ABLE- Ethics and Public Service

Course Objectives:

  • Introduction of Library Ethics
  • Equal Access to All
  • Intellectual Freedom and Censorship
  • Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Importance of Policies and Procedures
  • Intellectual Property Rights

ABLE - Collection Development Basics (formerly Writing a Collection Development Policy)

Course Objectives:

  • Definition of Collection Development (CD)
  • Concepts of Intellectual Freedom that inform collection development
  • Outline of collection development cycle
  • Basic community needs assessment tools

ABLE - Collection Development Policy (formerly Collection Assessment)

Course Objectives:

  • Purpose of a collection development policy
  • Elements of a collection development policy
  • How to set collection goals
  • Steps in writing a collection development policy
  • Relationship of your collection development policy and collection development activities

ABLE - Building a Collection (formerly Materials Selection)

Course Objectives:

  • Criteria and processes for selecting materials
  • List and characteristics of several collection development selection tools
  • Tips for managing the acquisitions process

Weeding the Library Collection

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Mention collection development and most librarians think of the selection of new materials for the library. Weeding - removing library materials from your collection - is an often forgotten, yet integral part of collection development. In this course you will first discover why that is true, and then learn the techniques of weeding, develop policies and avoid common pitfalls.

The information is relevant to all types of libraries and addresses the weeding of all types of library materials, including adult and children's collections, as well as print and non-print materials.

Learning Objectives

  • State the reasons for weeding the library collection.
  • Identify print and online resources to aid in planning an effective weeding program.
  • Adapt published weeding guidelines to develop criteria for weeding their collection.
  • Develop a weeding plan for the library which includes a schedule, criteria for specific subject areas and material types, and procedures.
  • Explain positive solutions to avoid common pitfalls and problems with weeding such as "unweedable" gifts, "sacred" memorial donations, the "recommended collection size" trap, fear of admitting a selection error, and others.
  • Incorporate weeding in the library's collection management policy.
  • Identify tools associated with automated library catalogs that can assist in weeding such as inventory reports, collection age reports, and others.

ABLE - Introduction to Technical Services and Catalog Records

Course Objectives:

  • The workflow for technical services and acquisitions
  • Creating a catalog record The purpose of cataloging records
  • General information of catalog records and types of entries
  • Descriptive information and the format of catalog records
  • Sources for cataloging information

ABLE - Introduction to Dewey Classification

Course Objectives:

  • The purpose of classification
  • The organization of the Dewey Decimal Classification System
  • The basic steps for classification of an item
  • How to use the Dewey Decimal Classification System
  • How to create a complete call number

ABLE - Introduction to MARC

  • Link: ABLE - Introduction to MARC
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Basic
  • Sponsor: Idaho Commission for Libraries
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1.0

Course Objectives:

  • The history and purpose of MARC
  • How MARC is organized
  • How MARC tags are used
  • Special issues with non-book cataloging, copy cataloging, and cooperative cataloging

ABLE - Introduction to Subject Headings

Course Objectives:

  • The purpose of subject headings
  • How subject heading lists are organized
  • The terminology for Library of Congress Subject Headings
  • The different types and forms of subject headings
  • How subdivisions are used in subject headings
  • How to use the Library of Congress Subject Headings list to assign subject headings
  • How and where to place subject headings in the catalog record
  • The additional access points to include in a cataloging record

Getting Time Under Control

  • Link: Getting Time Under Control
  • Topic: Management - Interpersonal Skills
  • Level: Basic
  • Sponsor: Skillsoft
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Replaces "Time Management: Planning and Prioritizing Your Time"

Library > Business Skills > Professional Effectiveness > Time Management and Productivity > Time Management

Managing time effectively entails analyzing your goals, breaking those goals into tasks, and then prioritizing those tasks. This isn't always easy or clear cut, given the number of tasks you may need to complete. But if you set clear and measurable goals and then develop an effective to-do list, you'll find prioritizing your many tasks is easier. And, in the end, you'll manage your time better. This course focuses on ways to prioritize your workload. It discusses how to prepare a useful to-do list and prioritize the items on it. The course also outlines how to sequence and queue tasks to help improve your time management. Finally, it describes how to estimate time frames so you can schedule your tasks effectively and meet your deadlines.

Expected Duration (hours) 1.0

Lesson Objectives

  • prioritize tasks from a given to-do list
  • identify which criteria have been applied in a given to-do list
  • recognize the type of things that should be considered when sequencing tasks
  • identify when to use different queuing methods
  • use the time frames equation to estimate the shortest possible completion time for a given task

Keeping Your Library Safe: Black Belt Librarians

Course Objectives:

  • understand and correct existing security policy
  • define what makes a real-world security program work
  • form rules and guidelines for library conduct
  • empower front line staff to control the library environment

This webinar will be of interest to all levels of library staff, from those on the front lines of customer service interaction to those in administration and management, in all types of libraries.

Trust Building through Effective Communication

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course. Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Replaces "Interpersonal Communication: Communicating with Confidence"

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Verbal Communication > Skills for Communication Success

Are you reluctant to voice your opinions to your colleagues for fear they'll be judged negatively? Do you find yourself avoiding awkward communication situations? Confident interpersonal communication skills are essential for healthy and successful relationships, whether personal or professional. Once you've learned how to apply them, these skills enhance your influence and help you achieve your goals. Communicators have an enormous advantage if their relationships are based on rapport-building trust and credibility. But trust and credibility are not the only essentials. You also need to use specific communication behaviors to project confidence in all your verbal and nonverbal interactions. The course shows you how the essential elements of trust, credibility, and specific confident communication behaviors bring about confident communication and enhance your influence. It highlights the advantages of communicating with confidence, explores the construction of trust and credibility, and clarifies how trust and credibility result in confident communications. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Lesson Objectives

identify expressions of the essential elements of confident communication recognize how trust and credibility enhance confidence in interpersonal communication recognize the use and impact of confident communication behaviors in a given communication scenario

Directors ASK

  • Link: Directors ASK
  • Topic: Management - Organizational Leadership
  • Level: Basic
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this content.

Director's ASK! (that stands for: Administrator Secret Knowledge) guides the new or experienced library director through the range of documentation crucial to effectively carrying out the responsibilities of a library administrator, including working with the Board, the budget and personnel. It also covers legal activities and reporting, marketing, programming, and recommendations for keeping on track of it all.

The course is your guide to creating files of all the important administrative information---either to prepare your successor for a smooth transition or to get yourself organized and operating more efficiently.

Since the author works for an Illinois library, there are many specific examples that apply to libraries in the state of Illinois. The learner is encouraged to use the information as a guide to locate or create equivalent resources applicable to another state or library system.

Learning Objectives

Library administrators will: * Examine current library practices and procedures. * Identify key pieces of information that serve as a backbone for managing their library. * Create a resource document using the templates provided by this LibraryU module. * Have the basis for an accurate description of their responsibilities to share with their board.

Readers' Advisory Services

  • Link: Readers' Advisory Services
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Reference & RA
  • Level: Basic
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Patrons are overwhelmed by the hundreds of new titles every year added to the thousands already on the shelves. Browsing the shelves is a frustrating exercise. Readers' advisory services provides patrons with the help they need to find books they will enjoy, and helps the library retain active patrons.

This introduction to public library readers' advisory services to adults includes the readers' advisory interview, marketing readers' advisory services, promoting fiction, and finding aids. In this course you will learn how to identify what it is in genre fiction that appeals to a reader, how best to get them to articulate that appeal, what books to suggest to the reader, and how to promote the different kinds of genre fiction in a public library.

A chapter titled "Difficult Aspects of a Readers' Advisory Interview" provides tricks of the trade for keeping up with the rapidly changing world of genre fiction. This course provides an excellent opportunity for increasing skills in this vital area of public library service.

ABLE - Reference Interview

  • Link: ABLE - Reference Interview
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Reference & RA
  • Level: Basic
  • Sponsor: Idaho Commission for Libraries
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 2.0

Course Objectives:

  • The value of reference
  • Methods to make a patron feel comfortable
  • Techniques for discovering a patrons' real information need
  • Steps to check for patron satisfaction

MARVEL Tutorials

  • Link: MARVEL Tutorials
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Reference & RA
  • Level: Basic
  • Sponsor: Maine State Library
  • Format: archived webinars
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Maine's Digital Library (aka MARVEL!)has a new look and new databases but it still provides access to hundreds of full text magazine articles, books and newspapers.

Learn to navigate these amazing tools by taking the tutorials listed below which are now available on Maine State Library's Niche Academy.

  • Gale Academic OneFile

  • Gale Document Tools

  • Gale Search Tools

  • Gale Virtual Reference

  • Ancestry -Library Edition

  • Hobbies & Crafts

  • NoveList

  • LearningExpress

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Rapport Building in Customer Service

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Customer Service >

Good customer service and strong customer relationships begin with building rapport. Building rapport requires knowing your customer, understanding their situation, and providing an empathetic ear for them to voice their concerns. Building rapport can lead to great customer relationships between individuals as well as the company they represent. This course covers how to build rapport with customers by being customer-focused. This includes being able to connect with your customers, being positive, paying close attention to the customers' needs, and understanding their feelings by empathizing with them. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Lesson Objectives

Customer Service Fundamentals: Building Rapport in Customer Relationships recognize behavioral examples that demonstrate a customer-focused attitude recognize examples of statements that demonstrate empathy build rapport with a customer

Keep It Simple: Developing a Marketing Plan for your Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

An effective library marketing plan can be crucial to ensuring the library remains a central and vibrant part of the community that is valued by both patrons and funders.

This course provides you the knowledge and tools to:

  • Understand what marketing a library entails
  • Follow a clear, 7 step approach to marketing
  • Create a marketing plan for the library
  • Prepare quality collateral/print materials for the library
  • Create a better level of communication with the media
  • Develop partnerships that benefit the library

Northstar Digital Literacy Project - Basic Competency Tests

Course Objectives:

The Northstar Digital Literacy Project defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. The ability of adults to perform these tasks can be assessed through online, self-guided modules. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in six main areas: Basic Computer Use, Internet, Windows Operating System, Mac OS, Email, and Word Processing (Word).

When individuals pass the assessments at approved sites, they can obtain the Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate. This provides a credential for employment. There is no cost to complete the online assessments.

Intellectual Freedom

  • Link: Intellectual Freedom
  • Topic: Fundamentals of Librarianship
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

  • Intellectual Freedom (Infopeople)
  • A parent asks you to remove a book from the shelf because she feels it could harm her children.
  • A library user complains that the current collection of magazines doesn't include his political viewpoint and too much of a different one? What do you do?

Learn techniques to approach these challenges and others, along with a firm background of intellectual freedom in libraries, including relevant laws and court cases. At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

  • Identify and interpret key ALA documents, policies, and decisions related to intellectual freedom, both in print and online
  • Identify and understand holdings in key court cases on intellectual freedom in libraries
  • Understand how the law treats different libraries - academic, school and public.
  • Understand the types of speech that are not protected by the First Amendment, and when to call the police to report child pornography
  • Develop skills for recognizing and strategies for responding to challenges

This webinar will be of interest to library staff at all levels in any type of library. It will be particularly beneficial for those who are relatively new to the library field and who have not had any formal training in the core values of the profession.

Introduction to RDA

  • Link: Introduction to RDA
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

This introductory webcast on the proposed cataloging rules, Resource Description and Access (RDA), highlights the critical differences between the current cataloging rules (AACR2) and RDA. It is designed as a primer for both front-line catalogers and library administrators in all types of libraries who need to learn how bibliographic and authority records will change when RDA is implemented. The session would be an excellent introduction to record changes for both original catalogers and copy catalogers.

Note: This session does not cover the elements of the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Data (FRBR) on which RDA is based nor does it demonstrate the RDA Toolkit interface.

Principles of Classification

  • Link: Principles of Classification
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Have you ever wondered why we have library classification systems and how they work? How does one system organize information compared to another?

This webinar covers basic, general principles of classification, presents the basic structure of the two main systems we use, Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), and discusses their strengths and weaknesses. It illustrates some of the main differences between LCC and DDC with practical examples.

