[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Our Customer Service Conference is Back! Register Now.

Wed Feb 11 11:51:53 EST 2026

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[AI & Information Litearcy. March 10, 2026. Register Now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498410709&mm=146852353951>

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A Note from the

Continuing Education Coordinator

Registration is now open for the 2nd Customer Service Conference: Communication and Credibility. This will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498411931&mm=146852353951> at the Hilton Garden Inn in Twinsburg.

In an era where the library serves as a vital sanctuary for information and connection, our success thrives on the trust we build through every interaction.

Today, we invite you to explore the multifaceted nature of modern service. We will begin by mastering?Professional Intelligence (PQ)?to anchor our daily work in empathy and reliability. Participants will explore practical ways to create positive interactions, navigate difficult situations, and communicate with clarity and respect—whether working with patrons, coworkers, or community partners. Emphasis is placed on active listening, empathy, and thoughtful communication as essential tools for maintaining professionalism, strengthening relationships, and fostering teamwork. Attendees will leave with a shared understanding of how everyday behaviors contribute to a professional culture that reflects both personal pride and the library’s mission of service.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions include:

  *   Strengthening Staff Communication Across Generations and Departments
  *   Safety and Security in Libraries??
  *   Access Is Customer Service: Communicating Belonging in Public Libraries
  *   Respect + Resilience: Applying the Mentor Mindset to Improve Teen Engagement

The closing?session offers practical, easy-to-use strategies for building  resilience, establishing healthy boundaries, and managing stress in a way that supports your wellbeing both on and off the desk. Together, we’ll explore tools for staying grounded, communicating confidently, and creating habits that protect your energy.

Click this event link<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498411931&mm=146852353951> for more information and to register.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Melissa

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

February

Human Resources/Fiscal Office Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498413153&mm=146852353951>

2/13/2026

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498414375&mm=146852353951>

2/17/2026

Public Relations and Marketing Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498415597&mm=146852353951>

2/18/2026

Make Presentations with Canva <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498416819&mm=146852353951> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498416819&mm=146852353951>

2/19/2026

It’s About Time: Supporting Neurodivergent Employees with Time Management in the Workplace<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498418041&mm=146852353951> (I)

2/24/2026

Workplace Wellbeing Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498419263&mm=146852353951>

2/24/2026

New Supervisors' Academy<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498420485&mm=146852353951> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498420485&mm=146852353951>

2/25/2026

AI’s Environmental Impact <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498421707&mm=146852353951> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498421707&mm=146852353951>

2/26/2026

March

Library Programming with AI: Using AI to Help Create Impactful and Memorable Library Programs<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498422929&mm=146852353951> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498422929&mm=146852353951>

3/3/2026

Training/Staff Development Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498424151&mm=146852353951>

3/3/2026

Creating More Joy & Resilience in the Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498425373&mm=146852353951> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498425373&mm=146852353951>

3/4/2026

Middle Management Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498426595&mm=146852353951>

3/5/2026

AI & Information Literacy: Building Critical Evaluation Skills for Generative AI <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498427817&mm=146852353951> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498427817&mm=146852353951>

3/10/2026

Book Discussion Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498429039&mm=146852353951>

3/11/2026

Circulation Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498430261&mm=146852353951>

3/12/2026

Intellectual Freedom in Crisis: Moral Panics, Censorship, and the Cost to Library Workers <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498431483&mm=146852353951> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498431483&mm=146852353951>

3/19/2026

NEW! Utilizing Tutor.com for Live Online Tutoring & More <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498432705&mm=146852353951> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498432705&mm=146852353951>

3/19/2026

April

Construction and Facilities Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498433927&mm=146852353951>

4/8/2026

Technical Services and Collection Development Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498435149&mm=146852353951>

4/15/2026

Customer Service Conference: Communication and Credibility <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498411931&mm=146852353951> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498411931&mm=146852353951>

4/23/2026

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498436371&mm=146852353951>

4/29/2026

Outreach Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498437593&mm=146852353951>

4/30/2026

May

NEW! IT Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498438815&mm=146852353951>

5/5/2026

NEW! Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498440037&mm=146852353951>

5/13/2026

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498441259&mm=146852353951>

[Here's what happened in January: 10 Events; 528 Registered for Live Events; 202 Registered for Archived Events]

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2026 Statewide Salary Survey Opens Next Month

All libraries in Ohio are invited to participate in this comprehensive wage and benefit survey by submitting their data. The Survey will be distributed to libraries in Ohio on March 3, 2026. Completion date is April 30, 2026, and results will be available in June 2026.

We encourage your participation and welcome any questions. Please visit our FAQ page for more information: https://www.neo-rls.org/2026_neo-rls_statewide_salary.php<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498442481&mm=146852353951>

[Customer Service Conference: Communication and Credibility. April 23, 2026. Hilton Garden Inn, Twinsburg, OH]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498411931&mm=146852353951>

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State Library of Ohio Monthly Report Now Available

The latest edition of the State Library Monthly Report, featuring recent updates, upcoming programs, information, and resources designed to support our patrons and community partners is now available. This month includes ongoing usage of several resources, as well as activities and presentations from the State Library. You may view the report here<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498443703&mm=146852353951>.

[Post open positions or find your next role on the NEO-RLS jobline.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498444925&mm=146852353951>

[PLA Logo]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498446147&mm=146852353951>

Register Now for Responding to ICE at the Library: Real World Approaches

When agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enter a public library, staff need to know how to respond calmly, lawfully, and in ways that keep everyone safe. This webinar will highlight how libraries of different sizes and in different communities are navigating these situations in real life. Presenters will share how their libraries are approaching staff training, handling interactions, and ensuring everything is done professionally and legally. This webinar, sponsored by PLA’s Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498447369&mm=146852353951>, is designed to offer practical, real-world perspectives.

February 24, 2026

1:00 - 2:00 PM CT

Registration is free, but ALA individual membership is required.

Join this webinar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498448591&mm=146852353951> to:

  *   Understand at least four ways libraries are successfully preparing for and responding to ICE encounters, with examples from three library systems representing a range of communities;
  *   Know practical steps to ensure responses are clear, consistent, and lawful, prioritizing staff and patron safety; and
  *   Use strategies for training and communication that help staff feel supported and confident in real-world situations

[Utilizing Tutor.com for Live Online Tutoring & More. March 19, 2026. Register Now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498432705&mm=146852353951>

[Library Spotlight]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498449813&mm=146852353951>

Find Your Furever Friend at North Canton Public Library

North Canton Public Library will be hosting Caturday: Meet Adoptable Cats in the Library this Saturday, February 14, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. You can meet (and pet!) adoptable cats/kittens from Pawsitive Hope.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498451035&mm=146852353951>

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=498452257&mm=146852353951> to create your own account.

[Reserve our Technology and Wellness Kits]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498453479&mm=146852353951>
[Continuing Education @ a Glance]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498454701&mm=146852353951>
[NEO-RLS Jobline]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=498444925&mm=146852353951>

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Northeast Ohio Regional Library System | P.O. Box 1021 | Twinsburg, OH 44087

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