OLA Hotline’s Blog

Cultural Competency / PNLA Leads Institute / Connecting Communities Conference / BCR Workshop / PNLA Annual Conference

State Library Staff Strive to Increase Cultural Competency

Increasing the cultural competency of staff at the State Library was an agency-wide goal during 2007. In response to Executive Order 05-01 from Governor Kulongowski, which charged agencies to “improve the skills and competency necessary to effectively manage affirmative action and diversity issues”, staff planned and carried out a full year training experience. There were 12 sessions, which included a book discussion group (Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie), four sessions devoted to a video review and discussion and two panel presentations. The Session, Developing Culturally Competent, Inclusive Libraries,included four Oregon librarians who presented projects and/or practices their libraries were implementing to create culturally competent, inclusive services for specific groups within their communities. Another presentation, given by Chinese librarians from the Portland area, prepared staff for a later visit by librarians from the Fujian Province in China. This initiative was so successful that it has been renewed for another year and a permanent staff committee has been established to handle event planning. Read more about the activities of the 2007 State Library Cultural Competency Initiatives at www.Oregon.gov/OSlor by clicking this link, http://www.oregon.gov/OSL/CCI_Summary_2007.doc.

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PNLA Leads Institute

The third PNLA Leads Institute is scheduled for this fall, and applications are currently available on the PNLA Website http://www.pnla.org. This week-long institute is a great opportunity to explore your potential and develop leadership qualities in an enriching retreat environment.

Here are the details:

DATES: Sunday (evening) October 26th through (noon) Friday, October 31st

FACILITATORS: Becky Schrieber & John Shannon, Schreiber Shannon Associates QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPLICANTS:

*Employed in a library organization within PNLA’s seven state/provincial region: Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington

*At least five years work in a library setting

*Current member of PNLA or one of the affiliated state/provincial library associations

*A completed application which will be evaluated via the process outlined below *Recommendation, based upon leadership potential and abilities, by sponsoring library which also indicates level of support

SELECTION PROCESS: The application is available via the PNLA website http://www.pnla.org/. Application period closes on April 30, 2008. Applicants will be evaluated by the leadership institute committee consisting of the institute coordinator and PNLA board which includes state/provincial representatives to PNLA. Up to 4 qualified individuals from each state/province will be recommended for priority invitation. The total invited applicants will be 32.

LOCATION: Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Road, Sandpoint, ID, 83864. Schweitzer Mountain Resort is nestled at the base of the Selkirk Mountains, in the Idaho panhandle, and overlooks Lake Pend Oreille - one of the largest freshwater lakes in the West. The resort is 86 miles outside of Spokane, Washington and about 45 miles south of the Canadian border. The retreat atmosphere ensures release from the demands of everyday professional life and guarantees minimal distractions in order for participants to make the most of the week long intensive institute. PNLA Leads participants are expected to attend the week-long institute without family members. Further information about the facility is available at http://www.schweitzer.com/.

COSTS: Registration for association members is $600 thanks to a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services http://www.imls.gov/ and PNLA and state/provincial association support. Registration includes: lodging, meals, institute materials and activities. Attendees pay their own transportation costs. Roundtrip shuttle to Schweitzer from the Spokane airport will be available at cost.

For questions about PNLA Leads or the application process, contact Mary DeWalt: mdewalt@adalib.org

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Connecting Communities Conference

Information and registration is now available for the Connecting Communities Conference to be held October 2-3, 2008 on the campus of Oregon State University. The conference is designed for people working in community-based nonprofits and agencies who wish to increase their ability to reach and engage Latino youth and families. For more information go to http://oregonstate.edu/conferences/connectingcommunities2008

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BCR Workshops

OCLC WorldCat Collection Analysis

http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=137

Description:

This two-day online workshop gives participants a general overview of the WorldCat Collection Analysis service. This service allows institutions to use their WorldCat holdings data to analyze the current status of their collection as well as compare it to collections at other institutions.

NOTE: Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session. All participants must submit a registration form.

Who Should Attend?

New subscribers to the WorldCat Collection Analysis service as well as anyone interested in subscribing to WorldCat Collection Analysis.

Dates and Times:

May 6-7, 2008 (10:00 AM.-12 Noon) Mountain Time This class is taught on two consecutive days. Students need to attend both sessions to get the most out of the workshop.

Fees:

BCR members - $100

Nonmembers - $150

Voucher: 1 BCR training voucher

Register for all BCR workshops at:

http://www.bcr.org/training/workshops/register.html

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PNLA Annual Conference

Said, hey babe, Take a walk on the wild side! …And make plans today to come to PNLA’s

2008 Annual Conference, August 6-9, in Post Falls Idaho! You’ll meet some of the most adventurous librarians in the Pacific Northwest-and they’re not just the presenters!

They are everyday-kind-of librarians like Karen Keller (see her walking on the wild side at http://www.pnla.org/events/conference08/PNLAmarch.pdf). Even better, print this flier, post it in your library, and encourage your colleagues to attend too.

Jealous? Then send a picture of you showing your adventurous side to Conference Chair Kathy Watson, kwatson@marshallpl.org, and you may be featured in our next flier.

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