[Libs-Or] SLO Staff - Prioritization & Retention

[Roxanne2]

Hello. Please, bear with me as my purpose for reaching out in writing this evening is threefold…  

First, I would like to express my support of State Library of Oregon staff during a period when libraries and library workers are under attack, and formerly reliable federal funding is uncertain at best. I believe library workers are the most important resource a library can provide for its patrons, and include the State Library of Oregon. Toward that end, I see the crucial and invaluable duties library support and development consultants perform: offering personalized support, sharing decades of professional expertise, training the trainers (us) on how to navigate information and resources, and advancing community engagement, to name just a of the few ways you all empower and uplift those of us who work in Oregon libraries…ensuring we are better prepared to serve our individual communities. Thank you. I am grateful for your service, and support your retention. 

Second, as a patron of the State Library of Oregon I respectfully call upon State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen to a) share timely and transparent communications with members of the Oregon library community regarding the prioritization and retention of SLO staff, particularly library support and development consultants, and b) consider pivoting from historical precedent and instead explore alternative methods of funding impacted staff salaries given state libraries may not be able to reliably depend upon federal funding to cover the bulk (per usual) for the foreseeable future. 

Third, in the words of poet Audre Lorde, “When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed, but when we are silent we are still afraid, so it is better to speak.” Our collective tomorrow is not guaranteed, so we must engage in the “heretical act” of speaking up to see our dreams for a better future made manifest. I invite others to share their support and advocate for the prioritization and retention of SLO staff, including library support and development staff, whose salaries are funded by IMLS/LSTA. 

Mahalo for your consideration,
Roxanne M. Renteria