A Note From the Executive Director
In the aftermath of the recent hurricanes that impacted Southeastern United States, public libraries once again proved their crucial role as community pillars during times of disaster. From providing shelter to offering essential resources, libraries stepped in as lifelines when communities needed them the most.
This article on MSN highlights how public libraries have increasingly become hubs for disaster response, offering free access to Wi-Fi, charging stations, and reliable information when power outages and communication breakdowns occur. In North Carolina and Florida, libraries opened their doors, allowing displaced residents to stay connected with loved ones and access critical updates from emergency services.
An I Love Libraries article further illustrates how libraries responded by transforming into recovery centers, distributing supplies like bottled water, food, and first aid kits. In both states, library staff were trained in disaster response, ensuring that their facilities could serve as safe havens for those in need. By working with local agencies and community organizations, libraries helped streamline relief efforts and fostered a sense of community resilience.
These recent hurricanes underscore how libraries are evolving from traditional roles into vital centers of support, providing much-needed relief and a sense of stability during times of uncertainty.
As we continue to navigate an ever-changing world, remember that your work has the power to transform lives, offering hope and safety when it's needed most. Ragan |
| |
|
|
All are welcome to the NEO-RLS Open House!
Join us for the . Attendees will gain insights into NEO-RLS's financial progress, explore our range of services, and receive a special State Library update from Evan Struble, Associate State Librarian. The event will celebrate the contributions of those who supported NEO-RLS over the past year and honor the recipients of the 2024 Rising Star, Shooting Star, and Super Star Awards. Attendees will also have the chance to engage with members of the Board of Trustees, Board Committees, Advisory Groups, and Network Groups to learn more about participating in these exciting opportunities. We look forward to celebrating with you and sharing what's next for NEO-RLS!
|
|
|
| Survey on Quality of Life @ Libraries
The team at STAR Net is investigating how the concept of Quality of Life presents itself at public libraries, both in interactions with patrons, and in the everyday work of library staff. Please consider completing this short survey, which will be used to identify training resources for public library staff, as well as next steps for a research agenda. This survey is part of a larger research project surrounding how libraries can impact Quality of Life in their communities, and how libraries can be supported in this work. Please answer the consent question [within the survey link below] to continue. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. This survey will be utilized by the STAR Library Education Network (STAR Net) project team along with other qualitative data to create and suggest future training and personal development opportunities for public libraries. The results of this survey may also be included in publications that will be accessible on the STAR Net website. All responses are voluntary and anonymous. Please answer the consent question [first question within this Survey Monkey link] to begin the survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V9RKD5Z
The STAR Library Network (STAR Net) is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the country. STAR Net focuses on helping library professionals build their STEM skills by providing “science-technology activities and resources” (STAR) and training to use those resources.
STAR Net is built upon a strong network of collaborators and partners, led by the Space Science Institute’s (SSI) National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL). Over the past decade, it has been a leader in supporting libraries in developing effective STEAM programs, through both NSF and NASA-funded projects such as NASA@ My Library and STEAM Equity.
|
|
|
| Upcoming E-Rate Deadlines and Training Reminders We have a few E-Rate reminders today, courtesy of Lorrie Germann State E-rate Coordinator: - October 28, 2024 – FY2023 BEAR (Form 472) deadline for recurring services (received July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)
- For a step-by-step guide on filing the BEAR form, go to https://www.ohio-k12.help/e-rate-support/resource-library/. The guide is under the “E-Rate Resources” section of the page.
-
If you need additional time to file the BEAR, you may request and automatically receive a single 120-day extension of the invoicing deadline to submit invoices to USAC. The request for an invoice extension must be submitted on or before October 28, 2024, for the request to be timely filed. A step-by-step guide to request an extension is also available under the “E-Rate Resources” section at the URL listed above.
-
October 29, 2024 – First FY2024 Form 486 deadline for funding letters issued on/before July 1st, 2024
- The Form 486 deadline is 120 days from the FCDL date or the service start date (typically July 1st), whichever is later.
Also, there is still time to register for the Fall FY2025 E-rate for Experienced Filers Workshop this Thursday. Experienced filers and other E-rate veterans can learn more about the recent changes to E-rate and how your library can benefit. In this workshop Lorrie Germann will cover the new rules for hotspots in the E-rate program to make sure you are fully oriented and understand the opportunities available to you for funding. Lorrie will also review opportunities for Category 2 in the final year of the 5-year budget cycle and field questions about the cybersecurity pilot for those who are interested. The workshop will be online. This public library-specific session is scheduled for Thursday, October 24.
Register now for the Fall FY2025 E-rate for Experienced Filers Workshop at
https://events.library.ohio.gov/event/13150927 Additional training sessions will explore Category 1 and Category 2 services separately and in-depth:
Fall FY2025 Form 470 Training for Category 1 Services Workshop on October 29
Fall FY2025 Form 470 Training for Category 2 Services Workshop on October 31
Questions? Feel free to email me at christine@oplin.ohio.gov. |
|
|
Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here to create your own account. |
|
|
|