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Vision

The Oregon Library Association's Support Staff Division (SSD) recognizes support staff's need for opportunities promoting awareness of library issues as well as practical application of knowledge and skill, both ethical and technological. 
SSD will provide a forum in order to encourage new ideas, discuss concerns, and solve problems while envisioning and adapting to changes in the profession.  SSD's goal is to inspire and promote professional growth through networking, conferences, workshops, and mentoring.

 

We have opportunities for you to grow your network and professional development!

Virtual SSD meetings are *sometimes* the 3rd Tuesday

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Email [email protected] for an invitation

 

We are currently seeking the following positions:

Member at Large - Aug 2024 - Aug 2025
This is a learning position that assists the conference committee as comfortable
Treasurer (apprentice) - Aug 2024 - Aug 2026
This position can feel like a lot. It averages 4 hours/month and is a 2 year commitment, but you will have the current treasurer if you come in soon.
Core member of the conference committee.
Chair - Aug 2024 - Aug 2026
This position can feel like a lot. It averages ~10 hours/month and is a 2 year commitment. BUT you will have a past chair backing you up, the ear of all of OLA and great support. Core member of the conference committee
 

The 28th SSD Annual conference will be in July 2026

We encourage library staff to participate in the OLA Conference
 
The most effective members get support from their libraries to do this work and are paid for their time. 
If you need help getting that support, email the chair, Rinny Lakin at [email protected].
Let's identify barriers in your way and strategize.
"Who me? I'm not a capital "L" librarian or director." 
Yes, exactly you! Be part of something special and shine! Are you looking to gain important project management and event coordination skills, but your library position offers limited opportunities to show and grow your skills? There is a wide range of professional development and network opportunities that are automatically built into this experience. You will be working alongside seasoned conference committee members and rising above the noise. (Psst. I can't promise you that this work will lead to a promotion, but if you look at past conference committee members, chances are good.)
"But, I don't have time!" 
We get it, we are all running the hard scrabble to keep our heads above water. The pandemic did a number on us all. We are all the work horses of our libraries and take on all the things. 
 
Your commitment could look like this:
  • 2 hours/month for virtual SSD meetings. The April meeting is replaced by the SSD Social at the OLA Conference.
  • This part is super important, we expect you to come in person to help set-up, support the conference logistics and tear down for the July SSD conference. There are tasks that don't require public speaking.
  • Depending on which tasks you take on and how many people end up on the committee, expect 1-4 additional hours/month to complete your tasks. You will also be invited to the SSD Leadership retreat in August 2025 to begin planning the next year for SSD and lay the groundwork for the 2026 conference. This has been 2.5 days at the beach for several years, but we have had virtual attendees as well.
Want in? Need more info? Email the chair, Rinny Lakin: [email protected]
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 Ugg, Support Staff sounds so old timey!

"Does SSD support staff, or are the members all support staff?" Yes.

Our name is tied to a National movement for inclusion.

We welcome suggestions for updating the name of our division.

Email ideas to [email protected]

 

Updated 9/5/24 by Rinny Lakin