In This Issue
Executive Notes ~ Spotlight on Mentorship ~ Join the IFC ~ NELA Conference Recap ~ CORI Conference Recap ~ RISOCKS Magazines ~ Driving Force ~ Libraries. Out. Loud. ~ News from RI Libraries
|
|
Click the image below to view this month's Executive Notes. |
|
You can reach Rachael and Beatrice at:
|
|
Spotlight on the RILA Mentorship Committee
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.
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.
What is the mission or purpose of the RILA Mentorship Program?
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.
What made you personally interested in being involved with this program?
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).
|
|
Join the Intellectual Freedom Committee
The Intellectual Freedom Committee is looking for new members. This committee is responsible for maintaining an awareness of intellectual freedom among library staff and trustees. In addition, awareness of the meaning of intellectual freedom should be fostered among local officials and citizens of Rhode Island.
Committee members monitor the ALA State Intellectual Freedom Network (SIF Net) and keep RILA informed and connected nationally. Members create at least one programming event per year that gives RILA members resources, education, and networking regarding intellectual freedom. The head of this committee attends the RILA board meetings every other monh.
|
|
NELA Representative, Kelly Parlin, Reports from NELA Conference
I attended the in-person day of the New England Library Association (NELA) conference this year, which took place on Monday, October 18th, at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of attendance, since I think most participants opted for the virtual sessions. That said, although there were only about 100 attendees--including vendors--I found that the atmosphere of the smaller conference meant I had a uniquely wonderful experience.
In typical conference sessions, presenters discuss their topics for the majority of the time, and participants are only able to speak at the end to ask questions. This lecture-style format works well, but I really appreciated that the NELA conference didn't operate that way. Instead, most sessions were set up to be casual discussions facilitated by NELA board members, with the chairs arranged in a circle rather than in rows facing the front. This allowed for a more welcoming and intimate atmosphere to share experiences, which I found very refreshing.
I absolutely loved getting the chance to speak informally with other New England librarians about what we'd faced during the past few years. There were many commonalities but also key differences along with excellent advice given to those who sought guidance on various situations. I particularly enjoyed the sessions "Best Practices for Protecting Library Workers" and "Controversial Programming," as discussions in both overflowed with thought-provoking questions, supportive comments, and ideas for what comes next.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time at this year's NELA conference, and I look forward to future offerings.
|
|
CORI's Annual Fall Mini Conference A Success
Cornucopia of Rhode Island: A Library Community of Color and a section of RILA, held its annual fall mini conference virtually on November 4, 2021. Over 65 librarians and library support staff as far away as Jacksonville, Florida zoomed in for the conference.
This year’s theme, "Empowering Rhode Island Communities Through History and Service," was presented in two phases. The first was "Building Strong Communities: How We Can Better Serve Families with Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Disorder." Panelist from various organizations and educational institutions throughout the state shared strategies and best practices in providing support and programs to assist parents, teachers and caregivers.
Panelists included:
- Susan Jewel, The Autism Project, Manager of Family Support
- Tara Hayes, Rhode Island Parent Information Network
- Barbara Wells, Greenville Public Library (RI), Children’s Librarian
- Lisa Lesinski, Barrington Public Library (RI), Head of Children Services
- Kristen Spencer, Social Sparks, Owner/Clinical Director
- Dr. Paul G. LaCava, RIC Department of Special Education
The second session of the afternoon fall conference was entitled "Rhode Island Mariners of Color: From Bondage to Boat Steerer." Peter Fay, a Rhode Island historian who researches, writes, and lectures about the role of Rhode Island in slave labor and the American slave trade, shared stunning information on African American and Native American men seeking opportunities aboard ships in pursuit of a livelihood that had eluded them at home.
|
|
RISOCKS Adds Magazines
RILINK has added magazines to RISOCKS!
|
|
Jack Martin Named One of 35 Driving Forces by Providence Business News
In November 2021, Providence Business News (PBN) celebrated 35 years of providing business journalism to Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts during a gala at the Aldrich Mansion.
