2025 Spring Professional Development Grant Applications Due March 14

Applications are due by Friday, March 14, 2025, for the next round of Vermont Library Association Professional Development Grants. Up to $250 is available for VLA members to attend a professional development program such as a workshop, conference, or continuing education course. Priority is given by monetary need, library involvement, leadership, and commitment to Vermont libraries.

To be eligible, applicants must:
– Be an active VLA member;
– Live in Vermont and/or work in a Vermont library; and
– Have not received a scholarship from VLA in the past two years.

Winners will be notified by Monday, April 7. Grant recipients are required to write a brief account of their professional development opportunity for VLA News, our quarterly email newsletter.

Click here for the Professional Development Grant Application

If you have any questions, please contact Scholarship and Awards Committee Chair Pamela Cartier at pcartier@vermontlaw.edu.

Vermont Library Conference 2024 Presentation PDFs

Libraries Empowering Communities: Standing Together in Uncertain Times was the theme of the Vermont Library Association’s 2024 annual conference, held on Monday, May 20, at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Conference Center in Killington, Vermont. Following in alphabetical order by title are presentations made available to us by the speakers. Click the link to view and/or download the pdf.

PRESENTATIONS

Brick by Brick: Building Empowered Communities through LEGO Robotics
Presented by Mary Neffinger.

Career and Professional Development Resources for Your Patrons
Presented by April Shaw, Vermont Department of Libraries Government Services and Reference Librarian.

Creating a Share and Repair Library of Things
Presented by Suzanne Krohn (she/they), Richmond Free Library outreach and programming assistant.

Empowerment Through Access: An Update on the Statewide Shared Digital Collection
Presented by Jillian Scarson, Palace Project Partner Success Leader, and Lauren Kelley, Vermont Department of Libraries Technical Services Librarian

Fun & Friendly Competition: Trivia Night 101
Presented by Meg Malone (she/her), Burnham Memorial Library (Colchester) Young Adult Services Librarian and Interlibrary Loan Coordinator.

Keynote Address (on YouTube)
Presented by Emily Drabinski, American Library Association 2023-24 president. Her presentation begins at 22:30 in the recording.

Making Space in Vermont: A New NASA Grant to Support Vermont Public Libraries
Presented by Ellen Brennan, program administrator for the Vermont Space Grant Consortium and NASA’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

Recognizing Stress, Employing Self Care, and Avoiding Burnout in Today’s Library Landscape
Presented by Nicole Klett, assistant librarian at Essex High School CTE Library, and a board-certified health and wellness coach.

Red Clover: Beyond the Classroom
Presented by Hannah Fjeld, Liv Perry, Kate Lucia, and Abby Adams.

Vermont Golden Dome Books Awarded and Nominated for 2024
Presented by the Golden Dome Book Award Committee.

Why Patron Privacy Matters and How You Can Protect It
Presented by Trina Magi, award-winning librarian at the University of Vermont Howe Memorial Library.

Young Adult Diverse Books Book Club Takes “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” to Boston
Presented by Susan Piccoli, Woodstock High School and Middle School librarian, and 2021 Vermont Humanities Victor R. Swenson Award recipient.

Other VLA Conference Resources:

2024 Vermont Library Conference Home Page

2024 Vermont Library Conference Session Descriptions

2024 Vermont Library Conference Speaker Bios

2024 Vermont Library Conference Presentation PDFs

Vermont Library Association Conference Committee

Vermont Library Association Past Conferences Archive

Last update June 27, 2024 (sl)

Vermont Library Association Applauds the Passage of S.220, Protecting Libraries and the Freedom to Read in Vermont

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2024

Vermont Library Association Applauds the Passage of S.220, Protecting Libraries and the Freedom to Read in Vermont

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) celebrates the recent enactment of S.220, an act crucial to the advancement of Vermont’s public libraries. Originating from the recommendations of the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont Final Report and championed by Senators Martine Gulick and Ruth Hardy, this legislation is an affirmation of the essential role that libraries play in the cultural and educational landscape of Vermont.

Key Features of S.220:

Ensuring Compliance with First Amendment and Anti-Discrimination Laws: S.220 mandates that library policies align with the First Amendment and anti-discrimination laws, ensuring libraries remain safe havens for free speech, inquiry, and discovery.
Public Safety Enhancements: By amending laws related to criminal threats, S.220 provides stronger legal protections for libraries, ensuring they remain secure and welcoming spaces for all Vermonters.
Professional Support and Policy Development: Supports high standards of library services through the creation of model policies and ongoing professional development.

“Vermont has set a new precedent by integrating public accommodation laws directly into library policies, reaffirming libraries as foundational pillars of democracy and inclusivity. This groundbreaking legislation not only protects the right to free access to information, but also ensures that libraries remain sanctuaries of equity and understanding for all.” says Oceana Wilson, President of the Vermont Library Association.

