Director Briefing - August 25, 2025

Call to Action: Tell Congress to Support Library Funding

This is for all Directors, Trustees, and Staff: Please take a few minutes to advocate for federal library funding this week. Many other Systems in New York are participating. You can use the text on the website below or draft your own messages.

• Visit https://owwl.org/tellcongress/ and use the form to contact your Congressional and Senate representatives.
• The more voices they hear from our communities, the stronger the message that libraries matter.
• Consider signing up to be a NYLA Advocate (https://www.nyla.org/advocacy) to help with other advocacy needs.

Minimum Standards Compliance Policy - Action Required

Last year, we began the process of confirming compliance with New York State Minimum Standards to fulfill the System's requirement to file assurances with the State. This year, we're simplifying the process a bit.

• Action Item: At your September or October board meeting, please add a motion or resolution confirming your library is in compliance with Minimum Standards.
• After the meeting, send me the link to your board minutes once posted online (within two weeks of the meeting per OML). This satisfies the System’s Assurance requirement.
• Deadline: October 31, 2025, keep in mind, like last year, any hold-ups will delay funding for all libraries.

Resources:

• Policy: Minimum Standards Compliance Policy
• Background from previous updates:
  • Director Briefing from September 3, 2024
  • Director Briefing from September 16, 2024
  • Director Briefing from August 7, 2023

Sample Motion:

Construction Needs 2026–2031

We are completing the 5-year construction needs cycle. NYS requires us to collect updated information.

• Please submit your 2026–2031 construction needs estimate using this form: https://forms.gle/SCj6ymHrMvk67bR97
• Deadline: October 31, 2025
• Guidance: https://nyslibrary.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=81032143

Libraries that provide facility plans or other documentation may receive priority consideration in future funding cycles. So far, only six libraries have submitted. Thank you, Bloomfield, Castile, Geneva, Honeoye, Red Jacket, and Attica.

System Databases Survey Report

Thank you to the 34 libraries that completed the System Databases Survey earlier this month.

Key findings from the report:

• Kanopy is the highest valued resource, with 85% positive ratings and 44% of libraries willing to fund it independently.
• Consumer Reports continues to show strong utility (82% positive ratings), though some staff remain unfamiliar with it.
• Mango Languages has moderate appreciation (80% positive ratings), though willingness to fund independently is lower.
• ASL Inside has potential, but 21% of respondents were unfamiliar with it — stronger promotion is needed.

Promotion patterns show that most libraries promote databases only occasionally. Increased awareness and staff training will directly improve usage and value.

Funding implications:

• System-wide support remains essential, especially for smaller libraries.
• With stronger promotion, all four databases will continue under System funding for one additional contract year, followed by reevaluation.

Action Steps for Libraries:

• Enhance promotion, especially ASL Inside
• Provide staff refreshers and training
• Integrate mentions of databases into patron interactions
• Highlight free library options when patrons mention commercial services

Action Steps for the System:

• Secure promotional ideas for libraries to implement
• Continue funding current databases as long as libraries continue promotion
• Conduct a follow-up analysis in 2026

The full report is attached: System Databases Survey Report – August 22, 2025

Mediated Computer Purchasing

Bob let us know last week that there is an updated form for Mediated Computer Purchasing. There is an $11 increase for laptops and a $93 increase for All-In-Ones.

For the direct link to the form, click here: https://docs.owwl.org/pub/Members/MediatedComputerPurchasing/PC_Order_Form.pdf

For more information on Mediated Computer Purchasing, click here: https://docs.owwl.org/Members/MediatedComputerPurchasing

Make sure the "updated" date in the lower right corner is 8/18/2025. Open a support ticket with any questions.

Reach Out, Read On: Alternative Delivery Grant | Accepting Applications Until September 1, 2025

This one-time seed or pilot grant is intended to help libraries test or expand new ways of getting library materials directly to patrons. Projects must serve at least one of New York State’s nine targeted outreach populations. Funds may be used for things like postage, mileage reimbursement, promotional materials, or limited temporary staffing.

Thank you for helping us pilot this service and for continuing to find meaningful ways to reach your communities. We’re looking forward to seeing the local solutions you develop next.

Let us know if you would like to talk through ideas before applying.

Apply here by September 1, 2025.

Survey from the NYS eBook Working Group

The NYS eBook Working Group has sent along a draft Consensus Brief document and a survey collecting feedback on the draft Brief. The survey will close on October 6, 2025.

• View the Consensus Brief here: New York State eContent Consensus Brief - August DRAFT.pdf
• Take the online survey here to provide your feedback on the Consensus Brief

From the Working Group:

We invite your thoughtful feedback to help shape a unified path forward for all New York State Public Libraries. Together, we are powerful—and your insights are crucial.

The survey will remain open until October 6, 2025. Afterward, the New York State eBook Working Group will review all responses and develop actionable items for us to review during our PULISDO meeting at NYLA (November 5, 2025)

In the coming weeks, you will receive a data collection survey that was requested during our recent dialogue session. This survey will support a statistical analysis of public libraries across New York State, focusing on eBook licenses, associated costs, and usage patterns.

Thank you for your continued collaboration and leadership.

Phishing Notice

Kelsy let us know about a new phishing email targeting directors. If you receive an email like the one below, please mark it as spam.

If you have any doubts about whether an email is legitimate or spam, forward it to support@owwl.org.

OWWL Library System Board Meeting Summary – August 14, 2025

The OWWL Library System Board met on August 14, 2025, with the following key actions:

New Trustee Appointment: Rachel Lee (Wayne County) was appointed and sworn in to fill an unexpired term concluding December 31, 2025.

Policy Updates:

• Minimum Standards Compliance Policy.
• Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Group Policy.
• Email Support and Use Policy.
• E-Rate Participation and Compliance Policy.
• System and Member Library Relationship Policy.
• Dissolved the Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Committee Bylaws, replaced by the new policy.

Construction Aid:

• Approved FY 2026 Construction Aid Awards to libraries.
• Approved Closing Construction Aid Assurances for the System.

Personnel and Travel:

• Approved Executive Director’s overnight travel request to PULISDO Conference.
• Approved Personnel Change Report.

For the full minutes, go here - Board Minutes - August 14, 2024

HBR: Tip of the Day

Communicate Like an Executive

As you step into senior leadership, your communication style must evolve. What used to feel like transparency—casual updates, unfiltered thoughts, or constant idea sharing—can now create confusion, anxiety, or misalignment. At this level, your words carry greater weight, and your silence does too.

Recognize that less is often more. Offhand comments can shift strategy or spark panic. Be deliberate. Distinguish between exploring ideas and making decisions. If you're unsure whether to speak, don’t.

Tailor your message. Ask: Who’s my audience? What do they care about? What do I want them to think, feel, or do? Anchor your communication in these answers.

Pause before you speak. Strong leadership includes impulse control. When you have an idea mid-meeting, write it down. Ask yourself: Will voicing this help or distract? Often, the smartest move is waiting until you're clearer.

Frame with intention. How you say something shapes how it's received. Provide structure and clarity, especially when sharing messy or evolving information. Framing signals direction—even amid uncertainty.

Test it first. Before sharing in high-stakes settings, run your message by a trusted advisor. What’s clear? What’s not? Tighten it. Your confidence will rise, and so will your impact.

Read more in the article "The Best Leaders Edit What They Say Before They Say It" by Tutti Taygerly and Jordan Stark.