This webinar will be of interest to catalogers and non-catalogers who want a basic introduction to the classification systems and their structure.

RDA in 10 Easy Steps

  • Link: RDA in 10 Easy Steps
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Resource Description and Access (RDA) is the successor to the cataloging rules, AACR2. RDA completely revamps the structure of the cataloging instructions by closely following the entity-relationship model used to construct databases. However, as complex as these changes are, they can be reduced to ten easy steps. Join in on a walkthrough of the new structure. A demonstration of how a simple book can be cataloged with RDA helps catalogers understand the new structure and makes it easier to navigate RDA and find related instructions for other resources.

RDA for the Non Cataloger

  • Link: RDA for the Non Cataloger
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Many libraries will be implementing Resource Description & Access (RDA) early in 2013. What will this mean for technical services and other library staff? How are RDA records different from AACR2 records? This webinar provides a general overview of the changes in RDA, particularly those affecting staff in technical services and those noticeable in the OPAC. No knowledge of current cataloging standards or MARC required! This session does not teach how to catalog with RDA, but it can be a useful foundation for catalogers new to RDA as well as other library staff and administrators.

Book Repair Basics for Libraries

  • Link: Book Repair Basics for Libraries
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Participants will become familiar with several types of basic repairs for bound circulating collections materials in school, public, and academic libraries. Tip-ins and basic page repairs, hinge tightening, and a variety of spine repairs are covered. Techniques are illustrated and demonstrated with text, images, and video. Links to other resources are provided. Repairs and conservation treatments on rare and special collections materials are NOT discussed.

Floating Collections: Building on Your Patron's Horizons

Course Objectives:

What are the benefits of a floating collection? What is involved and the what is the impact on the role of Reader's Advisor and patron expectations. This session covers the answers to these questions and lays out the steps involved in starting a floating collection. The many variables that need to be considered, how to sell this new collection concept to both staff and the public, and all the excitement floating collections generate will also be discussed.

Anyone with responsibilities for collection development will find this session of interest.

The Art of Selecting Digital Content to Preserve

Course Objectives:

This webinar focuses on the basic first questions we all must answer in order to begin developing a digital preservation program: What digital content do we have, and what are we responsible for preserving?

We begin by identifying all of the digital content that might be within our scope of responsibility. Then we explore strategies for appraisal, prioritization, and acquisition to refine the scope of selecting which digital content should be included in our preservation program.

First session of a two-session series titled "From the Digital Dark Ages to a Digital Renaissance." Part 2, The Role of Long-Term Storage in Digital Curation, was November 14, 2012. Learning Outcomes

This session covers key terms, standards, and concepts related to digital preservation and equips participants with planning strategies for developing a digital preservation plan/program.

Technical services librarians with beginning knowledge of digital preservation and an interest in or responsibility for the preservation/stewardship/management of digital content.

Steps in a Digital Preservation Workflow

Course Objectives:

This presentation will outline generic considerations and processes for building and managing a digital preservation workflow. We will consider the workflow within the larger context of a digital content life cycle, which runs from information creation through to ongoing discovery and access. We will focus upon generalized steps institutions can use to acquire, preserve and serve content. The presentation will describe distinct workflow stages in conjunction with sample procedures, policies, tools and services, stressing the dynamic nature of workflows over time, including the use of modular components and ongoing work to enhance automation and cope with issues of scale.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will learn about the life cycle approach to digital stewardship and how that concept relates to conceptualizing a workflow for the purposes of institutional preservation and access. The presentation will identify model workflow stages, generalized procedures and policies, and commonly used tools and services. It will also include a discussion of various preservation options, including localized repositories and cloud services.

Librarians and archivists involved with preservation of digital materials.

Changes from AACR2 to RDA. Part 1

  • Link: Changes from AACR2 to RDA. Part 1
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Assocation for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

RDA: Resource Description & Access was published in June 2010 and has been undergoing a test by the U.S. national libraries and others. This webcast uses numerous side-by-side examples in MARC format to show the most significant changes between AACR2 and RDA cataloging practices. Part 1 covers descriptive elements, and part 2 covers access points.

The sessions are aimed at catalogers familiar with AACR2 who want to learn more about how RDA records will differ from records created under AACR2 rules. They assume a familiarity with the MARC 21 bibliographic and authority formats, and with FRBR.

Changes from AACR2 to RDA. Part 2

  • Link: Changes from AACR2 to RDA. Part 2
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

RDA: Resource Description & Access was published in June 2010 and has been undergoing a test by the U.S. national libraries and others. This session uses numerous side-by-side examples in MARC format to show the most significant changes between AACR2 and RDA cataloging practices. Part 1 covers descriptive elements, and part 2 covers access points.

The webcasts are aimed at catalogers familiar with AACR2 who want to learn more about how RDA records will differ from records created under AACR2 rules. The webcasts assume a familiarity with the MARC 21 bibliographic and authority formats, and with FRBR.

Introduction to Cataloging for Non-Catalogers

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This course, aimed at library staff new to cataloging, provides an introduction to the purpose, importance and varieties catalogs. It also provides the learner with a basic orientation to standard cataloging activities.

Topics covered include: -The underlying concepts of cataloging -A brief history of cataloging -An explanation of why cataloging is important -An overview of the characteristics and varieties of library cataloging. -The varieties of OPAC displays -The three different types of cataloging activity

Shelving with Dewey

  • Link: Shelving with Dewey
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This course provides a great introduction for any library staff, assistants or volunteer needing to learn how to shelve items by the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system.

One of the most time-consuming tasks for library staff is training assistants and volunteers about classification systems and how to properly shelve materials. Few tasks are more vital for shelf maintenance and patron access. This lesson provides online training that will help new staff members and volunteers become productive as quickly as possible with a minimum of time investment by the professional librarian.

After completing this training, the learners will be able to accurately read shelves and properly file materials according to the Dewey Decimal System in a school or public library.

Shelving with Library of Congress Classification

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This course provides a great introduction for any library staff, assistants or volunteer needing to learn how to shelve items by the classification system used by the Library of Congress (LC).

One of the most time-consuming tasks for library staff is training assistants and volunteers about classification systems and how to properly shelve materials. Few tasks are more vital for shelf maintenance and patron access. This lesson provides online training that will help new staff members and volunteers become productive as quickly as possible with a minimum of time investment by the professional librarian.

After completing this training, the learner will be able to accurately read shelves and properly file materials according to Library of Congress (LC) standards.

Introduction to Finding Grants (formerly Grant Seeking Basics)

Course Objectives:

Are you a representative of a nonprofit organization? New to fundraising?

This introductory course provides an overview of the funding research process for those seeking grants from foundations, corporations, and grantmaking public charities.

The webinar will cover:

What you need to have in place before you seek a grant What you need to know about grantmakers and how nonprofits are supported How you identify funding partners Resources for your grantseeking efforts

Winning Library Grants

  • Link: Winning Library Grants
  • Topic: Management - Fundraising
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This grant webinar is easy to understand, motivating, fun, and full of valuable tips. Learn how to quickly locate grant opportunities, find out what funders are looking for in a successful grant proposal, and discover real library grant success techniques from librarians just like you. Practical advice, easy grants for beginners, partnership ideas, and valuable resource lists will be shared.

Introduction to Proposal Writing

Course Objectives:

Learn the key components of a proposal to a foundation.

For those new to proposal writing, this class will cover:

How the proposal fits into the overall grantseeking process What to include in a standard proposal to a foundation Tips for making each section of your proposal stronger What funders expect to see in your proposal and attachments Tips for communicating with funders during the grant process Additional resources on proposal writing, including sample proposals

Self Directed Achievement: if you give library staff an hour...

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

"Set one training goal each week achievable in one hour." This simple directive was given to every staff member of one Utah library in September 2011. The result just one year later? A sustainable, positive culture transformation. Self-Directed Achievement (SDA) is a consistent, agile, individualized approach to staff development in a climate of constant change. The basic library principle of lifelong learning is achievable for every individual with any level of expertise throughout your organization. This webinar presents the model, mechanics, individual accountability, and supervisory responsibility involved in this remarkable method. You'll want to do it too.

Positive Atmosphere: Establishing a Positive Work Environment

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Human Resources > Engagment and Retention > Creating a Positive Atmosphere

Oftentimes your success or failure depends not only on the situation you are in, but how you react to that situation. Your reaction to the situations you encounter is significantly influenced by your attitude. Having a positive attitude involves looking for the best in a situation, being realistic about possibilities and consequences, and having the courage to believe that you can succeed. It isn't always easy to be positive. You may feel that the odds are stacked against you, or you may find it hard to cope with the difficult and challenging situations that you find yourself in.Taking action to develop a positive attitude involves examining how you perceive your situation, and how you deal with your perception of the situation.

This course will show you that it is possible to change your perspective from negative to positive, and provide you with skills for overcoming the challenges that you face at work. Being successful starts and ends with you, and having a positive attitude will help you achieve your desired success.

Unleashing Personal and Team Creativity

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Professional Effectiveness > Creative Thinking > Creativity in the Workplace

What makes a person creative? Do you consider yourself creative? Certain personal characteristics have been linked with creativity - for example, a willingness to take risks, the ability to connect diverse ideas, and open-mindedness. And most important, perhaps, is believing that you are creative. Many people get stuck because they think 'I'm not a creative person.' But everyone has creative potential. Understanding the characteristics you possess that boost your creativity and those that inhibit it can help you enhance your creative output in the workplace. This course explores the essential attributes of a creative person. It also describes barriers to creativity and how to overcome these. In addition, it demonstrates how you can enhance your creativity in the workplace.

Lesson Objectives

  • recognize the importance of various personal characteristics of creative people
  • recognize ways to overcome personal barriers to creativity
  • match techniques for enhancing creativity with examples of how to execute them
  • identify the benefits of being creative

Creating a Culture of Innovation

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

We hear about libraries that are leaders in innovation, implementing ideas that keep the library growing and vital. Perhaps you have watched from the sidelines and wished you could kickstart some innovation at your library, but you're not sure where to start. Come to this webinar for an active and lively discussion on how to find innovative ideas, how to connect with the people to help make them happen, and how to get buy-in and support for your ideas. There is a lot to be learned from other libraries' examples and experiences.

Improvisation at Work! Communicating and Innovating in Your Library

Course Objectives:

A customer gets angry on learning about their library fines. There's an Improv technique for that! You're having difficulty getting staff consensus on a new vendor or service. There's an Improv technique for that! A colleague is continually being negative. There's an Improv technique for that! Looking for new solutions to old problems? There's an Improv technique for that!

Many of the skills used in Improvisation are easily incorporated into daily library work, and you don't have to be Robin Williams to be successful at it. In fact, it helps if you're not!

This webinar will introduce you to four skills that improvisers use and show you how to use them in your library. You'll learn how they can assist you in providing better customer service, enhancing communication between staff members, and taking some of the stress out of all the changes happening in your workplace.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, attendees will:

Understand why and how improvisation is relevant to library work Understand how the skills of improvisation can help to improve library services Know at least 4 of the improv skills that can be used in library work

This webinar will be of interest to anyone who works in a library with a desire to start moving towards creating a culture of innovation with improved communication and collaboration.

The Hopeful Workplace

  • Link: The Hopeful Workplace
  • Topic: Management - Personnel Management
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

There's a fair amount of doom and gloom out in library land, but futurist Joan Frye Williams and strategist George Needham are having none of it! These passionate library advocates believe that dealing with desperate economic times need not make us desperate.

In this upbeat webinar, George and Joan will explore how we can get out of the rat race that says 'do more with less' and shift our focus to hope-engendering ways to 'do different with less.' They'll offer practical techniques for improving your own job satisfaction and moving your organization in a more positive direction.

Tune in to learn how we can all support each other, build trust and confidence, and develop services that recapture that feeling of success for ourselves and our communities.

This one-hour webinar will be of interest to anyone in the library community who wants to see libraries move forward, including library staff, volunteers, friends, trustees, and commissioners.

