[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Launching Our Middle Management Active Learning Community

Wed Mar 4 13:28:04 EST 2026

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Newsletter%20Header%20Update.png]

[Here's what happened in February: 16 Events; 848 Registered for Live Events; 230 Registered for Archived Events]

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Ragan%20Snead.jfif]

A Note from the

Executive Director

Middle managers hold a unique and often complex role within their organizations. They are leaders and supervisors, but also collaborators and implementers. They translate big-picture strategy into daily action, support staff while navigating administrative expectations, and often serve as the liaison between frontline employees and executive leadership. It’s important work, and it deserves meaningful support.

If you are in a middle-management role at your library, I hope you will join the first meeting of our Middle Management Active Learning Community<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506496683&mm=148869841735> tomorrow, March 5th, from 2:00–3:00 PM for an engaging and supportive conversation. These informal discussion groups provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and problem-solve common challenges together.

And if middle management isn’t your current role, we offer several other Active Learning Communities designed around specific interests and professional areas. There’s truly something for everyone. You can explore the full list of communities here<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506497905&mm=148869841735>.

We hope you’ll join one of these groups and participate in conversations that strengthen not only your work but our entire library community!

Ragan

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

March

Creating More Joy & Resilience in the Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506499127&mm=148869841735> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506499127&mm=148869841735>

3/4/2026

Middle Management Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506500349&mm=148869841735>

3/5/2026

AI & Information Literacy: Building Critical Evaluation Skills for Generative AI <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506501571&mm=148869841735> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506501571&mm=148869841735>

3/10/2026

Book Discussion Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506502793&mm=148869841735>

3/11/2026

Circulation Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506504015&mm=148869841735>

3/12/2026

Intellectual Freedom in Crisis: Moral Panics, Censorship, and the Cost to Library Workers <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506505237&mm=148869841735> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506505237&mm=148869841735>

3/19/2026

Utilizing Tutor.com for Live Online Tutoring & More <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506506459&mm=148869841735> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506506459&mm=148869841735>

3/19/2026

April

Construction and Facilities Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506507681&mm=148869841735>

4/8/2026

From Insight to Impact: Using Data to Grow Library Cardholders <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506508903&mm=148869841735> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506508903&mm=148869841735>

4/9/2026

Podcasts as Programming: Reaching Busy Parents on Their Time <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506510125&mm=148869841735> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506510125&mm=148869841735>

4/14/2026

Technical Services and Collection Development Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506511347&mm=148869841735>

4/15/2026

Customer Service Conference: Communication and Credibility <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506512569&mm=148869841735> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506512569&mm=148869841735>

4/23/2026

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506513791&mm=148869841735>

4/29/2026

From Maker to Market: Supporting Next Steps for Entrepreneurial Makers <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506515013&mm=148869841735> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506515013&mm=148869841735>

4/29/2026

Outreach Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506516235&mm=148869841735>

4/30/2026

2026 Directors’ Retreat: Navigating the AI Horizon: A Leadership Roadmap for Library and Staff Readiness <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506517457&mm=148869841735> (I)

4/30/2026-5/1/2026

May

IT Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506518679&mm=148869841735>

5/5/2026

Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506519901&mm=148869841735>

5/13/2026

NEW! How Images Manipulate Us<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506521123&mm=148869841735> (F)

5/14/2026

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506522345&mm=148869841735>
[Podcasts as Programming: Reaching Busy Parents on Their Time. April 14. Register now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506510125&mm=148869841735>

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/w1d/6ti/pek/NewStateLibrary_1.png]

Seeking Ohio Psychological Association Presenters

In preparation for Mental Health Awareness month (May 2026), State Library Consultants are collaborating with the Ohio Psychological Association’s Committee on Social Responsibility to develop a database of speakers available to present programs for libraries on various mental health issues.

Psychologists around Ohio who are interested in speaking at public library programs or library staff training events have shared their presentation topics, age group, relevant fees, and whether they can present virtually or in-person.

Topics shared include but are not limited to:

  *   Mental Health First Aid
  *   Memory care for older adults
  *   Sleep and potty training
  *   and How to find a therapist

Additionally, some speakers can provide training for library staff, including navigating toxic relationships, burnout and resilience.  Members of the OPA are also aware that libraries often plan programs well in advance, and are willing to discuss programs in the future.

If you are interested in learning more specifics about these topics or would like contact information for a potential program or library staff training, please contact Adult Services Library Consultant Katy Hite at khite at library.ohio.gov.<mailto:khite at library.ohio.gov>

[Middle Management Active Learning Community. March 5, 2026. 2:00 PM ET]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506500349&mm=148869841735>

[OhioNet Logo]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506523567&mm=148869841735>

Registration Open for Minimizing Bias During the Hiring Process Webinar

Mandy Simon, Managing Consultant from Bradbury Miller Associates, will discuss bias and how it affects the hiring process. Attendees will learn to identify different types of bias and understand how it affects decision-making. Presenters will introduce tools for structuring hiring pathways that minimize personal preferences and prioritize equitable screening and interview procedures.

Learn more and register here.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506524789&mm=148869841735>

[Intellectual Freedom in Crisis: Moral Panics, Censorship, and the cost to library workers. March 19. Register now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506526011&mm=148869841735>

[Library Spotlight]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506527233&mm=148869841735>

Eight Public Library Systems Launch Cuyahoga County Book Club

Eight public library systems from across the region have joined together to read, gather, and share stories about food and community this spring. Heights Libraries is leading the 2026 Cuyahoga County NEA Big Read, “BITE INTO BOOKS,” in collaboration with the below public library systems and various community partners. Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Libraries participating:

  *   Cleveland Public Library
  *   Cuyahoga County Public Library
  *   East Cleveland Public LIbrary
  *   Euclid Public Library
  *   Heights Libraries
  *   Rocky River Public Library
  *   Shaker Library
  *   Westlake Public Library

Visit CuyahogaReads.org <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=506528455&mm=148869841735> to learn more and see all of the events happening across Cuyahoga County!

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.

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