A Message from the State Librarian |
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“Welcome to Your Library” was chosen by the American Library Association as the theme for this year’s National Library Week from April 4 to 10 to promote a concept that Arizona libraries have exemplified so effectively during the pandemic. Today’s library extends far beyond the walls of a building. Whether members of your community visit in person or online, you warmly welcome them to use your library’s resources and services to explore new worlds and to become their best selves.
The celebration of National Library Workers Day on April 6 is an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by all library workers. What a great time to express appreciation to colleagues who inspire us every day! We at the State Library congratulate you all on the dedication and creativity with which you have met the challenges of the past year. You inspire us, and we thank you for transforming lives and communities with your service to Arizonans!
Stay safe and well,
Holly Henley
State Librarian
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Mark your calendar for upcoming Learning Path, Wisdom Wednesdays, Grant Deadlines and Events.
APRIL
April 6-May 3
April 7, 11:00am-12:00pm
April 7, 12:00-1:00 pm
April 14,12:00-1:00pm
April 14, 1:00-2:00 pm
April 14, 12:00-1:00 pm
April 21, 9:00-10:00am
April 21, 12:00-1:00pm
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April 21, 1:00-2:00pm
April 28, 12:00-1:00pm
May
May 5, 12:00-1:00pm
May 12, 12:00-1:00pm
May 19, 12:00-1:00pm
May 20, 1:00-2:00pm
May 26, 12:00-1:00pm
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American Rescue Plan Act Includes Funds for Libraries and Museums
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums, and in the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), IMLS received $200 million in stimulus funds for libraries and museums. $178 million will go to the Grants to States program, with a $2 million minimum grant to each state, and $200,000 for territories. Arizona’s allotment is $3,617,020. IMLS will also offer grants to museums, libraries, and Native American and Native Hawaiian communities, so that they may continue to respond to the COVID-19 health emergency.
In anticipation of receiving the funding award and official spending principles in the next month, State Library staff are at work gathering and analyzing needs data to inform a plan for use of the funds to respond to the continuing coronavirus pandemic. Monies are to be used by September 30, 2022, and distribution will comply with Arizona’s Five-Year Library Services and Technology Act Plan, as did the recent CARES Act funding.
The ARPA stimulus package also includes $7 billion for the Emergency Connectivity Fund through the FCC's E-rate program, for which libraries are eligible.
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Thank you to everyone across the state who submitted their 2021 LSTA grant applications. The committees are very busy reviewing all of the requests. Now that the hard work of applying is done, I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage you to reflect on your experience and share your insights, so that we can make 2022 even better. As the state begins work on their Five Year Plan evaluation and prepares to develop a new Five Year Plan, this is exactly the right time to gather ideas for change. Some questions to get you started:
- What challenges related to grants do you face?
- If you didn’t apply for any grants, what held you back?
- Do you typically need your funds from the state to start your grant projects, or do you start with local funds and then reimburse yourself with grant funds?
- What types of mini-grant opportunities would you like to see? (Remember that mini-grants are fixed-amounts with a specific goal.)
- What is the right amount of funding for a mini-grant? (Currently they are $3,000 or $4,000 based on type.)
Please drop me a line at anykorchuk@azlibrary.gov, or we can have a call if you prefer. This is an open invitation; I keep a running list of program improvement ideas and believe that improvement is an ongoing process, not a one-time project.
Your feedback makes a difference!
Thank You - Stacy Nykorchuk
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Once a month the State of Arizona Research Library hosts
a local author, professor, or historian to present on a unique aspect of Arizona history.
The presentations are held virtually and are free to attend. Authors cover a wide range of topics, so you will always leave having learned something new about the state’s rich history.
We would appreciate any efforts you make to share this information with your library's patrons. You and your patrons are encouraged to visit the State of Arizona Research Library event calendar to register for the upcoming presentations and to stay updated on future events.
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Arizona Coalition for Military Families |
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Annual Symposium April 21-22 |
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Your library can play a key role in strengthening access to information, support and resources for service members, veterans and family members living in your community. This annual symposium offers general and breakout sessions; opportunities to network; and a virtual sponsor and exhibitor area.
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Library Practitioner Certification Changes
As of August 31, 2021, we will be transitioning from the Library Practitioner Certification offered through the Arizona State Library to the Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) offered through American Library Association and supported by Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Library Practitioner Certifications that have already been issued will be valid until the expiration date on the certificate. New Library Practitioner Certification applications and renewals will be accepted until August 31, 2021. After August 31, 2021, library staff wishing to earn certification will be asked to transition to the Library Support Staff Certification program.
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If you have any questions about this or Citizen Science in general, please contact Chris Guerra at cguerra@azlibrary.gov.
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Media Literacy in the Library |
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The American Library Association has created a suite of free resources to help libraries respond to the need for adult media literacy training. There is a downloadable Practitioner’s Guide that provides media literacy strategies for library staff. Beginning in 2021, there will be a series of webinars with even more information. All sessions are an hour long and start at 12:00 pm.
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Every Wednesday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, Library Development offers webinars on various topics, through PCI. Topics include management, children's programs, genealogy and more. Register today. Seats are limited.
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Ascending into an Open Future
Today’s higher education environment calls for continually innovative ways to advance student, faculty, and institution success.
If you are part of the academic and research library community; value sustainable, open scholarship and education; embrace equity, diversity and inclusion; and want to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills you need now—this event is for you. Read more.
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June 23-19, 2021
Join the library community online this summer at the 2021 Annual Conference & Exhibition. You’ll find education, authors, exhibitors, best practice information, networking, and more.
Registration is open now. Early bird ends April 16, 2021.
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AzLA Annual Conference 2021 |
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Theme: Moving the Boundaries of Librarianship: Leading from Arizona
When: October 27- 29, 2021
Where: Prescott Resort and Conference Center in Prescott
Libraries are not simply what is contained in a physical building, and the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the necessity to reimagine our library services in new and innovative ways. As we move into the future, libraries will continue to face ever-progressive challenges, and in order to tackle them, we will have to move the boundaries of librarianship to continue providing high-quality services to our communities.
Join us as we navigate these challenges and lead the movement of those boundaries from Arizona.
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Call for Proposals:
Session Types:
Full Session (60 minutes)
Blitz Sessions (30 minutes)
Micro Sessions (5-10 minutes)
All proposals must be submitted by April 30, 2021 at 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time. We do not plan to extend the submission deadline this year so please plan accordingly.
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