Disaster Planning: What You Need to Protect Your Tech

Course Objectives:

Does your organization have a plan to keep your technology, data, and assets protected in the event of an emergency or disaster? What if it's not an actual disaster like a hurricane or flood, but a staff member simply loses or breaks a laptop carrying essential supporter data? How much time or money might your organization spend trying to recover even a fraction of what's been lost? If these questions have crossed your mind and your answers are less than ideal, you should join us for our two-part webinar series on disaster planning to protect your technology.

TechSoup's Becky Wiegand interviews nonprofit tech expert Chris Shipley from Nutmeg Consulting and Elliot Harmon, TechSoup staff writer and editor of our newly released The Resilient Organization: A Guide for Disaster Planning and Recovery. We also speak with Michelle Baldwin, Executive Director of Volunteers in Service to Others, which runs the Cooke County emergency food bank. They experienced a flood two years ago and she'll be offering advice for other nonprofits trying to plan ahead.

We discuss the ins and outs of getting your organization in tip-top shape before a disaster or crisis happens. We review best practices, tips, and resources for developing and implementing a disaster preparedness plan for technology at your organization that will help you not only when a crisis hits - but everyday with a more streamlined, efficient workplace.

The Many Approaches to Facing Workplace Conflict

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Difficult Communications > Dealing with Workplace Conflict

Whether you like it or not, conflict is an inevitable part of life. So learning to deal with it effectively is a key skill. The more quickly and effectively you can resolve a conflict, the sooner you can get on with more productive activities in your day. Additionally, each successfully resolved conflict will lead to more confidence and knowledge about how to approach other conflicts you may face in the future. This course describes techniques you can use to deal effectively with a conflict situation. You'll learn that an important first step is to define the conflict by clarifying the issues surrounding it. You'll also find out about the importance of describing the conflict to the other party in a way that doesn't make them defensive. In addition, the course outlines collaboration skills that can help you deal with conflicts effectively, building trust and cooperation and preventing the escalation of conflict. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Lesson Objectives

  • recognize how to clarify the issues in a conflict
  • recognize how to collaborate effectively in a conflict situation
  • talk constructively in a given conflict situation

Difficult People: Strategies to Keep Everyone Working Together

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Difficult Communications > Working With Difficult People

For some people, nothing is ever good enough. They complain nonstop about everything from their latest project to the weather. Others may whine or place blame where it may not belong. Negative people contribute to an unproductive work environment and tend to make the people around them feel negative as well. To limit the adverse impact negative people can have in the workplace, you need a set of tools and techniques at your disposal suited to the particular type of negative person you may be dealing with. This course delves into the characteristics of some common types of negative people you may encounter within the workplace, and it also discusses strategies you may use to help you deal with their behavior.

Lesson Objectives

  • recognize examples of people who demonstrate negative behavior
  • determine which aspects of handling negative behavior were dealt with appropriately in a given scenario
  • apply strategies for dealing with a blamer in the workplace

Motivating Your Employees

  • Link: Motivating Your Employees
  • Topic: Management - Personnel Management
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Skillsoft
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 2.5

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Leadership > Leadership Essentials > Developing Leadership Skills

Imagine what your organization would be like if you and your colleagues were not motivated. Motivation is what drives people to accomplish things, whether it be small tasks or large undertakings. Without motivation, things simply would not get done. The ability to create an environment that encourages motivation takes both practice and skill as it's not a quality inherent in most people. As a leader, your capacity for motivating plays a key element in the success of your organization.

This course provides you with an understanding of why motivating strategies are important as a leader. It also provides you with practical techniques for encouraging motivation among employees in your organization.

Target Audience Supervisors, managers, directors, and individuals who want to develop their leadership skills

Lesson Objectives *recognize the definition of motivation *recognize tactics that encourage intrinsic motivation by addressing higher-order needs in the workplace *recognize how to involve, validate, and develop employees *recognize actions that encourage motivation by enlisting the support of workplace systems *take steps to encourage motivation in an individual employee, in a given scenario

Employee Dismissal

  • Link: Employee Dismissal
  • Topic: Management - Personnel Management
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Skillsoft
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1.5

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Management - First Time Manager

One of the most difficult things you will do as a manager is to tell an employee that his or her working relationship with the company must end. When you take this course, you will learn specific steps to follow when terminating someone's employment due to layoffs, performance problems or misconduct. You will then have the opportunity to apply what you've learned in a role play. Of course, the best way to avoid firing an employee is to do a good job of hiring and managing performance. Therefore, you will learn how to prevent this unpleasant task by interviewing effectively, and by using progressive discipline. This SkillSoft product has been reviewed by the Employment Practice Group of Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green. As of the date reviewed, the content of this course is in compliance with federal law and court decisions. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the law, information in this course may become outdated.

Gaining a Positive Perspective on Feedback

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Feedback and Criticism > The Art of Feedback

We all need feedback so that we can learn and improve. Sometimes feedback is on target, and its usefulness is apparent. Other times it may not be as easy to receive. Being able to receive feedback and criticism appropriately without getting your emotions involved is an essential skill for success in the business world. People in an organization need to be able to receive corrective feedback effectively, whether from someone in authority, a direct report, or a peer. Doing so allows you to better understand your colleagues' concerns, calm potentially heated exchanges, and solve issues efficiently. This course starts by exploring the reactions that typically occur when a person receives corrective feedback or criticism. You will also learn an approach that you can use to help you receive feedback in a productive manner and then have a chance to practice receiving feedback using that approach. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Lesson Objectives

  • recognize the relationship between people's reactions to feedback and their ability to use it to effect change in their performance or behavior
  • identify the types of statements one might make to negotiate a resolution
  • receive corrective feedback effectively

Giving Appropriate Feedback

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Feedback and Criticism > The Art of Feedback

The performance of any organization depends upon the performance of every individual. Giving feedback is a necessary skill and can involve anyone in an organization, whether it is manager-to-report, peer-to-peer, or report-to-manager. There are generally two types of feedback: positive feedback for reinforcing positive behavior, and corrective feedback for correcting negative behavior. The purpose of this course is to help you improve your skills in giving both types of feedback. The course starts by exploring the importance and purpose of feedback in general, and then discusses both positive and corrective feedback. You will also learn a three-step process for giving feedback, and will have a chance to practice giving feedback using this three-step process. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Lesson Objectives

  • match the types of feedback to situations when they are used
  • identify the purposes feedback serves
  • determine whether feedback was given effectively in a given scenario
  • give feedback using the three-step process

That's Not What I Said!: Foundations of Interpersonal Communication

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Our personalities affect how we view and relate to the world. Each of us have different learning and communication styles, fears, insecurities and defense mechanisms. This presentation will provide you with the tools to recognize your own and others' differences and become more aware of how they affect your relationships with customers and co-workers.

Presented by: Melissa Powell, independent librarian, biblioease.com

Disaster Response

  • Link: Disaster Response
  • Topic: Management - Strategic Planning
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this content.

This webinar discusses managing a disaster situation and salvaging collections. Topics covered include: assessment and planning, working with a vendor and volunteers, handling public relations, and managing collection salvage. Lessons learned in this presentation can be applied to disasters large or small no matter the size of the institution.

Master of Disaster: Developing a Disaster Plan

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This course will aid a library director, or anyone charged with creating a library disaster plan. The course covers three main areas of disaster preparedness that are critical to your library's ability to respond to, and even prevent major and minor disasters:

  1. Planning - Begin by understanding how to identify both potential hazards in the library and the environmental emergencies likely for your location that could lead to a disaster.
  2. Preparedness - Once potential disasters have been identified and possible damage to the building have detailed, a list of actions can be determined, reviewed and practiced in order to ensure the safety of the patrons, staff, and building should disaster strike.
  3. Documentation - Writing a Disaster Plan establishes the strategies for recovery and salvage of equipment and materials, responsibilities and priorities in the event of a disaster, as well as identifying the location of backup copies of information.

Please Note: This course is describes a disaster plan model for localized disasters and is based on the assumption that local telecommunication capability will still be intact or will be working in a short period of time. It is not suited for large-scale disasters.

Library P.I.: Process Improvement Library-Style

Course Objectives:

Books are piled all over the circulation department and there's a backlog in technical services. Staff members in different departments work in silos and defend their turf, rather than focusing on common goals. The special collections manager is retiring after twenty years. What should the plan and focus be for the future?

These are common challenges in libraries. What will you do if you're in one of these situations?

Process improvement provides an objective and collaborative approach to problem-solving, organizational development, and thinking and acting strategically.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, attendees will:

Have a basic understanding of process improvement and organizing around the work. Have some basic tools to initiate a process improvement project. Be familiar with the steps in facilitating a process improvement project.

Sometimes a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. In this case, it's essential. Be the person in your library that knows how to improve outcomes and services through process improvement.

This webinar will be of interest to staff at all levels in all types of libraries.

The Emotionally Intelligent Leader

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Leadership > Leadership Essentials > Developing Leadership Skills

Poised, outgoing, cheerful, having empathy for others, being able to express feelings directly but appropriately, and having the capacity for developing relationships. All of these abilities distinguish individuals with high emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is a more reliable predictor of success than intellect! Leaders with a strong mixture of emotional awareness, self-management, and social skills navigate relationships more effectively and are more likely to be successful in their personal and professional lives. This course provides you with an understanding of why emotional intelligence abilities are important as a leader. It also provides you with practical, positive techniques for promoting and improving emotional intelligence as a leader within your business environment. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Expected Duration (hours) 1.0

Lesson Objectives

  • recognize why emotional intelligence is important in the workplace
  • match emotional intelligence competencies to their associated domains
  • recognize which perception competencies need improvement and recommend techniques for cultivating them, in a given scenario
  • choose actions that demonstrate emotional intelligence in controlling emotions
  • recognize actions that demonstrate emotional intelligence in facilitating

Communicating a Shared Vision

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Leadership > Leadership Essentials > Developing Leadership Skills

Today's leaders must be able to communicate vision in such a way that the audience is engaged and everyone understands and internalizes the message. Effective leadership communication gives purpose and meaning to the work that people do. Leaders should strive to communicate vision with a sense of integrity, building trust as an individual and as a leader. This course provides a general introduction to vision communication, including its nature and its purpose. You will be guided through numerous techniques and methods for a leader to successfully communicate vision, such as personalizing and multiplying a clear message, communicating enthusiasm in an authentic way, and making the organization's vision the employees' own vision. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Lesson Objectives

identify approaches to communication that are likely to be important to employees match techniques for communicating vision to examples of how to execute them communicate vision to employees, as a leader in a given scenario

Accidental Leadership with George Needham

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Leadership may not be something every library staff member aspires to, but in many cases, leadership is thrust upon the accidental leader unexpectedly. This webinar explores topics such as how to find the internal and external resources you need to lead and how to exercise authority without becoming either a tyrant or a pushover. Drawing on nearly 40 years of library experience,George will present strategies and practical advice as he explores this subject.

Assessing Your Own Leadership Performance

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Leadership > Leadership Essentials > Improving Leadership Skills

Creating your own leadership development plan is a significant part of any successful and valuable leadership-development strategy. Leadership development plans help to ensure that you remain focused on what is required to continually grow and develop as a leader. This includes assessing your own style, values, and requirements, as well as identifying development goals, objectives, and actions. This course explores ways to assess yourself as a leader, establish a vision for the future, and identify obstacles to that vision. It also teaches practical approaches for setting development goals, objectives, and actions designed to move you toward your vision. Lastly, it provides useful criteria for evaluating a personal leadership development plan.

Lesson Objectives

  • identify the key results of a leader's self-assessment process
  • recognize strategies for formulating your leadership vision and approaching potential obstacles to that vision
  • choose appropriate objectives and actions for a leadership development plan, in a given scenario
  • recognize strategies designed to help sustain leadership development
  • determine whether a leadership development plan exhibits key characteristics

Creating Work/Life Balance

  • Link: Creating Work/Life Balance
  • Topic: Management - Organizational Leadership
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Skillsoft
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Professional Effectiveness > Work Life Balance > Improving Your Work Life Balance

You have the knowledge to assess current work/life balance and overcome internal and external obstacles to achieving balance. You know where you are and where you want to be, but now what? How do you achieve and maintain that balance? How will it be affected by external factors and behaviors? This course will focus on techniques for maintaining work/life balance. It includes recognizing the behaviors of passiveness, aggressiveness, and assertiveness and how those affect a person's ability to find balance in life. Techniques that can be used to achieve and preserve balance are also discussed.

