is a professional association of Librarians, Library Staff, Trustees, and library supporters whose purpose is to promote the profession of librarianship and to improve the visibility, accessibility, responsiveness and effectiveness of library and information
  

We are looking for your feedback!  Please take a few moments to complete the 2013 RILA Survey in order to help us grow and improve the organization. The survey is designed to gather information about your perceptions of RILA and to see how you rate our mission, activities, and member incentives. Tell us how we are doing by 11/15!

It has been a busy fall so far, and there's even more to come!

Thanks for reading, 

Andria Tieman & Brandi Kenyon

RILA Communications Committee Co-Chairs

Thank you to the event attendees, as well!

After many apprehensive years of waiting and wondering what the Federal government might decide to do about solving the "healthcare crisis" (as it was called), the Affordable Healthcare Act [ACA, or Obamacare] was passed in March 2010, thus increasing the importance of health literacy.  According to the National Library of Medicine's Health Literacy program, individuals need to be visually, computer, information and numerically/computationally literate, all while facing potentially complex and fearful healthcare decisions.  As Librarians, we have a professional responsibility to provide quality information and services to our patrons, patrons who have as many diverse abilities and limitations as healthcare issues. 

 

WebJunction has provided grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services [IMLS] to help ensure that Libraries are prepared to assist the public with their healthcare informational needs.  ALA has created a brief online resource guide designed to assist Librarians.  For years, patrons have relied on Librarians to provide them with quality, accurate health information from reference books, specific subject books, periodicals and increasingly from Internet sources; however, now that role will also include providing direction and instruction to accessing state healthcare exchanges that provide information and enrollment opportunities for healthcare benefits.

 

This challenge of Librarians helping find health information sources for the public is not unlike many other subject specific informational challenges we have faced in the past, especially in difficult economic times.  Whether it is the increase in patrons seeking online job assistance resources (unemployment applications, job searches, resume building), learning how to use their digital devices for downloading books from e-zone, creating a Facebook or email account, or simply using the computer for any myriad number of tasks, the impasse lies with the level of technology expertise and access that is required to search out what is needed.  Prior to this October, Librarians were apprehensive as to the potential influx of patrons coming into libraries to access HealthSourceRI, the Healthcare exchange for RI and the impact on staffing and computer availability.  As of this writing, there were only 2,000+ enrollments (in Rhode Island) in the insurance program; however, even if this ACA healthcare insurance initiative is sluggish to start, there will always be patrons relying on Libraries and Librarians for their healthcare informational needs. 

           

After attending OLIS' Consumer Health seminar in September, we immediately strategized as to how to educate our public library patrons about online healthcare resources.  Our "basic" computer class was redesigned and marketed to educate users in basic computer operation and Internet searching using healthcare websites (as we had done with Groundbreaking Reads topics this summer).  A webliography was created and followed listing links to Consumer Health Complete through AskRI, Medline Plus, NIH Senior Health, the RI Department of Health and HealthsourceRI.  In addition, a "bookmark" was designed with a basic overview of HealthSourceRI, including contact information via phone and Internet/Facebook. 

 

We were/ are ready. 

 

The Office of Library and Information Services offers two tools to help library staff keep up-to-date with information that can help them assist library users with signing up for health insurance as well as with other healthcare needs. The Affordable Care Act (ACA): Resources page contains links to the world of Affordable Care Act webpages, as well as to sites that offer information specific to library staff's needs in this area. Library staff can also participate in the online community of interest ACA-rilibs@googlegroups.com . If you are interested in the later, send an email to Donna DiMichele donna.dimichele@olis.ri.gov and you will get an invitation to join.

  

Chobot, Mary C.  2000.  "The Challenge of Providing Consumer Health Information Services in Public Libraries."  American Association for the Advancement of Science.               http://ehrweb.aaas.org/PDF/ChallengePubLibraries.pdf accessed 2013.10.17

 

CONSUMER HEALTH INFORMATION BEHAVIOR IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

http://diginole.lib.fsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6806&context=etd

 

Technology Coordinator, Warwick Public Library

October 1st marked the official opening of the Idea Studio at the Warwick Public Library.  The Idea Studio aims to be a creative hub for the community of Warwick; a place where library patrons and community members can meet, learn, collaborate and create through library instruction and programming.

