LILRC Webinar: Talking Book Library Service Information Session for Library Workers - Children's Services
2025-02-06 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library is a branch of the New York Public Library (NYPL) and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) that provides FREE accessible reading material for patrons who are blind, low vision, physically disabled, print disabled, or otherwise unable to read print, to patrons located in the five boroughs of New York City, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties. Andrew Heiskell Library offers materials to borrow in a wide range of formats, including braille, talking books (audio), and magazines, for users of all ages, as well as players and mobile apps. Patrons can also find accessible programming and events, individual coaching in assistive technology, group workshops, braille study groups, the Dimensions Lab for tactile creation, and more. Ashley Dalle, Interim Chief Librarian, will present on how to apply for NLS service, the benefit to you, your students, and your patients, as well as the types of assistive technology courses and workshops that are being offered, for FREE, to library patrons. Andrew Heiskell Library offers children’s materials to borrow in a wide range of formats, including braille, talking books (audio), and magazines, as well as players and mobile apps, and early tactile literacy kits for early Braille users.

RRLC Webinar: Practical Ethics for Librarians - Navigating Generative AI Thoughtfully
2025-02-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Generative AI is transforming the library profession, unlocking new opportunities for accessibility, content creation, and operational efficiency. Yet, this technological shift also introduces complex ethical challenges that resist simple solutions. Intellectual property disputes, the environmental toll of AI, transparency, and equity concerns require librarians to move beyond instinctive reactions and engage with these issues using a more thoughtful, structured approach.
This presentation focuses on equipping librarians with practical tools to assess their own and their library’s use of AI through established ethical frameworks. By exploring deontological ethics (rights and duties), consequentialism (weighing outcomes), and virtue ethics (fostering integrity), participants will learn to apply these frameworks to real-world scenarios in library settings.
Learning Objectives
– Use ethical frameworks to evaluate their own and their library’s AI practices.
– Advocate for fair, transparent, and sustainable AI adoption.
– Balance innovation with integrity while upholding core library values.
You will have the opportunity to submit a question to the presenter during registration.
Dr. Leo S. Lo (he/him) is Dean and Professor of the College of University Libraries and Learning Services (CULLS) at the University of New Mexico. He is also 2024-2025 President of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).

RSVP to Advocacy Day in Albany
2025-02-05 | State Capitol, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, 12242, United States
CLRC is providing a coach bus from Syracuse that stops in Utica and Herkimer. Join colleagues and library patrons, Friends, and supporters in Albany to advocate for Libraries in meetings with regional state senators, assembly members, and representatives. The bus has a capacity of 56 passengers, in the event we hit capacity we will start a waitlist. Please get in touch with Fran Dingle if you have any questions.
Driving yourself and meeting us there? We still need you to RSVP (free) so we know what members are in attendance.
Tentative Schedule – Wednesday, February 5, 2025
6:15 am – Depart CLRC parking lot East Syracuse, NY
7:15 am – Utica pick up off I-90
8:00 am – Herkimer pick up off I-90
9:00 am – Drop off at State Capitol – Legislative Office Building
NYLA Advocacy Meetings and Lunch NYLA Advocacy Day
3:15 pm – Meet bus at drop off location
4:45 pm – Herkimer drop off off I-90
5:15 pm – Utica drop off off I-90
6:15 pm – CLRC parking lot drop off

Webinar: Digital Reference Resources to Help Library Users
2025-01-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Webinar Description:
This is a digital workshop designed for library staff looking to elevate their reference desk interactions by using digital resources effectively. Zoom will be used to facilitate the session in order to accommodate a wider audience. Participants will explore best practices in reference interviewing. There will be time allotted at the end of the workshop for participates to ask questions or get additional assistance if needed.
Learning Objectives:

Participants will be provided with an array of digital resources to use when conducting reference desk interactions with library users.
Participants will learn reference interview best practices to support successful library user engagement while using digital resources and technologies.
The participants will practice reference desk interactions skills through interactive discussions of reference interaction scenarios. Participants can refer to the digital resources provided to them during the workshop to support them in crafting responses to the scenarios.