Lesson Objectives

  • recognize examples of ways you can simplify your life
  • identify appropriate responses to excessive demands by assertively setting limits in a given scenario
  • recognize how to reframe a situation

Employee Exhaustion: Managing a Well-Balanced Workload

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Professional Effectiveness > Work Life Balance > Improving Your Work Life Balance

In 'Occupational Stress,' Stephen Palmer wrote 'Stress is the psychological, physiological and behavioral response by an individual when they perceive a lack of equilibrium between the demands placed upon them and their ability to meet those demands, which, over a period of time, leads to ill-health.'

Are you constantly adding items to your to-do list and it seems like your list never shrinks? Are you feeling overwhelmed at work and at home? Are you afraid that stress is starting to negatively impact your health and relationships? Stress is produced by your own feelings and reactions to certain external events, rather than by the events themselves. And while you may not always be able to control the external events that are causing you stress, you can control your reactions to them and how you handle them.

This course will explain how the signs and symptoms of stress could be of physiological, behavioral, and psychological nature and where these stresses can come from. This course reviews strategies for coping with stress and avoiding burnout. The course also covers how you can positively change your responses to stress once you are able to recognize how you respond to stressful situations. Relaxation techniques such as breathing and mediation are also covered.

Lesson Objectives

  • recognize key concepts about how stress manifests itself in your life
  • identify the main characteristics and symptoms of burnout
  • recognize examples of actions and strategies to cope with stress and prevent full-blown burnout
  • use the ABC model to manage your reaction to a stressful situation and challenge irrational thoughts
  • sequence examples of the steps of the ABC model used to better manage your reaction to stressful events

Skills for the Everyday Leader

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Many of us regard a move into management as "going to the dark side," but leadership is not only reserved for those with manager in their title. Learning effective supervisory skills can benefit many levels of work in the library, especially if you wear multiple hats in your organization serving as both staff peer and manager. Find out the top 10 actions to take and the top 10 mistakes to avoid as an everyday leader. By the end of this webinar, you'll have some simple and effective tools to help you work more powerfully with your colleagues or become the supervisor you always wanted to work for.

Automation Basics for the Small Public Library

Course Objectives:

Why automate? Automation makes a library's collection available online not only to local patrons but to library patrons statewide. Resource sharing is important to small libraries with limited budgets. Small libraries need to automate to bring them up to today's standards so that they can be viable in their communities and in the larger library world.

We will review the following during this course -First steps

-Weeding

-Learning vocabulary and acronyms

-Planning

-Retrospective Conversion/Data Conversion

-Selecting an Automation Software (ILS/LMS)

It's Who Know: Finding, Making and Keeping Connections for Successful Partnerships

Course Objectives:

At the end of this webinar attendees will:

  • Be able to identify at least one potential partner connection for future programs or services.
  • Identify best practices to make contact and effectively set-up at least one new partnership, from marketing to communication.
  • Learn about libraries that maintain successful partnerships, as well as learn from the mistakes made through unsuccessful partnerships.
  • Discover the variety of possible community partnerships and their benefit to library organizations.

See "View Archive" - top right side.

How to Fail at Social Media (and How to Get It Right)

Course Objectives:

Lots of experts will tell you how to succeed at social media, but very few will lay out a clear path to failure. In this webinar, you will learn what the most common points of failure are for libraries, and why libraries often aren't getting what they want out of this medium. You'll also see real-world examples, both good and bad, and find out if your library is on its way to a social media shipwreck -and how you might be able to change course.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify at least three errors libraries commonly make when setting up a social media account and how to correct
  • Explain the most important part in writing a post for social media
  • List at least three mistakes libraries often make when creating social media posts and how to fix them

Organizational Storytelling for Librarians

Course Objectives:

This webinar will cover the basics of organizational storytelling and will give examples of its uses in communicating vision, managing change, and creating community. Special guest Waynn Pearson, former City Librarian of the Cerritos (CA) Library, will talk about telling stories through architecture as he describes the narratives embedded in the Cerritos Library building dedicated in 2002.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

  • Understand organizational storytelling as an effective communication tool for leadership, based on the concept as used in business settings and as applied to libraries.
  • Understand the potential of one's own personal and professional stories to better communicate as a leader
  • Identify a variety of specific uses of organizational storytelling, including communicating vision and values, building community, navigating change, advocating for libraries, and telling stories through library buildings.
  • Access additional relevant resources.

See "View Archive" - top right side.

Communicating through Infographics

Course Objectives:

During this one-hour webinar, we will discuss and demonstrate:

  • blogs and infographic search resources to find examples and track trends
  • differences between infographics, poster art, and data visualization
  • common data sources used in infographics (big data and local sources)
  • suggest library-specific data and statistics appropriate for visual presentation
  • visualization tools for experimentation

See "View Archive" - top right side.

Basic Graphic Design for Llbrary Staff- Quick and Easy Solutions

Course Objectives:

During this webinar, attendees will learn how use shapes, manipulate images, and work with text and fonts to enhance their basic desktop publishing efforts. We'll also work together on redesigning examples of library signs to make each more customer friendly.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will know:

  • The 3 basic elements of graphic design and how they work together.
  • The 7 pieces of information that should be on every library publication.
  • How to make publications readable and error free.
  • How to find and use type fonts effectively.
  • How to find, move and manipulate images.
  • The relationship between good graphic design and great customer service.

See "View Archive" - top right side.

Designing Interactive Library Spaces

Course Objectives:

What does it mean to Evolve? Why do Libraries need to Evolve? Through this webinar, Dave Hesse and Brian Pichman of the Evolve Project will discuss the importance of redesigning library spaces to make them more interactive and collaborative. The Evolve Project is a collaborative platform that aims to change the way people see libraries through the injection of technology that fosters collaboration and exploration. These technologies include laser tag, Sphero Balls, Sifteo Cubes, interactive Legos, and so much more! Learn techniques for how to innovate. In today's times, libraries must become the frontier for interaction and engagement while enhancing their environments to include new technology, open spaces, and unique programs to pull in patrons.

Brian Pichman is passionate about libraries and was formerly employed for 8 years in a small rural public library before branching out to help other libraries world-wide. He now runs the Evolve Project, an initiative to get libraries into the 21st century and beyond.

Designing Vibrant Libraries: Using Our Strengths to Create the Libraries of the Future

Course Objectives:

Join Michael as we take a thought-provoking stroll through library history, technology evolution and our shared humanity. We'll examine what makes libraries work at the most basic levels, and how our jobs, right now, have the potential to create a foundation for a stunningly vibrant future for libraries and the communities they serve. Come ponder concepts like need, desire, human nature, society and technology and leave more inspired about your work and your life as an information professional. Michael is the CEO of Library Renewal, and can be found at Libraryman.com

Engaging Volunteers During Difficult Economic Times

Course Objectives:

Has the economy impacted your library's bottom-line more than you anticipated? Is finding ways to do things differently the new normal your library?

With service levels at all time highs and funding elusive to meet the demand for service, many libraries are engaging volunteers more proactively or even for the first time. Involving volunteers in delivering library services can be rewarding, challenging, yet also time intensive. And, while volunteers may offer their services for free, there are still costs that need to be considered when planning a volunteer program.

If you have been given the assignment of coordinating volunteers at your library, this webinar will give you insights into how to work effectively with volunteers and facilitate their interaction with paid staff.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand what motivates people to volunteer and why that is important Learn how to address a variety of challenges that arise with volunteer programs when economic times are tough Learn how to implement a variety of time saving tools related to recruitment, screening, training and supervising volunteers.

This webinar will be of interest to any level of library staff that works with volunteers to provide service to the community.

Successful Volunteer Recruitment Strategies: Capturing the Talent of Baby Boomers and the Generations that Follow

Course Objectives:

Do you ever wonder what motivates volunteers? Are you wondering where to find talented volunteers? What projects or programs do you have that will attract them?

Baby boomers and the generations that follow are seeking new ways to use their skills and experience to make a difference in their communities. Your library is uniquely positioned to benefit from these volunteers. This webinar will provide tools, techniques, and models for volunteer engagement.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, attendees will:

Understand the potential for engaging high impact, skilled volunteers to assist public libraries. Know how to engage this talent to extend the library's capacity in the community and to benefit from these new library advocates and supporters. Understand the motivations behind why people volunteer. Be able to create diverse and meaningful skilled volunteer positions that will attract a broad range of community volunteers, especially baby boomers. Plan to implement a variety of successful volunteer recruitment strategies that go far beyond the 'Volunteer Here' sign on the Circulation Desk.

This webinar will be of interest volunteer managers, literacy coordinators and other staff or volunteers who engage or manage volunteers in libraries.

Asserting Yourself in the Workplace

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course. Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library -> Business Skills > Communication Skills > Verbal Communication > Skills for Communication Success

Effective communication in the workplace can be a balancing act. If you're too passive, you may have trouble getting others to do what you want. If you're too aggressive, you may turn people off. Getting what you want in the workplace requires a balance of assertiveness without aggressiveness. This course will guide you as you move into a more straightforward and more effective communication style. You'll learn about the benefits of assertive behavior and how to distinguish it from passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive behavior. You'll also learn about the requirements for assertive communication, such as being honest and straightforward, being respectful of others' needs and feelings, and using assertive body language and tone. Finally, you'll learn about how to increase the power of your assertive communication when your first attempts don't get the results you intended. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Lesson Objectives

classify the behavior styles exhibited in a given scenario recognize statements and practices that demonstrate assertiveness, in a given scenario communicate assertively in a given scenario

Listening Even When It's Difficult to Listen

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Listening > Developing Your Listening Skills

Sir Winston Churchill said 'Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.' Effective listening takes more than just courage; it also takes constant learning and practice. To prepare for effective listening, you need to identify and overcome the barriers that stand in the way of effective listening. You also need to be an attentive, empathetic, and active listener. When you engage in the technique of active listening, you focus your attention completely on the speaker, listen carefully for meaning, then use feedback to verify that you've correctly understood the communication. This course explores the benefits and challenges of effective listening and demonstrates how active listening techniques enhance the effectiveness of your listening skills. It takes you through the various levels of listening and outlines behaviors and thought patterns that demonstrate active listening techniques. Finally, it highlights the important skill of providing listener feedback to demonstrate or clarify understanding of the speaker's communication. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Lesson Objectives

recognize how to overcome the listening barriers exhibited in a given scenario recognize behaviors and thought patterns that demonstrate key active listening techniques distinguish between examples of the four levels of listening provide appropriate verbal feedback to demonstrate or clarify understanding in a given scenario

Influence and Persuasion

  • Link: Influence and Persuasion
  • Topic: Management - Interpersonal Skills
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Skillsoft
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Influence and Persuasion > Getting Results Through Personal Power

How can you get results if you don't have authority? Cultivating relationships and establishing credibility are necessary, because they allow you to influence others. If you have effective influencing skills, you'll be able to get what you need or want from others - whether it's your boss, a peer, or someone in a completely different department. Effective influencing, however, requires that you know how to build good relationships, and that you have credibility. You won't be able to ask someone for help if you have antagonized that person, or if you haven't followed through on promises you made. In this course, you'll learn how to develop relationships and build credibility so that you can get the results you need at work. You'll also find out how being able to influence others benefits you.