“We are excited for the new legislation and the measures included that will allow Vermont librarians to continue their work, contributing to stronger and more resilient communities in our state. We are grateful to the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont, who paved the way and provided inspiration for S.220.” says Margaret Woodruff, Vermont Library Association Government Relations & Advocacy Committee Chair

The VLA commends the collaborative efforts of our legislators, library advocates, and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to champion this significant legislation. Their dedication to advancing the mission of libraries as inclusive spaces for learning, exploration, and discovery has brought forth substantial benefits for all Vermonters.

By enacting S.220, Vermont champions a bold vision that we hope will inspire other states to recognize and support the integral role of libraries in fostering an informed and inclusive society.

CONTACTS:

Margaret Woodruff, Vermont Library Association Government Relations & Advocacy Committee Chair margaret@charlottepubliclibrary.org

Oceana Wilson, Vermont Library Association President
president@vermontlibraries.org

About the Vermont Library Association

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) is an educational organization working to develop, promote, and improve library and information services and librarianship in the state of Vermont.

Assistant Librarian – Dover Free Library (East Dover, VT)

Responsible for day-to-day operation of the library, including public services and technical/clerical services, under supervision of the library director.

Basic Requirements:

Ability to work independently, including running the library in library director’s absence
Accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to work cordially and cooperatively
Creativity and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in using computers and office machines
Flexibility and willingness to adapt to an environment which is changing very rapidly, particularly in the area of information technology
Work one evening a week and one Saturday a month

Responsibilities:

Assist library patrons in a welcoming manner
Help with basic reference service
Manage circulation desk, including circulating materials, handling overdues, and shelving materials.
Offer interlibrary loan and reserve services, and help patrons fill out necessary forms
Instruct patrons in use of computer-based resources
Social media marketing, using programs such as MailChimp, Canva, etc.
Supervise and train volunteers in such areas as shelving, shelf reading, filing and processing books.
Technical services, including periodicals, cataloging assistance; collection of statistics; processing of new materials; ordering of supplies
Miscellaneous duties, depending on interest, may include: creation of book displays, help with programming for children and/or adults
Attend professional development programs virtually or in person
Occasional light housekeeping such as water plants and running vacuum.
Other duties as needed

Requirements:

Familiarity with library services
Superior technical knowledge
Must be able to lift 20 pounds

Position Details:

Position is full time, 35 – 40 hours per week.
Compensation is $18/hour, plus health insurance and other benefits
Afternoons and some weekends are required.
Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume to Allison Maynard at doverfreelibrarydirector@gmail.com

– Posted 11/12/23

ALA Donates $3,500 to Assist Vermont Libraries Damaged by Floods, Encourages More Donations

Catastrophic flooding in July 2023 impacted the state of Vermont, including many libraries. Seventeen public libraries suffered damage to their buildings and loss of resources. Thanks to support from American Library Association (ALA) members and other library supporters around the country, the ALA Disaster Relief Fund is sending $3,500 to the Vermont Library Association (VLA) to disburse to those libraries hardest hit and in need of financial assistance.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, the state capitol, suffered major damage to infrastructure and was not open to the public for several months. Staff provided curbside pickup of library materials and provided internet access outside the building.

Johnson Public Library is providing library services from its temporary location in the Johnson Masonic Temple, while work on the library building continues. Post-flood building repairs at the Johnson Public Library building include heating, electrical, flooring, and insulation installation.

Water flooded the South Londonderry Free Library through both the roof and the basement during the storms. The library continued service to the public despite having on-going repairs.

“ALA thanks the Vermont Department of Libraries and the Vermont Library Association for their support and assistance to library staff and the communities they serve,” said Michael Dowling, director of the ALA Chapter Relations Office, in a press release.

The American Library Association’s Disaster Relief Fund provides monies to libraries in the U.S. and around the world that have been damaged or destroyed due to natural or man-made disasters. Donations to Vermont libraries can be made on the ALA Disaster Relief Fund web page. Please type “Vermont” in the tribute line.

The American Library Association is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services.

Vermont Library Association Statement of Support for ALA

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) affirms its support for the American Library Association (ALA), a nonpartisan, nonprofit membership organization that develops, promotes, and improves library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

The American Library Association has a representative in Vermont, Chapter Councilor Jessamyn West, who has served in this position since 2020.

The ALA:

Promotes the Library Bill of Rights, affirming that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and Freedom to Read, affirming Americans can make their own decisions about what they read and believe.
Supports First Amendment rights to free speech, thought, and opinion;
Is composed of and serves people of all demographics and ideologies;
Is not a governing body and has no authority over the governance of Vermont libraries, which have a wide range of organizing structures;
Is governed by a council and executive board elected by the membership, including a representative from the Vermont Library Association;
Provides information about library best practices to its membership, and creates public relations campaigns that promote library services;
Offers professional development, publications, and conferences to its membership.

