Round Table(s)

Games & Gaming Round Table Announces the First Platinum Play Award Recipients

CCOLEMAN — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:58:38 +0000

Games & Gaming Round Table Announces the First Platinum Play Award Recipients

Wrapping up International Games Month 2024, the Games & Gaming Round Table (GameRT) of the 91��ý is pleased to announce the winners of the first annual Platinum Play Hall of Fame Awards (the ��Platys��).

Building on the first cohort of games announced in November 2023 as the Platys Classics �C Class of 2024, the 2024 list represents games highlighting the best of gaming in library spaces for games released in the last two to ten years in the categories of Board or Card Games, Tabletop Role-Playing Games, and Video Games. Platy recipients are considered standouts for Library collections or programming ideas across a wide swath of library types. Nominations were submitted by library workers and reviewed by a committee of Games and Gaming Round Table members.

This year��s Platys Class of 2024 list includes longstanding favorites such as Splendor and Azul, approachable program-friendly titles like Just One and Exploding Kittens, the tournament-friendly Super Smash Bros. Melee, geolocation game Pokemon Go, and ��80s throwback RPG Kids on Bikes.

��The work of the Games & Gaming Round Table can be distilled most simply into helping to bring games and play into library spaces. As gaming librarians, we know very well that the games landscape can be dense and vast,�� GameRT President Danielle Costello said of the 2024 Platys list. ��While there are "best of" lists and awards that can be used to help navigate the landscape of modern play, we wanted resources that were informed specifically from the library perspective. To that end, our Awards committee has focused on creating an official list of games that consider our unique needs and places within our communities. I��m so very proud of that committee's dedication and so happy to share the list with you today!��

About International Gaming Month

International Gaming Month is a celebration that hopes to connect communities to the educational, recreational, and social value of games through experiences in their libraries. It is celebrated every November all over the world. To learn more about International Gaming Month, visit https://games.ala.org/international-games-month/

About the Games and Gaming Round Table

The Games and Gaming Round Table (GameRT) of the 91��ý provides a venue for librarians interested in the use of games and gaming in libraries of all types a place to gather and share. GameRT was formed in 2011, replacing and extending the pre-existing gaming member interest group. As a round table, GameRT is built around our shared passion for games and the use of gaming within libraries. With members from all types of libraries, GameRT encompasses a wide variety of viewpoints, situations, and user types. Look for more information on the GameRT blog.

About 91��ý

The 91��ý (91��ý) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91��ý has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

CCOLEMAN Mon, 12/02/2024 - 10:58

Awards (Books & Media)

Awards

Contact:

Tina Coleman

GameRT Staff Liaison

91��ý

Games & Gaming Round Table

ccoleman@ala.org

312.280.2152

Platinum Play - Platys

CCOLEMAN — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:40:36 +0000

Platinum Play - Platys

These games, represent a new awards category highlighting the best of gaming in library spaces. Platy recipients should be considered standouts for Library collections or programming ideas across a wide swath of library types. Games are nominated by librarians and chosen by a select team on the Games and Gaming Round Table, with a cohort of new titles added annually.

CCOLEMAN Wed, 11/27/2024 - 11:40

Board and card games

Azul

2 - 4 players
30 - 45 minutes
Ages 8+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "Simple rules but complex enough for re-playability. It has some player interaction and some wonderful pattern making. It circs well and plays well within 45 minutes. easy rules that teens can get."

Dungeon Mayhem

2 - 4 players
10 minutes
Ages 8+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "I��ve played it with kids from 1st grade on through high-school and they all love it. The iconography helps for folks that may not be as literate in English. It��s very simple to start a game, but the kids inevitably want to play another round and another. As an icebreaker in a drop-in teen zone setting or a starter for a family game day. Our D&D DM uses it as a warm-up before delving in to their main game."

Exploding Kittens

2 - 5 players
15 minutes
Ages 7+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "Exploding Kittens is a quick, easy-to-learn, sometimes silly game that is fun for all ages. It requires a bit of strategy and luck, so this helps keep play from being too uneven among different skilled players. Watching the game as players are eliminated is also fun which helps keep the eliminated players from feeling bored or left out. Game decks can also be mixed together to allow more players. This is a good introductory game for people who don't play a lot of games or who don't enjoy or have the attention span for 2+ hour games. Game play usually takes about 15 minutes and the rules and cards are easy to explain in a short amount of time. It takes most new players less than one game to understand it. This makes is suitable for game nights, particularly ones that attract all ages."

Just One

3 - 7 players
20 - 60 minutes
Ages 8+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "A very simple game to teach. Provides a lot of fun for a larger group. Inter-generational programming, introducing games to new gamers"

The Mind

2 - 4 players
20 minutes
Ages 8+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "A game that is mostly quiet, but sparks so much conversation after each round! Good at all player counts. A quick, easy to teach game to get people going or to fill time before a larger program as people arrive."

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

3 - 10 players
10 minutes
Ages 10+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a very fast game of deception, trickery, and laughs. Because of the free app that goes with the game, all players can play with no need for a game master or rule enforcer. The app guides players through the night, "waking" each player to make use of their special abilities. In the morning, players then vote on who's the werewolf in the party. Each game is different and the roles and app can be altered each time. This is another good all-ages game that we have used in Game Night. Because the game moves so quickly (10 minutes or less), players don't have time to get bored or feel too upset if they are voted the werewolf. The speed of the game also allows people to quickly move in and out of it, good for players that can't stay long or who want to try other games."

Splendor

2 - 4 players
30 minutes
Ages 10+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "Splendor is a fairly easy-to-learn game while also being a thinking and strategy game. It's good for people who like the strategy of chess without having to know so many rules. It can be taught in one session and it's suitable for different ages and skill levels to play together. Finally, the quality of materials is impressive, particularly the gem tokens. Splendor is part of our circulating board game collection. We also regularly use it for board game nights open to the community. It's a great game to have faculty, students, community members, parents, and middle schoolers all playing together."

Tabletop Role-Playing Games

Inspirisles

2 or more players
Varies
Ages 8+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "It��s a RPG that teaches sign language as you play. Both BSL and ASL learning provided. Sessions are run by an organizer with 4 or more players. Sign language material can be printed off and complementary video tutorials are found on their website."

Kids on Bikes

2 or more players
Varies
Ages 8+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "Kids on Bikes is a "rules light" RPG game that provides collaborative storytelling without the need to multiple rulebooks or frequent pauses to refer to rules. The game provides a great deal of flexibility to adjust to gaming styles, rule preferences, and vibe. Each player has an active role in determining character relationships, the environment, as well as the story itself. Games can be short pre-generated one-shot sessions or multi-game campaigns, silly or serious. Finally, the rule book has specific guidelines on how to make Kids on Bikes accessible and welcoming to all. I have not used this in a library setting yet, but I am currently working on a campaign that hopefully could be used to teach information literacy or library skills (think of an RPG version of a library escape room)."

Video Games

Pokemon Go

1 or more players
Varies
Ages 8+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that encourages players to get up, walk around, and explore. It is family-friendly and suitable for all ages (but children may need supervision in public to ensure safety). It's good for individuals, but also families or groups. Libraries can set themselves up as a Pokestop and can do promotions tied to being a Pokestop to bring players inside (i.e. social media promotions or library card signups). There are also monthly community days events that libraries can participant in and lots of ideas for library programming tied to Pokemon Go can be found online."

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

2 or more players
Varies
Ages 8+

How do you use this game in a library setting? "This game is very popular amongst teens. It is easy to learn how to play and many people can play it at the same time. The competition brackets are also really helpful if wanting to use it for a tournament style program. It is only available on the Nintendo Switch however. I used this game for a teen gaming competition program where teens competed in a smash bros tournament. They had a lot of fun playing against each other and it was really easy setting up the brackets. It's also a well known game, so many of the teens already knew how to set up the tournament and how to play."

