[OYAN] FW: [Libs-Or] SLO Staff - Prioritization & Retention

[MAURER Jennifer * SLO]

Please pardon the cross-posting. Hi, folks. I'm forwarding a communication about the IMLS situation. While only the original post and the State Librarian's response are included here, note that other library staff have responded as well. Anyone who is not subscribed to the Libs-Or listserv can follow along here: https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/libs-or/2025-May/thread.html#start. Just trying to keep everyone in the loop. - Best, Jen (Jen Maurer, School Library Consultant, State Library of Oregon, jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov>)



-----Original Message-----
From: Libs-Or <libs-or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> On Behalf Of CORNELISEN Wendy * SLO via Libs-Or
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2025 6:36 PM
To: Roxanne2 <roxanne2 at hawaii.edu>; libs-or at omls.oregon.gov
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] SLO Staff - Prioritization & Retention



Hi Roxanne,



I add my thanks for your message as well. The staff of the State Library will continue to be my top priority, and it's heartwarming to see the support pour in from multiple fronts. It is a testament to their good work and excellence, which is also evident in their deep relationships across the state. The impact of library support staff members is clearly visible in these messages, and I look forward to reading the stories that y'all are sharing with OLA.



I will continue to advocate for State Library positions in every way. Our partnership with OLA is strong and includes advocacy efforts at the state and federal level. I'm grateful for my seat on both the OLA Board and the OLA Legislative Committee, which helps builds that collaboration and gives us a chance to work together.



During these last 2 months of turmoil, I have kept the Legislative Fiscal Office and the Chief Financial Office, as well as the Governor's Office, informed along the way. They know that the State Library is facing a dire financial situation if LSTA dollars are not available.



While the future of LSTA remains cloudy, the State Library has an LSTA 2025 award letter that covers payroll for FY26. There is a process for state executive agencies to access emergency funding from the Legislature, known alternately as e-board or Interim Joint Ways and Means Committee. The short session, scheduled for February 2026, would also provide an opportunity to ask for additional funding, if needed.



Thank you again for your passion, energy, and drive to support the State Library staff. I appreciate your feedback and look forward to continue working with you to provide equitable library access to all Oregonians. If you have any questions, please reach out.



These are hard times, and the only way we're going to get thru them is together.



Take care,

Wendy



Wendy Cornelisen (she, her, hers)

State Librarian

State Library of Oregon

wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov>

Office: 503-378-4367| Mobile 971-375-3992

https://www.oregon.gov/library/Pages/default.aspx





-----Original Message-----

From: Libs-Or <libs-or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov<mailto:libs-or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov>> On Behalf Of Roxanne2 via Libs-Or

Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 10:14 PM

To: libs-or at omls.oregon.gov<mailto:libs-or at omls.oregon.gov>

Subject: [Libs-Or] SLO Staff - Prioritization & Retention



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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