In This Issue
Executive Notes ~ RILA Website Survey ~ RILA Mentorship Program ~ CORI Mini Conference Recap ~ Join the Communications Committee ~ In Memoriam ~ Upcoming Events ~ News from RI Libraries
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Executive Notes
Greetings to all, and welcome to the December Bulletin!
The Rhode Island library community continues to grow and build. We've just announced the Save the Date for the 2023 RILA Conference (May 24-25 at the Providence Public Library) Many thanks to the team of people who are working to make this a great conference and our Conference Co-chairs, Pamela Schwieger and Tina Ash!
Are you interested in participating in RILA and are not sure where to start? We have a number of opportunities that might fit your skill set. The Communications Committee is looking for people who can use social media skill or writing skills.
As we finish out 2022, let's take a moment (if we can catch it) to acknowledge that every person in RILA is working at least 110% in the library spaces they are part of to build the community that they are in. Many times, we feel like we are doing so much and never enough at the same time. Let's continue to support each other and please remember that your worth to the RI library community is not just what you are accomplishing, but also your inherent value of yourself. It has been wonderful to connect with you this past year and we are looking forward to being with you in 2023!
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Rachael Juskuv
RILA President
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Beatrice Pulliam
RILA Vice President
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How Do YOU Use the RILA Website?
The RILA Communications Committee is committed to making the Rhode Island Library Association website (https://rilibraries.org) a valuable resource for its members.
We hope you'll take a moment to click the button below and complete a short, 3-question survey. Your feedback will help us to create a streamlined site that serves you!
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RILA Mentorship Program Is Accepting Applications!
The RILA Mentorship Program, now in its third year, is accepting applications for both Mentors and Mentees for the 2023 year.
Mentoring is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the life of another person and to gain new insights into our profession. You can give and receive guidance and take your career to the next level. Please join our program today to develop lasting professional relationships with others in the field.
To be a part of the RILA Mentorship Program:
- You must be a current RILA member.
- You may be a library employee, retired librarian, or current library school student.
- You must make a 1-year commitment that includes meeting with your mentor/mentee at least 3 or 4 times per year by phone, email, web conferencing, or in-person meeting.
Click the button below to read the full program guidelines and fill out an application.
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Summary of the Cornucopia of RI Mini Conference
The Cornucopia of Rhode Island (CORI) Annual Mini Conference was held on Thursday, November 3rd, with the theme ‘Recruitment and Retention of Librarians of Color.’
About 50 attendees enjoyed sessions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Best Hiring Practices and Strategies, Library School Recruitment of Students of Color, and Onboarding New Librarians. There was also a poster presentation.
If you weren’t able to attend, you can watch the recording by clicking the button below.
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Join the Communications Committee
If you’ve been looking for a way to get more involved with RILA in the new year, this is a great opportunity to start small and have a big impact!
The Communications Committee is looking for:
- General committee members to help promote RILA and the RI Library Community by creating blog or newsletter posts, videos, or other content that RILA can use to inform, promote, and share (variable time commitment)
- Members to assist in posting to and monitoring RILA’s social media platforms (est. time commitment: less than 1 hour/week)
- Members to monitor and update the RILA website using Wild Apricot, keeping the pages fresh and interesting (est. time commitment: 1-5 hours/month)
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In Memoriam
We are sad to share that former URI GSLIS Professor Suellen Adams passed away in November.
As Suellen's wife writes: "Suellen passed away last week after battling cancer for ten months. Teaching at URI was the highlight of her career. She had so many fond memories of her students and colleagues."
Suellen was a devoted professor at URI, and she will always be remembered as part of GSLIS history.
Click below to read Suellen's obituary.
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Upcoming Events
- January 19th, 2022 - Library Libations at The Guild Brewery in Pawtucket, 6:30pm
- January 27th-30th - LibLearnX in New Orleans, LA, and online
- February 9th, 2023 - How to Lead Technical Programs When You’re a Non-expert
- February 12th, 2022 - Library Libations at Roger Williams Botanical Garden, 11:00am
- April 13th, 2023 - How to Navigate Sensitive and Interpersonal Topics
- May 24th-25th, 2023 - RILA Conference: Keep Calm and Read On, Providence Public Library
- June 8th, 2023 - Safe Spaces: Balancing Feeling Safe with Feeling Challenged
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News from the Rhode Island Library Community |
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Sensory Friendly Inclusive Group November Meeting
The Sensory Friendly Inclusive Group seeks to empower librarians to better serve individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are neurodiverse or on the autism spectrum and their families by expanding programming, outreach, partnerships, and resources that welcome all abilities.
This was our first in-person meeting in 3 years. During this sharing session, we discussed past and current sensory friendly programs happening at the RI public libraries. RI youth librarians working together to inspire one another.
Our next meeting will be virtual on Wednesday, January 11st, 2023, at 2:00pm.
All are welcome! Together we are making a difference.
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Pascoag Public Library Nominated for ILMS National Medal
Inspired by our Sesquicentennial Soiree a year ago, Senator Jack Reed nominated Pascoag Public Library in Burrillville for the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS) National Medal for Museum & Library Service. This is the nation's highest honor for museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Recipients will be announced in Spring 2023.
"It's a bit of a cliche, but in this case we feel it truly is an honor just to be considered for this award. Then, to be nominated by someone with the stature of Senator Reed, well, we're thrilled and grateful beyond measure," said Board of Trustees President Kathan Lambert & Library Director Gretchen Hanley.
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News from George Hail Free Library
Native American Collection Expanded
The George Hail Library is pleased to announce the release of a new special collection of books on the local history of the Pokanoket people. This collection was generously donated by the American Indian Study Committee. The circulating collection is available to all patrons with an Ocean State Library card in good standing. The American Indian Study Committee was appointed by the Warren Town Council in 2020. Click below to learn more.
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Welcome Michaela Hutchinson, Youth Services Librarian
The George Hail Library has two new wonderful staff members: Jill C-D (left) who started in August and now Michaela Hutchinson (right), our new youth services librarian. Michaela recently graduated from Simmons College, and this is her first professional position. Her last position was in Burlington, MA. We are excited to have both here at the George Hail Library.
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RI Historical Society Digitizes Its Revolutionary War Documents
Utilizing a National Historical Records and Publication Commission (NHPRC) grant supporting the project “Brave, Enterprising Spirits”: Documenting Rhode Island Soldiers in the American Revolution, the RIHS has scanned over 7,000 pages of over 1,400 documents in the Revolutionary War Military Records (MSS 672 SG2). These will be available in early 2023 via both a special website and our online catalog.
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Inspired by posts to the Programming Librarian Interest Group on Facebook, Greenville Public Library (GVL) established a Tiny Art Exhibit. During the months of April and November, GVL displayed the art work of patrons of all ages. The artwork could be in any medium, inspired by anything the artist desired. The only catch: it had to be presented on a tiny 4-inch by 4-inch canvas.
GVL provided kits containing instructions, a submission form, the canvas, and a set of acrylic paints. In April, 32 submissions were returned and 27 in November. The artwork was displayed on tiny easels in a repurposed bookshelf, complete with labels indicating the artist’s name, the title of the piece, and the materials used.
The pieces brought color and vibrancy to the library's welcome area. More importantly, patrons took pride in seeing their beautiful creations on display. Visitors were cheered to see the creativity the original pieces expressed. At the end of the month-long exhibit, patrons could collect their artwork, easel, and label to display at home. With the success of their first two efforts, the Tiny Art Exhibit will return each year in spring and fall.
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The Rhode Island Library Association
is a professional organization that serves its members through career development, education, advocacy, networking partnerships, and legislative action.
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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.
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