Lesson Objectives

  • identify how being able to influence others can benefit you
  • recognize how to cultivate relationships at work in order to increase your - ability to get results when you don't have direct authority recognize how to build credibility at work so that you can get the results you need

Navigating Your Own Emotions

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Professional Effectiveness > Working with Emotional Intelligence > Achieving Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and deal with emotions in a healthy and productive manner. Many people don't realize that their emotions are determined by what they think, and that concrete self-management techniques exist for gaining control of feelings. Emotional intelligence involves being aware of and managing emotions within your relationships with others. But before you can recognize others' emotions and manage your relationships, you must have a firm sense and control of your own feelings. Through this course you'll learn how to build your emotional intelligence through appropriate actions and techniques for managing your emotions. You'll focus on the competency areas of`self-awareness and self-management. You'll learn how to identify and regulate your own emotions through self-awareness techniques, including understanding the value of emotional self-awareness and recognizing typical behavioral and physical expressions of key emotions. And you'll explore how to move from self-awareness to self-management and how self-management functions as a component of emotional intelligence. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Lesson Objectives

  • recognize the value of emotional self-awareness
  • recognize techniques for building self-awareness
  • recognize how self-management functions as a component of emotional intelligence
  • choose appropriate actions for managing the emotions demonstrated in a given scenario

Pennsylvania Trustee Training Video Series

Course Objectives:

Trustee Training Videos The Pennsylvania Bureau of Library Development created a series of You Tube videos for public library trustees. While some of the information about the roles and responsibilities of a public library trustee and the competencies that are demonstrated by great trustees is relevant. The videos are: Orientation Board Basics Hiring and Managing Relationships Planning and Meetings Policies PR and Marketing Advocacy Buildings

Accompanying the Young Reader: Helping the Reader Choose Appropriate Books

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This course is designed for teachers, librarians, and parents who are helping beginning readers choose books to read. As professionals we can fine tune this process before it begins, eliminate much of the frustration, and offer the learner appropriate choices that will get them into actually READING books while they still want to, and not after they're too tired to even care anymore!

It is based on the Reading Recovery Teacher training in which teachers learn how an appropriate book choice for each daily lesson encourages successful reading. Reading Recovery is a program for early intervention for 1st graders who are at-risk in the area of literacy.

This course will help you:

  • Identify the interests and curiosities of a young reader by topics, authors and favorites
  • Assess the reader's reading level for appropriate choices
  • Choose books by looking at format, structure and language
  • Introduce a book to a reader to help ensure reading success
  • Become aware of different types of reading for varying difficulties and fluencies

Planning Story Times for Children

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This course is intended for anyone who works or volunteers in a library and is responsible for planning, developing and delivering story time programs.

The course will help you develop successful library story time programs for children of different developmental age groups, and covers planning and preparation, presentation tips and techniques, and sample story time programs.

There Will Always Be Storytellers

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

What does it mean to be a Storyteller? As an experienced Storyteller, Nancy Tolson will help you find the story, identify your storytelling style, then give you practical tips on how to adorn and make that story personal. Along the way she will share some of her favorite stories with you to inspire and spark your own creativity.

This course is intended for anyone who would like to increase their ability to tell captivating, enlightening and inspiring stories to audiences of all ages.

Library Learning Online - Early Childhood Services

Course Objectives:

(Formerly SABLE)

Public library early childhood services are designed for youth ages 0-5 as well as adult caregivers including parents/guardians and day care providers/preschool educators. Because youth services touch many lives and play an extremely important role in society, a strong, spirited staff, and quality materials are key elements.

The first few years of life are crucial in brain development and affect a child throughout life. Youth services staff must design and implement appropriate and effective infant through preschool programming, provide quality materials, and advise caring adults on home use. This will help ensure proper cognitive development, reading readiness, and the foundation for future educational success in children while strengthening the bond between parent and child.

This course will either introduce or serve as a review to basic components of early childhood services:

Section 1. Introduction Section 2. Developmental Information Section 3. The Collection Section 4. Programming and Services Section 5. Parent/Child Care Provider Support Section 6. Partnerships and Outreach

Library Learning Online: Library Services for Children, Ages 6-12

Course Objectives:

(Formerly SABLE)

Working in a school library or public library's youth services department is both a challenging and rewarding experience.

School and public libraries and library staff in particular have the potential to positively affect the lives of children and families.

A strong youth services department includes a staff of creative, fun-loving, motivated, and dedicated individuals who draw from a variety of backgrounds and seek new strategies and ideas in order to provide diverse materials and institute effective services to children, parents, teachers, adult caregivers, and child-serving agencies.

Staff should provide and recommend quality, interesting materials for emergent readers (pre-readers), and beginning readers as well as 'practicing' readers, consequently making reading enjoyable. This will ensure continued development and enjoyment, ultimately creating a lifelong connection to the library and to learning.

Staff should match quality reference and fiction materials, including computers and other media, with quality reference and reader's advisory service to school aged children, effectively supplementing school curricula and at the same time implanting a positive view of the library as a 'place to be.'

This course will either introduce or serve as a review to basic components of service to the school-aged:

Section 1. Developmental Information Section 2. Collection Development Section 3. Services and Programming Section 4. Outreach

Library Learning Online - Young Adult (YA) Services

Course Objectives:

(Formerly SABLE)

The impact a school library or public library's young adult (YA) department has on individual lives, communities and society, as a whole is great. The responsibility each has been charged with is great. The pressures and challenges are great. Above all, the rewards are great.

Breaking through barriers, making some kind of connection with even one or two young adults, seeing them return to the library regularly with a mumbled hello on their way to the Internet computers is success. Even more rewarding is hearing them rave about the last book you suggested, or how the program you provided on summer jobs gave them just the right information to land one.

Library staffs who work with YAs need to learn as much as they can about YAs and try to understand where they are coming from in order to serve them effectively.

This course will either introduce or serve as a review to the unique demographic that is YA, who they are and what they might want:

Section 1: Developmental Information Section 2: The Collection Section 3: Services and Programs Section 4: Outreach

Planning an Adult Program on a Budget

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This webinar introduces basic tools necessary to plan, implement, and evaluate successful library programs that underscore the role of the public library as an important cultural, recreational, and educational institution in the community.

This introduction to programming on a budget will be of interest to public library staff newly assigned to coordinate programming for adults.

Controlling Conflict, Stress, and Time in a Customer Service Environment

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course. Library > Business Skills > Customer Service

Each customer wants her problem to be the most important problem to the Customer Service Representative (CSR). For the CSR, adapting to each customer's communication style, understanding each customer's emotional response, and solving each customer's problem can be an enormously stressful and time-consuming process. This course is intended to show the proper methods needed to resolve conflicts, manage time, and manage stress. It also highlights the importance of a positive approach and attitude in bringing customer interactions to a satisfactory conclusion. This course helps to prepare learners to work in a customer support center or help desk environment.

Lesson Objectives

Conflict, Stress, and Time Management recognize the benefits of being able to resolve conflicts with customers recognize the signs of potential conflict in a scenario recognize examples of techniques for reducing and eliminating conflict with a customer differentiate between empathy and sympathy recognize how to use the guidelines for negotiating with customers recognize the benefits of using a positive approach when dealing with customers use assertiveness strategies with a customer in a given scenario match typical communication behavior styles to their examples recognize actions or statements that reflect confidence identify self-empowerment techniques for building confidence recognize examples of the techniques used to disengage with customers recognize the benefits of implementing time-management and stress-management strategies recognize examples of personal strategies used to reduce stress identify symptoms of stress recognize examples of strategies used to manage time

Dealing with Angry Patrons

  • Link: Dealing with Angry Patrons
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Customer Service
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

No one enjoys having to deal with an angry patron, but with proper preparation, and by developing the specific set of skills required, you can minimize conflict, defuse patron anger and identify the underlying issues so that you can help find the best solution.

This course on Dealing with Angry Patrons is designed to help you improve your skills in dealing effectively with angry customers. It outlines a two-step method for responding to anger, by teaching the staff member to first deal with the patron's feelings, then deal with the person's problem. It includes practice with realistic patron encounters.

What Would Walt Do?: Quality Customer Service for Libraries

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Looking for some magic to improve customer service in your library? The Disney Institute on Quality Service has set high standards for creating a quality customer experience and their ideas can be applied at your library. Our panel of Colorado librarians attended the Disney Institute Quality Service preconference sponsored by ALA's LearnRT at the annual conference in Anaheim in 2012. Since then, they've been waving their magic wands to improve customer service in Colorado libraries and they'd like to share their discoveries with you. Learn how to define quality service, set a common purpose for all library staff, and better understand your customers. You'll walk away with ideas to make your library's customer service sparkle.

This WebJunction webinar was presented in collaboration with ALA's LearnRT.

Presented by: Crystal Schimpf, Program Manager, Community Technology Network; Elena Rosenfeld, Associate Director of Public Service, High Plains Library District; and Suzanne McGowan, Branch Manager, Anythink Wright Farms.

ABLE - Evaluating Reference Sources

Course Objectives:

This course introduces the importance of evaluation reference resources and the criteria used for evaluation. Specific criteria for evaluating print or electronic resources are included.

ABLE - Basic Reference Sources

  • Link: ABLE - Basic Reference Sources
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Reference & RA
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Idaho Commission for Libraries
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 3

Course Objectives:

This course introduces the different types of reference sources such as bibliographies, almanacs, encyclopedias and more. You will learn the definition and purpose of each type of source and a recommended list of titles in each category.

Support Patron Learning in Small Spaces with Small Budgets

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This webinar showcases how small and rural libraries can provide effective technology training to patrons even with limited staff, resources, or space.

Planning an Effective Presentation

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Presentation Skills > Making the Most of Your Presentations

Excellence in presentation can be achieved when the standard of your delivery matches the quality of your content. You may have carefully planned and structured what you want to say, but if you deliver your message in a monotone while standing stiffly, you're probably not going to captivate the audience. Having diligently prepared for your presentation, you need to make sure that your delivery is engaging. You need to communicate your enthusiasm to the audience if you want them to be enthusiastic about your ideas. At the same time, you must appear composed and confident. This course describes how to make your delivery successful and memorable. It covers techniques for managing stage fright - the biggest problem most speakers have. It also explains how to set the right environment for your presentation by making the right choices about room layout and by preparing the room, including the equipment, lighting, and temperature. You'll also find out how to use your voice and body language to deliver your message clearly and effectively. Finally, the course outlines guidelines for handling audience questions - an area most speakers are also very concerned about. After all, how credible the audience finds you can be swayed by how effectively you answer the difficult questions that come up.

Lesson Objectives

select the appropriate room setup for a given presentation recognize how to prepare a room for a presentation describe how to deal with stage fright evaluate the effectiveness of a presenter's delivery in a given scenario determine whether a presenter handles a question-and-answer session appropriately in a given scenario

Merchandising That Works

  • Link: Merchandising That Works
  • Topic: Marketing & Advocacy - Marketing
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Don't throw out passion for your work yet! Everyone feels overwhelming public demand, having only strained resources to offer our communities. Merchandising That Works will inspire you to revitalize your approach to merchandising various collections, using simple to apply models suitable for 21st Century libraries. Experience a fun, professional way to get answers about merchandising without straining your budget. Learn how, when and why to display popular materials in a way that empowers customers.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this training the participants will be able to: * Understand the philosophy of using merchandising to 'open up' their collection for better access for the 21st Century user. * Identify 14 popular collections to merchandise with success. * Identify and apply 6 simple design elements to create eye-catching displays * Garner a higher visibility by promoting an Abundance Mentality despite a cash-strapped budget. * Increase circulation with intuitive collection layout to promote self-directed use. * Empower the browsing customer to save staff time.

The Power of Image: Presenting with the Brain in Mind

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

The human brain is wired to respond to images. Scientific studies of the brain are providing powerful insights for designing and delivering presentations that grab the attention of the learner. Once you understand the key concepts of strong visual communication, you can get unstuck from the stale text-and-bullet format of presentation. You don't need to be a designer to learn some simple tips and tricks that will punch up your presentations and wake up your audience.

Presented by: Betha Gutsche, program manager, WebJunction OCLC, and visual communications advocate.

Best Kept Secret: Marketing the Small & Rural Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Is your small or rural library the community's best kept secret? Libraries are not known for "tooting their own horns" so valuable services and resources go unnoticed. Join us for this webinar to learn about marketing and branding and what it means to the 21st century small and rural library. Michelle and Melinda will talk about ways to build mutually beneficial business partnerships that result in free media advertising as well as sponsorship for events and services. These marketing techniques are guaranteed to lead to long term development opportunities as well as sustainability.

Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Your Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

You love your job. You love your library. You love helping your patrons and giving them the extra attention that lets them know you care. But there are days when you've given just about all you have to give. At the end of the day you feel drained, or irritated, or both! You may have achieved "compassion fatigue." The term, which is used frequently in medical settings, describes a caregiver's reaction to chronic stress that results in feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, self-doubt, lack of focus and fatigue.

This webinar will help you recognize the symptoms and the situations that may trigger compassion fatigue and understand how it affects you and your working environment. Explore ways to take care of yourself so you can continue to show compassion and give your patrons the care they need.

Developing Motivating Messages

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This course provides an interactive opportunity for any library staff member to develop a wide variety of messages for any program or service, targeted at the many audiences they want to reach. These messages may be for outreach opportunities, dealing with the media, press releases, flyers, or Board Meeting presentations. The course guides the learner through simple but powerful work sheets that aid in completing powerful, directed messages for your specific program/service and audience.

Course Topics include * Analyzing your audience * Developing your message * Enhancing your message

Telling the Library Story

  • Link: Telling the Library Story
  • Topic: Marketing & Advocacy - Advocacy
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Learn how to tell a succinct, powerful story about the value of libraries. Based on OCLC's "From Awareness to Funding" and the latest findings of brain research, this session focuses on turning the evidence of our daily patron encounters into short, compelling, and memorable messages that build support.

Presented by: Jamie LaRue, director, Douglas County Libraries (CO), blogger, and chair of committee who created The Big Hairy Audacious Goal, a public library advocacy initiative.

The content of this course is a recording of a webinar originally presented by WebJunction on August 23, 2012.

Fine-tuning Facebook for Libraries

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Fine-tuning Facebook for Libraries covers the do's and don'ts of managing your library's Facebook account. It will teach you what you can do to attract more fans, how to use Facebook Insights, and help you to identify at least three strategies for effective Facebook posting. This webinar will be of interest to library PR and marketing staff, and staff responsible for maintaining Facebook for their library.

Building Collaboration on a Shoestring

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This webinar will be of particular interest to those involved with small and rural libraries that are on a tight budget. Covering easy and understandable strategies, this webinar provides many examples of effective and imaginative collaborations among all types of community organizations.

Developing and Maintaining E-Reader Policies and Procedures for Libraries

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

This webinar focuses on the nuts and bolts of serving patrons with gadgets, including policies and procedures for libraries lending e-readers and for patrons using their own readers to access library e-book collections. Hear from two libraries that have e-reader policies and procedures in place, including how they review and update polices to keep up with changing technologies.

Genre Studies with Joyce Saricks - Adrenaline Genres

Course Objectives:

Join Joyce Saricks, the nationally recognized guru of RA, for an in depth look at the Adrenaline Genres: Adventure, Suspense, Thriller, and Romantic Suspense/Adventure. Joyce will break down what makes each genre tick and identify classic and upcoming authors and titles. This is the first webinar in 5 part series.

Public Libraries and the Homeless: Legal Issues

Course Objectives:

Does your library serve patrons who appear to be homeless? Can you tell someone to leave large personal possessions outside the library? What rights do library users have and what library policies do courts consider reasonable?

Because courts give greater latitude to library rules that are behavior focused, and a tighter scrutiny to rules based on status or speech, it's important to know the how to frame your policies, especially when dealing with specific populations such as the homeless.

This one-hour webinar will look at the movement for Homeless Persons' Bill of Rights and Fairness, and the current legal rights and professional ethics as they apply to public libraries.

It will also discuss specific issues such as oversize parcels, behavior issues, and qualifications for library cards for customers who don't have a permanent address.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Know about the rights that homeless patrons have and rights they are striving for Review library ethical statements on service to the poor and the freedom to read Understand some legal nuances between rules that target behavior versus rules that are focused on user status

This webinar will be of interest to front line public staff, administrators, trustees - particularly in public libraries, but the analysis applies to all publicly funded libraries.

Inclusive Library Programs for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Course Objectives:

Do community-based groups of people with intellectual disabilities visit your library on a regular basis? Are parents of, and children with disabilities encouraged to participate in Storytime and Summer Reading activities? Do you know how to communicate in 'people first' language?

Libraries have always strived to create structurally accessible facilities in order to accommodate all users regardless of physical disabilities. However, has your library considered creating inclusive programs designed to break attitudinal barriers, in order to promote library access?

This webinar will guide library staff toward creating, promoting and implementing a library environment that supports users with intellectual disabilities from identifying community partners and outreach and creating inclusive programming to staff sensitivity training. This webinar is designed to equip staff with the tools to create a library experience that is inclusive to all users, including those with disabilities.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to define Inclusive Library Programs Recognize at least one opportunity that already exists in your library for Inclusive Programs Understand how attitude can affect library accessibility Know how to find support and information for planning and implementing Inclusive Library Programs Know how to identify community partners Understand and know how to communicate using 'people first' language

This webinar will be of interest to public library staff working with adults and youth; disability services staff; volunteer coordinators; and generally those interested in providing greater accessibility to library programs for adults and/or children with disabilities.

What Do I Do Now? Handling Challenging Situations with Mentally Ill and Homeless Library Users, Part 1

Course Objectives:

Is your library staff overwhelmed by users behaving badly? Does your code of conduct sufficiently address users' inappropriate behaviors? Are staff resentful of having to act as de facto social workers?

To a great extent, libraries' users behave within the framework of acceptable social norms. But a subset of users in all libraries - large, small, urban, rural, suburban, special and academic - behave outside these norms, placing stress on the staff and other users. Whether the behaviors are exhibited by those who are homeless, mentally ill or just plain rude, providing your staff with limit-setting and self-care skills can turn challenging situations into empowering ones. San Francisco Public Library has turned to other City agencies to assist staff in gaining skills and strategies for responding to these situations.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to identify at least 3 reasons why it is important to set limits with users. Be able to share with co-workers at least 3 effective strategies on how to set limits with users. Be able to articulate the importance of the concept of self-care and be familiar with self-care strategies following a difficult interaction with a user.

This webinar will be of interest to library front-line staff, primarily in public libraries but useful no matter the setting.

What Do I Do Now? Handling Challenging Situations with Mentally Ill and Homeless Library Users, Part 2

Course Objectives:

Are staff uncomfortable with library users they perceive to be homeless? Are you looking for ways to reach users in need of social services? Is your library a model for others hoping to provide wider services?

A partnership between the San Francisco Public Library and the local Department of Public Health resulted in the placement of a social worker at the Main Library to link users to housing and social services. Eventually a job-training component was added, providing opportunities to develop marketable skills for people who had been homeless. Meet and hear the story of a library outreach worker who helps herself by helping others.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Know the basic library behavior guidelines for homeless and mentally ill users Learn about successful outreach and job training opportunities for homeless library users Have strategies for helping people unreceptive to offers of help

This webinar will be of interest to library front-line staff, primarily in public libraries but useful no matter the setting.

Tell Me Something I Don't Know - Meaningful Community Engagement

Course Objectives:

When you ask civilians (those people who are neither library workers nor our closest advisers, such as Friends and Trustees) what they would like to see in their libraries, they generally give predictable, and predictably narrow, answers. They want what they've always known in libraries, only more of it and during more open hours. Or they 'envision' services we've been offering for years without their knowing it. This can be quite frustrating as we try to re-imagine libraries for the 21st Century.

Don't misunderstand: library consultants Joan Frye Williams and George Needham strongly believe that it's important to involve the people we serve in library planning and evaluation, but traditional approaches to community engagement are often far too expensive and time consuming for the limited results they produce. They can also be downright boring for all concerned!

This one-hour webinar will offer a lively look at practical, affordable, enjoyable techniques for garnering civilian input without surrendering professional judgment. George and Joan will discuss how to:

Talk about the future without pretending to be psychic Reach the right stakeholders, and ask them the right questions Elicit ideas that expand everyone's thinking about your community and your library Translate those ideas into real directions and initiatives

George and Joan have demonstrated in a variety of library settings that a few well-phrased and properly directed questions can provide considerably more illumination than thousands of satisfaction surveys or sticky dots on flip chart paper. Whether you are starting a new planning process, working through major service changes, or just curious about how to know and serve your community better, you'll want to join this conversation!

This webinar will be of interest to librarians in all types of libraries, as well as library friends, trustees, commissioners, fundraisers, planners, architects, and marketing staff.

It's All About the Money: Corporate Fundraising for Children's Programming in Public Libraries

Course Objectives:

Wanted: Children's Librarians Who Do Library Programs! Are you:

Idea rich and cash poor? Don't know where to turn? Looking for examples of successful programs and activities?

Corporate sponsorships are a perfect solution to gain funding for children's programs in public libraries. In this webinar we'll show you how to target the right companies, approach them with confidence, and get them to donate with ease.

With a little bit of planning and effort, your library can raise money, obtain food donations or gift cards, and other resources to help you run a successful children's program.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to identify possible corporate sponsorships. Know how to approach local companies with confidence. Understand how to follow up with corporate sponsors. Have examples of successful children's programs funded by corporate sponsors.

This webinar will be of interest to public library staff that work with children, plan children's programs, or are responsible for marketing and public relations

Strategic Downsizing

  • Link: Strategic Downsizing
  • Topic: Management - Strategic Planning
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Some are born to downsize, some achieve downsizing, and some have downsizing thrust upon them. Let's face it: in today's economic and governmental climate, library decision makers are more likely to be reducing their organizations than increasing them. Downsizing is never fun, but it can be done in a way that leaves the library less damaged, and in a better position to recover as times improve.

Join library consultants George Needham and Joan Frye Williams as they offer practical advice about how to downsize strategically, making the best of bad circumstances in a positive, active way. Join them as they discuss how to stop trying to do more with less and start doing differently by:

Shifting the focus from cutbacks to outcomes Leveraging existing assets Realigning operations with community priorities Engaging the staff and Board in planning and implementation Retiring services that are no longer sustainable Communicating effectively and supporting staff throughout the transition

Even if you're not downsizing right now, it pays to be prepared. The ideas in this webinar can help you make your organization more flexible and resilient, and strengthen your confidence in the tough decisions you are called upon to make.

This webinar will be of interest to library trustees and commissioners, library directors, managers, supervisors, team leaders, and others who are engaged in setting priorities for their organizations or work groups.

Libraries Transforming Communities: Community Engagement Conversations

Course Objectives:

A free follow-up to a conversation session presented at the 2013 ALA Midwinter Meeting, this webinar explored how to effectively use the conversation guide How Librarians and Libraries Can Lead Community Conversations for Change. This webinar provided concrete suggestions for hosting community conversations as well as opportunities to ask questions about how to move from conversation to action as part of the engagement work of libraries. Presenters: Cheryl Gorman, Vice President National Programs, Harwood Institute for Public Innovation; and Mary Davis Fournier, Deputy Director, ALA Public Programs Office.

Engage! Teens, Art & Civic Participation: An Introduction

Course Objectives:

The Engage! Teens, Art & Civic Participation webinar series will introduce a program model that targets young adults, using visual art as a springboard to civic engagement. Originally piloted in ten Illinois libraries in 2010, Engage! Teens, Art & Civic Participation is an activity- and discussion-based program model featuring a selection of curated and compelling images of American art. In this first session, learn more about this program model for young adults that uses visual art as a springboard to civic engagement.

Mental Health First Aid USA for Library Staff

Course Objectives:

The in-person Mental Health First Aid course has been taught to library staff around the country, teaching how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, provide support, deescalate crisis, and if appropriate, refer individuals to services. This highly interactive program employs scenarios and activities to show how to respond in a variety of situations. In this webinar we will briefly outline the history, mission, and pedagogy of the course, then focus on the specific areas of anxiety disorders and psychosis. Library staff who participate in this webinar will learn some practical skills they can take back to their site or organization.

Programming for At-risk Tweens

  • Link: Programming for At-risk Tweens
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Young Adults
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Programming Librarian
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Do you have tweens at your library, but find they rarely attend programs? Learn why programming for at-risk youth is important, discover what tweens like, and get tips for successful and popular programs. The highly successful MasterPieces program- a collaboration between The University of Oklahoma and The Pioneer Library System geared towards at-risk tweens-will be featured.

