Alliance expands focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion
Late in 2021, the Alliance’s Equity Exploratory Committee completed their charge and recommended the formation of a standing group “to work more closely with other groups, to align DEI opportunities with existing initiatives, and be more visible to the community.” Alliance Council also voted to support a new Alliance strategic initiative aimed at bringing anti-racism training to member libraries.
To support this expanded focus on equity, the Alliance central staff position of DUX Program Manager was revised. This spring, the Alliance will conduct a national search for the role of Program Manager – Diversity and User Experience, and Consortial Training Director. Look for recruitment announcements in the coming weeks!
Growing the Rapido community
Rapido, Ex Libris’ anticipated new resource sharing product, is in final development. Thanks to an introductory offer for Alliance members, there are six institutions signed on to begin adoption, including Central Washington University, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, The Evergreen State College, and Washington State University. Other member libraries are in consideration.
A new Rapido Project Group (RPG) will support and inform members about the adoption experience. The group includes chair Molly Gunderson (PSU), representatives of institutions who have begun adoption, and those who are still considering their options. The group’s meetings are open to Alliance members who are considering a move to Rapido.
Learn how to access and use OEN membership
The Orbis Cascade Alliance joined the Open Education Network in 2021. We know members have questions about how to get the most out of OEN membership benefits! On April 26th from 10:00am-11:45, the Open Educational Resources (OER) Standing Group will host an information and discussion session about OEN membership. They will discuss accessing OEN hub resources, using the dashboard, and holding a faculty workshop using OEN resources. There will also be facilitated discussions tailored to different levels of OEN membership.
This event is especially relevent to those who directly support OER efforts at their institutions, but all member staff are welcome. Look for a registration link in the coming weeks, or contact Maija Anderson at manderson@orbiscascade.org for more information.
Alliance members at Online Northwest
Congratulations to all of our members who presented at Online Northwest on March 25th! This year’s theme was “Open Librarianship,” and included sessions on open access publishing, scholarly communication, open educational resources, digital humanities, open source software, and more!
Alliance speakers included David Condon (UO); Thomas Dodson (SOU); Catherine Flynn-Purvis (UO); Franny Gaede (UO); Holly Gabriel (SOU); Gabriel Hayden (UO); Jen Klaudinyi (PCC); Daniel Levy (CWU); Tamara Marnell (Alliance central); Lotus Norton-Wisla (WSU); Miriam Rigby (UO)l Kate Thornhill (UO); Maura Valentino (CWU); Zach Welhouse (OSU); Olivia Wikle (U Idaho); Evan Williamson (U Idaho).
