[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Customer Service Conference recap and more

[Jill Grunenwald]

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Newsletter%20Header%20Update.png]
 
[Registration is now open for the 2025 Directors' Retreat. May 22-23, 2025 at Punderson Manor Lodge. This year's theme is Working Through Uncertainty -- Strategies for Adaptation and Support]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388472257&mm=121103422093>
 
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/wvj/yyv/g0k/Grunenwald%20Headshot%202025.png]

A Note from the

Marketing and Engagement Coordinator



Happy National Library Week!



Thank you to everyone who joined us last week in Twinsburg for our Customer Service Conference. It was my first big event since joining the staff at NEO-RLS, and it was wonderful connecting with library staff from all over Northeast Ohio for a day of learning, networking, problem-solving and more. Attendees left armed with scripts for difficult conversations, briefcases full of personal superpowers, and even got a look at Mos Muneris® customer service simulation software from Aegis 360®.



Before receiving my MLIS, I spent years working as a page and circulation clerk at my hometown library (shout out to Hudson Library & Historical Society!). I would have loved attending a conference like this, which was designed specially with frontline staff in mind. One of my favorite pieces of survey feedback was from an attendee who shared how much they appreciated a conference for all library staff, regardless of title or degree:



“It was so nice to attend a conference focused just on customer service! As a library worker that is not an associate or librarian, I often feel like library conferences have nothing for the rest of us. I loved how this conference applied to us all.”



Ohio’s slogan is The Heart of it All. For me, libraries are the heart of Ohio. As we observe another National Library Week, it’s important to acknowledge the anxiety and uncertainty we are all feeling about the future of our field. While changes are on the horizon, libraries will forever be the heartbeat of their communities and that is always worth celebrating.



Jill

 

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!



April

AI Ethics: A Library Perspective<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388473479&mm=121103422093>

4/16/2025

Book Discussion Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388474701&mm=121103422093>

4/16/2025

Quiet Leadership:<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388475923&mm=121103422093>
Foster your identity as an introverted or quiet leader to inspire beyond words (<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388475923&mm=121103422093>F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388475923&mm=121103422093>

4/17/2025

NEW! Notary Training - Avon Lake Public Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388477145&mm=121103422093>

4/23/2025

NEW! Notary Training - Shaker Heights Public Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388478367&mm=121103422093>

4/24/2025

NEW! Notary Training - Reed Memorial Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388479589&mm=121103422093>

4/25/2025

Adult Services Virtual Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388480811&mm=121103422093>

4/29/2025

Managing Challenging Interactions with Colleagues and Staff<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388482033&mm=121103422093> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388482033&mm=121103422093>

4/30/2025



May

Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Historical Mystery Fiction<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388483255&mm=121103422093>

5/6/2025

Time Management Yours and Theirs<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388484477&mm=121103422093>

5/7/2025

A Day for Collection Management and Technical Services<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388485699&mm=121103422093>

5/8/2025

Google Forms: Gather all the Things for Action<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388486921&mm=121103422093>

5/13/2025

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388488143&mm=121103422093>

5/13/2025

2025 Directors' Retreat: Working Through Uncertainty – Strategies for Adaptation and Support<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388489365&mm=121103422093>

5/22/2025-5/23/2025

Outreach Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388490587&mm=121103422093>

5/28/2025

Construction and Facilities Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388491809&mm=121103422093>

5/29/2025



June

Genealogy Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388493031&mm=121103422093>

6/3/2025

Special Libraries Network Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388494253&mm=121103422093>

6/11/2025

Designing for Diversity in Your Library's Communications <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388495475&mm=121103422093> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388495475&mm=121103422093>

6/12/2025

Makerspace Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388496697&mm=121103422093>

6/12/2025

Quiet Leadership 2.0: Distinguish your leadership capabilities, build confidence, and pathways to find support as a quiet leader<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388497919&mm=121103422093>

6/18/2025



July

NEW! Practical Budget Management: How to Avoid Disaster, Make Smart Moves, Report Responsibly, and Stress Less About your Budget<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388499141&mm=121103422093>

7/16/2025

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388500363&mm=121103422093>
[May networking meetings. Youth Services meets May 13, 1 pm until 2 pm. Outreach meets May 28, 2 pm until 3 pm, Construction and Facilities meets May 29, 2 pm until 3 pm]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388501585&mm=121103422093>
 
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Announcements.jpg]

Notary Training Registration Available



Wednesday, April 23 - Avon Lake Public Library | 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388477145&mm=121103422093>

Thursday, April 24 - Shaker Heights Public Library | 10:00 am - 1:30 pm<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388502807&mm=121103422093>

Friday, April 25 - Reed Memorial Library, Ravenna | 10:00 am - 1:30 pm<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388504029&mm=121103422093>



In the links you will find documents to print and bring to class along with who to email to register.







