OLIS News & Updates
Week of March 26, 2020
OLIS Responds to the Coronavirus Outbreak
The Office of Library and Information Services continues to monitor the coronavirus outbreak and will continue to bring news and updates to the library community as information becomes available. For information on COVID-19, we encourage you to visit the RI Department of Health website. OLIS has also assembled resources for the library community and the general public, many of whom are now online for education, work and their information needs. In addition, starting the week of March 23, we will be offering daily opportunities to interact with OLIS staff on specific discussion topics.
OLIS is open and staff are working to help support libraries through this challenging situation. The best way to contact OLIS staff is via email, as some staff are working remotely. We do have staff in our office (574-9300), though, and our Talking Books Library continues to serve the blind and visually impaired in Rhode Island. Please feel free to reach out to any OLIS staff, let us know what you're doing at your library, and let us know how we can serve you.
Stay well, and thank you for the amazing work you are doing for your community!
~ Karen Mellor, Chief of Library Services
On Saturday, March 14, OLIS suspended delivery for the week of March 16, later extending that suspension thru March 27. On Sunday, March 15, the RI Dept. of Health recommended the closure of all public libraries the week of March 16.
OLIS and OSL are working in partnership to deliver a series of online learning opportunities to engage with libraries while we all orient ourselves to this new way of working. These 1-hour online sessions are designed to be light and discussion-oriented. Bring your questions for the topic leaders or for your colleagues. Also, bring your ideas to share! Visit the OLIS continuing education calendar for more information as it becomes available.
Although schools and public libraries across Rhode Island are closed, there are many opportunities to access free learning and recreational resources through Rhode Island's libraries. Visit the Online Learning and Enrichment guide to find resources for all ages.
If you or your staff are looking for training to take during library closures, all RI public staff have access Ryan Dowd’s online Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness Training.
What's New on Rhodarian?
Self care for the coronavirus outbreak
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, libraries are closing and many people are practicing self-isolation and social distancing to help mitigate the spread of the disease. It is important to practice good self care and take care of your mental health as well as your physical health during this time. Take a moment to explore the resources....
The Xavier Society for the Blind has free audio books for the Lenten season which can be played in the Talking Book machines provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). If you’d like information about these titles, or would like to order any, please reply to info@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org or call 800-637-9193.
Upcoming OLIS CE Programs
OLIS and OSL are working in partnership to deliver a series of online learning opportunities to engage with libraries while we all orient ourselves to this new way of working. These 1-hour online sessions are designed to be light and discussion-oriented. Bring your questions for the topic leaders or for your colleagues. Also, bring your ideas to share!
RI Office of Library & Information Services
Email: olis.webmaster@olis.ri.gov
Website: http://www.olis.ri.gov
Location: One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-574-9300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olisri
Twitter: @olisri