 

The Idea Studio fits in with the larger trend of "Makerspaces" that have become popular in many libraries across the county.  While the term makerspace can encompass many different ideas, a common goal has often emerged: engage the community in ways that they may not expect from their library. 

 

The process of planning the Idea Studio was long, taking over a year, and included help and feedback from all of our librarians.  Originally, we planned to create a high-tech meeting room that local businesses could reserve, equipped with laptops, a smartboard and projector, and video conferencing equipment.  But as we learned more about makerspaces through library conferences and webinars, as well as getting some general feedback from our community, we felt that creating a makerspace would be a better use of our space.

 

As our idea took shape, the logistics of the project became clear.   First, we needed funding.  We decided to apply for a Champlain grant and use those funds to renovate the cafe that once lived in the lobby of our building.  This renovation included flooring, painting, lighting, shades, and furniture.  It took several months to complete, and we used a variety of contractors and designers.

 

As this work was being completed, the librarians met periodically to discuss what types of equipment and programming we would like to provide to our community.  Some decisions were easy; we already had a successful computer training program that could relocate there, as well as several writing and discussion groups that meet monthly.  All of these programs fit perfectly with the goals of the Idea Studio.

 

We also purchased some high-tech equipment, including a 3d printer, iMac computers with image and video editing software, and digital conversion equipment to convert old analog items to digital media.  The goal for this equipment is two fold: first, to give the Warwick community access to technology that they may not have otherwise, and second, to encourage our patrons to learn the equipment and create their own projects and ideas.

 

All of the departments of the library have made use of the Idea Studio so far.  For the children's department, it has proven to be a great place for arts and crafts programs.  For teens, we have set up drawing and art classes lead by community members and learned to build video game emulators from using a Raspberry Pi (mini-computer).  For adults, we offer a wide variety of programs, from crafting wreaths made from old books to digitizing old home movies.  All of the programs offer patrons an exciting way to interact with the library and the members of their community, and to create something fun in the process.

 

The lab is also open to the public for general use.  People come in to use our equipment and ask questions, but as the programming and participation grow, we hope people will continue to come to the Idea Studio to work on projects they have started and to collaborate with community members they have met.

 

After a month, the feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.  They are excited to have access to the equipment, and they are also excited to see the programming we do highlighted in a new and exiting way.  We hope to continue to grow and provide our community with a new way to meet, collaborate and create.

 

Children's Librarian, William Hall Library

Libraries across the state are having fun supporting OCLC's national "Geek the Library" campaign that kicked off in Rhode Island back in September.

 

The "Geek the Library" campaign aims to raise awareness and change perceptions about public libraries by asking the question, "what do you Geek?" and promoting the fact that whatever the answer is, it can be supported by your local library. 39 Rhode Island libraries reached out to their communities to start the conversation.  OCLC & the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation provided free materials including posters, stickers and t-shirts to libraries that participated as well as access to an online campaign management center with templates and tips, and ongoing field support for the length of their campaign.

 

"When we saw the news about "Geek the Library," we knew that it would be an asset in promoting our small, rural library," says Rachael Juskuv from North Scituate Public Library. "We decided to campaign at our yearly booksale at the Scituate Art Festival, where we attract residents of Scituate and beyond. Using the "Geek the Library" campaign material really helped us to promote with a great slogan and professional materials that stress the importance of local libraries. Conversations ensued about what our patrons "geek" and what we "geek," too."

 

Cranston Public Library made their own posters featuring employees and invited the public to participate make posters stating what they geek. Examples included geeking gadgets, running, improv, ghosts and kermit the frog. At Cranston's Oak Lawn branch there was a large display with SWAG bags for patrons and a trivia contest called "Geek of the Week." Anyone who participated won a Dave & Buster's discount card for a correct trivia answer. Then, each person's name went into a weekly drawing for a "Geek" t-shirt.

 

East Providence Public Library designated the week of October 14-October 19 as "Geek Week" and made personalized t-shirts for staff to show-off their passions. Then, they set up a Geek Board in the library to find out what the community geeks.

