This Month at CLC: October 2021 |
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WHAT NEXT?!?
Jennifer Keohane
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I’ve been having discussions with many of you, with our partner organizations, with our vendors, with our board, with our team, and even with my myself about our current state of being in flux. Did you know there is a term for it? Pandemic Flux Syndrome.
The bottom line: there is a huge amount of anxiety around being able to cover all the bases, deliver the right services, and make the correct decisions amid pervasive uncertainty. This uncertainty is impacting our spending, our staffing, our decision-making and our mental and physical health. There is so much to navigate.
My advice (to you and to myself):
- Trust that you have the training and the best interests of your community at heart.
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Find some guidelines to provide a sense of structure. I recently re-read ALA's Library Code of Ethics, which was updated this summer to add a new principle on racial and social justice. Not only did it remind me of the reasons I chose this profession, but I find the code provides a good structure for evaluating decisions.
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Gather information to combat uncertainty. Attend CLC roundtables, find out how other libraries are handling things, reach out to HR departments, ask the CLC team what we’ve heard or seen, and read on for information to help you spend your time and resources.
If you’ve found other ways to cope with the current state of flux, please share with me. Or even better, join me for our October Community Collaborative as we discuss Pandemic Flux Syndrome.
As always, thanks for all you do to support your communities, each other, CLC, and me.
Jennifer Keohane, Executive Director
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CARING FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AS THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES
A CLC Community Collaborative Discussion
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Thursday, October 21
3:30 - 4:30pm
Zoom
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How are you doing ... really? As we head into our second fall and winter with COVID-19, anxiety and stress are up. While we're ready for life to get back to normal, we may not be quite ready to get back out there yet.
Social psychologist Amy Cuddy and writer JillEllyn Riley recently coined the term Pandemic Flux Syndrome to explain what we're feeling and why. Not only does the pandemic take a toll on us personally, but professionally as well. We're seeing patrons and colleagues struggle to cope with the strain.
We hear all the time about the importance of putting on our own oxygen mask before helping others. If you haven't done this yet, or if you've taken yours off for a while, here's your chance. Join us for our next Community Collaborative discussion as we focus on mental health amidst uncertainty. We'll be joined by a mental health expert for tips on taking better care of ourselves, managing stress, and dealing with pandemic-related anxiety and depression. Register today.
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CLC's Community Collaborative is YOUR platform to learn, share, and collaborate with your colleagues. Each month we identify and discuss a key issue affecting our statewide community, share experiences around it, and brainstorm and create solutions together. We'll be joined by a subject expert. If you have suggestion for topics you'd like to explore, please email Amanda Stern at [email protected].
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WHAT'S A SMART SHOPPER TO DO?
Jacqueline Cashin
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Hi all! I wanted to talk about a complicated subject today that can’t be fully explained in a short article, but I hope it helps you to navigate the COVID shopping world. The global supply chain is a complex topic. It is difficult to predict all the ways that we will be impacted by shortages, and even more difficult to predict how they will impact specific libraries. In general, here is what you should know.
In the past twenty or thirty years, most companies that carry anything manufactured have utilized the just-in-time approach for keeping goods in their inventory: they order from the manufacturer as needed and ship direct, or they slide goods in one door and out the other. They do not warehouse extra inventory. This is a fantastic methodology when the supply chain is running smoothly. But you have probably noticed merchandise shortages throughout the COVID event. Few big warehouses have backup stock, and when something has to be shipped, available containers and trucks and ships are in short supply. There must also be workers to move these goods from here to there. COVID has affected all of that.
Supply chain disruptions can happen when industries change, when demand changes, or when local natural events affect suppliers. Usually not all of these things happen at once. Normally a supplier can switch to another provider and get what they need to produce and deliver their products. Unfortunately, these things did happen all at once during the last two years. Small suppliers went out of business, goods were difficult to ship from country to country, and the availability of commodities affected many industries at once. For instance, recently you may have noticed prices climbing on a spectrum of goods that seem unrelated. This may have been caused by the plastics shortage. Chemicals for plastics are used for book and magazine covers, adhesives for binding, and countless other things that libraries need. Why a plastics shortage? COVID issues have caused raw material production plants and fabrication facilities to shut down, and very few industries warehouse these supplies. This was worsened by the closure of plastics chemical production facilities in Louisiana due to Hurricane Ida. There are so many other industries and commodities that we can talk about that are experiencing these same conditions. Shortages are here to stay for a while because every disruption causes another somewhere else, producing an unwelcome ripple effect. What is a smart shopper to do under these circumstances?