About the Presenter:
Shannon Crooks is a doctoral student at Syracuse University in the Information Science and Technology Ph.D. program. Shannon has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Winthrop and Howard University. She received her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University in 2018.
Before enrolling in the Ph.D. program, she worked as a librarian supervisor at an urban library in Prince George’s County, Maryland. While working in the library, she strategized how to engage and support the library community.
Shannon spent several years working as a social worker in various roles such as foster parent trainer/recruiter/licensing specialist, foster care social worker, teen mom social worker, treatment plan writer, and teen mom life skills group facilitator. Working in social work has enriched her librarianship skill set and guides her practice when working with people in library communities. Her primary research focus is community engagement.
Live captioning will be provided.
This webinar will be recorded and a recording will be shared with all registrants afterward.

**All participants will have the option to request a certificate of attendance for 1.5 contact hours.**
All CLRC events are open to CLRC members and members of the Empire State Library Network.
All Attendees are expected to follow CLRC’s Code of Conduct

SCRLC Webinar: Hold. Fold? Walk. Run! Dealing with Difficult Conversations
2025-01-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Did you ever get stuck in a surprise(!) contentious conversation? Did someone say something somewhere that put you in the spot? Was the spot in public? We have all had those unexpected conversations that made us uncomfortable. This workshop will show you how to keep the conversation in your favor.
Experienced educator, coach & keynote speaker Maurice Coleman will show you practical skills to deal with sudden controversial, & confrontational conversations in this interactive workshop.
Learning outcomes:

Participants will learn methods to prepare for any contentious conversation.
Attendees will get techniques to defuse confrontational situations
Participants will leave with multiple resources to deal with difficult people in unexpected situations.

ESLN Webinar: New Laws in the New Year (2025) - An Ask the HR Expert Webinar
2025-01-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
A roundup of employment-related laws going into effect in 2025, with a focus on how they will impact libraries and other 3R-member institutions. Written materials: template language to implement them in the library or cultural institution environment.
This is the first event in our 4-part “Ask the HR Expert” series.
About the presenter: Stephanie “Cole” Adams is an attorney who represents libraries, educators, students, and creative professionals. Cole provides the Ask the Lawyer service that New York State’s nine library resource councils provide to each library in the state. She is a member of the ALA Lawyers for Libraries faculty, the Vice Chair of the Erie County Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Committee, and served as the General Counsel of Niagara University for over ten years. Cole is a proud graduate of SUNY Buffalo School of Law and Hampshire College.
We invite you to submit a question for the presenter – there will be a place to do that during the registration process. The deadline to submit questions is Friday, January 10, 2025.
Free to ESLN Members. Registration is required. This webinar will be recorded.
This session is sponsored by Empire State Library Network.

NNYLN Webinar: Engaging Play in Libraries and Cultural Institutions
2025-01-22 16:00 - 17:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Play means having fun, experimenting, and suspending one’s sense of time. Play can make work in libraries and cultural institutions more enjoyable, more flexible, and less stressful – and bring delight to communities in small but meaningful ways.
Join Megan Lotts, the Art Librarian at Rutgers University and author of “The Playful Library: Building Environments for Creativity and Learning,” to explore simple, inexpensive ways to incorporate more opportunities for playful engagement in your organization, through programs, collections, or creative use of space. From edible books to art vending machines to pop-up making spaces, small practical playful installations and actions can make a big difference in community interaction and staff morale.
Participants may request a certificate of attendance for one contact hour following the event. Free to all who are interested. Registration is required. This webinar will be recorded.
Read a sample of Megan Lotts’ 2024 book, “The Playful Library: Building Environments for Learning and Creativity,” published by ALA Editions.
Bio: Megan Lotts is the Art Librarian at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where she teaches research workshops, builds collections, facilitates programming and events, and closely engages with students and faculty researching in the Arts and across the Rutgers New Brunswick campuses. Lotts has presented her research both nationally and internationally and has published articles in portal: Libraries and the Academy, Art Documentation, Journal of Library Administration, multiple articles in College and Research Libraries News and more. Her research interests include outreach, engagement, makerspaces, and the work of library liaisons. She is known for her work with LEGO play, teaching the course Playing to Learn in Higher Education, and curating the Rutgers Art Library Exhibition Spaces. Megan earned an MFA (2004) and MLIS (2007) from University of Wisconsin-Madison and has a BFA in Painting (2000) and BFA in Art History (2002) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She currently lives in New Brunswick, NJ and continues to create site-specific conceptual art-works.

