LibraryAware RCLS News 07-27-2020

Ramapo Catskill
Library System

N e w s

Monday, July 27, 2020

RCLS News Archives

News

ALA COVID-19 Recovery Website

The American Library Association (ALA) launched its COVID-19 Recovery website to help guide communities, library workers, and library supporters as they plan for reopening and recovery. This collection of tools, developed and updated by units across the ALA, provides information on funding opportunities for recovery efforts, the latest research on the impacts of COVID-19 on libraries and library staff, and up-to-date safety guidance and protocols.

Call to Action

The Public Library Association (PLA) recently released a Call to Action for Public Library Workers, which provides action steps and resources to libraries working to create equitable spaces. The Black Excellence in LIS Syllabus also includes resources and articles written by Black people, Indigenous people, and People Of Color (BIPOC) in the library science field.

Fraudulent Face Mask
Exempt Cards

The US Justice Department (USDOJ) has issued an alert about fraudulent face mask cards. The cards state they are issued by the “Freedom to Breathe Agency” (FTBA); state that wearing a mask will incur mental or physical risk for the holder; and claims the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not permit them to be questioned about the use of a mask. The card also threatens financial penalties if a business “violates the ADA” and that the business will be reported to the FTBA (which is not a federal or state agency). USDOJ makes it clear these cards are not issued by their department and are not endorsed by the department.

Need Help with
LibraryAware?

Live Chat help with LibraryAware has been extended. If you need instant help while you are creating or editing your flyer, newsletter, or widget, just click on the Stuck? Chat with us! button found in the lower left side of the screen. Their support staff is generally quick to respond and resolve whatever problem you may be having.

Of course, we are always glad to assist with your projects as well! Email (msullivan@rcls.org) or call Martha (ext. 247) at RCLS for LibraryAware support.

July WORKSHOPS HERE

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July WEBINARS HERE

Registration Open!

Virtual Urban Librarians Conference

The virtual 2020 Urban Librarians Conference on Friday, September 11, “Caution: Librarians at Work!” will be focusing on the pragmatic realities of working urban librarians. The organizer promises, "it’s gonna be a different conference than we usually have but you can bet it will be every bit as scrappy, kinetic, and fun as ULCON always is."

Registrants have the option to purchase a Solidarity Ticket, to assist colleagues experiencing financial hardship or a Hardship Ticket, if you are facing financial hardship.

Library Advocacy and Funding Conference

It is easy to attend the Library Advocacy and Funding Conference (LAFCON) whether in the United States or around the world. All of the Conference sessions are going to be pre-recorded and will be concurrently available throughout the three days of the conference,
September 14-16. You can watch any session at any time on your own schedule. However, that is not the only reason the sessions were pre-recorded. Find out more at lafcon.org.

Don’t forget that 25% of conference proceeds are contributed directly back to your library associations!

Registration for #ARSL2020

The 2020 Association for Rural & Small Libraries Conference will present a full schedule of professional development, networking, and socializing online from September 28 through October 2, 2020. Moving the conference online creates an opportunity for library staff that are unable to travel to access the events of this conference safely.

Visit the conference website for information about registering individuals and groups—including a new group rate discount.

News Worthy

National News

Congress aims to protect future of American libraries | WBAY 7.20.20
100 of the best books by Black Americans | Stacker 7.16.20
Denver Public Library Hosts Virtual Racial Equity Symposium | Library Journal 7.15.20
Why Libraries Are Committing to Systemic Change | Publishers Weekly 7.10.20
Rethinking Police Presence | American Libraries Magazine 7.8.20
Amplifying Diverse Voices in Jewish Librarianship | American Libraries Magazine 7.7.20

Now Online!

Check these out...

RCLS Management Professional Development Scholarship - Online
2019 RCLS Statistics - PDF or Excel
RCLS Calendar
COVID 19 Library Reopenings - Online
Index - RCLS Guides: Book Discussion Guides - LibGuide
WNYLRC Ask the Lawyer

RCLS Board News

Talking Points

At its Monday, July 20 meeting, the RCLS Board of Trustees had the following Talking Points:

The Board approved the Job Descriptions for two new positions at RCLS—Board Clerk and Cataloger Consultant.
RCLS expects to receive about $120,000 from the CARES Act.
Thank you to Sandra Michele Echols for a very informative presentation on the power of language and better communication.

The Talking Points will be elaborated on in the Minutes of the July Board meeting, which will be posted to the RCLS website about a week before the next virtual regular meeting on Monday, August 17. 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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