Platinum Play Hall of Fame - Classics

CCOLEMAN — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:14:54 +0000

Platinum Play Hall of Fame - Classics

These classic games, chosen for their antiquity, versatility and timeless nature, represent the first of a new awards category highlighting the best of gaming in library spaces. Platy recipients should be considered standouts for Library collections or programming ideas across a wide swath of library types. Going forward, games will be nominated by librarians and chosen by a select team on the Games and Gaming Round Table, with a cohort of new titles to join these classics annually.

CCOLEMAN Wed, 11/27/2024 - 10:14

Board and Card Games

Backgammon

2 players
30 min
Ages 8+

Backgammon is a classic abstract strategy game dating back thousands of years. Each player has a set of 15 checkers (or stones) that must be moved from their starting positions, around, and then off the board. Dice are thrown each turn, and each player must decide which of their checkers to move based on the outcome of the roll. Players can capture each other��s checkers, forcing the captured checkers to restart their journey around the board. The winner is the first player to get all 15 checkers off the board. A more recent addition to the game is the ��doubling cube��, which allows players to up the stakes of the game. Although the game relies on dice to determine movement, there is a large degree of strategy in deciding how to make the most effective moves given each dice roll and measuring the risk in terms of possible rolls the opponent may get.

Catan

3-4 players
60-120 min
Ages 10+

In CATAN (formerly The Settlers of Catan), players try to be the dominant force on the island of Catan by building settlements, cities, and roads. On each turn dice are rolled to determine what resources the island produces. Players build by spending resources (sheep, wheat, wood, brick and ore) that are depicted by these resource cards; each land type, with the exception of the unproductive desert, produces a specific resource: hills produce brick, forests produce wood, mountains produce ore, fields produce wheat, and pastures produce sheep.

Set-up includes randomly placing large hexagonal tiles (each showing a resource or the desert) in a honeycomb shape and surrounding them with water tiles, some of which contain ports of exchange. Number disks, which will correspond to die rolls (two 6-sided dice are used), are placed on each resource tile. Each player is given two settlements (think: houses) and roads (sticks) which are, in turn, placed on intersections and borders of the resource tiles. Players collect a hand of resource cards based on which hex tiles their last-placed house is adjacent to. A robber pawn is placed on the desert tile.

A turn consists of possibly playing a development card, rolling the dice, everyone (perhaps) collecting resource cards based on the roll and position of houses (or upgraded cities��think: hotels) unless a 7 is rolled, turning in resource cards (if possible and desired) for improvements, trading cards at a port, and trading resource cards with other players. If a 7 is rolled, the active player moves the robber to a new hex tile and steals resource cards from other players who have built structures adjacent to that tile.

Points are accumulated by building settlements and cities, having the longest road and the largest army (from some of the development cards), and gathering certain development cards that simply award victory points. When a player has gathered 10 points (some of which may be held in secret), he announces his total and claims the win.

Checkers

2 players
30 min
Ages 6+

Abstract strategy game where players move disc-shaped pieces across an 8 by 8 cross-hatched (��checker��) board. Pieces only move diagonally, and only one space at a time. If a player can move one of his pieces so that it jumps over an adjacent piece of their opponent and into an empty space, that player captures the opponent��s disc. Jumping moves must be taken when possible, thereby creating a strategy game where players offer up jumps in exchange for setting up the board so that they jump even more pieces on their turn. A player wins by removing all of his opponent��s pieces from the board or by blocking the opponent so that he has no more moves.

Chess

2 players
30-60 min
Ages 6+

Chess is a two-player, abstract strategy board game that represents medieval warfare on an 8��8 board with alternating light and dark squares. Opposing pieces, traditionally designated White and Black, are initially lined up on either side. Each type of piece has a unique form of movement and capturing occurs when a piece, via its movement, occupies the square of an opposing piece. Players take turns moving one of their pieces in an attempt to capture, attack, defend, or develop their positions. Chess games can end in checkmate, resignation, or one of several types of draws. Chess is one of the most popular games in the world, played by millions of people worldwide at home, in clubs, online, by correspondence, and in tournaments. Between two highly skilled players, chess can be a beautiful thing to watch, and a game can provide great entertainment even for novices. There is also a large literature of books and periodicals about chess, typically featuring games and commentary by chess masters.

Cribbage

2-6 players
30 min
Ages 10+

Cribbage is a card game invented in the early 17th century, based on the earlier game Noddy. It is played with a deck of standard playing cards and a signature piece of equipment called the cribbage board. Cribbage is traditionally played as a 2 player game.

In the version usually played today, each player is dealt a hand of 6 cards, from which they discard 2 into a special pile called the Crib. One card is then cut from the draw pile and turned face up �C it is considered part of each player��s hand and of the Crib. The players then play cards in turn, scoring points for hitting certain totals, or for making sets or sequences. Score is kept by moving pegs along tracks on the cribbage board. This is repeated until both players have exhausted their hand of cards.

Next, each player picks up their hand and determines all possible scoring combinations, pegging points again on the cribbage board. The dealer then picks up the Crib and scores it for all possible points. Then the cards are shuffled and the deal alternates. The winner is the first to reach 121 points.

2 players
30-180 min
Ages 8+

By all appearances, it��s just two players taking turns laying stones on a 19��19 (or smaller) grid of intersections. But once its basic rules are understood, Go shows its staggering depth. One can see why many people say it��s one of the most elegant brain-burning abstract games in history, with players trying to claim territory by walling off sections of the board and surrounding each other��s stones. The game doesn��t end until the board fills up, or, more often, when both players agree to end it, at which time whoever controls the most territory wins.

Mahjong

3-4 players
120 min
Ages 8+

Mah-Jongg (Chinese �錢/�齫 M��ji��ng [game of the] sparrow) is a traditional Chinese game using illustrated tiles, with game play similarities to rummy. It is a popular gambling game, but wagering real stakes is by no means necessary to have fun playing.

The tiles consist of three suits numbering 1-9 (Dots, Numbers or Characters, and Bamboo, the ��Ace�� of which almost always looks like a bird), three different dragons (Red, Green, and White [white is unusual in that it may look like a silvery dragon, or like a picture frame, or blank �C think ��White dragon in a snowstorm��), and the four winds (east, south, west, and north). There are four copies of each tile. This totals to 136 tiles. In addition, special Flower, Season, and Joker (American version) tiles may also be used.

Four players take turns drawing from a stock (the wall), or from the other players�� discards, in an attempt to form sets of numeric sequences (e.g., 5-6-7 of the same suit, which can only be drawn from the player at one��s left, by calling ��Chow��), triplets and quadruplets (which can be drawn from the discards out-of-turn by calling ��Pung��), pairs, and other patterns. ��Pung�� takes precedence over ��Chow��, and ��Mah Jongg�� takes precedence over all (and is the only situation one may draw ��Chow�� out-of-turn.) What happens if a single discard would give two (or more!) players ��Mah Jongg��? Precedence goes to the player who would play next in normal sequence.

Mancala

2 players
10 min
Ages 5+

Mancala is played on a board of two rows, each consisting of six round pits. The rows have a large store at either end called the Kalah. A player owns the six pits closest to them and the Kalah on their right side.

The game is started with four (4) seeds in each pit. A player takes all the seeds from one of their pits, and then they are distributed one by one, counterclockwise, in the pits and the player��s own Kalah, but not into the opponent��s store (Kalah). If the last seed is dropped into an opponent��s pit or a non-empty pit of the player, the move ends without anything being captured. If the last seed falls into the player��s Kalah, they must move again. If the last seed is put into an empty pit owned by the player, they capture all contents of the opposite pit together with the capturing piece and puts them in their Kalah. If the opposite pit is empty, nothing is captured. A capture ends the move.

The game ends when one player no longer has any seeds in any of their holes. The remaining pieces are captured by their adversary. The player who has captured the most pieces is declared the winner.