CDLC Webinar: Promoting Your Academic Library Post-Pandemic
2025-01-22 10:30 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
While we all understand things have changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic, many are still at a loss regarding how academic libraries can make a comeback. Join Jessica Daly, B.S.Ed., MLS, as she discusses how to identify the changes in learning styles, and how to best meet the needs of our post-pandemic patrons which is critical for survival.
About the Presenter:
Jessica Daly is the Head of Collections and Electronic Resources and Head of Library Outreach and Marketing for the R.A. Williams Library at AdventHealth University in Orlando, Florida. As a faculty librarian, she holds the ranking of Assistant Professor.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Library Science from East Carolina University. Jessica was named “Hospital Librarian of the Year for 2020” by the Southern Chapter of the Medical Library of Medicine. The Florida Library Association awarded her “Exemplary Instructional Programs or Services” in 2022. More recently, the Florida Health Sciences Library Association named her “Librarian of the Year” for 2024.

LILRC Webinar: HR Insurance Essentials (Session 2 General Liability Essentials)
2025-01-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
In this session, we’ll break down the complexities of general liability insurance. From understanding terms like premium, deductible, and umbrella coverage to exploring various coverage to get. Discover the avenues to get coverage and learn how to determine the coverage your library needs. Walk through the claims process and hear about the realities of lawsuits.
Practical Tools Provided:

Claims Checklist: A handy resource to ensure you’re well-prepared when the need arises.
Incident Report: Learn how to document incidents efficiently to streamline the claims process.
Valuation Checklist: Navigate the process of determining the cost to replace with a comprehensive checklist.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the insurance landscape effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned director or just starting out, our sessions will help you understand insurance and give you practical tips on how to navigate this complicated topic.

SCRLC Webinar: Indoor Air Quality
2025-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Description:
This program deals with the fundamentals of the indoor air environment, including the sources of the problem, the typical health symptoms related to poor-quality air, and how occupants and building materials can be affected. The sources of indoor air contaminants are illustrated with case histories that put the problem into perspective and demonstrate the correctable nature of this problem. The basics of conducting an indoor air quality investigation are covered, with surveys of building inhabitants and the correlation of air monitoring results demonstrated as important investigative tools. Regulations and recommendations on the indoor environment are discussed, with some public relations and labor relations aspects of indoor air quality, to assist in dealing with perceptions and fears in building occupants.

CDLC Webinar: Preservation Interest Group - Exhibits
2025-01-14 09:30 - 11:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Please note: This session will NOT be recorded.
Our focus for this meeting will be on exhibits. Ann Kearney will offer a brief presentation based on guidelines offered by the American Institute for Conservation, the American Alliance of Museums, and the National Park Service. She will emphasize practical solutions to the care-taking issues we face when exhibiting collections items in small institutions. The session will be interactive, with plenty of time for questions and comments.
About the Facilitator: Ann Kearney is the Collections Conservator at the University at Albany. She holds a Master of Science in Information Science from the University at Albany, and studied bookbinding and paper conservation under a Fulbright Grant at Camberwell College of Art and Crafts in London, England. In addition, she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing from the Cleveland Institute of Art, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rosemont College.

