Reference, Instruction, and Outreach (RIO)

"Since January, a flurry of activity in the federal government has led to executive orders and department firings that have created an uncertain landscape for libraries from both the services we rely on for support as well as the services and resources we refer our patrons to.  During this RIO discussion, we’ll talk about what’s been happening in the federal government that affects libraries, ways we can advocate for our institutions and patrons, and best practices for navigating these uncertainties."

Discussed:

The Institute of Museum and Library Services

• Library funding
• Funding for the State Library's employees
• Public library grants
• Other library/project funding

Immigration

• Foreign students, staff, and faculty
• Private vs. public spaces in the library/campus and which need search warrants
• Faculty/staff fear of being deported for class subjects 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Punishment for involvement
• Program/class topic concerns
• Names/titles of staff and faculty

Department of Education

• Pell Grants
• Student loans

Middle East Activism

Governmental Checks and Balances