Cheery Friday Greetings,

Book Fines. At that library, we phoned people who continued to have outstanding fines. I felt caught between following policy and risking turning entire families into non-library users/supporters. I’m not sure if karma comes from breaking policy sometimes, or from enforcing it. Unlike many other libraries around the country and even in their own county, the library that I worked at in Missouri has not eliminated fines.

Indeed, many public libraries in our region—rural, urban, small, large--including Tompkins County Public Library--have gone fine-free, as well as very large libraries in the State, including New York Public Library (and Queens and Brooklyn). It is a matter of inclusion and equity—and perhaps even future library support. Will people who avoid the library because they can't pay a fine support a tax referendum? If those libraries can eliminate fines, every library can!

Book Challenges. Then there was the occasional book challenge. I was fortunate to resolve our challenges through listening and discussion, which isn’t always possible. The challenges surrounded explicit language and situations and were not race or identity-based. We were supported by a solid selection policy that was available if needed. Selection policies—Board approved whenever possible--are essential for all libraries. The American Library Association’s website contains information on developing or updating a selection policy--Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit for Public, School, & Academic Libraries.

In the last issue, we linked to the New York Library Association’s statement on intellectual freedom (The NYLA Position Statement on the Defense of Intellectual Freedom). The American Library Association issued a statement regarding this on Monday--The American Library Association opposes widespread efforts to censor books in U.S. schools and libraries. Their statement provides links to helpful information, as does their Fight Censorship page.

These are challenging times in so many ways. It is distressing that book and materials challenges are an increasing part of the challenges that libraries face, and especially for "materials that focus on LGBTQIA+ issues and books by Black authors or that document the Black experience or the experiences of other BIPOC individuals" (ALA). It is our responsibility to our communities and to our democracy to continue building and diversifying our collections. Thank you for standing strong in support of intellectual freedom and inclusive, diverse collections, and against the challenges to this.

If you need ideas for resources to help build diverse collections, see also SCRLC’s DEI LibGuide.

Eviction Resources for Libraries (from WebJunction)

Including a webinar from November 18, Understanding Eviction and How Libraries Can Help and an upcoming webinar on December 8, Libraries and Eviction: Continuing the Conversation.

News to share? Let us know through this Google Form

In September of 2021, the Resource Sharing Advisory Committee released a survey to the SCRLC community to help understand Interlibrary Loan/Resource Sharing platforms and systems that libraries are currently using. The survey also gleaned information regarding the effect of the pandemic on resource sharing, i.e., materials, and workflows, and how members have adapted. We encourage you to read the report, here.

Broome County Public Library makes big announcement at their 20th anniversary celebration | Binghamton Homepage

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

Next Resource Sharing Call: Tuesday, December 7, 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.

December 9, 10:00am - NOON

LOGIN & PW: scrlc

Organizing Your Desktop and Email to Start the Year. Methods, tips and techniques for sorting, grouping and decluttering.

View all council events on the ESLN Continuing Education Calendar

ESLN Webinar: Careers and Job Hunting Strategies Beyond the L in LIS with Michelle Naomi House, founder of INALJ.com (formerly I Need a Library Job)

All SCRLC archived webinars are available on our YouTube Channel

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.

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.