As part of the celebration, PBN recognized 35 “Driving Forces” -- local individuals who have made substantial contributions to the business community. Jack Martin, Providence Public Library executive director was identified as one of these driving Forces. Click below to learn more.
|
|
Librarians. Out. Loud
URI Magazine recently published a story featuring several Rhode Island librarians and URI GSLIS alumni -- including Rashaa Al-Sasah, Emma Brelsford, and Colin McCullough of West Warwick Public Library; Stephanie Mills of Park View (Cranston) Middle School Library; Ed Garcia of Cranston Public Library; and Ashley Selima of the State Archives.
URI GSLIS faculty, Valerie Karno, Mary Moen, and Melissa Villa-Nicholas, are also featured.
|
|
News from the Rhode Island Library Community |
|
Rogers Free Library Librarian Accepted to ALA Emerging Leaders
Rogers Free Library (Bristol, RI) is excited and proud to announce that Kyera Shea, Circulation Supervisor, has been accepted to the American Library Association's 2022 Emerging Leaders program.
Kyera has been at Rogers Free Library for close to 4 years and has changed the library for the better, whether that be through her new adult graphic novel collection, her well-attended programs, or her acting as a driving force behind the library's teen area remodel. She has brought video games, board games, and robotics to the library, which has in turn brought new patrons into the library. Rogers Free Library is so lucky to have her!!
|
|
Pawtucket Public Library Welcomes Two New Staff Members
The Pawtucket Public Library recently welcomed two new part-time librarians in the Adult Services Department, Tiffany Brand and Meredith Richards.
|
|
News from Cranston Public Library |
|
Cranston Public Library Welcomes Nomi Hague as the New Youth Services Librarian at the Auburn Branch
The Cranston Public Library is pleased to announce the hiring of Nomi Hague as the new Youth Services Librarian at the Auburn branch.
Nomi was most recently the Director of the Langworthy Public Library in Hope Valley, RI, a position she held since 2019. From 2012-2019, she was the Assistant Director of the Cross Mills Public Library in Charlestown, RI. Nomi also worked as a part-time Reference Librarian at the Cranston Public Library from 2000-2004 and again from 2010-2012. She holds a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Rhode Island and is a member of the Rhode Island Teen Book Award selection committee.
Nomi started in her new role on November 29th.
|
|
Improvements Made at William Hall Library
A lot of the improvements that have happened recently inside the William Hall Library, one of the Cranston Public Library's branches, may not be immediately noticeable to visitors. A lot of the painting was done in the downstairs spaces, including the program room and the auditorium. Longtime visitors have welcomed new seating in the children's area, a new computer table for kids, and a new display for new books!
Most of the work was accomplished through a Champlin grant and with the funds that the William Hall Library trustees oversee, a fund established as a bequest from Mr. Hall that funded the building and is still managed to pay for a lot of the outside maintenance of the library grounds. The library is hoping to hold more events in the building in the new year and is looking forward to showing off the building.
The changes to the William Hall Library were featured in an article in the Cranston Herald. Click below to read more.
|
|
News from North Providence Library Library
Senator Reed Visits North Providence Library
Senator Reed visited the North Providence Union Free Library on October 14th to get an in-depth look at our LORI Grant project, Any Place Office Space. He was intrigued by the project, which provides technology and digital access to patrons outside of the physical library. He was also able to see eight public computers added to the computer area funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) technology grant.
|
|
NPR Announces New Head of Information and Technology
Our library is happy to announce the appointment of Michael Crispino by our Board of Trustees to the position of Head of Information and Technology. Michael previously served as our part-time Technology Librarian. Michael previously worked for the Providence Community Libraries as a Reference Librarian and Assistant Manager of Technology for 4 years.
|
|
The Rhode Island Library Association
is a professional organization that serves its members through career development, education, advocacy, networking partnerships, and legislative action.
|
|
The RILA Bulletin is produced by the RILA Communications Committee. The RILA Communications Committee is responsible for publicizing and supporting Rhode Island Library Association activities using a variety of communication tools. Responsibilities include publishing the RILA Bulletin, managing social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, and exploring other media as needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
