OLIS News & Updates

July 2023

Introducing the New OLIS Website: Enhancing Your Online Experience

We are thrilled to announce the successful launch of the new Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) website! On Thursday, July 6th, 2023, we unveiled a revamped online platform that is now live and ready to explore. Get ready to enjoy an enhanced browsing experience with easier access to valuable resources.

Thanks to Drupal, a trusted open-source content management system used by the Federal Government and the State of Rhode Island, our new website brings a host of enhancements and exciting features to the table.

We've made notable improvements to existing sections. With the addition of advanced search capabilities and content categorization, finding the information you need within a single page has never been easier.

We are also thrilled to introduce the new "Document Repository" feature. This repository is your go-to resource for finding all documents officially published by OLIS. Its powerful search functionality lets you quickly locate the documents that matter most to you.

During the soft launch period, we will continue refining the website's content organization and adding new features to enhance your user experience even further. We are committed to making the website even more exceptional before its official launch next Fall.

We invite you to explore the new OLIS website at www.olis.ri.gov. Your continued support and feedback are highly valued. Please feel free to share any comments, suggestions, or questions with Pablo Morales Henry at pablo.moraleshenry@olis.ri.gov.

Your insights play a crucial role in our ongoing efforts to provide exceptional library services and ensure comprehensive access to information for the citizens of Rhode Island.

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Find Your Voice: College Savings Sweepstakes

OLIS and CollegeBound Saver have launched the Find Your Voice College Savings Summer Reading Sweepstakes as part of 2023 summer reading program at participating public libraries across the state.

The sweepstakes, which runs from June 19th to August 28th will award four $529 college savings accounts to Rhode Island children and young adults aged 18 or younger. Additionally, each winner's local public library will receive $500 toward future reading programs.

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Attention, directors! The Public Library Annual Survey will launch on Monday, July 17. Directors can expect to receive an email from Kelly Metzger with login information for the Rhode Island LibPAS Portal on launch day. Support materials and instructions will be available on the PLAS LibGuide and LibPAS by July 17.

Reminder: two training sessions are scheduled. Click on the link to sign up for one if you haven’t already!

Last Chance to Submit Feedback for Continuing Education

OLIS is conducting a statewide survey to better understand the continuing education needs for all library staff in Rhode Island. The OLIS team will use the survey results to inform and improve our CE offerings and communication.

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

NLS Releases 2.0 BARD Mobile Android App

NLS is releasing version 2.0 of the BARD Mobile Android app. This is a major release and includes in-app search capability as well as several other feature updates, increased app stability, and bug fixes. This is the first in a series of planned releases to allow robust in-app searching and to eliminate the need to exit the app to search on BARD website.

NLS Summer Reading Program 2023

The very first NLS Summer Reading Program began on Monday, June 26, with a kickoff event featuring the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, who welcomed all participants and read a picture book for our young readers.

The Summer Reading Program will include weekly author talks and story times and music, starting on Thursday, June 29, with Shelby Van Pelt, author of the New York Times bestselling novel Remarkably Bright Creatures.

NLS Quarterly Patron Corner: July 26

On Wednesday, July 26, at 7:00 p.m. EDT, the National Library Service for the Blind and Disabled (NLS) Patron Engagement Section will host the quarterly Patron Corner. This will be a special program to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will feature a panel of speakers who will discuss their experiences before and after the passage of the ADA. Speakers include Annette Bay Pimentel, author of All the Way to the Top, and Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, the subject of that book, who as an eight-year old with cerebral palsy crawled up the steps of the US Capitol to draw attention to the ADA. Other panelists include Scott Marshall, a retired designated Federal Officer of the FCC Advisory Committee, and Mark Richert, International Coordinator for Overbrook School tor the Blind in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The session will run for 90 minutes and promises to be a lively discussion!

The Many Faces of BARD: July 13

The topic for the July 13, 2023, Many Faces of BARD program will be a review of BARD using the Victor Stream.

The Many Faces of BARD online event the second Thursday of every month, at 7:00 p.m. eastern time. Each monthly event covers one aspect of BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download service) and is open to all.

Save the Date: Blind Health Expo

Save the date for Accessible Pharmacy’s 2nd Annual Blind Health Expo! The Blind Health Expo is a completely virtual event and will be held on Friday, December 1 to Saturday, December 2. The Blind Health Expo is the world’s largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, services, and medication for individuals in the blind, low vision, and disability communities.