 

"We also made Geek posters and displayed them in a slideshow on our large TV screen and on many of the computers as screen savers," says Meredith Bonds-Harmon, Neighborhood and Community Services Librarian in East Providence. "It's been fantastic hearing conversations between staff and patrons about what Geek means and why we are promoting this campaign."

The Geeks of East Providence

 

Barrington Public Library kicked off their campaign on September 15 at the Fiddle n'Folk Fest held at Haines Memorial Park.

Brian Dennehy is a total Geek

 

"What impressed me was how people instantly loved it," says Jessica D'Avanza, Community Services Librarian in Barrington. "We passed out the Geek stickers, bookmarks and bumper stickers along with flyers for upcoming library programs."

 

Barrington  also created a Geek Board using butcher paper and hung it from the ceiling.

 

"It's located across from our circulation desk," D'Avanza said. "As people write what they geek on the board and we need more space, we just roll it down. At the end of the campaign we plan on rolling out the entire length of the Geek Board and inviting the Barrington Times over to do a story."

Barrington's Geek Board

Bryant University's Geek Board

One academic library is on board with the Geek campaign, too.  The Douglas & Judith Krupp Library at Bryant University adapted the campaign for their campus community and rolled it out at the start of the fall semester.  Through a photo campaign, digital signage ads, button making (a big hit!), and displays, Geek has engaged students, staff, and faculty in fun ways and promoted conversations with key stakeholders about library services, support, resources, and funding.  

How to Read a Graphic Novel

by Aaron Coutu
Asst Director/Tech Coordinator Cumberland Public Library

Young Adult Librarian, Tiverton Public Library

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced National Leadership Grant awards to the University of Rhode Island, Providence Public Library, and Providence Community Library. 

The projects were selected from more than 285 applications. National Leadership Grants for Libraries support projects that improve professional practice beyond the grantee institution.

"Libraries of all types are anchors for their communities. Whether an academic library serving a university, a Native American library serving a reservation, or a local library serving residents, communities rely on these trusted institutions for information they want and need," said IMLS Director Susan Hildreth. "With these federal investments, libraries will be able to address challenges that face the library field, boost their professional workforce with training and education, and better meet the needs of their communities with improved programs and services."

IMLS provided the following information about the RI projects.

 

University of Rhode Island - Kingston, RI

Award Amount: $50,000

Contact: Renee Hobbs

(401)874-2110;

The University of Rhode Island will use its grant to create a plan for a national conference and a yearlong community outreach program that will highlight the best strategies for using children's film and digital media to increase literacy. The program will bring together the Providence Children's Film Festival, the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services, the American Center for Children and Media, and the Children's Media Association. This diverse audience will address current needs such as filling in the knowledge gaps of children's librarians and fostering collaboration between librarians and media professionals and between schools and libraries. The program will also be an experiential learning opportunity for those library and information sciences graduate students that will help their professional development of leadership and communication skills.

 

Providence Public Library - Providence, RI

Award Amount: $498,172

Contact: Karisa Tashjian

(401)455-8185

To address the needs of the underserved population of Providence, Providence Public Library will use its grant to create "Adult Lifelong Learning Access (ALLACCESS)," which will spur stakeholders across the state of Rhode Island to implement models for increasing access to digital literacy, adult education, and workforce services at two of the state's leading public libraries. The two libraries and their statewide partners will demonstrate methods for integrating library, adult education, and workforce services to support adults with low education attainment; low English literacy, disabilities, or low digital literacy. This will clearly establish the important role of community libraries in serving these four key populations whose needs cannot be met by the current workforce. The grant project will be accomplished through a partnership that includes Cranston Public Library, the Office of Library and Information Services, TechAccess of RI, institutions participating in the RI Family Literacy Initiative, as well as the Providence Public Library.

 

Providence Community Library - Providence, RI

Award Amount: $250,000

Contact: Amy Greer

(401)523-3482

Providence Community Library will partner with Ready to Learn Providence on "Ready for K!," a school readiness program designed to reduce the achievement gap for children who are entering kindergarten and have not participated in formal early learning programs. Major project components include professional development for children's librarians and family literacy programming, including the creation of literacy kits with books and activities. The project will help ensure that students enter kindergarten ready to learn and will demonstrate the library's important role as a partner in meeting this essential community need.

 

A complete list of the library recipients nationwide is available on the IMLS website.

