Volume 18, No. 4 • April 2021

Spotlight

University of Notre Dame Celebrated NLWD21 with a Mad Tea Party

Many libraries and library users celebrated library workers last Tuesday, April 6^th, on National Library Workers Day (NLWD). The ALA-APA Galaxy of Stars received more than 1,400 STAR nominations.

Natalie K. Meyers of the Hesburgh Libraries at the University Notre Dame (Indiana) sent in the photo and commented, “Here’s what our weirdest workers’ day party ever looked like. We haven’t been all together in over a year (except virtually), so we had a mad tea party. In … Read the rest

ALA Establishes ReMember Fund to Help Members During Times of Financial Insecurity

The American Library Association (ALA) announced a new fund intended to help library workers face financial challenges.

The ReMember Fund, established with initial funding from ALA, will allow current members to ensure that their fellow library workers can retain membership and connection with vital resources and a vibrant and committed network during times of financial need. Unemployed library workers can apply to receive a one-time-only sponsorship to cover ALA basic membership dues for one year.

Seed funding will sponsor at … Read the rest
ALA Announces $1.25M Emergency Fund for Libraries Impacted by COVID-19

The American Library Association (ALA) announced it would make available $1.25M in emergency relief grants to libraries that have experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund invites the public, school, academic, and tribal libraries across the United States and US Territories to apply for $30,000 to $50,000. These funds will bolster library operations and services, including broadening technology access, developing collections, providing digital instruction, staffing, expanding outreach, and maintaining and amplifying existing … Read the rest

Overwork Is Not a Strategy for Response to the Pandemic

Employees have been through more than a year of fatigue and trauma from the Pandemic. Workers are tired of being teachers, caregivers, cooks, housekeepers, and full-time employees. They are Zoomed out. Although we are not out of the pandemic woods just yet, now might be a good time to give people a break. Let them get some rest.

Last week, we celebrated National Library Workers Day. It was a day set aside to highlight the critical role library workers play … Read the rest
How to Truly See the Most Qualified Candidates from a Different Perspective

With recent discussions concerning social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, many hiring managers make a conscious effort to find candidates from diverse backgrounds. Efforts to diversify a workplace often lead to someone commenting that “the most qualified person should get the job.” The author of this article suggests that discussing merit in response to diversity implies that your library/company does not believe diverse candidates are qualified. The author asserts the idea that “diversifying your candidate slate doesn’t mean compromising for … Read the rest

Accepting Employers for Job Fair at ALA 2021 Annual Conference Virtual Event

The ALA JobLIST Placement & Career Development Service will host a Job Fair on Sunday, June 27, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Central) during the ALA 2021 Annual Conference Virtual event. There is no cost to participate. The deadline for employers to register is Friday, June 4, 2021.

Employers are not expected to be present for the entire day. For this event, employers will have pre-determined, specific times to meet with job seekers and discuss their institutions, work culture, … Read the rest

Results of Last Month’s Hiring in Libraries Survey

In November of last year (2020), the ‘ALA Connect Live’ discussion was explicitly geared towards ALA student members and LIS students. ALA President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr. was joined by fellow leaders from the association who spoke to the employment outlook in various library settings and various library roles.

Many of the students that participated in the discussion were concerned about job prospects. In responding to questions, ALA Board members were brutally honest with the students as they … Read the rest

The Surprising Benefits of Microbreaks

The importance of taking short breaks throughout the workday can prove invaluable in increasing focus while helping to relieve stress. According to the author of this article, these short breaks, referred to as microbreaks, are also an effective way to manage energy levels. During these breaks, you can do activities that are as simple as stretching, walking up and down the stairs, gazing out a window at nature, snacking, or having a five-minute mindful meditation.

Managers need to give … Read the rest
Five Simple Steps to Stay Healthy During Times of Stress

April is stress awareness month. Some of you might respond to this statement with the comment that every month (every day, really), you’re aware of stress. Many of us are in a state of chronic stress, wearing invisible capes as we try to be a superhuman day in and day out in the face of stressors. We are often left wondering when things will change, if things will ever get back to normal, if we will ever get back to … Read the rest

COBRA Alert: Enhanced Benefits for Some Former Employees

Employers who attempted to reduce expenses by laying off employees should pay attention to this alert. You may be required to cover 100% of Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) premiums from April 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021, for some of your former employees. Last month President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides essential health insurance benefits to specific eligible individuals. This brief alert explains who is eligible and what former … Read the rest