Oklahoma Contemporary Art Reference Library Training

New Collection

As we enter the month of August, it is time to start preparing for the opening of our new subject collection, the Oklahoma Contemporary Art Reference Library (OCARL). This collection is a circulating collection housed at Downtown (DN). The majority of the collection is Adult Non-Fiction, but does contain a few fiction and juvenile materials. The collection is currently on the shelves at DN, but will not be available for circulation or discoverable in the public catalog until Monday, August 23. 

Training

To better assist staff in preparing for the new subject collection and answering any customer questions a training is now available to complete in EduBrite ~ OCARL: Oklahoma Contemporary Art Reference Library Overview. The training is required for all Public Service Staff. While this training is only required for PS, I highly encourage everyone to take it in EduBrite. The training can be as short as 20 minutes, and will explain the origins and goals for the collection, the partnerships that developed it, its circulation procedures, and a brief introduction to Contemporary Art. The training has several short, well produced videos throughout it. If it’s not currently assigned to you, please search for it in the EduBrite course catalog and enroll.

Thank Yous!

Many people throughout the system worked hard to make this collection a reality and it’s because of everyone’s efforts that we’ve been able to add this to our public offerings. Almost every department in the system had an important role, including Collection Services and Development, Business Office, DVS, IT, Marketing, EPS, Learning and Development, and Leadership Team. Everyone involved was gracious and helpful beyond measure. A special thank you to everyone at Downtown, Emily Williams, Kellie Delaney, Meghan Hunt, Tricia Andrews, Morgan Day, and Buddy Johnson for their endless support.

Further Information

If you have questions or concerns about the collection, our funders or partners, or suggestions for programming ideas, please email me directly at [email protected] and I will make sure you’re put in touch with the right person.

Below is additional information about the training also found in today's email.

Thanks!

Judie

ART Training

Welcome to the Oklahoma Contemporary Art Resource Library Collection training. That's a long name for a small, but vibrant new Subject Collection at MLS.

Why have this collection? Why do this training?

Our customers are curious! We can respond to their curiosity by being as knowledgeable about our resources as possible. By gaining a deeper understanding of MLS' Subject Collections, employees will be equipped with information about the collections and their purpose and policies, in order to best promote them to our customers.

Highlighting our Subject Collections allows us to embody our Core Values of Innovation and EDI. Our goal is to provide curated, innovative, and engaging material that showcases a wide variety of perspectives, backgrounds, histories, and goals. We partner with area organizations and subject experts to offer timely and informed material that answers a community need.  The OCARL collection is a collaboration between the library and local Contemporary Art leaders. We hope this training provides you with useful and interesting information both on Contemporary Art and library circulation policy.

Is this course required?

This course is required for all Public Services staff. It is due August 31, 2021. Non-public services staff are encouraged to take the course and can find it in the EduBrite course catalog. There are no pre-requisites.

How long will it take?

The training is composed of several reading sections, short videos, and quizzes. One of the videos and its accompanying quiz are optional. Depending on several factors this training could take between 20-60 minutes.

Questions?

A lot of different people and departments helped make this new collection possible. Please email [email protected] and she will make sure your questions is answered by the right person.