Convening Forums @ your library:Nuts and Bolts

Course Objectives:

This session in our civic engagement series covered the logistics and choices involved in planning to hold a forum-choosing the issue topic; setting the date; preparing the room and equipment; publicity; assigning moderators and recorders; participant registration; following up after the forum; and preparing issue-related resources for forum participants.

Moderating Forums @ your library, Part 2:Step-by-Step

Course Objectives:

This session in our civic engagement series continued Moderating Forums @ your library, Part 1: Nuts and Bolts, how to moderate and/or record a public deliberative forum at the library; a step-by-step guide to making a deliberative forum work, from introducing the issue and participants and showing the video, to deliberating about approaches and finding common ground; and ideas about how to gain practice moderating discussions.

Moderating Forums @ your library, Part I:Nuts and Bolts

Course Objectives:

This second session in our civic engagement series covered what is involved in moderating a public deliberative forum in the library-how moderating is different from facilitating; how to promote deliberation; how to stay neutral but help people consider diverse perspectives; how to keep track of time and use an issue framework to help the group deliberate; and how to work with a forum recorder.

Bringing STEM Learning to Public Libraries: Collaboration and Resources for Librarians

Course Objectives:

Many libraries want to introduce STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) into their programming to attract new audiences and help stimulate children's interest in science. You will learn about the STAR Library Education Network (STARNet) led by the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute. STARNet Librarians and others who are successfully programming STEM will also share their strategies for connecting with community resources. STARNet is forming a Community of Practice (CoP) for librarians and scientists who want to create innovative STEM programs. Details about the STARNet CoP and how to join it will also be shared.

The Accidental Library Marketer

Course Objectives:

If you find yourself doing PR, promotion, or marketing as part of your job, but you never formally learned how, then you're an 'accidental marketer' -and you're not alone! Hear the basic tenets you never had a chance to learn as well as advanced tactics. Get the real reasons why many patrons don't attend programs and why the media doesn't always cover your events. Learn what 'true marketing' is and why it can make your hard work pay off more often. This webinar will be led by the author of the book, The Accidental Library Marketer, author/trainer/consultant, Kathy Dempsey.

Scroll down the list to locate this program.

How to Make Your Grant Proposal Stand Out from the Pack

Course Objectives:

With more than $40 billion in grant money given away each year in the U.S. by private foundations alone, you know that there's competition for those dollars. But how can you make YOUR organization stand out from the crowd and make that grant funder want to fund YOU? What can you do to find favor with grant funders and how do you even make them notice you-much less fund you? Your proposal is normally the first impression a grant funder has of your organization. Learn how to make the best impression you can so that funders will sit up and take notice. This is finally your opportunity to learn valuable tactics that will take your grant proposals from so-so to great

Scroll down the list to find this program.

ABLE - Collection Maintenance

  • Link: ABLE - Collection Maintenance
  • Topic: Collection Development
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Idaho Commission for Libraries
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 2

Course Objectives:

This course will cover the purpose of assessing your collection and methods to do so and weeding including common weeding problems and how to handle weeded items.

ABLE - Merchandising

  • Link: ABLE - Merchandising
  • Topic: Collection Development
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Idaho Commission for Libraries
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1.5

Course Objectives:

In this course you'll learn ways to promote and merchandise your collection and how readers' advisory fits in to promoting the collection

Genre Studies with Joyce Saricks - Landscape Genres

Course Objectives:

Join Joyce as she discusses the appeal factors, authors, trends, awards and web resources for fantasy, historical fiction and westerns. You'll learn about authors to know as well as authors to watch.

Genre Studies with Joyce Saricks - Genres that Appeal to the Intellect

Course Objectives:

Join Joyce as she discuses appeal factors and authors to know in literary fiction, mysteries, psychological suspense and science fiction.

Being Customer Focused: New and Emerging Trends in Customer Service

Course Objectives:

What is the use of a library if nobody comes? Or worse, what if they come but don't come back?

Libraries offer a compelling set of resources and services to meet the needs of their communities. But old service models often focus on the needs of the library first, and the user second.

Retail establishments such as bookstores, coffee shops, information services, computing services, and purveyors of e-readers are all encroaching on the library's core user base by replicating services traditionally associated with libraries. They really know what they're doing, and we can, too!

Consumer research has shown repeatedly that understanding user needs and cultivating good customer relationships is key to the success of the modern organization. Creating a customer-focused library enables staff to know their users and meet their needs. A customer-focused library means more users, engaged staff, and a satisfying relationship with your community.

This one-hour webinar will present exciting success stories of customer-focused libraries, and will give participants strategies to shift their own libraries to a customer focus. At the end of the presentation, participants will:

  • Understand the changing customer service milieu in which libraries operate.
  • Be aware of tools and techniques to understand customer needs.
  • Learn scalable strategies for empowering customers to serve themselves and staff to give strong service.
  • Have a checklist to analyze their own organizations as well as best practices to get the process started.

This webinar will be of interest to staff in all types of libraries, especially front-desk staff.

Serving Readers: Beyond the Basics

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

In this webinar, reader's advisory specialists from The Seattle Public Library expand on the basic premises and practices of readers' advisory, sharing how to apply these practices across new platforms and technologies, enlist social media and catalogs to serve readers, and use form-based and virtual reader's advisory. Learn expert techniques for using the latest generation of advisory resources and other ways to better serve readers in libraries large and small.

Collections: Making Smart Choices within a Limited Materials Budget

Course Objectives:

Did you take Collection Development in library school but still feel like you don't know what you're doing most of the time? Have changes in the publishing world like the explosion of self-publishing and eBooks left you doubting your selection skills? What does a 'balanced' collection look like and is it achievable with a limited budget?

In today's high demand/low budget environment, meeting community needs through collection development is more challenging than ever. In this webinar, participants will learn how the collection development 'nuts and bolts' they learned in library school (or maybe didn't) can be applied in the real world. We'll discuss everything from how to make a simple and usable collection development plan to new trends and resources that should be influencing your decisions.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will know:

The difference between a collection policy and collection plan and what should be include in each. Three ways to make smart collection funding allocations and choices based on real world data relevant to their community's needs. Three non-traditional selection methods and resources and how to use them effectively.

This webinar will be of interest to materials selectors in public libraries, directors, and managers.

Community Led Library Service Development

Course Objectives:

Presenter: Francisca Goldsmith

Do you want to find a way to provide public library services needed and wanted by diverse community sectors-without adding projects or increasing budget? Do you believe the library can play and important role in community members' civic engagement? How do you determine what staff should be doing in order to offer the best library services for your community?

Community-led service development has a long history in British public libraries and a nearly decade-long track record in Canada. Instead of adding projects or tasks to library staff in an effort to promote library services, the community-led approach establishes the library staff as trained listeners and brokers of awareness to provide service development for both marginalized and comfortable community sectors.

The community-led approach helps the library to identify which traditional library roles are now redundant, and thus of little worth to the community, allowing both professional library staff and support staff to concentrate on those services that are meaningful to the public. Community-led service development allows both the community and its library staff to grow, become engaged in the civic sphere they share and find the best venues for individuals to pursue their aspirations for their primary needs of health and welfare, as well as life-long learning and the support of personal values.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to identify the key aspects of community-led service development that differentiate it from traditional outreach and/or customer service approaches. Be prepared to identify and research model community-led public library service providers that match your library's size and staffing levels. Be able to determine whether community-led library service development can improve your local library's potential as a civic service agency. Understand and be able to communicate to public library stakeholders the major issues associated with the community-led service development approach - including training, tax support, and mission realization.

This webinar will be of interest to public library directors, managers, trustees and commissioners, as well as library educators.

Preservation Best Practices: Fundamentals and Facilities

Course Objectives:

Presenter: Laura Hortz Stanton

The Series: This series of four webinars will provide participants with an overview of the preservation standards for the many aspects of collections care, will give benchmarks for measuring and improving preservation within an organization, and give guidelines for establishing a preservation program.

This Webinar: The first in this series will cover basic preservation and collections care concepts and will give participants an introduction to establishing a preservation program within their institution. In addition, this session will discuss the role that facilities, security, and housekeeping have in the long-term preservation of collections.

Intended Audience: This webinar will be of interest to librarians, archivists, collections managers, curators, and other staff members involved in collections care who must manage a variety of tasks, including implementation of collections management plans and policies, management of environmental controls and storage conditions, and provision for safe use and exhibition of collections.

Preservation Best Practices: The Role of Environment in Collections Care: Temperature & RH, Lighting, and Pest Management

Course Objectives:

Presenter: Laura Hortz Stanton

The Series: This series of four webinars will provide participants with an overview of the preservation standards for the many aspects of collections care, will give benchmarks for measuring and improving preservation within an organization, and give guidelines for establishing a preservation program.

This Webinar: Understanding and having control over environmental conditions for collections is a significant factor in good stewardship. The second in this series will explain the role that temperature, relative humidity, and light have in collections care and give tips for monitoring storage and display environments. Integrated pest management will also be discussed.

Intended Audience: This webinar will be of interest to librarians, archivists, collections managers, curators, and other staff members involved in collections care who must manage a variety of tasks, including implementation of collections management plans and policies, management of environmental controls and storage conditions, and provision for safe use and exhibition of collections.

Preservation Best Practices: Collections Care: Handling, Access, Storage, and Exhibition

Course Objectives:

Presenter: Laura Hortz Stanton

The Series: This series of four webinars will provide participants with an overview of the preservation standards for the many aspects of collections care, will give benchmarks for measuring and improving preservation within an organization, and give guidelines for establishing a preservation program.

This Webinar: Providing access to collections for patrons and visitors is fundamental to the work of librarians, archivists, and collections managers. However, if access is not thoughtfully approached it can be detrimental to collections preservation. In the third in the series, attendees will learn tips for providing effective storage, handling, and exhibition strategies that marry preservation and access.

Intended Audience: This webinar series will be of interest to librarians, archivists, collections managers, curators, and other staff members involved in collections care who must manage a variety of tasks, including implementation of collections management plans and policies, management of environmental controls and storage conditions, and provision for safe use and exhibition of collections.

Preservation Best Practices: Planning and Prioritizing: Tools for Success

Course Objectives:

Presenter: Laura Hortz Stanton

The Series: This series of four webinars will provide participants with an overview of the preservation standards for the many aspects of collections care, will give benchmarks for measuring and improving preservation within an organization, and give guidelines for establishing a preservation program.

This Webinar: Providing access to collections for patrons and visitors is fundamental to the work of librarians, archivists, and collections managers. However, if access is not thoughtfully approached it can be detrimental to collections preservation. In the third in the series, attendees will learn tips for providing effective storage, handling, and exhibition strategies that marry preservation and access.

Intended Audience: This webinar series will be of interest to librarians, archivists, collections managers, curators, and other staff members involved in collections care who must manage a variety of tasks, including implementation of collections management plans and policies, management of environmental controls and storage conditions, and provision for safe use and exhibition of collections.

Grace Under Pressure: Tips and Tricks to Cultivate a Positive Approach

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Working in a library can feel like a constant juggling act. We navigate competing demands and challenging situations on a daily basis in order to meet our mission and transform our communities. In this interactive session, discover how to handle these challenges proactively. Learn positive, practical tips, stress-reduction skills, and ideas for changing your personal work style. Learn strategies to help you face challenging situations that affect your whole organization and society-wide issues that impact the communities we serve. Feel better and be more effective at your work.

Genre Studies with Joyce Saricks - Nonfiction

Course Objectives:

Join renowned RA expert Joyce Saricks as she discusses nonfiction categories and authors. She'll talk about ways to get your fiction readers interested in nonfiction and vice versa.

Genre Studies with Joyce Saricks - Genres that Appeal to the Emotions

Course Objectives:

Join Joyce Saricks, nationally known Reader's Advisory expert, as she explores the appeal factors, crossover, authors to know and trends in horror, gentle reads, women's lives and relationships, and romance books.

Measurements that Matter: Analyzing Patron Behavior

Course Objectives:

Presenter: Joan Frye Williams

Do you wish your library got more credit for its wide range of offerings? Do you sometimes feel pressured to make tough choices without adequate information? Has your library documented everything there is to know about how items move through the system, and next to nothing about how users move between services? Are you reluctant to delve into patron data for fear of compromising confidentiality?