2025-2026 Board Nominations Open!

We are seeking passionate individuals to fill upcoming open board seats for the NEO-RLS Board of Trustees. Four seats are open for election: Zone 3, Zone 5, and Academic Libraries (2). Board terms are three years, with new members serving from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028.

Nominations will be accepted through April 30th, and elections will take place on May 1st.

If you are interested in running for an open board seat but have not received an email invitation or need more information, please contact Ragan at ragan.snead at neo-rls.org<mailto:ragan.snead at neo-rls.org?subject=Board%20Nominations>. We want to ensure that all interested individuals have the chance to participate.

 
[Time Management, Yours and Theirs. Wednesday, May 7 from 2 pm until 3 pm. Online via zoom.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388484477&mm=121103422093>
 
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/w1d/6ti/pek/NewStateLibrary_1.png]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388505251&mm=121103422093>

National Library Week Message from State Librarian Mandy Knapp



National Library Week is an opportunity to honor the valuable contributions of libraries and librarians in Ohio and across the nation, while also encouraging the use and support of these essential institutions.



State Librarian Mandy Knapp recorded a message for National Library Week 2025 that is available to view on the State Library of Ohio website<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388506473&mm=121103422093>.

 
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/rb0/m7d/a85/Banner%20Diversify%20Communications.jpg]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388495475&mm=121103422093>
 
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/oe5/8vg/9hj/Screenshot%202025-04-08%20094451.png]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388507695&mm=121103422093>

Send Advocacy Emails with MessageBee



For libraries that do not already have an email platform and do not have the budget to acquire one in this moment, Unique is giving free, limited access to MessageBee email to help libraries spread the word to their patrons about issues facing the library.



Please fill out the information in the form available here: https://uniquelibrary.com/advocacy/<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388508917&mm=121103422093>



Unique staff will get in touch to get your account provisioned and a basic training so you can start sending out messages to your community.

 
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/4gg/gec/h4c/Library%20Spotlight.jpg]

View Historic Revolving Bookcases at McKinley Presidential Library & Museum



Canton, Ohio was in the spotlight this week with an article from the Canton Repository <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388510139&mm=121103422093> about the resurgence of historic revolving bookcases, which were manufactured by the city's own John Danner in the late 1800s.



Those interested in getting an up-close look at Danner revolving bookcases can find them on display at McKinley Presidential Library & Museum. Two patent models are also on display.



Find more library spotlights on the NEO-RLS website.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388511361&mm=121103422093> Email our Marketing & Engagement Coordinator Jill at jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org<mailto:jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org?subject=Library%20Spotlight> if you have a story from your library you want to share!

 

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388512583&mm=121103422093> to create your own account.

 
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/r86/akp/iak/Circulating%20Technology%20and%20Wellness%20Kits%20Newsletter%20Icon.png]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388513805&mm=121103422093>
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/CE%20White%20Background.jpg]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388515027&mm=121103422093>
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Jobline.jpg]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388516249&mm=121103422093>
 
[E-Mail]<mailto:ragan.snead at neo-rls.org>        [Web Site] <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388517471&mm=121103422093>       [Facebook] <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388518693&mm=121103422093>       [LinkedIn] <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=388519915&mm=121103422093>

Click here to unsubscribe.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/members/optout.php?orgcode=NEOL&msg=178526547&mid=3665611083>
View this email as a web page<https://mms.neo-rls.org/msg_detail.php?mid=178526547>
Message sent by Northeast Ohio Regional Library System, jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org<mailto:jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org>
Northeast Ohio Regional Library System | 12701 Ravenwood Dr | Chardon, OH 44024


[https://mms.neo-rls.org/message/178526547/3665611083/vc_credit.png]<https://neo-rls.org>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.oplin.org/pipermail/oplinlist/attachments/20250409/9f2c43c7/attachment.htm>