July 18, 2024

Upcoming NISO Webinars

NISO is offering a free informational webinar on their newly published Communication of Retractions, Removals, and Expressions of Concern (CREC) Recommended Practice. And in August, their monthly webinar series returns after a brief hiatus with roundtable discussions on building and managing collaborative collections. View article for information and registration links for these events. 

Amigos members receive free membership to the NISO Library Standards Alliance which includes access to NISO's educational webinar program, unlimited participation in NISO Working Groups/Standing Committees, and discounted registration for all non-webinar events.

Survey Assessing AI Literacy Among Academic Library Employees

Dr. Leo S. Lo, Dean of the University of New Mexico Libraries, invites participation in a follow-up survey assessing AI literacy among academic library employees in the United States. This follow-up study, conducted after the initial survey in May 2023 by Dr. Leo Lo (see College and Research Libraries), aims to evaluate changes in AI knowledge, tool familiarity, competence, and training needs.

The survey should take respondents 10 minutes and responses are anonymous and reported in aggregate form. The extended deadline for participation is July 26, 2024.  

ALA Annual 2024 Conference Takeaways from Amigos Staff
Several Amigos staff attended this year's ALA annual conference in San Diego, California. Two of them share their notable conference activities, takeaways, and insights. View article to learn about this year's experience from Amigos staff: Bea Ramirez, Manager, Member Discount Services and Trans-Amigos Express; and Tracy Byerly, Chief Programs Officer.

Eileen Condon and Cynthia Shetter Appointed to Amigos Library Services Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Amigos Library Services (Amigos) has appointed Eileen Condon, Dean of University Libraries & Editor of Webster University Press, Webster University (Missouri), and Cynthia Shetter, Director, Los Lunas Public Library/Museum of Heritage & Arts (New Mexico), to serve as members of the Board. Condon will complete the term vacated by Barbara Glackin, Dean, Kent Library, Southeast Missouri State University, and Shetter will complete the term vacated by Larry White, Executive Director, Metropolitan Library System (Oklahoma). Learn more in this article.

Call for Proposal open for October Conference "Examining the Library User Experience"
In a service-minded profession like libraries, it is easy to fall into the habit of meeting a user's immediate need without thinking twice. But how often do librarians and library staff consider the entire experience of the user from start to finish? Is there a way to meet or improve the experience of users from the moment their interaction with the library begins?

Taking place on October 16, 2024, Examining the Library User Experience, is an Amigos Online Conference that aims to explore ways that libraries can improve the overall experience of their virtual or physical space.

Amigos welcomes proposals from staff at member libraries and the wider library community for 45-minute individual or panel sessions. Sessions are presented online with technical support and moderation assistance from Amigos staff. 

From usability studies to accessibility improvements, to what works and what doesn't, we want to hear your stories! Submit your proposal by August 6, 2024.

Continuing Education News

Amigos Online Learning - Free for Members

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

• Know & Go: Cultivating an Accessibility Mindset

• Know & Go: Making Meetings More Effective

• Strategies & Partnerships: Insights to Build Collaborative Collections, Part One

• Know & Go: Building Teams During Times of Transition

• Managing & Sustaining Collaborative Collections, Part Two

• The Importance of Metadata in AI

• Know & Go: Collaborating with Faculty

• Know & Go: Health Literacy in Libraries

Looking for Deals on Library Supplies? Save With Amigos Discount Direct!
Amigos Discount Direct service saves members money by providing negotiated discounts when ordering library supplies and consulting services directly from vendors. Thousands of dollars are saved by members each year on reliable, affordable products and services from leading providers.  

Discount Direct vendors of particular interest include After-Mouse.com, Biblioteca, DEMCO, Gaylord, Skilltype, and The Library Store. View our full Discount Direct vendor list to see how you can save on these and more!

Need Help Finding Qualified Candidates for Library Job Openings? 
Amigos member libraries can post their openings for FREE! Postings remain in our job bank for thirty days and are shared to Amigos social media. Current Job Listings

Current Webinar and Demo Listings