight Book Banning, (Kids’ Right to Read Network – KRRN), NCAC, Sept 7
-
ALA Announces Listening Sessions On Revising Freedom To Read Statement, ALA, Sept 7
-
Library of Congress Honors Libraries in New Jersey and Michigan for Outstanding Service to Readers with Disabilities, LOC, Sept 7
-
Certified School Librarians Are Disappearing In Delaware. How That's Affecting Students, Delaware Online, Sept 5
-
Conservative Book Ban Push Fuels Library Exodus From National Association That Stands Up For Books, AP News, Sept 5
-
Banned Or Challenged? Books Drive Split Between S.C. Superintendent, School Librarians, Fox Carolina, Sept 1
-
I Made the Most Banned Book in America, The Nib, Sept 1
-
Good News: Court to Issue Injunction vs. Texas Book Rating Law, CBLDF, Aug 31
-
Iowa City Public Library Closes Following Bomb Threat, KCRG, Aug 29
-
FBI Investigating Series Of Bomb Threats At Yolo County Library In Davis, KCRA, Aug 29
-
Report: “Rural Washington Library Could Be Nation’s First to Dissolve After Book Challenges”, Info Docket, Aug 25
-
One Morning in Maine, 225 People Went to the Library, NY Times, Aug 25
-
New Report: Surge of Intrusive Legislation to Intimidate Teachers, Drive Self-Censorship in Schools, Pen America, Aug 23
-
Report: “Illinois Secretary of State Condemns Recent Bomb Threats Targeting Libraries”, Info Docket, Aug 21
-
Amid Months-Long Fight Over Censorship, Saline County Judge Wins The Power To Fire Librarians, Arkansas Times, Aug 21
-
School Library Journal – Read Free Poster
- Statewide Adult Programming Meeting - September 11*
- A Place for Everyone: Improving Library Accessibility for Disabled Patrons and Staff - September 14*
- Maryland State Archives September Lunch and Learn - September 14*
- Maryland Library Association (MLA) Public Services Division Presents: Emerging Adults Unconference - September 14*
- Bridgebuilding: Fostering Community Engagement and Dialogue - September 14*
- Maryland Library Association (MLA) Children's Services Division Presents: Black Eyed Susan Tapestry 2023 - The Fall Edition - September 21*
- Climate Action Planning (Part 2): Disaster Preparedness and Community Resilience - September 26*
- Racial Justice at the Public Library (RJ@PL) Strategic Planning Workshop (Topic: Racial Justice and EDUCATION) - September 28*
- Law on the Frontlines: Legal Reference for Public Libraries – Fall 2023
- Project Enable Speaker Series (December 2023-April 2024)
- Additional Funding for Connected Devices Program Now Open! - Applications Due September 29*
- Maryland State Archive Survey
- Maryland Department of Health Medicaid Check-in Resources
- WebJunction Resources
|