Shoppers will have to be proactive. Shop early and often. Talk to your suppliers and find out where the issues are for them in their supply chain. Suppliers that are still in the game are resilient and have solved some of their supply chain challenges. Others are struggling to get you what you need in a reasonable timeframe. CLC's bulk contracts - books, non-print, maker supplies, and furniture - all have multiple suppliers with good discounts. Consider using all of them - if one can’t get you what you need, move on to another. That is where bulk contracts shine. The suppliers are already vetted and the negotiations are done, so all you need to do is shop. Suppliers are moving from one provider to another to get their products made and out the door, and we should all consider shopping this way to get the goods and services we need. Yes, this means more accounts to manage, but that is what supply chain disruption requires. Be proactive and nimble in your shopping, and let CLC help - don’t hesitate to reach out!
Jacqueline Cashin, Vendor Relations Manager
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CALLING ALL SCHOOL LIBRARIANS!
Don't waste your November 2 PD day learning something that doesn't apply to you! Spend it with us!
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Tuesday, November 2
9:00am – 3:30pm
Online via Zoom
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Join us on Election Day for a professional development day just for school librarians! Choose morning, afternoon, or both sessions. |
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MORNING PROGRAM: 9:00am-noon
Collaborative working sessions with your grade-level colleagues from around the state
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School Library Success Stories in Challenging Times - In this session we will have an active discussion about our experiences teaching and running a school library during a pandemic. Attendees will share successes, take away new ideas, and build a network of school librarians for guidance and support.
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Readers’ Advisory – Bring your best recommendations for exciting new titles, titles for reluctant readers, and underrated titles that should be in every collection. Attendees will leave with an extensive list of books vetted by colleagues across the state.
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AFTERNOON PROGRAM: 12:30-3:30pm
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Create Opportunities for Students to Explore the World - We will look at exploration and the role it plays in building empathy, piquing student curiosity, and helping students think critically and deeply about the world around them. We’ll examine how online experiences can strengthen connections and help students learn about the lives of others. Includes an introduction to free virtual reality resources and a connection to social-emotional learning.
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How to Use Technology to Assess Students and Pivot Instruction - This session will cover strategies for collecting and analyzing data so educators can take action through instructional pivots and interventions. We will focus on formative assessment and how to check for understanding before, during, and after instruction. Participants will explore how digital tools provide a special benefit for students as they increase student opportunities (frequency) and options (choice) to share their learning
Registration is open now!
Generously sponsored by:
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The CLC Digital Co-op
SOME THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW!
ENROLLMENT EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 10
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We've been talking about the CLC Digital Co-op a lot. We've sent so many emails - sorry! But here are some things you may not know:
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The collection will grow in copies and titles depending on the number of subscribers. We're starting with 200 because we have to start somewhere - but if lots of schools sign on, we'll buy more copies. There will be enough for all.
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The co-op is a reasonably priced supplement or alternative to Overdrive/Sora.
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Many of the titles are perpetual, meaning even if you decide to stop participating in the program, you will continue to have access to them.
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The collection runs on the MackinVIA platform. We get that if you're not already using MackinVIA, you may not want to add another platform. But you can integrate the records with your catalog so you and your students can find them quickly and easily. Mackin also has stellar customer service.
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You can also add your own titles to the collection that are only accessible to your school, not to the other participants. CLC members get a 5% discount off Mackin's prices.
We have a detailed FAQ about the digital coop on our website at ctlibrarians.org/digitalcoop. Please check it out, and contact Julie at [email protected] or 860.740.3042 with your questions. We really believe in this program and think your students will benefit from it. Sometimes it just takes a leap!
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CLC Orientation for Schools
Monday, October 4 at 4:00pm
Are you a school librarian who is new to CLC or wanting to get more out of your school's CLC membership? At this live online orientation, Julie Yulo-Medeiros, CLC's Member Relations Manager for School Libraries, will walk you through navigating CLC's website, finding and using the member guides for CLC's contracts, how to order, and how to participate in roundtables and events. She'll also answer all of your questions so that you can get the most out of your membership.
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Turnitin Training
Wednesday, October 6 at 3:00pm
USING TURNITIN TO DELIVER QUALITY FEEDBACK & ENSURE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Does your school/district subscribe to Turnitin? Then spread the word about this free training! This session is for any educator (not just librarians) who would like to better understand Turnitin features and functionality.
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Reference Solutions Training
Thursday, October 14 at 1:00pm
Bring your toughest business and consumer questions and learn how to find answers with Reference Solutions! This is a live, online demo and Q&A session for current subscribers as well as anyone considering the product.
