RBDB. Yesterday, the technical amendment S6511/A702 that moves the Regional Bibliographic Data Bases and Interlibrary Resources Sharing Program (RBDB) funds into our operating budget was signed by Governor Hochul. This will mean less red tape while we continue to fund electronic resources and grants (digitization and information technology)!

ARPA. We continue to develop our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant application, which is due later this month. Follow the link above for more information about the program. The site also contains a link to the upcoming digital inclusion webinars. The digital inclusion component supports libraries’ efforts to “reach residents through internet hotspots, accessible Wi-Fi, and digital content and related resources, particularly in support of education, health, and workforce development needs.”

The public library systems are honing in on their projects, and there is some funding for region-wide work, e.g. the intersection of digital justice and disability justice; training digital navigators to work with recent immigrants and refugees; working with prison reentry programs; developing digital literacy skills among older residents. If you would like to discuss or have ideas about how any of these potential opportunities might work in your community, please contact me.

The six school library systems have done an excellent job of tying the e-materials they will purchase with their designated funds to the Regent’s DEI initiative and framework. Books and materials are specifically listed as a way to address the need for inclusive and culturally responsive teaching and learning.

NYLA. The New York Library Association’s in-person conference has also been happening in Syracuse this week. It was odd to be together with more than a handful of people at the same time! It will be interesting to see the attendance figures.

The keynote speaker was journalist Robert Kolker, author of the New York Times bestseller, Hidden Valley Road, the story of a family with 12 children--half who have schizophrenia--and the important advancements in our understanding of mental illness that was brought about by the family’s willingness to undergo research. I look forward to reading the book. Future online book read? Stay tuned!

Located at the revitalized Stanley A. Milner Library, PÎYÊSÎW WÂSKÂHIKAN (Thunderbird House) is an inspiring dedicated Indigenous space that is built for ceremony and gatherings. PÎYÊSÎW WÂSKÂHIKAN works with local Elders and Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous organizations to offer programming that is welcoming to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, including language programming, cultural and land-based teachings, intergenerational programming, and a space for smudging and reflection.

The Professional Learning and Outreach Initiatives team at the Library of Congress, in collaboration with the Library’s Literary Initiatives Office and an advisory group of educators (members of the National Council on the Social Studies, the National Council for Teachers of English, and the National Indian Education Association), has just launched a guide to support teachers in the use of the “Living Nations, Living Words” project. The project encompasses an ArcGIS story map and an online poetry collection that includes the work of 47 contemporary Native poets.

News to share? Let us know through this Google Form

Congratulations to The History Center in Tompkins County for receiving $36,721 in American Rescue Plan for Libraries and Museum funding.

BIPOC Community Call: Wednesday, November 10, 12:00-1:00pm

Next Resource Sharing Call: Tuesday, November 9, 1:00pm  

Meeting ID: 109 469 034 | Call in: 1-646-876-9923 | Passcode: SCRLC

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

contact jphilippe@scrlc.org.

More info and registration (username & pw: scrlc)

View all council events on the ESLN Continuing Education Calendar

Archived Webinars from SCRLC

Available on our YouTube Channel

Navigating the New Normal: Emotionally Adjusting to Pandemic 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 library of technology and communication articles and videos. Login info. is at the top of the weekly newsletter, or email jphilippe@scrlc.org.

Throughout September, 1996 SCRLC members were attending...

Introduction to the Internet with SCRLC's Lesli LaRocco

"The Internet is being talked about everywhere: on television, in magazines, in newspapers. Television and radio commercials regularly give the URL (or Web location) of Internet sites. If you don't have an Internet connection, or if you haven't gotten comfortable using it yet, all of this publicity seems to imply that everyone is in on it--except for you.

Publicity about the internet seems to fall into two catagories: promises of a wealth of information at your fingertips, or dire warnings about the subversive or pornographic information so easily available to anyone of any age. Politicians are beginning to write laws to govern--or is it censor?--the Internet. Seldom, however, are you treated to an explanation of what the Internet is, how it works, and why you would want to have something to do with it."

Lesli LaRocco, Jean Currie, and Senator Seward

at the Finger Lakes Library System 1998.

NEW! Immigration in NY State, 1650-1950

We've finished the design and printing of the companion physical exhibit. These four panels are now available for SCRLC members to borrow for one month at a time. Please fill out this form if you would like to host this exhibit.

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.