ESLN Webinar: Expert Insights on Protecting and Preserving Library Collections with Marianne Hanley & David Stokoe
2025-01-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Back by popular demand! Last May, the Empire State Library Network hosted a webinar on basic book repair with Syracuse University Preservation Librarian Marianne Hanley. The program sparked a lot of interest—and even more questions! This time, Marianne will be joined by her SU colleague David Stokoe for an entire session dedicated to answering your questions on protecting and preserving library collections.
Presenters: Marianne Hanley & David Stokoe
We invite you to submit your questions for the presenters via the registration form or by emailing Susan D’Entremont (susan@cdlc.org) or Rebecca Kluberdanz Honsinger (rhonsinger@clrc.org). Don’t miss this chance to get advice on your book preservation concerns.
This session is sponsored by the Empire State Library Network.

LILRC Webinar: Where is the Line? Freedom of Expression and Transgressive Speech
2025-01-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
This presentation will explore the limits of freedom of expression by looking at the works of several “transgressive” artists. Does their work have socially redeeming value or are these artists purposely prurient, shocking, and socially subversive? Who gets to decide whether these artists are given a platform or are cancelled?
This presentation will delve into the complex and often controversial realm of freedom of expression by examining the works of various transgressive artists. Due to the nature of the subject matter, the program will include discussions of media that some participants may find provocative, disturbing, or offensive. The views and opinions expressed during this program are meant to be educational and not necessarily those of the speaker and do not reflect the views of the hosting organization.
William Burns is a professor of English at Suffolk County Community College. His research interests include transgressive art, alternative cultural movements, and post-modernism
This program is co-presented with SCLA Intellectual Freedom Committee

Webinar: Fundamentals of Human Resources
2025-01-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Webinar Description:
This webinar will cover a basic introduction to many of the essential facets of running a business with employees. Attendees will

Be introduced to many of the laws that employers are required to abide by relating to employees,
Be given an overview of many of the best practices that are suggested when dealing with personnel, and
Have the opportunity to ask specific questions regarding issues that may have arisen in their workplace.

About the Presenter:
Ginny Biesiada served as the Chief Administrative Officer of a Syracuse-based real estate development and property management firm for over 25 years, overseeing human resources, organizational development and planning, training, risk management and marketing for the company and all of its related entities.
Currently she is providing human resource consulting services to small and mid-size for-profit and not-for-profit firms in the areas of recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, coaching and disciplinary issues, policy and procedure design, and sexual harassment training and compliance, either on an ongoing basis, or for special projects.
She is a graduate of the University at Albany, earned a Certificate in Human Resource Studies from Cornell University and is a graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse. She is the recipient of the Central New York Women in Business Award, the Thursday Morning Roundtable Award for Meritorious Service to the Community, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central New York Volunteer of the Year Award.
She currently serves as Immediate Past President of the Friends of the Central Library, a member of the Board of Governors of Hillside, a member of the Onondaga County Civic
Development Corporation, a board member of the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York and a Parish Council member of St. Paul’s Armenian Church. Previously she served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Central New York, President of the Board of Trustees of the Onondaga County Public Library system, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York, President of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Consortium, and President of the Syracuse Onondaga County Youth Board.
Live captioning will be provided.
This webinar will be recorded and a recording will be shared with all registrants afterward.

**All participants will have the option to request a certificate of attendance for one contact hour.**
All CLRC events are open to CLRC members and members of the Empire State Library Network.
All Attendees are expected to follow CLRC’s Code of Conduct

NNYLN Webinar: Storing & Maintaining Digitized Materials
2024-12-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Digital files require ongoing maintenance to be preserved and used in the future. This webinar will focus on introducing the basics of digital preservation. Furthermore, it will take a hands-on approach to introduce resources to evaluate your resources and storage options to find a solution that will work best for your institution.

SCRLC Webinar: Shift Work, Long Hours, and Fatigue
2024-12-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
This workshop deals with the effects of shift work and hours of work on the worker and the workplace with suggestions made as to solutions which can minimize adverse effects. The program content includes the effects of shift work on the human body to produce desynchronization of body systems and the resulting health, behavioral, and social consequences which can result in short-term and long-term stress. Is there an “ability” to tolerate shift work? Can we predict who is best suited for shift work? Types of shifts and arrangements and analysis of shift work schedules is done with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of types of work schedules. Legislation and regulation on shift work and hours of work are covered. Methods of hazard reduction and control to lessen the impact of shift work are covered including: the job demands/job control model, job stress interventions, staffing, and balancing work and family life. Also covered are some personal strategies for dealing with stress.

