Vermont Library Association green and white logo, and American Library Association red, blue, and white logo.

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 Communications Administrative Coordinator – Vermont Department of Libraries (Barre, VT)

Application Deadline Date:  09/07/2022
Req ID:  39383
Department:  Libraries
Location: Barre, VT, US
Position Type:  Permanent
Schedule Type:  Full Time
Hourly Rate:  $23.55

Overview

The Library Communications and Administrative Coordinator provides communications for the Department of Libraries and administrative coordination for the Library Advancement division. Typical public relations and communications work includes writing, website and desktop electronic publishing, graphic design, and other promotional activities for the Department. Administrative duties include event and program planning and coordination, materials processing, data tracking, program management, and general office management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the principles of effective communications
  • Applied knowledge of effective office management or administrative coordination
  • Knowledge of and the ability to use appropriate informational and social media channels
  • Knowledge of English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar and of writing and editing techniques
  • Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, desktop publishing, web content management systems, and design platforms
  • Strong computer skills and the ability to learn and use new technologies
  • Ability to write, edit and design reports and other publications covering a wide range of subject matter within timetables and deadlines
    creatively and effectively
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, including with representatives of the media
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
  • Ability to speak effectively in public
  • Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside the office

Who May Apply

This position, Library Communications Administrative Coordinator (Job Requisition #39383), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact janette.shaffer@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in an office setting. Must have valid driver’s license, available private transportation, or the ability to travel to a state fleet vehicle pickup location. Occasional weekend and evening duty may be anticipated. Certain promotional activities, required convention attendance, etc. may require occasional overnight stays away from home.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, advertising, English, or technical and business writing AND two (2) years or more of experience in communications, public or media relations, or marketing.

OR

Four (4) years or more of experience in communications, public or media relations, or marketing.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in office management or administrative support
  • Working knowledge of library practices, systems, and procedures
  • An understanding of library services and programming
  • Knowledge of children’s and youth literature

– Posted 9/1/22

VLAC21 Award Winners

Every year at the annual conference, the Vermont Library Association presents five awards for outstanding service to and support of the state’s libraries. This year, we did something a little different.  Rather than ask people to nominate for our usual awards, we invited them to name their own awards. The results were entertaining and heartfelt.

The winners were announced during the conference, “Emerging Energized,” held online May 25, 26, 27, and June 1 and 2.  You can watch the awards ceremony recording here.

And the winners are…Read more