OLIS News & Updates

January 2025

Staff and Salary Reports Available

The Staffing and Salaries section of the 2024 Public Library Statistical Report is now available for download. The reports contain raw data, presented as libraries have reported it. A few data elements for individual libraries have been corrected. If you have questions about the data, suggestions for publication, or have developed analyses you wish to share, please contact Kelly Metzger.

Read Across Rhode Island Title Announced

Rhode Island Center for the Book Announces the 2025 Reading Across Rhode Island title: There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib

Reading Across Rhode Island, Rhode Island’s One Book, One State community read program kicks off its 23rd year by encouraging everyone to read There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib with this year’s Honorary Chairs Len Cabral, award winning storyteller and Erin Batth, Head Coach of the Providence College women’s basketball team.

Reading Across Rhode Island is a program of the Rhode Island Center for the Book, made possible through a vibrant collaboration of librarians, teachers, book group leaders and readers from across the state.

Join us at the State Library on February 1st from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm for the programming year Kick-Off. Hear from Honorary Chair, Len Cabral, and learn about what's in store for this programming year, including new ways to facilitate book discussions in your library! Librarian webinars and workshops to be announced soon.

RILA Call for Proposals

The Rhode Island Library Association is calling for presentation proposals for the 2025 Annual Conference.

Do you have a program you want to highlight, a skill to share, or a vision to inspire? Submit a program proposal for the 2025 Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) Annual Conference, taking place May 21-22, 2025 at the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences at the University of Rhode Island!

This year’s theme, Anchored in Resilience, celebrates the dynamic impact of libraries in our communities and the innovative minds behind them. Whether you’re a librarian, educator, technologist, or community partner, your insights and experiences could inspire colleagues and elevate the profession.

We’re seeking proposals for engaging presentations, workshops, panels, or interactive sessions that:

Address current trends, challenges, and opportunities in libraries.

Highlight innovative programs, tools, or services.

Foster collaboration and professional growth among attendees.

Why Present?

Share your expertise with a passionate audience of library professionals.

Build your network and connect with like-minded peers.

Strengthen your résumé and grow as a leader in the field.

Key Details:

Proposal Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025

Submission Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgV121CJJxYVv_YI1_-v0WOI3CJ9F8Wh_3x_H2O5zMA1xHbQ/viewform

Questions? Email us at programs@rilibraries.org

We welcome submissions from all library types and career stages, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas. Do you have a colleague who is doing something awesome? Is there a local project or organization who is doing inspiring work in your community? Submit your nomination to programs@rilibraries.org to have someone reach out.

For all the latest news and updates, visit the OLIS Website

New DA2 Wifi-Enabled Player Machines

Big news to start the new year: This spring NLS will begin offering patrons a new audiobook player, replacing the first generation of players introduced in 2009.

This player, model DA2, has new features including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and 28 GB of internal storage. That means DA2 users will be able to connect to BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download website, and download audiobooks and magazines, store them on the player and listen to them over Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones.

Many Faces of BARD

Due to January 9, 2025, being designated a National Day of Mourning for President Carter, all federal buildings will be closed, and the January Many Faces of BARD will be canceled. The program will be presented on February 13 using the same Zoom link.

The topic for the Thursday, February 13, 2025, Many Faces of BARD program will be Open Forum: An Hour of Answers to Your Questions from the Experts. There will not be a presentation, just a full hour of answers to your questions about anything related to BARD.