LibraryAware RCLS News 09-07-2020

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September 7, 2020

RCLS News Archives

News

Census 2020 - Local Response Rates

The 2020 Census is wrapping up this month, and we still need to get the word out. Our local response rates are still very low! See the map below to check out what counties need the most work, and for information about how you can help.

Computers in Libraries

The 2020 Computers in Libraries Conference will take place September 21st - 25th. This is the leading technology and internet event for libraries and information managers worldwide featuring the best thinking and practices from innovative and experienced speakers. This 35th Conference is going virtual along with Internet Librarian. They have combined the planned programs around the themes Generation Next: Preparing for New Technologies and Futurizing: People, Technology & Communities which focus on exciting library programs and services that have taken place and that are being planned for the future by using new technology and building community partnerships. For more information about the conference and to register, visit https://pheedloop.com/cilil2020/site/

Advocating for Change

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery. Many Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth or “Freedom Day” in the years since 1865. The RCLS Coalition for Library Workers of Color has composed a letter to Governor Cuomo encouraging him to sign into law, Assembly and Senate bills SB 8598/AB10628, designating June nineteenth, known as Juneteenth, as a public holiday. Authors of the letter are: Emily Dowie, Pearl River Public Library; Elizabeth Protillo and Peyton Powell, Finkelstein Memorial Library in Spring Valley; Tracy Dunstan, Nyack Library.

Build Back Better

Libraries can help NY Build Back Better. The COVID crisis highlighted a number of shortcomings and New York wants to identify ways technology can be used to help New York build back better for everyone. From ensuring access to high-speed internet, better-paying jobs and career pathways, NYS is committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable residents are able to overcome root causes of inequity, and to access the digital economy.

Access the survey and provide feedback for how you think libraries can help NY build back better using the Other / general comments option. One example is how investment from New York State can help libraries build on the contributions they've already made to increase everyone's access to the digital world.

News Worthy

National News

Tinley Park Library Introduces Free Live Tutoring With Brainfuse | Patch.com 9.2.20
Decision To Use Loudoun Libraries For Child Care Stuns Residents | Patch.com 8.31.20
Check out Telemedicine's Next Frontier: Local Libraries | University of Virginia 8.19.20
Public Library in Ohio adds drones to circulation collection | The Daily Jeff 8.19.20
Michael Bloomberg donates $3 million toward building a new Medford library |Boston Globe 8.18.20

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RCLS Board News

RCLS Board Meeting Talking Points

At its Monday, August 31 meeting, the RCLS Board of Trustees had the following Talking Points:

A 25% cut in State Aid has been addressed in the Budget for 2021 by reductions made to expenses.
RCLS cataloging services will be partially paid for in 2021 by ANSER funds, as approved by the Directors Association for a period of one year.
The Service Fee for member libraries will remain at the 2019/2020 level with no increase for 2021.
Option #2 of the 2021 Service Fee by Member Library, which eliminates Debt Service from the Service Fee calculation has been adopted.

The Talking Points will be elaborated on in the Minutes of the August 31 Board meeting, which will be posted to the RCLS website about a week before the next virtual regular meeting on Monday, October 19. The current materials are available on the website (Minutes/Financial Reports and Executive Director’s Report). If you have any questions about the Talking Points, contact Grace Riario at RCLS (243.3747, ext. 233 or e-mail).

RCLS Headquarters Directory

The RCLS team is available to help you via email and phone.
Don't hesitate to reach out. 845.243.3747

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