CLRC Legislative Breakfast - Western Region
2024-12-13 08:30 - 10:30 | Marcellus Free Library, 32 Maple Street, Marcellus, 13108, United States
Legislative Breakfast – Western Region (Onondaga County)
Join colleagues and library patrons, Friends, and supporters for an informal gathering
and a bit of speed-dating with CLRC’s regional state senators, assembly members, and representatives.
Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be served.
Marcellus Free Library
32 Maple Street
Marcellus, NY 13108
Registration closes on Wednesday, December 11 at 5 p.m.

LILRC Webinar: HR Insurance Essentials (Session 1)
2024-12-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Are you confident that your library is fully covered and prepared in case of unexpected events? Join our two-part presentation series on Insurance, where we delve into the intricacies of HR-related insurance in Session 1 and General liability in Session 2.
Session 1: HR Insurance Essentials
In this session, we’ll explore the critical aspects of Human Resources (HR) insurance, covering medical (health, dental, vision, life), unemployment, and worker’s compensation. We’ll unravel the alphabet soup of insurance with terms like HSA, HRA, FSA, premium, deductible, and lifetime max. Learn the ins and outs of obtaining coverage—should you go with a pool, broker, or other options? We’ll guide you in understanding how to determine the right coverage for your employees and discuss preventative measures to keep costs in check. Walk through the claims process for medical, unemployment, and worker’s comp, and gain insights on handling legal matters.
Presenters:
Kate Hall and Kathy Parker have been collaborating on various committees, library boards and programming for over a decade. They are co-authors of The Public Library Director’s Toolkit and The Public Library Director’s HR Toolkit.
Kate Hall is the Executive Director of the Northbrook Public Library after serving as Director at the New Lenox Public Library and in various library positions in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years. In her 11 years as a library director, Kate has been in leadership positions in state and national library groups including the American Library Association, Illinois Library Association, and Reaching Across Illinois Library System. She has served on the committee and chaired Director’s University, an intensive training for new Illinois Public Library Directors. Kate is the recipient of the 2021 Illinois Library Association Librarian of the Year Award and has just launched Illinois Libraries Present, a new statewide joint programming cooperative.
Kathy Parker was the director of the Glenwood-Lynwood (IL) Public Library District from 2002-2018 after serving as Assistant Director at the Harvey (IL) Public Library. She has worked in public and private libraries for over 40 years in nearly every department and co-founded Director’s University. She has served on numerous state committees including the Illinois Library Association and has served as library trustee for her local library and the regional library system, Reaching Across Illinois Library System. She was the 2016 recipient of American Library Associations Trustee Citation award. Prior to retiring in 2018, Kathy launched the kathyparker consulting firm which provides training to trustees and new directors.

LILRC Webinar: The Essentials of Music Copyright Law
2024-12-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Event Description
The basic course is meant to give librarians an overview of music copyright law concepts. The Essentials of Music Copyright Law covers the basics of music copyright law, including how to establish and register a copyright for your music, and what is a copyright and how to get one. Attendees will also explore the exclusive rights you get when you have a copyright and what those basic rights mean under federal law. We’ll explore how the music industry has changed over the years and how that affects the law. All the while, we listen to music and audio clips to elaborate on the law.
Presenter:
Jim Jesse has been an attorney since 1992, and has been a full-time Music Copyright Law presenter since 2013 as Rock n Roll Law. He is the former General Counsel for Cool Music Net work (THECOOLTV), which is a 24-hour-a-day music video television network. Previously, he was in private practice. He has founded Rock n Roll Law, and his passion is spreading music copyright law through his seminars. Thousands of attorneys and musicians have taken his courses around the country and he has done his seminar in virtually every state.
He is also a singer/songwriter who has released four full-length albums and runs his own record company and is the author of The Music Copyright Law Manual (2nd Ed.) and The Musician’s Guide to Music Copyright Law.