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DISCOUNT HIGHLIGHTS
CLC has current offers on these products & services and many others. Please visit our website to learn more.
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BREAKING NEWS: Internet Librarian Conference now online - CLC members save $100
Since this conference usually takes place in California, the new online format is a great opportunity for those of us in CT to benefit from top programs without traveling across the country! October 26-28. Just $199 for CLC members (regularly $299). LEARN MORE
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Reference Solutions: The premier resource for business & consumer data. Order by 10/20
Public and academic libraries, you can bring 11 robust databases featuring 5,000 data sources to your users for all of their business and consumer research needs! Order now - subscriptions begin 11/15. LEARN MORE
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Scholastic Digital: Trusted online solutions for PreK-12. Order by 10/27
In 20-21, CLC members enjoyed average savings of 67% off Scholastic Digital products! Public libraries and schools, it's your turn to try BookFlix, TrueFlix, FreedomFlix, ScienceFlix, Scholastic GO, Scholastic Teachables, and/or Watch & Learn Library. Contact us for a quote. LEARN MORE
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Heavy-duty acrylic sign holders - our lowest price ever!
Looking for a beautiful, durable way to display your 11x17 signage and graphics? CLC can help! We have top-quality, extra-thick acrylic sign holders in five popular styles for all of your free-standing and slatwall display needs. Ready for you to pick up at our office right now! LEARN MORE
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"I Love CT Libraries" Bags - the perfect no-plastic solution!
Help your users go plastic-free by offering our reusable totes! These cheerful, surprisingly roomy bags help library users carry their materials, support the environment, AND show their enthusiasm for Connecticut libraries! Available in any quantity directly from CLC. Pickup at our office preferred. LEARN MORE
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CT library flash drives for patron/student storage needs
CLC offers spiffy 4GB USB flash drives with a CT library logo. Purchase these handy drives and resell them to your users for their file storage needs. Available in any quantity! Pick up at the CLC office, or we will ship to you at cost. LEARN MORE
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FURNITURE FEATURE
GET TO KNOW OUR FURNITURE VENDORS!
We're featuring 2 vendors each month until you've met all 26.
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media technologies
Family-owned, Michigan-based manufacturer of educational and media space furniture
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mediatechnologies® offers their entire line of educational and media space furniture to CLC members under our contract. This includes all catalog seating, tables, desks, bookcases, circulation desks, storage, casegoods, carts, and more. If you need special or custom furniture, they will work with you to design and build it. Their products will continue to deliver value for years and years. mediatechnologies® looks forward to serving CLC members and helping you create great educational spaces!
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MiEN
Global manufacturer of furniture to support active learning environments in fun and functional ways
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MiEN is an American company whose products and services represent the ideas and collaborative efforts of a global team. Their furniture is built strong and durable using eco-friendly, sustainable materials. MiEN has the ability to create personalized furniture solutions that perfectly suit your specifications and needs without timely and costly customization. Their customer service team and design team are available to assist you in bringing your vision to life.
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ROUNDTABLE ROUNDUP
These are virtual meetings unless otherwise noted.
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Special Libraries Roundtable
Wednesday 10/13 at 10:00am
AUTUMN RETURNS
How has the uptick in COVID cases impacted our organizations? We'll talk about what we are doing to continue to provide services and programming for our patrons, share tips and resources, and brainstorm solutions. Presented in cooperation with SLA New England.
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Genealogy Roundtable
Thursday 10/14 at 10:00am
HISTORY SCAVENGER HUNTS
Join us for our first meeting this fall as we discuss History Scavenger Hunts. We'll also review our roundtable mission and discuss topics we'd like to cover this year. If you're interested in exploring and sharing resources and strategies for genealogy and family history research, this roundtable is for you!
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Storytelling Roundtable
Monday 10/25 at 4:00pm
SPOOKY STORIES with DR. FAYE RINGEL
Our guest storyteller, Dr. Faye Ringel, is Professor Emeritus at the Coast Guard Academy and the author of The Gothic Literature and History of New England: Secrets of the Restless Dead. Come to share a story or just listen!
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You made it to the end of the issue. Thank you for reading - you're awesome! To make sure you keep receiving these newsletters, why not renew your library's CLC membership now, before all of the year-end craziness? Contact Tracy at [email protected] and just let her know you're ready to renew. You'll be first in line to get our 2022 computer calendars, and the only membership renewal email you'll get is a thank you. What's not to love? :)
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