Director Briefing - November 12, 2024

2024 System Satisfaction Survey

The OWWL Library System's 2022-2026 Plan of Service was developed with member library input and was approved by the New York State Division of Library Development in September 2021, and reapproved with edits in October 2023.

Please help us evaluate our progress toward the goals outlined in the Plan of Service by completing this questionnaire, which should take less than 10 minutes to complete.

If the survey does not appear for you above, access the 2024 System Satisfaction Survey by clicking here.

Please note: A report including your responses will be generated and posted on the OWWL Library System website starting January 2025 per Commissioner's Regulation.

The EAP: How to Positively Process Your Election Feelings

Attached is a resource from the EAP that may be helpful at this time.

How to Positively Process Your Election Feelings.pdf

Reruns

First Amendment Auditor in Ontario County

Just a heads up that an Ontario County library reported a "First Amendment" auditor coming into their library. Attached is a policy developed by the System's attorney earlier this year. There is also her response on the Ask the Lawyer service that can be found here - https://wnylrc.org/raq/first-amendment-audits-youtube.

From the April 22, 2024 Director Briefing:

First Amendment Audits and Protests in Libraries

Concern over First Amendment Audits and protests in libraries have been brewing again, so now is a great time to make sure your library is prepared for situations like this.

Feel free to review the "'First Amendment Audit' Public Library Response Policy" that Stephanie Cole Adams, Esq, drafted for us back in 2021. This policy draft can be customized to your library's needs, and covers recording in the library, a template for handling a conversation with "First Amendment Auditors," and policy notes from Cole herself.

Make sure your Code of Conduct, Meeting Room, Video Recording, Collection Development, and Disaster Policies are current and clearly outline appropriate behavior.

Closed Dates in Evergreen by Friday, November 15

Make sure your library's 2025 closed dates are updated in Evergreen before November 15, so your patrons' checkouts are unaffected. If your library closes extra days in the summer, please include those dates as well. A list of upcoming closures will be included in the next update of the OWWL App, so be sure these closed dates and your open hours are accurate.

Library Legislative Event - Friday, November 15, 2024 at Henrietta Public Library

The Legislative Breakfast through RRLC is this Friday, November 15 from 8:30 AM to 10 AM at Henrietta Public Library. We will be celebrating Naples Library, Brandi Rozelle from Geneva, and Sara Schlinger from Livonia as they receive well-deserved Library of the Year and Library All Stars recognition! RSVP here.

Please join us for our fall 2024 library legislative event. We will be showcasing our Library All Star and Library of the Year winners, talking about issues impacting libraries, and will offer our legislators a chance to say a few words. Our tentative schedule is as follows:

• Sign-in, Networking, and Refreshments
• Welcome
• Library All Star & Library of the Year Recognitions
• Remarks from Legislators
• Closing
• Networking

2024 Electronics Recycling Drop-Off

OWWL HQ will be accepting electronics for recycling between 10 AM and 3 PM Tuesdays through Thursdays for the month of November. OWWL HQ will be closed November 11, 28, and 29, and unable to accept drop-offs on those days.

Items eligible for recycling include:

• Library computers
• Monitors
• Printers
• Network equipment (routers, firewalls, modems)
• Accessories (mice, keyboards, cables, etc.)

When dropping off equipment, please park behind the building next to the garage door and let someone in the CANS Department know you are here. There will be a sign posted with a number to call. Do not send recycling through delivery.

If you need help getting the equipment to OWWL HQ, or if none of these days/times work for you, please email support@owwl.org.

Some of the computers and monitors that are brought in may be retained for System-wide programs. Let the CANS Department know via email or during drop-off if you would prefer your equipment go straight to e-waste recycling.

HBR: Tip of the Day

Resolve Conflicts at Work Like a Pro

When conflict arises at work—for example, a rude email or a tense exchange in a meeting—it's tempting to react quickly. But immediate responses can escalate the situation. Instead, take a moment to reflect before engaging.

Start by trying to understand the situation from the other person’s perspective. What are they experiencing, and why might they be acting this way? Generous interpretations can shift your mindset from conflict to collaboration.

Next, identify the real issue. Is the conflict about the task, the process, authority, or a personal relationship? Pinpointing the root cause will help you identify the best next steps.

Then, determine your goal. Are you aiming for a quick resolution, a successful project outcome, or simply maintaining a working relationship? Knowing your primary objective will keep you focused during discussions.

Finally, decide how to proceed. Sometimes letting go altogether is the best option. But addressing the issue directly with thoughtful communication is often the most effective route. To foster understanding and resolve the conflict productively, be intentional with your approach and language as you start the conversation.

This tip is adapted from “How to Master Conflict Resolution,” by Amy Gallo.