September Inclusive Services Update

New LibGuide from Library of Congress: Indigenous Peoples of the Americas: The LOC Native American Collections Working Group is pleased to announce the publication of a new research guide: Indigenous Peoples of the Americas: A Guide to Resources at the Library of Congress. Intended as an entry point for finding Library of Congress resources related to Indigenous peoples of the Americas, the guide includes links to select resources produced by individual divisions such as research guides, digital collections, Story Maps, and event video recordings. The guide aims, in spirit, to expand on the 1996 book Many nations : a Library of Congress resource guide for the study of Indian and Alaska Native Peoples of the United States, and provides a link to a digital copy of that original publication.

Ensuring Web Content Accessibility in Libraries: A new update to the ADA has big implications for libraries. The update ensures web content will be accessible for people with disabilities in libraries. Under this rule, all local and state governments will need to meet international accessibility standards for online services and online electronic documents (WCAG 2.1 level AA) by 2026. While this may be a lengthy but necessary undertaking for many libraries, there are several easy things you can start doing now to ensure your web content is accessible.

Neurodiversity and Invisible Disabilities (ND&ID) Bibliography: A working group from members of a ND&ID SIG joined together over the summer of 2024 to compile a bibliography of sources on the topics of neurodiversity and disability, broadly applied to libraries, archives, and museums. The bibliography is broken down by subtopic, and is accessible on this page.

Telehealth 101: What libraries need to know, September 9 – October 7, 2024. Libraries in locations across the United States are beginning to offer their patrons access to telehealth services as a strategy for addressing inequities in digital access to healthcare. This NIH free class introduces telehealth, why it’s important, and how it enables people to have greater access to quality healthcare. Explore how different libraries provided patrons in their communities with access to telehealth services. This class will address privacy and ethical concerns, and review the technology and infrastructure needed to launch a successful telehealth program in your library. The class will consist of three one-hour modules.

Wellness in the Library Workplace, September 16 – 27, 2024. Are you a dedicated library worker who helps your community find valuable health information? While you empower others, it’s crucial to consider your well-being. The connection between individual and community well-being is undeniable. Creating a workplace that fosters employee wellness helps improve staff health and patron services. Join the NIH in this free 2-week, 4-CE class to explore strategies for enhancing your well-being and cultivating a healthy work environment.

Adaptive Umbrella Accessibility Workshop, October 1, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm.  The Bloomfield Township Public Library is excited to welcome speakers with a lived disability experience, including our keynote speaker, Lucy Trieshmann, and closing keynote speaker, Ryan Honick. The day will include discussion on the topics of accessibility fundamentals and disability justice, conducting accessibility audits in our spaces, augmentative and alternative assistive technologies, creating an inclusive work culture, and more. All sessions, excluding our closing keynote, will be recorded and shared with registered attendees. Registration is now open.

The Art of Inclusive Hiring and Onboarding, Nov. 11 – Dec. 8, 2024. Delve into the process of seamlessly integrating new hires into your organization. Onboarding is more than just orientation; it’s about creating an experience that sets the stage for long-term employee success and engagement. In this UW iSchool course, we explore the theory and art behind effective onboarding practices, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to transform new hires into valuable contributors from day one. From making a great first impression with inclusive hiring practices to designing and implementing a comprehensive onboarding program, your team will have everything they need to succeed. Foster a sense of belonging, accelerate productivity, and increase retention at your library by mastering your hiring and onboarding skills.

Engaging and Affirming Neurodivergent Youth In Community Spaces: The Fellowship, November 14, 3 p.m. Islands of Brilliance is a Milwaukee-based non-profit that uses art and creative technologies to empower autistic and neurodivergent individuals and open pathways to employment and independence. The Fellowship is one of the newest programs from IOB, which focuses on transition-age participants in six mid and small-size cities across the state. In this webinar, three staff members will share insights about The Fellowship program design and implementation, as well as key insights about supporting and engaging neurodivergent youth and young adults within community spaces. Learn more and register:  https://wla.memberclicks.net/youth