A Note from the Programs & Services Associate
At NEO-RLS, we believe some of the most valuable services we offer are the many opportunities for members to connect with their peers across the region, at Active Learning Community meetings, on the message boards, and at in-person events. Through these connection points, our members can gain creative, locally relevant answers to common questions, share ideas for programs, services, and resources that work well for libraries similar to their own, and learn to navigate common challenges together. Most importantly, especially at our in-person learning events, library professionals can deepen social connections with their peers, in their own departments, and across the region.
Much research has come out in the last several years on just how important these connections are. A great conversation feels good to be a part of in the moment, and has real, positive impacts in the long term as well. The CDC reports that social connections lead to a longer life, better health, and greater well-being overall. Individuals who feel connected to their community demonstrate lower levels of stress and increased resilience. In these fast-paced times when change is a given and flexibility is key, it is important to remember, we don’t have to find all the answers by ourselves. We aren’t in this alone.
Connection is exactly what we had in mind when planning Facing Challenges, Embracing Change: A Day for Collection Management and Technical Services. We hope you will join us on Thursday, June 4, 2026, for an opportunity to meet with peers in departments like yours, reflect on the challenges of the past year, collaborate on innovative, locally informed solutions and leave practical strategies for managing workflows and responding to change.
See below for the agenda and a link to register. - AI Generated Content in the Library, Keynote Presentation
- Material Selection Budget Balancing, Facilitated Discussion
- Facing Vendor Change Challenges and Finding Opportunities, Panel Discussion and Q&A
- Creating and Adapting Training Resources and Procedure Manuals, Facilitated Round Table Discussion
Register Here: Facing Challenges, Embracing Change: A Day for Collection Management and Technical Services See you there! Hillary |
|
| |
|
| Deadline for the Salary Survey has been extended to May 8th! If your library has not submitted data for our Salary Survey, there is still time. We have extended the deadline for submission to Friday, May 8th. It is free to participate, and libraries that submit data will receive a discount when purchasing the final report.
If you would like to participate, please contact for a submission link.
More details about the salary survey can be found on our . |
|
|
|
| Register Now for Conservation and Preservation Grant Workshop, May 19
The State Library of Ohio, in partnership with the Ohio Preservation Council (OPC), is pleased to announce the availability of LSTA funds of up to $4,999 for libraries to conserve a single item or preserve a small, discrete group of items within their collections. The item(s) selected for conservation/preservation should be unique, valuable (culturally or monetarily), and as a cultural artifact speak to the mission and values of the applying institution. Additionally, as a cultural artifact or collection it should reflect some element of the historic and artistic record of Ohio. This is in accordance with goals outlined in The State Library of Ohio’s Five Year LSTA Plan. All analog formats, including book and paper, object, and artwork are appropriate.
Under this special program, prospective applicants must attend the workshop on May 19th, 2026 workshop, or submit the opt-out form indicating they attended the May 2025 workshop by May 19th, in order to submit a grant application. This workshop will prepare applying institutions for submitting a successful application. By attending the workshop, prospective applicants will gain knowledge of the criteria for selecting materials for conservation/preservation, basic evaluation considerations, finding a conservator, working with conservators, contracts and insurance, and treatment documentation.
Workshop Location: The State Library of Ohio, 274 E 1st Ave, Columbus, OH 43214 Date: May 19, 2026 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Learn more and register here. |
|
|
|
| Deadline EXTENDED for ALAO Annual Conference Proposals It’s not too late! Come share your ideas, programs, work at the 52nd ALAO Annual Conference. In-Person Conference Location (Thursday and Friday, Oct 29th-30th, 2026): OCLC Convention Center, Dublin, OH Submission Deadline has been extended to May 15, 2026. Adherence to the conference theme, Preserving the past, Empowering the future: Ohio Academic Libraries, is encouraged but not required.
Submit Proposals Here
Please note also that grants are available for Students and Library Support Staff to attend or aid in presenting at the conference.
|
|
|
|
| Centerburg Public Library Hosts Tiny Sculpture Show Recently, Centerburg Public Library hosted a Tiny Sculpture show featuring creations from staff and patrons. Participants were given air dry clay and allowed to let their creativity soar! Sculptures were on display in the library for others to view.
Email our Marketing & Engagement Coordinator Jill at jill.grunenwald@neo-rls.org if you have a story from your library you want to share. |
|
| |
Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here to create your own account. |
|
|
|
|
