Director Briefing - March 5, 2024

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Partnership Program

We have another exciting opportunity for libraries to continue to expand access to library services to all community members this spring/summer!

Through the OWWL Library System AAC Partnership Program, the System's Coordinated Outreach Services will partner with twenty member libraries to provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools. AAC tools provide a means to communicate besides talking (verbal speech) with library patrons who are unable to speak or are difficult to understand.

Each partner library will receive a symbol-based A-Frame Communication Board from Talk to me Technologies and appropriate training resources.

This program is funded through an American Library Association (ALA) Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant and Coordinated Outreach State Aid.

For more information regarding program goals, timeline, and partner selection, visit: docs.owwl.org/Members/AACPartnershipProgram. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2024.

Swank Movie License Renewal

Our movie licensing will be expiring on 3/31/24. There is a price increase for this years renewal (4/1/24-3/31/25), pricing information is attached. For those libraries that currently have a license, your price renewal is in the last column under the Current Renewal column. For libraries that are interested in purchasing a movie license, your pricing will depend on how many total libraries join. If 20 to 29 libraries join, your pricing will be under that Group Quote column, but if we have 30 to 42 libraries join your pricing will be under that Group Quote column.

The outdoor showings that were available with ones subscription has come to an end. You still are able to request outdoor showings, however you must call Swank Motion Picture (parent company) to purchase outdoor movies at a discounted price.

I have attached a FAQ's sheet and a letter from Swank. Swank Movie Licensing is the only company authorized to license a comprehensive list of top Hollywood studios.

Please email Kelly if your library would like to join/renew by Friday, March 8, 2024.

• OWWL Library System Quote
• FAQ
• Sole Source Letter

Updated CDC Guidance - Respiratory Viruses

The CDC has updated its recommendations regarding respiratory viruses (COVID-19, influenza, and RSV).

When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html

Libraries should review these updated recommendations to help staff understand infection and prevention of respiratory viruses.

• Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick
• Risk Factors for Severe Illness from Respiratory Viruses
• Treatment of Respiratory Viruses
• CDC FAQ on Respiratory Virus Guidance

What’s New in the 2023 Edition of the Trustee Handbook - Trustee Handbook Book Club

Tuesday, March 19th, 5:00-6:30 PM

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Join co-author of the Handbook For Library Trustees of New York State Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and friends for this fun and informative series! At each session, trustees will take a deeper dive on a topic relevant to their role and responsibilities as a library trustee.

Have questions for the panelists? Submit them here.