Parchisi (Parcheesi)

2 �C 4 players
30 min
Ages 5+

Pachisi, the national game of India, dates back to 4 AD and remains popular today. Each player has a set of pawns that start in his or her corner of the board. The goal is to move the pawns around the board to the ��home�� section. Movement is controlled by dice. All players move around the same board, so they may capture each others pawns. Captured pawns are returned to their player��s corner and must start their journey over. The winner is the first player to move all pawns ��home��.

Shogi

2 players
60 min
Ages 8+

Of Japanese origins, Shogi is played on a 9 by 9 board, and the object is to capture the opponent��s king. There are two main differences with Western chess. First, not only pawns but almost every piece can promote if it reaches the opponents three last rows. Second and most distinctive characteristic is that captured pieces become property of the capturing player and during his turn he can ��parachute�� or ��drop�� them back to the board instead of performing a normal move. Because of this feature, similar to Bughouse, the game can last longer than a Chess game, the board generally stays fairly crowded and there is no simplification going into the endgame. However, the endgame is typically more rapid with many possibilities for attack and ways to achieve a checkmate, which also makes draws/ties very rare.

Snakes and Ladders (Chutes and Ladders)

2-6 players
30 min
Ages 3+

Traditional game from ancient India was brought to the UK in 1892 and first commercially published in the USA by Milton Bradley in 1943 (as Chutes and Ladders). Players travel along the squares sometimes using ladders, which represent good acts, that allow the player to come closer to nirvana while the snakes are slides into evil.

Standard deck of cards

1 or more, depending on the game
5 min or more, depending on the game
Ages 2+, depending on the game

The standard 52-card deck of French-suited playing cards is the most common pack of playing cards used today �� A standard 52-card French-suited deck comprises 13 ranks in each of the four suits: clubs (?), diamonds (?), hearts (?) and spades (?). Each suit includes three court cards (face cards), King, Queen and Jack, with reversible (i.e. double headed) images. Each suit also includes ten numeral cards or pip cards, from one (Ace) to ten. The card with one pip is known as an Ace. Each pip card displays the number of pips (symbols of the suit) corresponding to its number, as well as the appropriate numeral (except ��A�� for the Ace) in at least two corners.

In addition, commercial decks often include from one to six Jokers; most commonly two or three since the mid-20th century. The Jokers are often distinguishable from one another, either in design or colour, as some card games require these extra cards.[2][3] The Jokers can also be used as replacements for lost or damaged cards. [from Wikipedia.org]

Video Games

Tetris

2 players
30 min
Ages 7+

��The ultimate test of advanced territorial strategy for all the family�� is an attempt to transform a computer solitaire game into a two-player strategy board game. Players get random tetris pieces and have to build their territories the most compact they can. When a player fills one or more lines, depending on their numbers gets to move the central separator towards his opponent, limiting his space. Compacting space, without the time pressure of the original arcade, is pretty simple, and deciding if to wait to fill your own lines becomes the central point of the game.

Street Fighter II

2-4 players
30 min
Ages 10+

Danger lurks around every corner as your Street Fighter struggles to save humanity from the dreaded villain, M. Bison. Choose your Street Fighter character pawn. Then race across the 3-D city gameboard in pursuit of enemy World Warriors. Challenge them by rolling special dice in the Battle Arena. Every winning battle gives you more strength for your final showdown with M. Bison. When you��re powerful enough, storm Bison��s fortress for the ultimate battle. Do you have the power and courage to destroy him and become the greatest Street Fighter of them all.

Minecraft

1-30 players
Unlimited min
Ages 8+

Minecraft is a sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios and originally released in 2009 �� rld with virtually infinite terrain. Players can discover and extract raw materials, craft tools and items, and build structures, earthworks, and machines. Depending on their chosen game mode, players can fight hostile mobs, as well as cooperate with or compete against other players in the same world. Game modes include a survival mode (in which players must acquire resources to build in the world and maintain health), creative mode (in which players have unlimited resources and the ability to fly), spectator mode (in which players can fly, go through blocks, and enter the bodies of other players and entities), adventure mode (in which players have to survive without being able to build and place blocks) and hardcore mode (in which the difficulty is set to Hard and dying causes the player to lose their ability to play on that world). The game��s large community also offers a wide variety of user-generated content, such as modifications, servers, skins, texture packs, and custom maps, which add new game mechanics and possibilities. [from Wikipedia.org]

Bomberman

1-8 players (up to 64 players with online version)
5-15 min
Ages 6+

The black spaceman kidnapped Bomberman��s beloved and brought her to his chambers in the castle, far beyond his reach, over the rivers, forest and mountains. Bomberman��s job is to save her, battling the sea of the enemies, with only bombs at his disposal.

The range of Bomberman��s bomb explosions can be upgraded with time, but if he dies, the range resets back to the minimum range and Bomberman loses his previous skills. Some updates can make Bomberman walk through the walls, increase his speed, and give him some other assets to aid him in his quest to save the woman he loves.

This top-down action-arcade game consists of nine levels per stage, each tougher than the other, and each final one consisting of the boss that will have to be dealt with. Bomberman can move horizontally and vertically and lay down bombs behind him, thus evaporating the enemies, but beware: Bomberman can block himself with his own bomb, and thus become a victim of his own bomb. [from mobygames.com]

Counter-Strike

1-10 players
30-60 min
Ages 18+

Counter-Strike is an objective-based, multiplayer tactical first-person shooter. Two opposing teams��the Terrorists and the Counter Terrorists��compete in game modes to complete objectives, such as securing a location to plant or defuse a bomb and rescuing or guarding hostages. At the end of each round, players are rewarded based on their individual performance with in-game currency to spend on more powerful weapons in subsequent rounds. Winning rounds results in more money than losing and completing objectives such as killing enemy players gives cash bonuses. Uncooperative actions, such as killing teammates, results in a penalty. [from wikipedia.org]

Tabletop RPGs

Dungeons and Dragons

2 or more players
Varies
Ages 8+

In Dungeons & Dragons, the players form an adventuring party who explore fantasy worlds together as they embark on epic quests and level up in experience. The Dungeon Master (also known as the DM) is the game��s referee and storyteller. There��s no winning or losing in D&D��at least, not in the conventional way.

At its heart, D&D is a game that focuses on storytelling. The dice just help you along. Everything is your decision, from what you look like, to how you act, to what happens next.

The collective creativity in your D&D game builds stories that you��ll tell again and again��ranging from the stuff of legend to absurd incidents that��ll make you laugh years later. [from Wizards of the Coast]

Traveller

1-8 players
240 min
Ages 12+

Traveller is a science-fiction role-playing game set in the distant future, when humanity has made the leap to the stars and interstellar travel is as common as international travel is today. This means that Traveller is set against a background drawn from adventure-oriented science fiction literature, and the scope and breadth of the game are limited only by the imagination and skill of the players and their referee. Players are no longer limited to wandering inside a single underground labyrinth, to exploring a single continent, or even a single world. In Traveller there is an entire universe to be explored. Almost any situation which occurs in any SF novel, movie, or short story can be recreated in Traveller with a little work on the part of the referee.

World of Darkness

2 or more players
Varies
Ages 14+

Incorporates Vampire: The Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, Mage: The Ascension and Hunter: The Reckoning.

What if monsters were real? Not as abominations lurking in the shadows�� but cunning predators hiding in plain sight? Influencing every aspect of our world in ways we would never dare to imagine? What if you became one of them?

In World of Darkness, vampires, werewolves, and monsters of many different kinds are all living among us: an entire supernatural world hidden in plain sight.

You are the monster, pretending to be human, fighting for survival and supremacy in a dark and mysterious world. Night after night you struggle to find your place in a baroque web of secrets, ancient conspiracies, and modern upheaval. In the quest for power, you leverage every asset, from arcane abilities to simple diplomacy, seduction, and street smarts. [From Paradox Interactive]

GURPS

2 or more players
Varies
Ages 14+

GURPS is the ��Generic Universal RolePlaying System.�� It starts with simple rules and builds up to as much optional detail as you like. It��s designed to accommodate any background: realistic or larger-than-life; past, present, or future. The possibilities are endless!

