Managing Information News

Managing Information News: "The American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA), an organization that advocates for improving the salaries and status of librarians and support staff, is sponsoring the second annual National Library Workers Day (NLWD) on Tuesday, April 12, during ALA-sponsored National Library Week (April 10-16).

NLWD is a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers - including librarians, support staff and others.

The theme for National Library Workers Day is 'Libraries Work Because We Do,' which focuses on how library services depend on the important work done by each library staff member and department.

American libraries are encouraged to use National Library Workers Day to focus on individuals or units responsible for the number of materials selected, acquired, cataloged, checked out and back in, and shelved; for handling requests and sending them to other libraries; for answering reference questions; for planning, publicizing and presenting programs; for developing and maintaining the library's Web site; for managing the library and for other elements of library service.

Celebrations last year included parties, notes of appreciation, awards, gift certificates and gifts like book-shaped cookies and solar calculators inscribed with 'Thank you for your service.' One library used the day to announce new staff services like development programs and newsletter upgrades. Another created a large wall mural with a panel for each staff member and what they do in the library.

Customizable tools and materials to help libraries promote National Library Workers Day are available on the ALA-APA Web site at www.ala-apa.org/about/nlwd. "