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Cheery Friday Greetings,
We’ve been immersed in all things “annual” over the past few weeks--it is that time of the year!
If your organization is a direct member of SCRLC, you should have received your personalized Benefits and Contributions report recently—delivered in record time this year. Kudos to Diane for making that happen!
The online annual report 2024-2025, which is due at the State Library on October 1, recently opened, so we’ve been busy completing it—and also preparing a report on the 2024-2025 work plan and developing the new one—the final one under the current five-year Plan of Service. We're also putting the finishing touches on the annual meeting, which promises to be a great event. We hope you'll be able to join us! See below to register.
As I have worked through "all things annual," each of our programs and services has been top of mind, eager for attention! So, here are a few key programs and services that are not always mentioned as much as say, digitization or continuing education, and yet which might be of interest to you:
Customized Training and Consulting. Our team brings a wide range of expertise, from electronic resources including MEDLINEplus.gov to leadership/management, space planning, and more. And of course, everything associated with digitization! If you have a training or consulting need, reach out—we may be able to assist directly or connect you with someone who can.
Field Visits. We love getting out to visit member libraries and institutions. Whether it’s to hear about your challenges, celebrate your successes, or just learn more about your work, we’re happy to visit you.
Focus Groups. Direct members can request customized focus groups at no cost (unless using grant funds to cover such activities). These sessions are a valuable tool for gathering feedback or guiding new initiatives. Here is some additional information.
Medical Information Services Program (MISP). Although MISP is mentioned often, it is always worth repeating that SCRLC can cover health/medical interlibrary loan (ILL) costs for member libraries. In 2024–2025, we supported one hospital's EFTS account with $200 and paid for three ILLs, totaling $248—our lowest use of these funds for ILL to date. Please take advantage of this benefit! Details are available in the Resource Sharing section of our website.
Career Services. We offer resume/CV reviews, cover letter feedback, and mock interviews for LIS students, new librarians, and basically any librarian in our region who could use a refresher. Contact Jessica Philippe if you are interested.
In fact, to request any of the services listed above, email Jessica or me. We can link you with the right staff member—or, reach out to us through our Google form.
Virtual Reference. Libraries and library systems can still join AskUs 24/7, which continues to thrive. For more information about participating contact coordinator Caitlin Kenney. We would love to know if you join!
Before signing off… Last weekend, I had the chance to attend Bad Books, a play currently showing at the Kitchen Theatre in Ithaca. This weekend (Friday-Sunday) is the last opportunity to catch it regionally. Kudos to the Tompkins County Public Library staff for hosting a library card sign-up table and leading a thoughtful talk-back after Sunday’s performance.
Issues of challenged and banned books—and the fight for intellectual freedom—remain at the forefront. Just yesterday, news broke that the Texas A&M president, the third in two years, will be stepping down following controversy over the dismissal of a children’s literature instructor who had included gender identity content in the course material.
Have a nice weekend and yours in partnership always,
Mary-Carol
Mary-Carol Lindbloom
Executive Director
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