In GURPS, characters are built on points. You can create any hero you can imagine by selecting attributes, advantages, disadvantages, skills, and other traits. The GM chooses the power level by specifying the players�� point budget, and then GURPS delivers the goods �C it supports everything from ��ordinary folks�� to ��gods.�� You can make character generation even simpler by using GURPS Character Assistant, the official character-creation program.

Almost everything else in the game �C from swinging a sword to firing a laser rifle to negotiating a good price from a merchant �C boils down to a 3d6 ��success roll.�� While there are lots of rules, they��re all variations on the same theme. GURPS is easy to learn! [From Steve Jackson Games]

REFORMA and Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table and Announce Collaboration Core List Titles

CCOLEMAN — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:20:20 +0000

REFORMA and Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table and Announce Collaboration Core List Titles

CHICAGO - The 91��ý��s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) and REFORMA, The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, are thrilled to announce their Collaboration Core List for 2024. The list highlights high-quality graphic novels that showcase Spanish-speaking and Latino stories and creators.

GNCRT and REFORMA hope that this core list will continue to grow and will serve as an important resource that advocates for the development of library comics collections that meet the needs of Spanish-speaking and Latino populations. The list will help librarians and library workers in the development and promotion of these graphic novels and serve as an aid for readers�� advisory.

The list features 85 titles and is divided into three sections: Juvenile Graphic Novels for Elementary and Middle School, Young Adult Graphic Novels for High School, and Adult Graphic Novels. It includes 2024 titles such as: ��The Puerto Rican War: A Graphic History�� by John Vasquez Mejias; ��Brownstone�� by Samuel Teer, Mar Julia, and Ashanti Fortson; and ��Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account�� by Ernesto Saade, as well as older titles such as volumes of ��Love and Rockets�� by Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez and the ��Lowriders in Space�� series by Cathy Camper and Ra��l the Third.

��REFORMA is delighted to be a part of this exemplary collaboration with the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table, which brings together the subject expertise of folks who are passionate about graphic novels,�� said REFORMA President Alexandra Rivera. ��I am excited and even impatient to delve into this inaugural resource that is a true labor of love meant to elevate the innovative ventures of Latino/x/�� creators and our communities that they bring to life. If a picture paints a thousand words, these visually rich and culturally relevant novels represent a world within each page. I encourage everyone to use this list as inspiration to learn more about our beautiful Latino culture and about yourselves.��

��As a former Co-Chair of GNCRT��s inaugural collaborative committee with the Black Caucus of 91��ý, I am so pleased to see this important work continue,�� said GNCRT President Shira Pilarski. ��It is essential that comic readers see authentic Latine stories, and that the comics industry amplifies the perspectives of historically underrepresented comics creators. This list features some of my personal favorites, and I am so pleased with the breadth of intersectionally diverse Latine experiences the committee selected.��

Announced in October 2023 as a part of GNCRT��s ongoing Collaborative Core Comics Reading Lists project, GNCRT and REFORMA formed a joint committee with the goal of compiling a core collection list that increases awareness of the validity of the rich and diverse format of graphic novels and to specifically showcase Latino stories, characters, and creators. The committee completed their work from 2023-2024. GNCRT was represented by Co-Chair Christina Vortia and Committee members Molly Anderson, Fiorella Casella, Dot Castro (serving as Administrative Assistant), Teresa McGinley, Jo Nickerson-Harper, and Rosanne North-Jack. REFORMA was represented by Co-Chair Maria Vega and Committee members Jessica Agudelo, Rosa Diaz, Yesica Hurd, Dan Johnson, Tina Lerno, and Katherine Martinez-Santos.

��This list highlights the work of so many amazing Latinx writers and illustrators,�� said REFORMA Co-Chair Maria Vega. ��It was a joy to read these books that reflect the Latinx experience and I want to recognize our outstanding team from REFORMA and the GNCRT who worked to make sure our list was inclusive, authentic, and recognized the diverse aspects of the Latinx identity. It is our hope that librarians, creators, and publishers use this list as a tool to not only create more Latinx graphic novels, but also increase library collections that serve and inspire not only Latinx communities but all readers.��

"It has been an incredible honor to work with such a thoughtful team to put together this amazing list,�� said GNCRT Co-Chair Christina Vortia. ��We hope these books fill shelves and more importantly hearts. So many books couldn't be included because they're out of print. May this list be a resounding wake-up call to publish more voices and put books back in print that can reach new audiences."

Find more information about the GNCRT and REFORMA Collaboration online.

About REFORMA

REFORMA is committed to the improvement of the full spectrum of library and information services for the approximately 56.2* million Spanish-speaking and Latino people in the United States. Established in 1971 as an affiliate of the 91��ý (91��ý), REFORMA has actively sought to promote the development of library collections to include Spanish-language and Latino oriented materials; the recruitment of more bilingual and bicultural library professionals and support staff; the development of library services and programs that meet the needs of the Latino community; the establishment of a national information and support network among individuals who share our goals; the education of the U.S. Latino population in regards to the availability and types of library services; and lobbying efforts to preserve existing library resource centers serving the interests of Latinos.

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the 91��ý is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on Facebook: 91��ý Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table; Twitter: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; or the GNCRT 91��ý Connect page.

About the 91��ý

CCOLEMAN Wed, 11/13/2024 - 16:20

Diversity

Professional Resources

Contact:

Tina Coleman

GNCRT Staff Liaison

91��ý

Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

ccoleman@ala.org

312.280.2152

Platinum Play Hall of Fame

1190126 — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:57:15 +0000

Platinum Play Hall of Fame

Games and Gaming Round Table

1190126 Fri, 11/08/2024 - 12:57

Platinum Play Hall of Fame

The best games for playing in libraries! (A.K.A. The Platys)

This Hall of Fame highlights games that are great for use in library collections and library programming.

Only games published 2 to 10 years prior to awarding year can be added to the Hall of Fame to help libraries find new, great games they might not have seen before.

Older classic games might appear in the Classics Hall of Fame. All sorts of games are eligible, including but not limited to card games, board games, video games and role-playing games. The games should include some form of rules-bound play, and should be defined as a game by the game��s creators or publishers.

Platys Class of 2024

Platys Classics - Class of 2024

Nominate a Game

What We Are Looking For

We would love your input about which games to add, but we are also going to use our own discretion. However there are some things that we would love to see:

Preference will be given to games that can provide a satisfying play in an hour��s time.
Preference will be given to games that are meant for a range of ages.
We will not add anything that is meant for a gaming device that is no longer being supported or easily available. Preference will be given to games that are on multiple systems that libraries frequently own.
Submissions from the creators, and / or publishers of the games will not be considered.
Preference will be given to games that have a certain level of uniqueness.

What is the Timeline For All This?

November �C Nominations will open in November for International Games Month!
March - April �C The nominations are announced and our very own GameRT members will be able to help us winnow down the list by voting for the games they like.
June �C Try out games the games that were voted on at 91��ýPlay at 91��ý Annual
July �C October �C The members of the Hall of Fame Committee are trying out the games, discussing them and hopefully deciding which ones are the best!
November - The previous year's inductees are announced, and the cycle begins anew.

Programming

Collection Development

Round Table(s)

Games and Gaming Round Table (GAMERT)

GNCRT Announces Two New Diversity Initiatives

CCOLEMAN — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:27:23 +0000

GNCRT Announces Two New Diversity Initiatives

Following the successful collaborations with the Black Caucus of the 91��ý and REFORMA, the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table is pleased to announce two new initiatives for increasing and elevating diverse voices in GNCRT��s membership and resources: the Elevating Diverse Membership Task Force and the Rainbow Round Table/GNCRT Collaboration Core List Committee. Both initiatives are recruiting volunteers via GNCRT��s Get Involved page.

