Active Learning Communities
Active Learning Communities
are dynamic spaces designed for shared learning, real conversations, and practical support. These informal discussion groups meet virtually or in-person throughout the year to discuss the challenges, ideas, and strategies around a specific topic of interest. Communities are managed by the interested individuals. Meeting topics are determined by the group members and include invited speakers as determined by the group. The Active Learning Communities are a wonderful opportunity to share ideas and resources, to explore trends and challenges and to meet and support colleagues in the region.Please be advised that neither NEO-RLS nor any Active Learning Community participants are offering legal advice in these meetings or as part of any communication. Participants are speaking solely on behalf of their own situation as related specifically to their library. Please consult with your legal counsel about any situation and how it may affect your library.
In addition to meeting virtually or in-person, our Active Learning Communities discuss and connect online on our new Message Boards. These communities are open to anyone working in a library or currently in library school, no matter where you are located or what your membership level may be. We believe the more voices included in the discussion, the better the conversations will be. To access the message boards, you will need a member profile on the NEO-RLS website.
The message boards are hosted on the NEO-RLS website and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. They are email enabled, so you can participate either by logging into the website or by replying to post notifications via email. âThis platform provides the opportunity for the groups to discuss topics, ask questions and share resources asynchronously.
Click HERE for instructions to join an Active Learning Community and View its Message Board or reach out to Hillary Brown at hillary.brown@neo-rls.org for assistance.
Everyone in our region is welcome to join the Active Learning Communities regardless of membership level. We are always starting new Active Learning Communities based on input from you.
Academic Library Directors
The Academic Library Directors' Active Learning Community is open to the directors of academic libraries in our region. The group meets 2-3 times per year to discuss items of interest, share resources and collaborate. Roundtable discussion with speakers as determined by the group is the standard format.
To receive further information about this group's activities, please send a request to Hillary Brown.
Adult Services (Includes Reference and Readers' Advisory)
The Adult Services Active Learning Community is open to all those working in Adult Services including Reference and Readers' Advisory. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest and share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Melissa Lattanzi.
Book Discussion
Join the Book Discussion Active Learning Community to learn more about the newest book suggestions for successful Book Discussion Groups at your library. Share information about upcoming books and talk about the successes and challenges with Book Discussion Groups. The group will meet once or twice each year with roundtable discussion.
To receive further information about this group's activities, please send a request to Melissa Lattanzi.
Circulation
The Circulation Active Learning Community is open to all those working in circulation or public service. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest and share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Hillary Brown.
Construction and Facilities
The Construction and Facilities Active Learning Community is open to any staff involved in the design, construction, renovation and maintenance of libraries. The group meets quarterly to discuss issues related to the design and construction of library facilities from beginning to on-going maintenance. Roundtable discussion with speakers as determined by the group is the standard format.
To receive further information about this group's activities, please send a request to Melissa Lattanzi.
Directors'
The Directors Active Learning Community is open to all library Directors and Assistant/Deputy Directors. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest, share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Ragan Snead.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Active Learning Community is open to all those involved with advancing DEIA in their organizations. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest and share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Hillary Brown.
Fiscal Officers
The Fiscal Officers’ Active Learning Community meets quarterly to discuss items of interest and share resources. Roundtable discussions are the primary format. The group is open to all library fiscal officers and deputy fiscal officers (or equivalent positions) in our geographic region regardless of membership. The meetings are typically four hours long and include lunch.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Melissa Lattanzi.
Genealogy
The Genealogy Active Learning Community is open to all those involved with genealogical research. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest and share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Hillary Brown.
Human Resources
The Human Resources Active Learning Community meets quarterly to discuss items of interest, share resources and collaborate. Roundtable discussions are the primary format but sometimes include speakers. The group is open to all library staff that have HR functions in our geographic region regardless of membership.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Melissa Lattanzi.
Information Technology
The Information Technology Active Learning Community is open to all those involved in library information technology. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest and share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Hillary Brown.
Makerspace
The Makerspace Active Learning Community is open to all library employees involved in makerspaces. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest, share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Melissa Lattanzi.
Middle Management *NEW*
The Middle Management Active Learning Community is open to all library middle managers. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest, share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Ragan Snead.
Outreach
The Outreach Active Learning Community is open to all those involved in library outreach. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest and share information and resources, and collaborate.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Melissa Lattanzi.
PR/Marketing
The PR/Marketing Active Learning Community is open to anyone charged with promoting their library or with the creation of promotional materials. The group meets throughout the year to discuss items of interest and share resources. Roundtable discussions are the primary format with occasional presentations from speakers in the field.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Jill Grunenwald.
Special Libraries
The Special Libraries Active Learning Community is open to all those working in a Special Library or an Archive. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest and share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Hillary Brown.
Technical Services and Collection Development
The Technical Services Active Learning Community is open to all those involved in technical services, including collection development and management. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest, share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Hillary Brown.
Training/Staff Develoment *NEW*
The Training/Staff Development Active Learning Community is open to all those involved in training and staff development. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest, share information and resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Melissa Lattanzi.
Youth Services (Children & Teen)
The Youth Services Active Learning Community is open to all those working in Youth Services. The group meets regularly to discuss items of interest, share information and resources, and collaborate around programs such as Children's Summer Reading.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Melissa Lattanzi.
Workplace Wellbeing *NEW*
The Workplace Wellbeing Active Learning Community is open to anyone open to any staff interested in workplace wellbeing, wellness, and related topics. The group meets throughout the year to discuss items of interest and share resources.
To receive further information about this group’s activities, please send a request to Hillary Brown.