Monday Briefing - April 19, 2021

State Aid for Library Construction

The Legislature passed the 2021/2022 State Budget which includes $34 million for State Aid for Library Construction. This would put our system's allocation at almost 2.5 times higher than last year. With this increase in available funding, we encourage libraries to apply. This would be a great time to tackle some projects at the library that were put on hold this past year or if your library is looking to reimagine its space following COVID.

Click here for more information and the timeline for the FY2022 grant cycle .

The Intent to Apply is due on June 25, so there is still time to consider a construction project.

Please reach out to Suzanne with any questions or if you want to talk about a possible project.

Leaders & Burnout: Protecting Your Staff From You

ARSL article by Suzanne Macaulay

Volumes have been written and spoken about employee burnout over the past several years. Books, articles, webinars, and conference presentations have taught us how to identify, manage, and prevent prolonged stress that can lead to burnout. However, often absent from the conversation is what happens when external factors—or people—are the cause. Addressing employee habits and preaching the importance of implementing self-care practices are futile if those in leadership roles are not cognizant of how their behaviors may be contributing to staff burnout. Read Full Article .

Source: https://www.arsl.org/spring-2021-newsletter#Leadership-and-Burnout

Evergreen News from Dan and Kathryn

Evergreen Upgrade: This Week!

We are upgrading to Evergreen 3.6 after 9 pm on Wednesday (4/21)!

If you haven't already, please review the quick checklist of things you can do to prepare for the upgrade. On Thursday, 4/22, Dan and Kathryn will be available online for virtual office hours -- look for the link on pls-l later this week!

Please avoid adding driver's license numbers to patron records

There have been a few driver's license numbers we've noticed being added to new patron records over the past few weeks. More information about the OWWLAC (10/2014) and PLS (1/2015) policies prohibiting the inclusion of driver's license numbers in Evergreen is available on OWWL Docs .

Legislative Update

Executive Order 202.101

The provision suspending the in-person meeting requirement of Open Meeting Law has been extended to May 6, 2021.

Senate Bill S4435

This bill relates to requiring members of a board of trustees of public, free association, and Indian libraries to complete two hours of continuing education per year.

Currently in committee. Source: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S4435

Update: NYLA has written a Memorandum in Support of this legislation. You can view it here - S4435 NYLA Memorandum in Support.pdf

Trustee Workshop: Key Laws & Regulations for Libraries

Tomorrow evening at 6 PM we'll be discussing key laws in libraries. Here is a link to the OWWL Docs page that I will be working from https://docs.owwl.org/Community/Laws.

A few updates will probably happen before the workshop, but I wanted to make sure Directors had access to the information I was planning to discuss even if you are not planning to attend.

There is still time to register by visiting https://pls-net.org/event/key-laws-regulations-libraries

Potential Capacity Increase

New York will increase its Covid-19 capacity limits for several types of businesses and venues in the coming weeks, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today.

Starting April 26, the capacity limit for museums and zoos increases to 50%, up from 33%. Also on April 26, the capacity limit for movie theaters in the state rises to 33%, up from 25%.

Other required precautions, including mask wearing and social distancing, remain in place.

Source: https://www.syracuse.com/coronavirus/2021/04/capacity-limits-increasing-for-indoor-arenas-movie-theaters-museums-zoos-in-ny.html

Governor Cuomo has announced that certain capacity restrictions are changing over the next few weeks. According to the article cited above, the 33% cap that some libraries have been using will increase to 50%. If you have been following this limit for your library you may want to take this information into consideration.

OWWL Libraries Program Calendar from Andrea

LibCal has been especially helpful during COVID-19 when programming and promotion had to suddenly pivot to exclusively virtual formats. It has also been beneficial for OWWL Libraries to collectively come together to promote their offerings to community members.

We are excited to open up the option for even more member libraries to join the OWWL Libraries Program Calendar! The seven-month commitment starts June 1 (just in time for Summer Reading). We estimate the cost to libraries for the remainder of 2021 to be approximately $25 and billing would be in late May. Towards the end of the year, all new and current LibCal subscribers will have the option to continue.

Click here to add a LibCal subscription for your library by Friday, May 7, 2021 .

If you would like to schedule a demo of the OWWL Libraries Program Calendar or have additional questions, please contact Andrea by April 23, 2021.

System Board Meeting Recap

The System Board met on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, to discuss a few updates to Personnel Policies; approve our Brand Usage Policy; approve our new Resolution on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; approve an updated Speaker Agreement form for outside presentations; and to approve the 2021 COSAC Appointments.

Collective Knowledge Podcast: How Should We Handle Criticism?

In this episode, Suzanne and I talk about handling criticism.

Listen on YouTube .