Elevating Diverse Membership Task Force

The Elevating Diverse Membership Task Force is a time-bound task force formed for the purpose of determining strategies to increase diversity in GNCRT��s membership and elevate diverse voices in GNCRT��s various opportunities. The task force will include active members of National Associations of Librarians of Color (NALCO) Affiliates. The task force will identify the issues and bring possible solutions and next steps to the GNCRT Board by the end of the 2025 calendar year.

Regarding the task force, Alexandra Rivera, President of REFORMA, a NALCO Affiliate, said, ��Graphic novels and comics are portals to other worlds that are visually rich and culturally relevant, and often explore challenging social issues. I am delighted with the creation of the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) Elevating Diverse Membership Task Force as it builds on the strong partnership that already exists between the GNCRT and REFORMA. This task force will strengthen Latino, and other diverse voices within the Round Table.��

��Representation of diverse authors and characters in graphic novels is of the utmost importance because it demonstrates a world where diversity and inclusion are central themes to understanding a broader perspective on life,�� said James Allen Davis Jr., Vice-President of BC91��ý, a NALCO Affiliate. ��The Black Caucus of the 91��ý supports the mission and purpose of the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) to elevate diverse voices. We encourage others to join this great work and to assist GNRCT in its mission.��

Rainbow Round Table/GNCRT Collaboration Core List Committee

Following two successful collaborations with the Black Caucus of 91��ý and REFORMA, GNCRT is pleased to announce its next Collaboration Core List Committee will be in partnership with 91��ý��s Rainbow Round Table. The planned final annotated list will feature high-quality graphic novels that showcase LGBTQIA+ stories and creators. GNCRT and RRT hope that this core list will continue to grow and will serve as an important resource that advocates for the development of library comics collections.

Specifically, the list will recognize the best published graphic novels for all ages and in a range of genres with diverse characters and stories. The goal of the list is to increase awareness of the validity of the rich and diverse format of graphic novels and to specifically showcase LGBTQIA+ stories, characters, and creators. The list will act as an aid to librarians and library workers in the development and promotion of these graphic novels and will serve as an aid for readers�� advisory.

��The GNCRT is proud of its previous work in collaboration with BC91��ý and REFORMA, and is excited to continue this tradition of collaboration with the Rainbow Round Table,�� said GNCRT President Shira Pilarski. ��Comics, especially queer comics, are frequent targets from ban attempts, and this is an important time to amplify queer comics and their creators.��

��The Rainbow Round Table is thrilled to partner with GNCRT to amplify the voices of queer creators and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ experience that exists within their stories,�� said RRT Chair Chaz Carey. ��This collaboration aims to highlight queer life and joy in comics and graphic novels, creating a platform for diverse storytelling that uplifts LGBTQIA+ experiences.��

To compile the list, GNCRT and RRT are forming a joint committee, composed of fourteen members. GNCRT will select a Co-Chair, an Administrative Assistant, and five additional committee members. RRT will select a Co-Chair and six additional committee members. Beginning January 1, 2025, the committee will read, evaluate, and nominate eligible graphic novels for consideration. The core list will be announced in January 2026 to coincide with GNCRT��s previously established Best Graphic Novels Reading Lists. Topical webinars and additional lists may be presented and highlighted throughout the year as the Committee completes and shares their work. Nominations for the list will be accepted beginning on January 1, 2025.

About the Rainbow Round Table

The Rainbow Round Table (RRT) of the 91��ý (91��ý) was founded in 1970 as 91��ý's Task Force on Gay Liberation. It is the nation's first gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender professional organization. It became a Round Table in 1999 and was renamed the Rainbow Round Table in 2019.

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table
The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the 91��ý is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on Facebook: 91��ý Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table; Twitter: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; or the GNCRT 91��ý Connect page.

About the 91��ý
The 91��ý (91��ý) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91��ý has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

CCOLEMAN Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:27

Awards (Books & Media)

Diversity

Contact:

Tina Coleman

GNCRT Staff Liaison

91��ý

Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

ccoleman@ala.org

91��ý��s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) announces establishment of the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award

CCOLEMAN — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:31:44 +0000

91��ý��s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) announces establishment of the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award

CHICAGO �� The 91��ý��s (91��ý) Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is excited to announce the launch of the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award, a new award dedicated to recognizing excellence in graphic novels for libraries. This award strives to highlight exceptional comics publishing, recognize comics for their contributions to literacy, and promote high-quality works in the comics and library communities.

Starting in 2025, the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award will recognize exceptional titles in a total of nine categories across three age groups: Adult - Fiction, Nonfiction, Series; Young Adult - Fiction, Nonfiction, Series; Children - Fiction, Nonfiction, Series. In addition to the award winners, 1-2 additional honor titles may be named in each category.

��After decades of work in the library and comics sphere, we are delighted that as a result of a year of thoughtful and thorough work from the GNCRT Awards Exploratory Committee, we are able to establish the Outstanding Comics Award in 2025. These awards and honors will ensure comics are celebrated as a rich, engaging format in libraries for decades to come, and leave no doubt these works are on par with the best of other forms of storytelling,�� said GNCRT Past-President Robin Brenner.

GNCRT President Shira Pilarski said, "This is a historic moment for comics in libraries. We, as members of the GNCRT, are thrilled to offer new opportunities for library professionals to embrace and uplift comics and their creators."

The GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award differs from other prestigious comics recognitions, such as the Eisner and Harvey Awards, due to its unique focus on graphic novels suited for library audiences. The GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award titles will be selected by a jury of library specialists, ensuring that the award recognizes works that resonate with readers across various age groups and contribute to the educational and literary growth of communities.

A dedicated committee for each age group��adult, young adult, and children��will be responsible for selecting the winners and honor titles. These committees, appointed by the GNCRT president, will comprise a diverse group of library workers, school media specialists, and students of library science. This will ensure the selection process reflects the breadth of experience within the library community. Volunteer applications are now open and GNCRT members can find more information at /gncrt/get-involved. (Volunteers must be 91��ý and GNCRT members in good standing.)

Eligible titles for the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award must be graphic novels, defined as trade compilations or original works published in sequential art format, and appeal to one of the three age categories: children (12 and below), young adults (13-19), or adults (20 and above). Eligible titles must have a print publication date between November 1 of the previous year and December 31 of the current award year.

The inaugural award committees will begin their work in January 2025 with final deliberations in January 2026. The award winning and honored titles will be announced in January 2026 and officially presented at the 91��ý Annual Conference in Chicago in June 2026.

For more information please read the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award FAQs.

About the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the 91��ý is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on Facebook; Twitter: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; or check out the GNCRT website.

About the 91��ý

CCOLEMAN Mon, 10/28/2024 - 13:31

Awards

Awards (Books & Media)

Contact:

Tina Coleman

GNCRT Staff Liaison

91��ý

Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

ccoleman@ala.org

312.280.2152

Applications for the 2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are now open

CCOLEMAN — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:13:21 +0000

Applications for the 2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are now open

CHICAGO �� Applications for the 2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are now being accepted by 91��ý��s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation. These grants recognize libraries for their role in the growth of graphic literature and awards funds and resources for graphic novel collection development and programming.

The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries have been awarded to libraries of all types across the United States and Canada. Through these grants the GNCRT and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation seek to continue to encourage public awareness about the importance of graphic literature and to honor the legacy and creative excellence of Will Eisner. For a career that spanned nearly eight decades �� from the dawn of the comic book to the advent of digital comics �� Will Eisner is recognized as the ��Champion of the Graphic Novel.��

Two Will Eisner Graphic Novel grants will be awarded in 2025: one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants which provides support to libraries that would like to expand their existing graphic novel collection, services, and programs; and one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant which provides support to a library for the initiation of a new graphic novel service or program. Recipients each receive a $3,000 programming and collection development grant, a collection of Will Eisner��s works and biographies, and a selection of the winners of the 2025 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards announced at Comic-Con International in July 2025. The grant also includes $1,000 for professional development as a travel stipend for a library representative to travel to the 2025 91��ý Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA where they will receive recognition from the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation. The applying librarian or their institution must be an 91��ý Member to be eligible and the grants are open to libraries across North America, including Canada and Mexico. Applications are due by midnight on January 12, 2025.