LILRC Webinar: Designing the Solar System
2024-12-10 15:00 - 16:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
As leader of The Studio at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dan Goods transforms complex concepts into meaningful stories that can be universally understood. The team’s work is presented in public spaces, art museums, as well as outer space. In this discussion, he shares his journey as a graphic designer and his passion about creating moments where people are reminded of the gift and privilege of being alive and how he works with NASA missions to excite the world in space through art.
Dan Goods is passionate about creating moments in people’s lives where they can interact with something beautiful, meaningful, and/or possibly profound. During the day he is the “Visual Strategist” at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he develops creative ways of communicating and works to transform complex concepts into meaningful stories that can be universally understood. His work is seen in public spaces, art museums, and is in outer space. After doing the dishes, reading bedtime stories to his kids, and spending time with his wife, he works on other creative problem-solving projects around the world. In 2002 Dan graduated valedictorian from the graphic design program at Art Center College of Design and last year he was select as “One of the most interesting people in Los Angeles” by the LA Weekly. He currently lives in South Pasadena with his wife and three kids.
This program is being presented in cooperation with NASA’s Solar System Ambassador program.

CDLC In-Person Workshop: Addressing Disrespectful Behaviors
2024-12-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Capital District Library Council, 800 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY, 12110, United States
This interactive, in-person workshop will equip library staff with the tools to identify, address, and prevent disrespectful behavior in the workplace. Participants will explore:

Identifying disrespectful behavior in the workplace and its sources
The impact of a disrespectful workplace
How to proactively address disrespectful behavior
Using an “assertive ask” to address behaviors while fostering a respectful environment

The program will feature scenarios and examples relevant to library settings.
About the Presenter: Holly Boucher works for IntegraHR in Rensselaer, New York. She has over a decade of experience supporting the growth and development of individuals and teams in a variety of settings, including education, financial services, and retail. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University at Buffalo.

Webinar: Critical Incident Stress
2024-12-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Webinar Description:

Join us for a webinar on critical incident stress where you’ll learn:

What is critical incident stress
How people and workplaces can be affected by the trauma of a crisis
The effects of short term and long term stress on the body and mind
Strategies for how organizations can be supportive of employees in the aftermath of a crisis

Presenter Bio:
Nellie Brown is the Director of the Workplace Health and Safety Program of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Nellie also provides expertise for the Cannabis Workforce Initiative. A certified industrial hygienist (Board for Global EHS Credentialing, Diplomate of the American Board of Industrial Hygiene), biologist and chemist, Nellie earned a master’s degree in a multidisciplinary program in natural sciences and applied science from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Nellie also provides industrial hygiene services for the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine – Western New York, a clinic funded by NYSDOH for diagnosis and treatment of occupational injuries and illnesses. See: https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/buffalo-co-lab/education-and-training/workplace-health-and-safety Nellie provides virtual and on-site training and technical assistance on a wide range of occupational safety and health hazards including chemicals, biological agents (including COVID-19), ergonomics, occupational stress, shift-work and long hours of work, crisis and violence prevention, hazard analysis techniques, and indoor air quality for employers, labor unions, and the public. She teaches a virtual credit course on occupational safety and health. Nellie is frequently interviewed by the media (including CNN) and was a speaker on workplace violence for a BBC television special. She is the author of numerous occupational health hazard manuals, training programs, and articles; her publications on Cornell University’s DigitalCollections@ILR e-Library have been downloaded over 290,000 times in over 180 countries.

