Corrected - AmigosNow May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Membership and People

Amigos Board Announces Election Results, Selects Officers for 2025-26
Amigos Library Services is pleased to announce the following individuals have been elected to three-year (2025-2028) terms on the Amigos Board of Directors: Ms. L. Renee Gorrell, Library Director, Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College; Mr. Rodney Lippard, Director, Torreyson Library, University of Central Arkansas; Ms. Danitza Lopez, Director, Nogales - Santa Cruz County Public Library; and Mr. Mark Smith, Director and Librarian (Retired), Texas State Library and Archives Commission. View article for more details.

Amigos Annual Member Conference Recap

On May 14, Amigos hosted "Our Present. Our Futures. The Amigos Member Conference 2025," bringing together library professionals and several students from across the region for a day of learning, inspiration, and connection. The conference opened with a powerful keynote by Julie Mosbo Ballestro, University Librarian and Assistant Provost at Texas A&M University Libraries.

The Annual Member Business Meeting and a diverse selection of concurrent sessions followed. In addition to celebrating the strength and creativity of member libraries, the event also announced Amigos' new Board of Directors and the new member benefit of free registration for all scheduled continuing education events.

In addition to speakers, attendees, and staff, Amigos also thanks all our event sponsors: LexisNexis, Oxford University Press, Project MUSE, and BoardDocs.

Education and Events

Amigos Live Online Courses Are Now Free for Members
During last week's Annual Membership Meeting, Amigos announced one of its largest investments in member benefits. Beginning in June, Live Online sessions will be added to the list of continuing education offerings provided as a free benefit of membership.

In addition to the new free Live Online sessions, a new registration option is also available. Members can now register to attend the online session or register solely for recording access.

Amigos recognizes that many libraries are examining their budgets and managing increasing workloads. Expanding access to free continuing education will help ease some of the pressure library staff face.

Amigos Online Learning - Free for Members

Review the Continuing Education Schedule for the latest additions and updates:

Empowering Staff to Advocate and Guide the Library's Story

Know & Go: Writing Effective Alternative Text

Introduction to OpenRefine

Soft Skills for Library Staff

Know & Go: Effective Committee and Board Service

Parliamentary Procedure 101

Products and Partnerships

Navigating Changes to Statewide Programs and Services
Amigos is closely monitoring statewide programs and services - and we appreciate state libraries' efforts to keep libraries and partners informed as they navigate the changing landscape of IMLS's Grants to States program.

For member libraries and libraries across the region, please know that Amigos staff are reaching out to a wider network of vendors and exploring options to make resources affordable in the event there are significant changes to statewide programs. Please email membership@amigos.org if you have specific needs or interest in specific products.

Explore Global Perspectives in Theater with Bloomsbury's May 28 Webinar
Amigos is pleased to share an exciting professional development opportunity from vendor partner Bloomsbury. Register for the May 28th free webinar spotlighting their Global Plays Collection 1, a rich addition to the Drama Online portfolio that features 100 plays in translation.

For libraries supporting theater studies, world literature, or global cultural literacy, this session offers a chance to gain insight into a uniquely diverse resource. Whether building inclusive collections or supporting classroom instruction, attendees will leave with fresh ideas for integrating international works into their library's offerings.

Save 25 – 50% With Infobase Special Offers Through June 30
An educational solutions company, Infobase serves the school and library community with over 15,000 print, film, and digital products, and is currently offering promotions for both current and former subscribers. Libraries can save 25-50% on various collections and packages through June 30th.

Join May 29 Webinar to Learn About Cambridge Histories Online
For a limited time, members receive a 30% discount on purchase of the complete Cambridge Histories Online archive or any subject collection. Join Cambridge University Press for a webinar on May 29 to learn more.

Member Job Bank

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.

Amigos Library Services | www.amigos.org

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