Nancy and Carl Gropper of the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation connect the grants with Will Eisner��s comic arts and advocacy legacy: ��At an early age, Will Eisner believed in the artistic and literary merit of his chosen medium, comic art. When he wasn��t creating and innovating legendary work, much of his effort was directed to advocating for the availability of comics and graphic novels free for the public to enjoy in libraries everywhere. While his strong promotion meant a great deal, it has been librarians who through the years have championed the wonders of graphic novels and comics. The important role librarians have played in the art form's growth and popularity cannot be overstated. On behalf of the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation, we express our support with these two grants and our deep gratitude for the daily work librarians accomplish during these very difficult times.��

The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are administered by the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table. GNCRT President, Shira Pilarski said of the grants, ��GNCRT is thrilled to continue this wonderful program to encourage innovative and integral use of graphic novels in libraries. Research shows that comics have countless benefits for critical thinking skills, literacy development, and enjoyment of reading. In a climate of unprecedented book challenges, many of which target graphic novels, libraries are often readers' only means to access books in these formats. Thanks to the continued generosity of the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation, we are happy to help support initiatives with comics in libraries throughout North America."

The application and information about the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries can be found on the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table Eisner Grants page. Interested applicants will find resources and examples on the Eisner Grants FAQ page to help guide them through the process of writing their grant applications. The application deadline is midnight, Sunday January 12, 2025. For any inquiries, please contact 91��ý Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries Round Table staff liaison Tina Coleman at ccoleman@ala.org.

About the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation

The Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation fosters innovation and creativity in graphic literature, sequential art, and comics. It encourages others to continue and build upon the legacy of Will Eisner (1917 �C 2005), who broke new ground in the development of visual narrative and the language of comics and was the creator of The Spirit, John Law, Lady Luck, Mr. Mystic, Uncle Sam, Blackhawk, Sheena and countless others. Will Eisner is well known for his 17 graphic novels and three textbooks. For more information about Will Eisner visit www.willeisner.com.

About the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

About the 91��ý

CCOLEMAN Tue, 10/22/2024 - 11:13

Awards (Scholarships & Grants)

Contact:

Tina Coleman

GNCRT Staff Liaison

91��ý

Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

ccoleman@ala.org

312.280.2152

The 2022 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table gifts Book Donation Grants

RAGARCIA — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 20:17:44 +0000

The 2022 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table gifts Book Donation Grants

CHICAGO - Each year, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards community offers three underfunded libraries, schools and/or non-traditional organizations that provide educational services to children CSK Book Donation Grants. The grant program provides books submitted for consideration for the Coretta Scott King Book Awards to libraries and other organizations to expand their collections. Each year, three organizations are selected that demonstrate need and potential benefit from receiving the collection. Each library will receive copies of more than 80 titles.

The 2022 Coretta Scott King Awards Book Donation Grants were awarded to these three programs.

Hilltop Special Services Center in San Francisco, CA works with pregnant teens and teen mothers. The center provides a safe academic environment where students have the opportunity to prepare for post-secondary education, meet graduation requirements, access quality prenatal and parenting education, and receive health and emotional support services. Young women can start at our school while they are expecting & continue after their baby is born. 15 percent of students are foster youth; 24 percent have an IEP (special education) andmany students are English language learners who have immigrated from several countries including Ethiopia, Mexico, & several countries from Central andSouth America.

The center plans to use the CSK books to enhance the learning environment in several ways. There will be books for the young mothers to read aloud with their children as well as books for the mothers to read for their own pleasure. The center has a strong focus on education and literacy for those whose lives have been changed by parenthood while still teens.

Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers is an afterschool program that works to ��turn on the lights in the eyes of a child.�� The Center's Arts, Character and Education (ACE) program provides evidence-based after-school programming, summer camp, and teen leadership programming to at-risk youth ages 5-18 in grades 1 �C12.

The ACE program provides tutoring, homework assistance, and engaging educational projects to help students become academically competitive; arts training and performance opportunities and exposure in music, dance, drama, spoken word, and martial arts to build confidence, discipline and resilience; and consistent character development.

The Southwest Florida area has seen many attempts to challenge, and suppress any educational,literary, orhistorical materials that depict the truth and effects of racism in the U.S. The center is concerned that this move is already limiting how teachers can frame American history, and that officials and ��parent activists�� will continue to place pressure on local school boards in order to limit the availability of school library books and classroom teaching on the African American experience. The CSK Book Awards Donation Grant will significantly enhance the ability of our staff to counteract this censorship movement, and to inspire, motivate, and educate the youth we serve in a way that is historically accurate, balanced, and culturally relevant.

The CSK committee believes this center is doing important work to combat censorship not only of books but of groups of people and their heritage. Their proven track record of helping children of color complements our mission.

Son of a Saint (SOAS) is a Black-led organization that serves fatherless young men in New Orleans, 95 percent of whom identify as Black. The mission is to equip fatherless boys with the necessary to grow into successful and self-actualized men. SOAS gives mentees hope, vision, and opportunity through secure and consistent mentorship. SOAS takes a holistic, individualized, and evidence-based approach to addressing fatherlessness.

SOAS was founded by Bivian ��Sonny�� Lee III, who lost his father, a former New Orleans Saints player, when he was three years old. Sonny was raised by a single-mother who prioritized education, therapy, travel, and community service, but still struggled with anger, confidence, and feelings of abandonment. As an adult, Sonny saw many fatherless boys struggling just as he had. It was this insight that inspired him to launch Son of a Saint in 2011. His mission was simple: to give fatherless boys the support that his mother had given to him, coupled with positive male role models in the form of mentors. Since then the program has grown from serving five boys to now serving more than 200 boys and their families.

A new building is opening for SOAS which includes a space for books. We do not currently have a dedicated library or collection of books. We currently assist mentees with accessing the New Orleans Public library if needed, but our goal is to have literature available in our space so that our boys can find literature without restrictions based on travel to and from libraries and other barriers they may face.

The CSK committee believes the SOAS program is serving an important need for young men in the New Orleans community. The committee is confident the grant will provide the seed creating a robust collection of books.

Members of the 2022 Coretta Scott King Award Book Donation Grant Committee were Bina Williams (Chair), LaKeshia Darden, Marguerite Penick, Mary Schreiber, and Nhora Serrano. Staff Liaison was Monica Chapman.

