[Libs-Or] SLO Staff - Prioritization & Retention

[Max Macias]

Thank you, Roxanne.


I will second that beautifully powerful statement and request.

Thanks to the SLO and staff--we love and support you!


Max Macias


On Wed, May 21, 2025 at 10:20 PM Roxanne2 via Libs-Or <
libs-or at omls.oregon.gov> wrote:

> 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
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