2023 Summer Engagement Series
In lieu of having an OPAL Annual Conference this summer, OPAL will sponsor two ways to engage in professional development. This way OPAL can meet each staff member where they are and however they desire to receive professional development opportunities.
OPAL members can actively participate in the ALAO conference:
- OPAL will provide the early bird registration rate for 1 staff member per OPAL library (selected by the library).
- OPAL will cover the registration costs of any OPAL member presenting or facilitating a poster session at the ALAO conference.
- Depending on funding availability after the early bird registration period ends, OPAL may fund additional registrations at the discretion of the DC.
OPAL will also sponsor a Summer Engagement Series. This series will offer all members the opportunity to meet to discuss an article, podcast, and book as suggested by attendees. This series is intended to provide additional opportunities for all OPAL members to get acquainted with each other during a less busy time of the year.
The 2023 Summer Engagement Series will be held on the following Fridays:
- May 12: Speed Networking
- June 16: Podcast Discussion at 10 am: Episode 71: Setting Up for Self Care from the American Libraries Call Number Podcast
- July 14: Article Discussion
Meeting links for the discussions are on the OPAL Calendar page.
Any OPAL staff member who attends all 3 sessions will be eligible to receive a SnackMagic prize basket. There will also be a drawing for 5 people who attend all 3 sessions to receive funding for ALAO early bird registration.
Instead of the previously planned book discussion there will be two opportunities for library staff to participate in upcoming Strategic Planning Summits:
- July 27, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (virtual, with a break for lunch)
- August 11, 10 a.m.-2:30p.m. (in person, with lunch provided by OPAL)
Staff from all libraries and all types of positions are invited!