SLRI Update
End of Year 2017-2018
SLRI + RILA + COLA = A Stronger Organization
All of the library organizations in Rhode Island work towards the same goal: promoting the importance of the work we do for our patrons while keeping connected with each other and sharing ideas.
Recently, the Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA) voted to become a division of the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) in order to coordinate efforts. After much discussion, the SLRI board recommends that we also join forces with RILA.
We believe that this partnership will create a stronger voice for all librarians, while still retaining our identity as school librarians (exactly the way the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is a division of the American Library Association (ALA)).
More to come as we enter discussions with RILA.
Join the Board or a Committee!
We will still exist as our own entity with our current structure for the 2018-2019 school year. Several board positions and committee spots are available (and count towards your Professional Growth and Responsibilities evaluation rating). Please email Lisa Girard at SLRIprez@gmail.com if you are interested in any of the following:
Committee Chairs
- Awards Chair - Determine slate of awards, manage application/nomination process, oversee voting and presentation
- Communications Co-Chair - Own Wild Apricot (web site) technical issues, write press releases and reports
Committee Members
- Advocacy - Reach out to constituencies including administration, legislators, and the general public
- Communications - Rotate Twitter account management responsibilities
- Programs - Plan Watering Hole meetings, promote events
Members at large (2) - Attend monthly board meetings (7-8 per year)
Affiliate representatives
- Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA) - Attend monthly SLRI and COLA meetings (COLA will still be meeting as their own group within RILA)
- New England School Library Association (NESLA) - Attend monthly SLRI meetings and four NESLA meetings: two in person and two online
- Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) - Attend monthly SLRI and RILA meetings, take part in conversations about merging
NOTE: All SLRI members are invited to all board meetings. We welcome your ideas and input.
Image source: https://cancerchallengescotland.com
Please Respond to our Annual Survey
The data we collect will be shared with our representatives in Washington, D.C., as well as RILA and OLIS, in an effort to advocate for school libraries. If your position / budget / space has been affected for next year, please identify yourself on the survey and/or email Sarah Hunicke at sarahkhunicke@gmail.com.
As of July 20, 50 respondents had provided the following information:
- 20% had their library spaces reduced
- 20% lost flexibility in their schedule
- 10% are still not automated
- 0% received more money in their district budget
We'd love for all 150 members to have their voices heard.
Additional Question from OLIS
How many hours do you spend during the week in each of the libraries you manage?
Congrats!
- Lisa Casey, Lawn and Melrose Schools, won Teacher of the Year for Jamestown.
- Suzanne Jordan won Teacher of the Year at Myron J. Francis School in East Providence.
- Katie O'Kane, Primrose Hill Elementary School in Barrington, received the URI Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (GSLIS) Early Career Alumni of the Year Award.
- Jen Simoneau, Ponaganset Middle School, won Teacher of the Year for the Foster-Glocester Regional School District, as well as the Distinguished Middle Level Educator Award from Rhode Island Middle Level Educators (RIMLE).
Learn more about the new AASL Standards at RILINK
Source: alastore.ala.org
slri.info now mobile friendly
About Us
Email: slri.prez@gmail.com
Website: slri.info
Location: Rhode Island
Phone: -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/School-Librarians-of-Rhode-Island-SLRI-141124869254764/
Twitter: @SchLibRi