RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS
 
July 29, 2024
On your marks, get set, KOHA!!
 
A reminder: the ILS will not be available from August 1 at 4:00 PM to August 5 at 8:00 AM. During that time, data will be migrating from SirsiDynix to Koha. Please refrain from logging in to the KOHA server while data is being migrated.
 
Your patrons will not be able to log into Aspen or the RCLS Go app during that time. Patrons (and staff) will still be able to search for materials in Aspen, though the holdings information will only be accurate as of the 1st. You are welcome to encourage your patrons to use other online resources during this offline weekend, such as Overdrive/Libby and ComicsPlus
 
RCLS is here to support you into the homestretch and beyond!
 

Fall 2024
Professional Development Scholarship
 
 
 
The Professional Development Scholarship seeks to improve the skills and abilities of member library staff who wish to attend a professional development program or course but lack the funds to do so.  Scholarship awards are $1000 and will be awarded after submitting the evaluation report and proof of course completion.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS AUGUST 9TH
 
For Guidelines and Application Form
PLEASE CLICK HERE

JOIN US FOR THE RCLS
65TH ANNUAL MEETING
Friday, September 6, 2024 | 8 AM to 1 PM
 
Guest Speaker:  Lisa Kropp, President,
New York Library Association (NYLA) 
Keynote Address: Emily Drabinski, President, 
American Library Association (ALA)
  
 
The morning will begin with a buffet breakfast followed by Annual Awards ceremonies and a brief business meeting
which includes elections to the RCLS Board of Trustees.  Displays by member libraries will be on view throughout the event. 
A special 50/50 Raffle will be held to benefit the work of
The Freedom to Read Foundation
Tickets: $1; 6 for $5; 15 for $10; 30 for $20
To be sold at the event payable cash or check only (no advance sales). Winner must be present at time of drawing.
 
Registration is REQUIRED
(registration closes August 30th)
CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
& TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT

 
The excitement is building; over a dozen teams will gather on August 25th!
 
 To learn more about the competition
CLICK HERE

 
RCLS Book Palooza a rousing success
 
Curated & coordinated by Eileen Acosta, Book Palooza offered library staff a chance to look through and request Children's & Teen books for their individual library collections.
  
Over the course of the event, 30 libraries participated.  1,068 books, the value of which is $18,167.34, were then boxed & sent off to their new homes via the RCLS Delivery Service Team.  We hope they will delight your readers! 
 

COMMUNITY NEWS
 
  
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact the library:  
845-744-4265 ext.2
 
Please feel free to let your library patrons know - all are welcome!
 
PINE BUSH LIBRARY TO HOST FARM DAY
August 17th ~ 10am-4pm
 
Once a year the Library holds Farm Day to allow parents and children to actually touch, smell, and be around some farm animals.  They may see them from a distance, but never have the opportunity to interact with them. It truly is a fun and educational day, as the farmers and individuals bringing their pets and harvests are wonderful educators answering any and all questions!  Because it attracts so many people, some of whom are new to our area, many service organizations will be part of the event to make the newer families (and even older families!) aware of what is available out there to assist them with their lives.

RCLS CONTINUING EDUCATION
 
 Continuing Education is on 'pause' for the month of August as our System
begins using the new Koha ILS
Courses will start up again in September - keep your eye on this space for announcements!

PLEASE NOTE: If you sign up for one or more of the many 
RCLS programs and/or continuing education opportunities,
save your registration confirmation email which will
contain the link for any ONLINE session.  
You will also receive a reminder email approximately 24 hours prior to the event.


 
RCLS SUSTAINABILITY CORNER 
 
RCLS RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
MINI-GRANTS
Grants range from $500 – $1,000 each
 This opportunity is open to all RCLS member libraries
 
How do I apply?
Before applying, please take time to watch a recording of a Libraries as Resilience Hubs webinar and review the resources available on the sustainability page of the RCLS website (click here). The resilience hub information may help you select or expand a project idea. 
Applications are due on Friday, August 23, 2024. Click here to access the application or visit https://forms.office.com/r/Xur3FPL96A
 
Need more information? Please contact Joanna Goldfarb, RCLS Sustainability Innovation Consultant 845-243-3747 ex. 240
 

MARKETING EDUCATION
For details on registration, 
click on the session title in blue
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Navigating AI Ethics
Wedesday, July 31, 2024 ~ 2:00 PM
Learn about the fundamental principles of AI ethics, including transparency, fairness, and non-maleficence, and examine real-world ethical issues such as privacy concerns, surveillance, and the tension between AI decision-making and human autonomy. Looking ahead, we will address future challenges and opportunities in AI ethics, including emerging technologies and potential regulations.

 
RCLS Marketing Services LibGuide
Click the link above to view the Guide and schedule a meeting to talk about your marketing plans with Dave Cosco, RCLS Marketing Manager. Phone: 845-243-3747 ext. 245 or via email at marketing@rcls.org
 
 
 
A Closing Thought...
 
(Maybe this year's intense heat & oppressive humidity
has gotten to the little tome in the cartoon, too)
 
 
 Did you find something of note that library staff can relate to? Send us your submissions to end our newsletter with a smile.
 

Ramapo Catskill Library System
619 Route 17M 
Middletown, NY 10940
845-243-3747
www.rcls.org
 
   
 
 
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