**All participants will have the option to request a certificate of attendance for one contact hour.**
All CLRC events are open to CLRC members and members of the Empire State Library Network.
All Attendees are expected to follow CLRC’s Code of Conduct

CLRC Legislative Breakfast - Eastern Region
2024-12-06 08:30 - 10:30 | Utica Public Library, 303 Genesee St, Utica, NY, 13501, United States
Legislative Breakfast – Eastern Region (Madison, Oneida, & Herkimer Counties)
Join colleagues and library patrons, Friends, and supporters for an informal gathering
and a bit of speed-dating with CLRC’s regional state senators, assembly members, and representatives.
Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be served.
Utica Public Library
303 Genesee St.
Utica, NY 13501
Registration closes on Wednesday, December 4 at 5 p.m.

LILRC Webinar: Writing Trauma - Caring For Yourself and Your Reader
2024-12-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
In this webinar, author K.J. Aiello (The Monster and the Mirror, ECW Press, Fall 2024) discusses the challenges, barriers, and strategies of safely writing trauma. Topics covered will include self-assessments, use of metaphor, caring for yourself and your readers, and how to write about difficult people.
K.J. Aiello is a mentally ill, award-winning writer based in Toronto, ON. Their work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Life, Chatelaine, The Walrus, and This Magazine. They are still waiting for their very own dragon. Sadly, this has not happened, so their cats will have to suffice.

Webinar: Legislative Advocacy Primer
2024-12-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Description:
Max Prime, Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for the New York Library Association, will give an overview of the NYLA priorities for the upcoming 2025 NYS Legislative Session. He will cover the state budget requests and policy priorities the NYLA Legislative Committee identified as guiding lights for our efforts. Following this overview, Max will discuss some strategies and techniques for communicating our message to legislators at advocacy events. We will discuss how to emphasize your library’s impact and make the case for what legislators can do to fund, protect, and empower libraries in the future.
Live captioning will be provided.
This webinar will be recorded and a recording will be shared with all registrants afterward.

**All participants will have the option to request a certificate of attendance for one contact hour.**
All CLRC events are open to CLRC members and members of the Empire State Library Network.
All Attendees are expected to follow CLRC’s Code of Conduct

ESLN Webinar: Accomodations in the Library - Employee Edition
2024-12-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Public libraries in New York State come in all shapes and sizes. A small library typically does not have a dedicated human resources professional, and it has to work with limited resources to address any personnel concerns or requests. This can lead to confusion or workplace tension, if something like an accommodation request is not handled properly.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and other laws include provisions for making reasonable accommodations for qualified employees or applicants, unless it would impose an undue hardship on the organization. It is important for library directors and managers to know how to respond to different types of accommodation requests. Employees also should know their legal rights and protections for making such requests or when disclosing disability-related information.
This training session will walk library employees and directors through the legal basis for handling accommodations in the workplace, the factors involved in considering and granting an accommodation request, and more.
Presenters:
Stephanie “Cole” Adams is an attorney who advises libraries around the state of New York on operational and employment matters, including ADA issues. She got her start working with libraries as a page during high school. Her law office in Buffalo, NY offers legal advice, services, and representation to help libraries and library workers to provide their communities with information access.
David Mack-Hardiman has had a 45 year career in service to people who have disabilities. He was employed at People Inc. for 37 years, retiring as an Associate Vice-President. He arranged exhibits, events and presentations at the unique Museum of Disability History and is a published author and renowned public speaker, specializing in disability history. He received an Award of Merit from the NYS Museum Association for the exhibit, In Celebration of Down Syndrome, and a Commendation from the Niagara County Legislature for his work in the long abandoned Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery. He is currently serving as a trustee on the Board of Directors for the Museum of Disability History at the Henry Viscardi Center on Long Island.
Questions? Contact Caitlin Kenney or Susan D’Entremont.