ALA is an effective advocate for funding from the federal government through the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) grants to states. Through ALA’s efforts with its members and allies, including the Chief Officers of State Library Associations, IMLS has increased its base funding nationally. The Vermont Department of Libraries has seen an increase of $326,077 or 26% from 2019 to 2023, to $1,247,111 annually.

During the pandemic years, ALA pushed for further support for libraries across the country. The Vermont Department of Libraries received additional critical dollars, $56,384 from the CARES Act and $2,135,819 from the American Rescue Plan Act.

ALA is the second-largest grant funder to libraries. Since 2021, ALA has awarded 44 libraries in Vermont a total of $276,000 for digital training workshops, bolstering technology in small and rural libraries, STEM resources, and other professional development and resources to help libraries better serve the needs of their communities.

The Vermont Library Association Executive Board
September 2023
Contact:
Oceana Wilson (she, her)
VLA President
president@vermontlibraries.org

Library Evening/Weekend Supervisor – Norwich University (Northfield, VT)

Library Evening/Weekend Supervisor

Fulfills the mission of Norwich University by providing quality and consistent customer and circulation services, for supervising, monitoring, and training workstudy students, for communicating effectively with day shift, the activities during the evening shifts, for building security.

This position is 16 hours/week, 30 weeks/year.

Schedule is every other weekend 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, plus additional hours to cover events and changes in the library’s extended open hours.

Salary: $15.00/per hour

Essential Functions

Monitors the library during evening and weekend hours of operation.
Oversees customer service and circulation activities at the library services desk.
Provides continuous training and supervises students at the library services desk.
Relays shift changes and student performance issues to the Circulation Manager.
Recommends changes or additions to library policies and procedures if necessary.
Provides basic reference (information about the library and its services) and equipment support.
Closes and secures building following Closing Procedures and relays any issues to Public Safety and the Circulation Manager.

Other Functions

Assesses the performance of direct reports and provides frequent feedback to optimize their performance.
Maintains confidentiality of sensitive or private information.
Communicates with employees, students, and others in a respectful and clear manner.
Serves on University committees, councils, workgroups, or other designated bodies as assigned.
Achieves, maintains proficiency in, and utilizes computers, telephones, and other job-related equipment, including related systems and software.
Speaks, reads, and writes in English.
Communicates by telephone, email, letter, in person, or other means or device.
Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree: additional years of directly related experience and course work beyond high school may be substituted for degree.
Supervising experience preferred
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook) preferred.
Able to sit, squat, reach, push, pull, and manipulate related equipment; lift 25 pounds; travel outdoors to various parts of the campus.
Work weekend or evening hours

Environmental Conditions

Indoor work at a computer workstation
Low level of exposure to noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes.

Additional Information:

Norwich University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a positive education and work environment that recognizes and respects the dignity of all students, faculty and staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at nuhr@norwich.edu for assistance.

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring immigration sponsorship, including but not limited to non-immigrant visas such as H1B, STEM, or F1, now or in the future. A post offer, pre-employment background check will be required of the successful candidate.

Application Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, 3 references, and Norwich application. To apply go to https://norwich.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=166669

– Posted 8/29/23

Fall 2023 Professional Development Grant Deferred to Spring 2024

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) Scholarship and Awards Committee did not receive any applications for the fall 2023 Professional Development Grant. Considering the recent flooding in Vermont, and the added pressures it is putting on libraries and their communities, the committee has decided to defer these funds to the spring 2024 Professional Grant Funding opportunity. The committee may award up to $250 for a Vermont Library Association member to attend a workshop, conference, or continuing education course. Therefore, in the spring, the committee will award two $250 grants. We sincerely hope that by then library staff will have the capacity to apply for these funds.

Thank you, thank you,

Pamela Cartier (she/her)
VLA Scholarship and Awards Committee Chair

Registration Closed – The conference is full!

Registration has closed for the 128th Vermont Library Conference, a joint event bringing together the Vermont School Library Association (VSLA) and the Vermont Library Association (VLA) for a full day of learning, networking, and celebrating all things library. The theme, “Be the Place: Libraries Are for Everyone,” reflects the shared goal for all librarians of creating inclusive, accessible, exciting, and sustainable spaces—whether in person or online.

VLA/VSLA Joint Conference Call for Proposals

Let’s celebrate! The Vermont Library Association (VLA) and the Vermont School Library Association (VSLA) are pleased to announce their joint sponsorship of a one-day conference in 2023, and we need YOU!

We are seeking presenters for:

“Be the Place: Libraries Are For Everyone!”

The conference will be held at Doubletree by Hilton in South Burlington on Monday, April 3, 2023. Proposals are due by Friday, Jan. 13, 2023.

We are looking for presenters for a wide variety of sessions.