At last week’s article discussion, we examined the topic of critical race theory through an item that had appeared in Education Week called, Critical Race Theory and Why is It Under Attack?

And yet, according to Education Week, “as of August 12, 26 states have introduced bills or taken other steps that would restrict teaching critical race theory or limit how teachers can discuss racism and sexism….” Here is their map indicating where, what, and how. Although legislation has not been introduced in New York State, various school districts are having to address CRT. One candidate running for the school board in my community ran on an anti-CRT platform. He was re-elected. Two candidates supporting the NYS Board of Regents Framework on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in New York’s Schools: A Call to Action and antiracism were also elected.

In schools and public libraries, the current environment can lead to challenges for books centered on any aspect of diversity, equity, or inclusion. When I worked in Illinois, we encouraged our school and public library members to have Board-approved selection and reconsideration policies. Hopefully libraries here have those elements in place; if not, it is a good time to develop or update the existing one(s). The American Library Association toolkit can help. For a timely piece, listen to/read the NPR piece on Censorship Scholar On Book Bans And Critical Race Theory.

Museums & Libraries as Trusted Community Partners

*Vaccine Confidence Resources*

Congratulations to the Corning Museum of Glass, one of fifty three New York State museums and cultural institutions which received federal COVID-19 relief through the Shuttered Venue Operating Grants (SVOG) program of the Small Business Administration, totaling just over $115 million. CMOG has received $5,549,553. Click here to read more.

At our most recent Board and Committee Retreat, participants identified their favorite parks in the region. If you would like to add yours, you can let us know here. On a related note, you can find your city or town's Tree Equity Score.

BIPOC Community Call: Wednesday, September 8, 12:00-1:00pm

Next Resource Sharing Call: Tuesday, September 14, 1:00pm  

https://zoom.us/j/109469034 | Meeting ID: 109 469 034

Next SCHOAM (special collections, historical organizations, archives & museums) Call: 

https://zoom.us/j/715709544 | Meeting ID: 715 709 544

TBD

Thursday, October 14th, 12:00pm-1:00pm

If you would be interested in starting a special interest or affinity group through SCRLC, contact jphilippe@scrlc.org.

Let us know if your library is open or closed in on this Google Sheet and check the status of other organizations.

Join Barbara Lilley, Library Development Specialist at the Division of Library Development, for an overview of the NYS Coordinated Collection Development Aid program. Barbara will review how libraries should complete and submit the CCDA print and online forms, review when a library needs to submit a waiver, and share tips for libraries to track their CCDA funds once it is received on their campus. Register!

As part of the new Ask the HR Expert service, there is a series of webinars - all from 2:00pm - 3:30pm. Topics and dates are:

Presenters Kristen Wilson from IndexData and Pam Jones from ConnectNY will take you for a tour of ReShare returnables as it stands today, and share perspectives from the current migration efforts. They’ll talk about the current state of the community and the roadmap for the coming months and years. ConnectNY, a consortium of NY State academic libraries, is one of the first consortia to implement ReShare. Hear why ConnectNY decided to take this bold move and learn how to get involved! Register!

View all council events on the ESLN Continuing Education Calendar

CDLC (Capital District Council)

CLRC (Central Council)

LILRC (Long Island Council)

METRO (NYC Council)

NNYLN (Northern Library Network)

RRLC (Rochester Council)

SENYLRC (Southeastern Regional Council)

WNYLRC (Western Council)

October 26-28, 2021

Program | Registration

SAVE THE DATE! #NYLA2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show

Virtual: Thursday, October 28th - Friday, October 29th

In-Person: Wednesday, November 3rd - Saturday, November 6th

Learn More Here!

The recordings, slide decks, and any supplementary materials are now available to all. You can view them on the conference program page. You'll need to use the password literacy2021 to access the page.

Available on our YouTube Channel

Re-entry with Michelle Courtney Berry

Send a request to jphilippe@scrlc.org for access to online classes in design, business, technology, photography, entrepreneurship, film and writing through Skillshare.

In addition to the weekly Tech-Talk newsletter, SCRLC members have access to the Tech-Talk Database, which offers an up-to-date, searchable library of technology and communication articles and videos. Look for the login information at the top of your weekly Tech-Talk newsletter or email jphilippe@scrlc.org.

A free instructional design training program available through WebJunction to enable library workers to transfer their in-person teaching skills to the online environment. 7 modules include: Orientation, Foundation, Diversity, Community, Content Creation, Course Management, & Capstone.

Whether you are actively looking for a job or just want to be prepared in uncertain times, SCRLC is offering confidential and objective resume and cover letter review, as well as interview coaching. Let us know what would help you feel prepared. Fill in the form and we will be in touch.