SCRLC Webinar: Dyslexia-Friendly Libraries
2024-12-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Engage staff to better understand and serve patrons with dyslexia.
Learning Outcomes:
*Library staff will learn about dyslexia
*Library staff will obtain resources to share with customers
*Library staff will reflect on their own personal experiences

Webinar: Unlocking Data - Navigating the US Census Bureau's Resources for Library Advocacy
2024-12-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
Webinar Description:
Join us for an insightful virtual workshop designed for library professionals eager to leverage the rich data resources provided by the US Census Bureau. With 130 annual surveys and over 2 million data tables available through more than 50 public portals, understanding where to find and how to use this information is crucial for effective advocacy and grant writing.
In this session, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the most relevant portals, focusing on tools that can enhance your library’s outreach and service offerings. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the Data Equity Toolkit and our featured data portal, Data.census.gov.
Together, we will explore key topics, including:

Digital Equity: Examine household access to broadband through the Digital Equity Hub.
Community Resiliency: Identify the 12 risk factors affecting community resilience using My Community Explorer.
Demographics: Analyze the demographic makeup of the areas your libraries serve with Data.census.gov.

By the end of this workshop, you will have a clear understanding of where to locate various data portals, the types of information they contain, and how to effectively save and share your findings. Equip yourself with the tools to support your community and advocate for your library’s needs!
About the Presenter:
Dr. Amy Brombos is the Data Dissemination Specialist for New York State, where she plays a pivotal role in making vital data accessible to communities and organizations. Her journey in federal service began in 2018 as the Decennial Census Partnership Coordinator for New York State, where she fostered collaboration and engagement to enhance census outreach.
Before joining the federal workforce, Dr. Brombos dedicated over 20 years to academia, holding positions as a Teacher, District Data Specialist, Academic Researcher, and University Professor. She has taught courses focused on Data Use for Continuous School Improvement, Accreditation, and Strategic Planning, equipping educators and leaders with the skills to utilize data effectively.
Dr. Brombos earned her Master’s degrees in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences and Secondary Science Education from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa and D’Youville University, respectively. She also holds a Doctorate in Leadership in Higher Education, reflecting her commitment to advancing educational practices and data-driven decision-making.
Live captioning will be provided.
This webinar will be recorded and a recording will be shared with all registrants afterward.

**All participants will have the option to request a certificate of attendance for 1.5 contact hours**
All CLRC events are open to CLRC members and members of the Empire State Library Network.
All Attendees are expected to follow CLRC’s Code of Conduct

CDLC Webinar: Introduction to Restorative Justice Practices
2024-11-22 11:00 - 12:15 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
This event will introduce restorative justice practices: what they are, where they come from, and how they can be utilized to foster safe and constructive community building, conversation, and conflict resolution. Participants will gain a basic understanding of restorative justice and several resources to explore the topic further.
Ade Byron is a dedicated DEI and Restorative Justice Practitioner, currently serving as Program Manager in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Empire State University. With an extensive background in conflict resolution and mediation, Ade specializes in restorative justice and holds a BA in Restorative Justice and Conflict Resolution from Bennington College. Their previous work has explored the intersections of art, communication, healing, and conflict resolution, rooted in the fundamental human need for community.
Sponsored by the Capital Area Library Assistants.

ESLN Webinar: Unlocking the Mysteries of Directors & Officers Insurance for Libraries, Museums, and Other Cultural Organizations
2024-11-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Via Zoom, NY, United States
DESCRIPTION: Libraries, museums, and other cultural organizations face many of the usual legal risks of conducting business: employment-related claims, defamation and other “personal injury” claims, and claims related to actions taken by corporate officers (both directors, and trustees). They also face unique risks related to their missions to serve the public.
Because of these legal risks, trustees and directors know that having “D&O Insurance” is important, but what does it cover…and just as importantly, what DOESN’T is cover?
Join ESLN for the ninety-minute presentation on evaluating Director’s and Officers Insurance. Attendees will review:

What “D&O” typically covers;
How to inventory your institutions unique needs for D&O;
How to request quotes for coverage;
How a board can use a routine cycle of evaluating and arranging D&O.

Written materials will include a grid to assist with evaluation of policies.
Attendance will count towards mandated library trustee training.
This meeting will be recorded; please register to receive the link via email.
About the presenter: Stephanie “Cole” Adams is the attorney for the regional library councils’ “Ask the Lawyer” service. She evaluates and addresses questions about insurance coverage as part of her firms work for libraries, small businesses, and cultural institutions.
