Director Briefing - July 3, 2023

Long-Range Planning Cohort Survey

As part of the 2023 Long-Range Planning Cohort, 13 Member Libraries are promoting a coordinated survey that will run throughout July. The responses will be added to a general report and used to support the planning efforts of these libraries. Once the report is complete, I will share it in a Director Briefing for all libraries to look at. You are welcome to promote the survey even if you are not participating in the Long-Range Planning Cohort (there is no obligation to do so).

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/oeEnAyEDj5QRBND78

Participating libraries should use their own branding for this survey, so it will look different depending on the library posting it.

If you promote the survey and would like a breakdown of the results based on those who selected your library, I am happy to send you that data.

ICYMI: June Board President Briefing

The June 2023 Board President Briefing went out last week. In case you missed it, below are the links that were included. You are welcome to send this to all of your Trustees if it has not been already.

2023 NYLA Awards

Every year, NYLA honors individuals and organizations for their tireless support, leadership, and advocacy for libraries at our Annual Conference. With that being said, we need YOU to nominate someone you know that is deserving of recognition for one of our annual awards.

It's quick, easy, and painless to nominate someone with our shortened nomination form. After the July 7th deadline, the Awards Committee will review all nominations. Please note the deadline to submit your nominations for ALL awards is July 7th.

Help us shine the spotlight on excellence within the NYS Library Community!

Mary Bobinski Innovative Public Library Director Award

The Mary Bobinski Innovative Public Library Director Award recognizes a public library director who has developed or implemented an innovative program leading to an increase in financial support and/or usage of their library.

Nomination Form

NYLA'S Distinguished Achievement Award

NYLA's Distinguished Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant commitment to the advancement of the profession, both by service to their institution and service to NYLA.

Nomination Form

Librarian of the Year Awards

Academic/Special Librarian of the Year

Given to a librarian who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and service within the library community over the past 12 – 18 months. Librarians at any stage in their careers are eligible for this award.

Public Librarian of the Year

Given to a public librarian who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and service within the library community over the past 12 – 18 months. Librarians at any stage in their careers are eligible for this award.

School Librarian of the Year

Given to a librarian who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and service within the library community over the past 12 – 18 months. Librarians at any stage in their careers are eligible for this award.

To learn more about the criteria of each of these awards, click here.

Nomination Form

NYLA Intellectual Freedom Award

This award recognizes an individual or group for their contribution to and support of intellectual freedom. Sponsored by Intellectual Freedom Committee and Intellectual Freedom Round Table, the award will be presented at a designated function during the annual NYLA conference held each November.
Application Deadline: July 15th

Learn more about the NYLA Intellectual Freedom Award here .

Nomination Form

WNYLRC Ask a Lawyer

Earlier in June, Stephanie Cole Adam's team released a post titled, Legal Recourse for Slanderous Accusations Against Librarians. It was an interesting read about School Districts, especially considering the impacts of growing book challenges in our communities.

Another interesting one was released today about Friends groups and their legal requirements for bookkeeping .

A Censorship Language Primer from Book Riot

A CENSORSHIP LANGUAGE PRIMER: BOOK CENSORSHIP NEWS, JUNE 30, 2023

A primer in the meaning of censorship, soft censorship, book bans, and book restrictions.