COLA, OLIS, & RILA Event Announcement

 

The Essential Library: Community Leadership Strategies

 

Monday, November 18, 2013 

Speaker: John Chrastka, Partner, AssociaDirect, Chicago, IL

 

The Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA), the RI Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), and RILA are teaming up to present 

Bring your own questions and insights to the short breakout session, and expect a wealth of ideas and information you can adapt and use.

 

 Intended Audiences:

• Library directors and staff,
• Library trustees and board members,
• Friends and other library supporters. 

Register on the OLIS website. Registration is limited to 75 participants.

 

    

EveryLibrary Meet and Greet 

Complimentary Beverage Meet and Greet at Trinity Brewhouse

Come and meet EveryLibrary's executive director John Chrastka, to talk political action and libraries. Join hosts Ed Garcia, director of the Cranston Public Library and Michele Cobb, president of the Audio Publishers Association, as we host an informal Meet-Up Monday. This event follows John's OLIS advocacy day at the Barrington Public Library. All are welcome. Please RSVP on the Facebook Page to reserve your drink ticket. If you are not on Facebook please RSVP by email to edgarcia@cranstonlibrary.org. 

 

Trinity Brewhouse is located at 186 Fountain St. in Providence.

Monday, November 18, 2013 at 7:00pm  

 

For more information about EveryLibrary please visit www.everylibrary.org 

 

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. Join fellow alumni, friends, students, faculty, and staff for a celebratory evening featuring a reception and dinner, awards presentation, Beta Phi Mu induction ceremony, and special guest speaker, Dr. David Weinberger, Senior Researcher at the Berkman Center and Co-Director, Harvard Library Lab, Harvard University. 

 

Tickets are $75 (Tax deductible $25) for this semi-formal event, and all proceeds benefit the GSLIS Student Scholarship fund. Hotel accommodations are available at a rate of $109.00 per night by calling the Crowne Plaza and mentioning the 50th anniversary event.  

 

For more information and to register online: http://gslis-uri-50th.com/  

For questions regarding this event, please contact Stefani Metko:  

401-874-2878 or stefaniemetko@uri.edu.  

 

Beta Phi Mu

Please join the Beta Iota Chapter of Beta Phi Mu in congratulating the
2012-2013 Graduate School of Library and Information Studies graduates who were nominated by GSLIS faculty to join Beta Phi Mu, the international LIS honor society:

Eric Todd Stern, Alan N. Witt, Lucinda Cherry Scott Kellermeier, Angela K.Walker, Stefanie R. Metko, Wendy K. Thatcher, Kimberlee Dewall, Caitlin A. Ahearn, Dominic J. Laflamme, Nicolas Ferreira, Katherine L. Boden, Kathryn Jane Powers, Sarah Naomi Campbell, Anthony A. Loffredio, and Jared Cowing

Since 1948, Beta Phi Mu has been the international library and information studies honor society.  After graduation, the GSLIS faculty votes on which academic leaders from each class with at least a 3.75 GPA are invited to join Beta Phi Mu and Beta Iota Chapter. Congratulations to our new BPM nominees!  

 

 

 

 

 More photos are on the library's facebook page.  

 

Providence College

Norman Desmarais, professor emeritus and former acquisitions librarian at Providence College has had The Guide to the American Revolutionary War in the Deep South and on the Frontier  published by BUSCA, Inc. This is the sixth and final volume in The Guide to the American Revolutionary War series which covers more than 4,000 engagements. (The most extensive published list of engagements totals 1,330.) Vol. 1 covered Canada and New England, vol. 2 New York, vol. 3 New Jersey, vol. 4 Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina and vol. 5 South Carolina.

 

Librarians Have Fun! 

Team "She Blinded Me With Library Science" represented the local library community at the Grog & Dog Jog event over Columbus Day weekend.  According to local brewer, Narragansett Beer, the relay race features "well intentioned and oddly costumed runners [taking] to the roads in an effort to be the first team to run 5 miles, consume 4 Narragansetts and 4 Saugy Hot Dogs."  Wow!  It's all for a good cause though, as the event raises money for the RI Community Food Bank.

 

(L-R) Andria Tieman, Brandi Kenyon, Laura Kohl, & Mackenzie Dunn