RAGARCIA Fri, 09/02/2022 - 15:17

Diversity

Contact:

Kevin D. Strowder

Director, Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

kstrowder@ala.org

SRRT Action Council Virtual Meeting, August 24, 2020

0216562 — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 08:17:11 +0000

SRRT Action Council Virtual Meeting, August 24, 2020

SRRT Action Council Minutes

Virtual Meeting 8/24/2020, 12pm Central

Attending: Al Kagan, Tara Brady, Lisa Eichholtz, Wendy Stephens, Tom Twiss, April Sheppard, Lea Wentworth, 91��ý ODLOS (Monica Chapman), Sherre Harrington, Charles Kratz, Olivia Scully, Katharine Phenix, Julie Ann Winkelstein, LaJuan Pringle, Melissa Cardenas-Dow, Mark Hudson, Jane Cothron

FYI �C Midwinter to be Virtual
1. April proposes that SRRT schedule virtual meetings outside of the Midwinter Meetings schecule
2. Question about fee structure and free/reduced admission to Midwinter Meetings
  1. Monica Chapman referred SRRT concerns to 91��ý Membership Committee (Melissa Walling, chair)��suggests April contact the committee as they work on creating the new structure under Forward Together as well as their own structures and plans
  2. April has contacted Membership Committee and has a meeting scheduled in September
  3. Many draft dues structures, based on other organization dues structures, trying to make structure less complicated and want to make sure it��s affordable, working on ��making dues progressive and modern��
  4. Julie Winkelstein had talked with Membership about last Midwinter dues and gift registrations, but that did not go anywhere and the form is expiring; Monica: this is more Conference Services; Charles: this is more member promotion and new membership generation; Tara: could Membership offer internally a lower rate/scholarship membership rate and internal committees could help promote 91��ý with gift registrations; Monica: need a list of questions, could start a Google doc; Julie: would be happy to send questions and fill in a Google doc, to do whatever it takes; Monica: will create a Google doc and will review recording from this meeting to collect questions to refer to Melissa
SRRT Action Council Nominations - Three AC Members set to expire 6/30/21. Past coordinator will facilitate nominations for open seats, need to send out a call for nominations; use social media, send suggestions to Charles, . Julie: could send out in newsletter (deadline for next newsletter September 8, 2020. Monica: will send deadlines for ODLOS newsletter (every 3^rd Thursday) Monica: Bio form for candidates are due Dec. 3, 2020
1. Three AC memberships (Tom Twiss, Kenny , Lisa Eichholtz terms will expire 6/3021)
2. SRRT Council representative position

Support for USPS
1. Al: Jim Neal sent message to 91��ý Council about need to support U.S. Post Office; need statement from Executive Director, 91��ý Executive Board, 91��ý President, to Washington Office to lobby vigorously to save the Post Office, interlibrary loan depends on the Post Office. Tara: libraries as ballot collection points RUSA Stars (Sharing and Transforming Actions to Resources) sent message to support Post Office. Julie: ballot boxes are not from the Post Office; wants to support Post Office

[CHAT. From Melissa Cardenas-Dow (she/her) to Everyone: 10:27 AM

can we get that text sent out to the list again?

From Tara Brady (SRRT Councilor) to Everyone: 10:28 AM

Registering this important and timely message. Speaking up to say that as part of the ongoing erosion of public services and spaces that we have witnessed, what is happening to the USPS �� right on the threshold of election time �� demands attention. This is paramount not only in regards to the fight for the USPS��s preservation which is urgent, but also in exploration of the possibility of a partnership to make municipal libraries an alternate site for national ballot collection.

I look forward to how others will respond as I have many connected ideas.

Thanks again.

(That's Tracie's email)]

1. Al: 91��ý is already on record against voter suppression, attacks on the Post Office are tied to voter suppression. Melissa: ideas about libraries as a public good, lobbying for another public service. Charles: is on COL and they will meet in September,
2. Julie: would like SRRT to work on voter suppression/libraries taking an active role in supporting voting. GODORT has a toolkit on voting; is working on a webinar, probably in October. National non-library organizations are already working on voter registration, sending information on how to vote. Libraries should be involved. April: SRRT could do webinars and put information out on social media. Al: could we involve the chapter (state affiliations) councilor caucus?
3. April to check in with Ed Garcia on actions planned by the Executive Board and will report back.
Forward Together?
1. Council meeting will happen on the push from Forward Together on disbanding council. Information on how the Round Tables plan is coming together; standardizing Round Table structures, governance, etc. 91��ý is in a financially untenable situation and reports keep getting worse. Would like to move Council to virtual participation, but finances may preclude that. First meeting is this Friday.
2. Charles: Bylaws committee seem determined to pigeonhole Round Tables into the same structure and language��president, executive board, etc. Monica: sat in on the Bylaws meeting yesterday to represent Rainbow RT and SRRT RT; meeting called for positions as Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, but still discussing language
3. Julie: what does the language of the various Round Tables have to do with the financial position of the organization? Charles: they don��t connect. Sherre: directive, hierarchical structural proposals (from Forward Together) create barriers and are in direct oppostion to the organizational values, both SRRT and 91��ý stated values

Awards and grants
1. Charles: wants to review where we are with awards; need to review who is on which committee to make sure that announcements go out (Biblo Leadership Award, conference travel grants (2 new for next year, 2 current will continue) April: will include award committee membership in coordinator��s letter. Al: is 91��ý sending out reports? No information on awards balances, etc., will financial reports be coming out? Monica: have been asking for reports, but have not received reports yet; finance/accounting departments are understaffed, has been sending emails, but not getting responses. Charles: it is not acceptable not to receive membership reports or financial reports; need to send this to Executive Board for action, need transparency in getting information; [?] in times of financial difficulty, transparency in reporting is more important, not less. April to contact Ed Garcia (Executive Board) for action. Sherre: das a member, did not read about staff furloughs, was that announced? Monica: annoncements were not made to membership, sends alerts on when she will not be available/on furlough; April can send this at her discretion. Melissa: monica do you know the rationale of why staff furloughing had been selectively shared?
2. i was on the AP91��ý exec board and that's where i heard it. Monica: my understanding is that they want to make sure that staff can stay with 91��ý instead of doing anything rash; staff can help 91��ý by doing furloughs. ODLOS maintains their morale, but it��s hard. Julie: does furlough impact individual staff finances, health insurance, other benefits. Monica: benefits, sick leave not impacted, not allowed to work during furlough, not paid during time furloughed. Al: furloughs affected salary, which affected retirement, something to check on. April: is there anything SRRT can do to help? Monica: try to avoid mass emails during her furlough weeks.

Notes from chat:

From April Sheppard to Everyone: 10:02 AM

Hello everyone!

From rorylitwin to Everyone: 10:16 AM

Hi Everyone. Rory Litwin here. rlitwin@gmail.com.

From Nick Demske (he/him/his) to Everyone: 10:17 AM

Hi everybody--Nick Demske, Community Resources Librarian at Racine Public Library (Wisconsin). Stav, welcome to the field--our libraries are only like an hour or so away from each other, I think

From Ross to Everyone: 10:18 AM

Hi! Ross Betzer from Multnomah County Library in beautiful and peaceful Portland, Oregon. I��m a cataloguer and a local history reference librarian. I��m interested in social justice issues and responsibilities for libraries with local history collections. rossbk@multcolib.org

From Nick Demske (he/him/his) to Everyone: 10:18 AM

Julie, I am also an elected official in my community (a County Supervisor) and just watched your "Democracy in the time of COVID" webinar, so we probably wuld have some things to talk about together, too.

From Jacqueline to Everyone: 10:18 AM

Hi! My name is Jacqueline Williams. I'm a new librarian transitioning from classroom teacher to school librarian. My interest is in health diversity - respecting indigenous and alternative health care and how the library can be used as a space for education on those aspects. My email address is: jacquelineswill@europe.com. I have to leave in a few minutes, but if you are interested in those topics, please connect with me and put in your subject line - health diversity education in libraries. Thanks!

From Christina Miskey to Everyone: 10:18 AM

Hello! Christina Miskey - Christina.miskey@unlv.edu. Scholarly Communication Librarian for Research Librarian at UNLV (Las Vegas, NV). Interests are removing barriers to the profession for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ librarians, voting rights and access, and increasing the diversity of the profession and creating more diverse leadership

From Joseph William Winberry to Everyone: 10:18 AM

Hello, everyone. My name is Joseph Winberry. I am a Ph.D. student at the University of Tennessee where I study the role of information and technology in bringing about social change. I am also a recipient of the Herb Biblo travel grant to 91��ý in 2020 (now 2021) so I am looking forward to getting more involved in SRRT moving forward. My email is jwinber1@vols.utk.edu.

From Sherre Harrington to Everyone: 10:19 AM

Feminist Task Force has a listserve at MIT ...

From mike.marlin to Everyone: 10:19 AM

Hi all, Mike Marlin, longtime SRRT member and 91��ý Councilor at Large, California Braille and Talking Book Library in Sacramento...

