OLIS News & Updates

July 2024

OLIS Staff Attend ALA Annual Conference in Sunny San Diego, CA

OLIS staff had a busy week in California for the Annual American Libraries Association Conference in sunny San Diego!

Prior to the ALA Annual Conference, Karen Mellor and Kelly Metzger met with the other members of the Library Statistics Working Group (LSWG) on Thursday, June 27, at the San Diego Central Public Library. The group works with IMLS to help ensure that the collection of public library and state library data is relevant, credible, and useful to libraries and researchers. They discussed proposed data elements for the FY2026 Public Libraries Survey (PLS) survey, provided feedback on upcoming PLS research publications from IMLS, reviewed recommended changes for the FY2024 State Library Administrative Agency (SLAA) survey, and learned about two exciting research projects from IMLS’ Office of Research and Evaluation: their Learning Agenda and an infrastructure study to assess the physical condition of public libraries.

During the conference, Karen, Nicolette, Kelly and Chelsea spent time talking with national colleagues, connecting with established and potential vendors alike; those like Mango Languages, Counting Opinions, EBSCO, and National Puzzle Week representatives. They attended sessions on trending topics such as AI, Data Literacy, eBook Licensing, and Vendor Negotiations and thought about libraries as centers for collaboration with sessions on Neurodivergence in the Workplace, Language in Many Formats, and Period Poverty. Of course, there was space for joy with engaging panel discussions on Queer Joy in Comics and a visit to an all Romance book store in town. They were inspired by powerful speakers like Trevor Noah and Connie Chung, and as always, enjoyed reconnecting with old library friends and colleagues. If you were also at ALA and didn't catch our staff, we hope you had an equally inspirational and professionally rejuvenating time!

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Celebrating National Puzzle Day in the Vendor Hall

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Diversity in Publishing Panel

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Librarians Collaborate on an ALA Zine

Coming Soon: Library Certification and Annual Survey

We hope your libraries are enjoying the summer sunshine and finding moments of calm among a busy season of programming and community engagement. We also want to remind you that amidst the hectic summer season comes two crucial surveys from our office: the LORI Resource Sharing Certification and the Public Library Annual Survey.

LORI Certification - Ensure Your Spot in the Resource Sharing Network

The FY2025 LORI Resource Sharing Certification will open July 15, 2024 and close September 15, 2024 for academic, public and special libraries. School libraries will have an extended deadline of September 30, 2024 to complete the application. Rhode Island libraries are required to certify compliance with the Library of Rhode Island Standards and Regulations annually to gain or maintain membership within this resource sharing network. Two virtual training sessions (July 17 and August 19) have been scheduled to review the certification process, including changes in this year's survey. Library directors will be emailed the login credentials to the survey on July 15.

For more information, visit Library Of Rhode Island Certification

PLAS - Contributing to the Scope of Library Data, Locally and Nationally

The FY2025 RI Public Library Annual Survey (PLAS) will open July 15, 2024 and close September 15, 2024. Public libraries are required to submit the PLAS in order to qualify for state library grant-in-aid. Two virtual training sessions (July 18 and August 14) have been scheduled to review use of LibPAS (the data collection platform), introduce new questions, provide clarifications for reporting data, and review the grant-in-aid application process. Library directors will be emailed the login credentials for LibPAS on July 15. For more information, visit Public Library Annual Survey.

Libraries Fully Funded by the State for Third Year in a Row

The FY25 state budget (H 7225 Sub A), as passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor, includes full funding for State Aid to Libraries at 25% of local appropriations and expenditures and eligible endowment funds expended in FY2023 as described in RIGL 29-6-2(a). Learn more about town appropriations on our website.

Jamestown Celebrates Renovated Library

On Friday, June 21, Jamestown Philomenian Library celebrated its grand reopening of JPL following the renovation and expansion of the library. A reception for major donors to the capital campaign was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the general public. Board members and library staff provided guided tours, though individual exploration of the library's spaces was also encouraged. In additional to local leaders, library board members, and library staff, the reopening ceremony was attended by Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Gabe Amo. Following remarks from Senator Reed, Board President Eugene Mihaly, and Chief of Library Services Karen Mellor, attendees mingled, snacked on local goodies, and enjoyed some Del's.

Congratulations to Library Director Lisa Sheley and her staff. Be sure to stop in and visit this beautifully renovated and expanded library!

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New Teen Space

Jamestown Library internal view of space

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An Inside Look

Karen Mellor speaking at a podium during Jamestown reopening ceremony

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OLIS' Karen Mellor Gives Remarks

This project was partially funded by the State of Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services.

RI Libraries Reflect on Connected Learning

Rhode Island public libraries recently participated in Transforming Teen Services for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (TS4EDI), a three-year ILMS-funded project led by the Connected Learning Lab. TS4EDI explored the challenges library staff face and the support they need to design and sustain connected teen learning experiences.

Youth services staff from the Island Free Library, Pawtucket Public Library, Providence Public Library, and Rogers Free Library collaborated with TS4EDI researchers who have developed tailored reports for public library leadership and teen services staff, providing key findings, recommendations, and practical checklists for implementing connected learning. In anticipation of the reports' publication at the end of the month, a series of blog posts will feature reflections from youth services librarians on how their work aligns with TS4EDI findings. The first post, by Danielle Skeldon from East Providence Public Library, is now live.

For all the latest news and updates, visit the OLIS Website

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NLS Summer Reading Program 2024 Underway

Adventure begins at your library! You can still register for the NLS Summer Reading Program. Dive into a world of captivating books and exciting activities.

Visit our website for event information, or email nlspes@loc.gov.

The Many Faces of BARD, July 11
The Many Faces of BARD program on Thursday, July 11, will be an Open Forum. This is a patron favorite during which our Tech Support team will take as many questions as possible.

The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. This program will be recorded.