April 10, 2025

A Message from Amigos President & CEO Miguel Figueroa
These are unique circumstances for marking National Library Week (April 6 - 12). But these moments of scrutiny can remind us of the strength and resolve of our institutions and the dedicated efforts of library workers across our region and country. I have found particular comfort and inspiration in connecting with colleagues. A recent trip to Missouri focused on some of the challenges of the moment but also refreshed me with ample evidence of the good work and great leaders that are determined to see us through.

As we look ahead to our Amigos Member Conference on May 14 and the election of new members to our Board of Directors, I hope we can commit to working together and each contribute to dedicated, collaborative efforts that create positive shared futures. Please reach out at membership@amigos.org or email me directly at figueroa@amigos.org to talk more about how Amigos can partner with your library.

Voting Representatives: Information about May 14th Amigos Annual Member Business Meeting
Earlier this week, Voting Representatives received an email with information from Board of Directors Chair Ms. Paula Settoon. This message contained links to documents about the FY2025/26 budget, the Call to Meeting with candidate information, election information, and an agenda for the Member Business Meeting to be held online, May 14, 2025. For more information and how to update your Voting Representative contact information, please view this article.

Registration Now Open and Call for Proposals is Closing Soon for the Amigos Member Conference 2025
Registration is officially open for the Lexis-Nexis sponsored Amigos Member Conference 2025, happening online on Wednesday, May 14! Join fellow members for a day of inspiring ideas and future-focused conversations centered on this year’s theme: "Our Present. Our Futures."

Interested in presenting? The Call for Proposals closes Monday, April 14 so don’t wait! Not sure your idea is "conference-worthy"? Let us help you develop it. You don’t need to be a professional speaker to make an impact. Let’s explore today's library landscape — and imagine what’s next — together.

Amigos Members Gain Insight and Inspiration at ER&L 2025

Three staff members (Donna Church, Majestie Varnado, and Taylor M. Moore) from Amigos member libraries recently attended the Electronic Resources & Libraries 2025 Conference with support from Amigos and shared their takeaways with us. Whether new to the profession or stepping into a more specialized role, each found the conference valuable for its focused content, professional camaraderie, and practical takeaways. From licensing strategies and user analytics to accessible design and engagement ideas, their reflections highlight how ER&L helps library workers stay current, connected, and inspired.

Continuing Education News

Register for April Library Management Course to Conquer Challenges of Motivating & Retaining Employees
Libraries are facing unprecedented challenges in attracting, developing, and retaining talented staff. Now more than ever, managers and leaders must create a positive workplace culture, offer a strategic vision, and foster communication to motivate and retain library staff. 

Register today for Library Management: Motivating & Retaining Employees and learn to conquer morale-damaging managerial challenges and mitigate their impact through helpful guidance and model practices. 

Join us for the Amigos Community Conversation, "By Any Other Name: Belonging and Engagement in Libraries"
In a political climate where terms like diversity, equity, and inclusion face increasing challenges, many institutions have pivoted to new terms like belonging, community engagement, or student development.

Register today for the April 22, Amigos Community Conversation to join library leaders for a discussion about their approaches to this politicized space and finding paths to fulfilling their organization's commitments to reflecting and welcoming the communities they serve.

Amigos Online Learning - Free for Members

Online topical conferences, the annual member conference, Know & Go sessions, Essentials Series, Community Conversations, and NISO member webinars are all no charge to Amigos members. Upcoming free opportunities include:

• Know & Go: Cataloging a Collection of Unusual Things

• By Any Other Name: Belonging and Engagement in Libraries - An Amigos Community Conversation

• Know & Go: Tips for Cover Letters, Resumes, and Interviews

• Discover Hyku: Empowering Libraries with Open-Source Repository Solutions

• Know & Go: Understanding Creative Commons Licensing

• Our Present. Our Futures. The Amigos Member Conference 2025

• Managing Risk in the Information Community

• Know & Go: Diversity and Inclusion Activities for Library Meetings

• Know & Go: Trends and Changes for the Future of Libraries

• Know & Go: Increase Your Productivity with Time Management

• AI & the Research Cycle (Phase II: Data Collection & Analysis)

• Know & Go: Writing Effective Alternative Text

• Know & Go: Effective Committee and Board Service

Conference Recording Available for "Collections Reflect Communities"
If you missed the April 10, 2025, Amigos Online Conference "Collections Reflect Communities", there is still a chance to explore the ways that libraries represent their communities through collections and technical services practices. View sessions such as the opening keynote with Mary Schreiber and Wendy K. Bartlet, the closing keynote Michelle Cronquist, and more.

This conference along with all Amigos online topical conferences, Know & Go sessions, Essentials Series, Community Conversations, and NISO member webinars is free to all staff at Amigos member libraries. Please note that all attendees registered for the live event automatically gained access to the recorded sessions.