From April Sheppard to Everyone: 10:19 AM

April Sheppard - asheppard@astate.edu

Interests: race, diversity, BLM, representation in the library field, accessibility, LGBTA, Religious Freedom, Freedom of Speech and Press.

From Nichole B-Larson to Everyone: 10:20 AM

Hi everyone! I'm Nichole Bonaventure-Larson from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS. I'm the Collection Development Librarian here and chair our EDI group. I'm interested in building equity in the workplace, LGBT+ resources for students and faculty, and web accessibility for patrons with limited digital tools. Nice to meet everyone! nalarson@muw.edu

From mike.marlin to Everyone: 10:21 AM

Thanks to all re web accessibility...I am a disability rights activist and a blind librarian...useability is often mistaken for accessibility, and both are very important

From Nick Demske (he/him/his) to Everyone: 10:22 AM

sorry everyone, forgot to add my email: nick.demske@racinelibrary.info

From April Sheppard to Everyone: 10:23 AM

All, here is the address to use connect: 91��ý-srrtsocialresponsibilitiesroundtable@ConnectedCommunity.org

From Melissa Cardenas-Dow (she/her) to Everyone: 10:24 AM

that email address needs a shorter alias...???

REFORMA uses it

From April Sheppard to Everyone: 10:25 AM

Let's look into it

From Sherre Harrington to Everyone: 10:26 AM

Feminist Task Force has a listserve at MIT & has for a long time, but it isn't sustainable without a commitment from someone from the institution to be the admin. I wouldn't advise that approach.

From Melissa Cardenas-Dow (she/her) to Everyone: 10:27 AM

isn't that something that can be done by RT?

From Jacqueline to Everyone: 10:29 AM

Bye everyone!

From Tara Brady (SRRT Councilor) to Everyone: 10:29 AM

I think we should give 91��ý IT a chance to make this system work for us, it sounds like one thing we really need is a guide on how to interact with connect 100% via email without logging in to the site.

From Scott Kushner to Everyone: 10:31 AM

Hi My name is Scott Kushner. I'm a public library director in the Syracuse NY area. I'm a member of SRRT. I'm also co founded and co-chair a digital inclusion coalition (onlinecny.org) and the same with a sustainability initiative. I'm also involved with a sustainable libraries initiative in the New York Library Association. And last year took part in a roundtable discussion at the NYLA conference to reinvigorate the social responsibility round table in NYLA. rskushner@gmail.com. I think that all of these initiatives are very much connected.

From mike.marlin to Everyone: 10:33 AM

Email is vastly ore accessible than Connect or other web based communications tools.

From Wanda Huffaker to Everyone: 10:35 AM

we meet at conference

From Audrey Duarte to Everyone: 10:40 AM

My school gave me one year of 91��ý membership for free, which was great. This is my second year and I believe the student membership fee was $35, which doesn't work for everyone, but for me at least wasn't overwhelming

From Wanda Huffaker to Everyone: 10:43 AM

The RTCA task force is looking at Bylaws

From Ross to Everyone: 10:45 AM

More progressive dues structures based on income or employment status sounds great. But that still doesn��t address the issue of systemic inequity that disproportionately affects people of different races.

From Julie Ann Winkelstein to Everyone: 10:46 AM

I agree, Ross

From Olivia Scully to Everyone: 10:46 AM

Yes that's such a good point - I can't help but keep thinking that this is getting at a much larger issue: Who does 91��ý serve, who should it serve, who are we leaving out?? And can we fix that?

From Melissa Cardenas-Dow (she/her) to Everyone: 10:48 AM

that's the crux--they don't want to do it

so the issue is more about persuasion

From Stavroula Harissis to Everyone: 10:48 AM

Being concerned about ��cheating�� shows a lack of trust and respect for members

From Christina Miskey to Everyone: 10:49 AM

I agree

From Julie Ann Winkelstein to Everyone: 10:49 AM

Definitely, Stav

From Audrey Duarte to Everyone: 10:49 AM

Also most people want to support good things. They won't "cheat" if they believe in 91��ý

From Christina Miskey to Everyone: 10:50 AM

It comes down to the organization having benefit to the members

At all levels

From Wanda Huffaker to Everyone: 10:51 AM

Why would I cheat, AND make charitable donations, or contribute to fundraising when they ask. They can't expect both.

From Ross to Everyone: 10:52 AM

Yes! THe value of 91��ý comes from its membership.

From Joseph William Winberry to Everyone: 10:52 AM

Good points, Julie and others. I haven��t thought much about these issues so glad I am here to engage with these perspectives.

From Wanda Huffaker to Everyone: 10:55 AM

Wasn't the Forward together proposal given to council?

From Tara Brady (SRRT Councilor) to Everyone: 10:55 AM

Yeah, it was, but now council has to work through it and put together what they're actually goign to vote on.

From Ross to Everyone: 10:55 AM

Gotta go. I��m thankful for the opportunity to attend a virtual meeting like this. Thank you!

From Melissa Cardenas-Dow (she/her) to Everyone: 10:55 AM

a working group?

From Christina Miskey to Everyone: 10:59 AM

I have to run to another meeting. This was a great conversation though and I look forward to more in the future

From Nichole B-Larson to Everyone: 11:00 AM

Thanks everyone! Bye.

From April Sheppard to Everyone: 11:00 AM

Bye!

From Joseph William Winberry to Everyone: 11:02 AM

Thank you everyone. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week.

From Stavroula Harissis to Everyone: 11:08 AM

Sorry but I have to go. Thanks everyone!

From April Sheppard to Everyone: 11:09 AM

Bye!

From mike.marlin to Everyone: 11:13 AM

I have to run to another meeting. Thanks for the great discussion.

From April Sheppard to Everyone: 11:13 AM

Bye!

From Sherre Harrington to Everyone: 11:20 AM

https://www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-collins-��

From Nick Demske (he/him/his) to Everyone: 11:20 AM

I'd better get ready for my 1:30, but really nice to get to meet you all and share the space with so many people passionate about equity, justice and social responsibility. Monica, thank you for helping facilitate the group as the staff liaison! And April, thank you for chairing the meeting.

From Audrey Duarte to Everyone: 11:20 AM

I would love to see city-wide public wifi to become common. Parts of Bilbao, Spain have free wifi coverage. In the meantime, people absolutely rely on the library for internet access, and it has been difficult for people while we've been closed

From Julie Ann Winkelstein to Everyone: 11:21 AM

I agree - there are some cities in the US that have that

From Wanda Huffaker to Everyone: 11:22 AM

Also some tribal areas

From Katharine Phenix to Everyone: 11:22 AM

https://www.openglobalrights.org/covid-19-exposes-why-access-to-interne��

From Scott Kushner to Everyone: 11:23 AM

Check out the National Digital Inclusion Alliance website. Very broad discussions about this

From Julie Ann Winkelstein to Everyone: 11:23 AM

Thanks, Scott

From Scott Kushner to Everyone: 11:23 AM

https://www.digitalinclusion.org/

Thanks. Gotta go

0216562 Sat, 01/23/2021 - 02:17

Round Table(s)

Games & Gaming Round Table Announces the First Platinum Play Award Recipients

Platinum Play - Platys

GameRT Platys - Class of 2024

Board and card games

Tabletop Role-Playing Games

Video Games

Platinum Play Hall of Fame - Classics

GameRT Platinum Play Classics - Class of 2024

Board and Card Games

Video Games

Tabletop RPGs

REFORMA and Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table and Announce Collaboration Core List Titles

Platinum Play Hall of Fame

Platinum Play Hall of Fame

The best games for playing in libraries! (A.K.A. The Platys)

GNCRT Announces Two New Diversity Initiatives

91��ý��s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) announces establishment of the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award

Applications for the 2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are now open

The 2022 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table gifts Book Donation Grants

SRRT Action Council Virtual Meeting, August 24, 2020