If you suspect that better data might contribute to better decisions, you're right! Let's face it - as library services evolve, traditional statistics paint an increasingly limited picture of what's really going on. Today's library is supposed to be a "people place," yet we pay relatively little attention to people-related data. In this webinar we'll explore the human side of library measurement, taking special care to improve our understanding of our users without sacrificing confidentiality or invading their privacy.

You do not need previous knowledge of statistical methods or research techniques to benefit from this discussion. We'll focus on simple, practical approaches to analyzing:

Patron recruitment and retention, Usage life-cycles, In-building navigation and browsing, Past and future demand for services, Target audiences' communications preferences, and Overall patterns of library use.

You'll learn low and no-cost methods for gathering patron data, including the kinds of reports you can reasonably request from your IT department or automated system vendor.

Whether you're scheduling desk coverage, defending a budget, reaching out to new users, writing a grant, planning an ad campaign, or just trying to figure out which services are working well and which may need another look, this webinar will help you make sense of the patron side of the equation.

This webinar will be of interest to anyone who collects, reviews, interprets, presents, or makes decisions based on library service statistics, including library managers, supervisors, team leaders, and professional staff, other library service developers and designers, IT/systems personnel, grant writers, trustees and commissioners, and anyone who is interested in using data to improve services to library users.

eReader Classes for the Masses

  • Link: eReader Classes for the Masses
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Patron Training
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Programming Librarian
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

The Pioneer Library System's Virtual Library has been conducting classes on downloadable audiobooks and ebooks since January 2010. Initially we were lucky to get one staff person's child to show up for class, and now our 'Getting to Know Your eReader' courses are standing room only. So how do we do it? This webinar looked briefly at how we started conducting these classes-staff, materials, and equipment involved,as well as the best practices for promoting, designing, and carrying out eReader classes for the masses in your community.

Futureproofing Your Library with Joan Frye Williams

Course Objectives:

Every day brings news about one trend or another: print books are on the way out, people under thirty conduct their entire lives on their smart phones, social media are replacing traditional advertising, and the Baby Boomers are trying to prove that 70 is the new 50. OK, fine, but are these really trends? And if so, what are we supposed to DO about them?

According to library consultant and futurist Joan Frye Williams, we won't keep libraries strong in a changing world just by chasing the latest trends. On the other hand, we won't fulfill our mission by hanging back, content to rest on our laurels. 'Futureproofing' is about what we can do to prepare for tomorrow, today.

Joan will help connect the dots between broad external trends and productive library practices. She will offer practical suggestions about -Emerging -and submerging - roles for libraries, -Promising tools and technologies, -Opportunities for re-purposing the resources we already have, and -Savings based on what we can stop doing and what it's safe to ignore.
If you want to do the right work, get credit for doing it, and maybe even have a little fun in the process, don't miss this webinar.

For more than 20 years Joan Frye Williams has been a successful librarian, consultant, vendor, planner, designer, evaluator and user of computerized library and information systems. She is the president of her own consulting firm, specializing in information technology planning, management and marketing.

Just to give you an idea of how long Joan has been interested in library issues, her first library job was as a page in 1964. Since then she been continuously employed in the library field. Along the way she received an MLS from the University of California at Berkeley (1975) and in addition to her consulting practice she has worked in both public and academic libraries, for library automation vendors, as well as at the California State Library.

Joan is best known as an acute-and sometimes irreverent-observer of trends in what she calls "the cultural anthropology of libraries and library automation." Her greatest interest is in how people behave when confronted by new technology and she always offers practical advice for coping with the changes that technology can bring.

Joan is considered globally as a library futurist. Her company is based in California.

Asset Based Collaboration with Joan Frye Williams

Course Objectives:

NOTE: We had technical difficulties around the 35 minute mark so there is a brief period of static and then the recording skips about 5 minutes to the point where the presentation picks back up.

Today's libraries need to get the most out of every resource at hand. One way to do this is through partnerships and collaborations. But how can we enter these partnerships from a position of strength rather than weakness? And what can we do to ensure that the library, our partners, and the community all benefit? In this lively webinar, library consultant and futurist Joan Frye Williams will discuss - The difference between partners and donors, -The five things you need to know before you enter into any partnership, - Finding a partner: the hard way and the easy way, and - Tips for convincing people to support collaboration. This presentation will focus on asset-based collaboration, a real-world approach that allows collaborative efforts to succeed even when conditions are NOT perfect. If you want to work with partners from different backgrounds in a way that makes sense to them but still keeps your blood pressure down, don't miss this webinar.

Extreme Customer Service, Everytime

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Commitment to great customer service goes beyond 'service with a smile.' It is a commitment to truly engage and communicate with patrons and to find ways to extend the experience above and beyond their expectations. Building on the success of the Darien Library, whose reputation is known internationally for providing 'extreme customer service,' presenter Gretchen Caserotti will provide you with practical and actionable ideas that can help your library, whether small or large, commit to excellent customer service.

This course is based on a webinar originally presented by Gretchen Caserotti, director, Meridian Library District (ID), who has served from frontline librarian to policy maker, was trained at the Darien Library (CT) and was a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and through a collaborative partnership between WebJunction and Infopeople.

Community Connections:Break with Tradition!

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Are you looking for fresh ways to connect your library with your community? Find out how these Nebraska libraries moved beyond traditional partnerships by uncovering shared commitment to community needs with new partners, especially local businesses. These new connections led to programming and events that promote health, literacy and entertainment for the whole community. The efforts extend the librarys marketing reach, build library support, and strengthen community relationshipsall at little or no cost.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.

Presented by: Becky Baker, Library Director, Seward Memorial Library (NE); Scott Childers, Executive Director, Southeast Library System (NE); and Lisa Olivigni, Library Director, Crete Public Library (NE).

Original webinar date: March 20, 2014

The Iron is HOT!: Libraries as Innovative and Community Catalysts

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Renew your sense of hope for the longtime viability of public libraries. Presenter Mary Lou Carolan sees amazing and out-of-the-ordinary opportunities for your library to serve as a vibrant and active community center. The library can be the creative catalyst to ignite community enthusiasm. Learn about the Inside/Outside Approach and other engaging and fun marketing practices. Find out how to implement placemaking for lighter, quicker, cheaper ways to attract more users. And catch the sense of urgency that libraries need to act now: Hope, Opportunity, Time strike while the iron is HOT!

Presented by: Mary Lou Carolan, director, Wallkill Public Library, New York

Be Fearless: Public Speaking for Librarians

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this content.

Do you quake at the thought of public speaking? Are you also faced with the need to communicate to audiences, small or large, the importance of your work in libraries? You really can overcome your anxieties and master the art of public speaking. Join us for this webinar to learn some basic skills for preparing and delivering speeches, plus tips to manage your nervousness and make your presentations more memorable. Armed with practical techniques, you'll be ready to deliver clear, persuasive, and engaging presentations on behalf of your library.

Presented by: Mary H Stein, Assistant Library Director, and TedxLSU Speaker, East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Louisiana.

Flexible Spaces - Flexible Futures

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

As libraries continue to evolve as community spaces and information hubs, there is an opportunity to explore how patrons use library space and to create spaces that are flexible and adaptable to changing needs. Presenter Dri Ralph has helped lead the King County Library System (WA) through an extensive bond project which has included the renovation and/or building of 30 libraries. She will share highlights of their design choices, ideas for flexible use of space, and tips for engaging the community in the planning and design process.

The webinar will also explore options for libraries with limited budgets. Youll learn about opportunities to help any library make innovative choices for engaging with patrons.

Presented by: Kendra Morgan, OCLC Senior Program Manager, and Dri Ralph, Facilities Design Coordinator, King County Library System

Library Surveys for Success

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Surveys are often the tool of choice when you want to determine how to meet the needs of your community or measure your library's impact. But do you know how to use the tool effectively? Choosing the right survey style for the situation and knowing which question type will elicit the best responses are critical elements for gathering meaningful information. Learn how to conduct an effective survey that can be used to make, measure, and meet your library's goals. The results may just surprise you. At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand why and how to conduct a survey Describe the key elements of an effective library survey Discuss the pros and cons of different survey styles Identify 5 main question types and when to use each of them.

Presented by: Colleen Eggett, Training Coordinator, Utah State Library

Health Happens in Libraries: Health Information Resources for Library Staff

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Public libraries provide a variety of health reference services and public programs to support community health literacy. Health literacy has been described by the Institute of Medicine as "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) provides comprehensive health information resources and services to libraries across eight regions nationwide. Join this WebJunction webinar to learn more about the health information resources available through the National Library of Medicine and the NN/LM. Representatives of the NN/LM Pacific Southwest Regional Medical Library will discuss their collaborative efforts with public libraries regarding the Affordable Care Act and other popular health information topics. They will be joined by a representative from Santa Ana Public Library, and together share strategies for strengthening your own librarys health information services, to improve the health literacy of your community.

Marketing Libraries: What the not-for-profits can learn from the lots-of-profits

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

You built it and promoted it, but they didn't come? Libraries can learn from marketing strategies that for-profit organizations use. Get beyond the one-off approach to promotion. Explore how to build "ambient awareness," establishing your library as an authoritative source and a definitive provider of services for the community. Learn how to use social media not only for communication, but as a tool to monitor and document the impact of the library. Get your whole team on board to tell the library's convincing story of its impact on your community.

Presented by: Ned Potter, author of the Library Marketing Toolkit, speaker, and academic librarian at the University of York, UK

The Future is Now: Rural Library as Innovation Incubator

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

With the technology landscape constantly shape-shifting, libraries must respond as futurists to changing patron needs. Learn how to remain relevant, if not core, to your community's needs by providing the means and support for patrons to create and innovate.

Rural and small libraries with limited resources can become community innovation incubators, by providing patrons access to transformative technologies and by providing space for new ideas to be explored. Beyond makerspaces to editing suites and digital learning labs, libraries are empowering and impacting their communities, now and in the future. Bring your own story of library as innovation incubator and learn from others!

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.

Presented by: Tameca Beckett, Youth Services Librarian, Laurel Public Library (DE), and Andrea Berstler, Director at the Wicomico Public Library (MD), who both serve on ARSL's Board of Directors.

Transforming Library Space for Community Engagement

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

As libraries expand their focus from collections to creation, physical spaces are being transformed in ways that enhance community engagement in the digital age. Rethink how your library's space might be configured to better enable your patrons to interact with technology and with each other. While future-facing libraries are pushing boundaries, the public still perceives libraries as being primarily about books. Learn how some key alterations to existing library space can refresh public perceptions. Well look at a variety of projects, ranging from larger room renovations to smaller libraries who redefined space on a modest scale, yet still had a strong impact on the community.

Panelists: Betha Gutsche, Program Manager, WebJunction; Beth Farley, Head of Information and Reader Services, Bellingham (WA) Public Library; and Eileen Shaw, Everson Branch Manager, Whatcom County (WA) Library System.

Writing Good Press Releases and Working With the Media

Course Objectives:

Learn the art of writing press releases and communicating with the media with author/consultant, Kathy Dempsey, the woman who literally wrote the book on this topic! Kathy's book, The Accidental Library Marketer, is widely consulted by librarians that suddenly find themselves chief marketer for their organization. She'll provide both good and bad examples of press releases and show how facts can easily be compiled to form a good press release. Kathy will also review common mistakes librarians make when working with the media. Lots more advice on managing those sticky calls from the media, so don't miss this one!

How To Tell Your Digital Story

Course Objectives:

Does your organization have a story to share? Are you working with communities of people which could benefit from having their voices heard? View this webinar and learn the elements of creating a compelling story.

Michael Margolis from GetStoried and Rob Kershaw Center for Digital Storytelling provide information to help you understand how they tell their digital stories effectively and how stories can make an impact.

We go through the basics of:

What makes a compelling story What elements bring a story to life Developing a finished story

The presenters share how they produce fun, informative, authentic visual content to spread the word about their programs, cultivate donors, and activate their community.

This work is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License. If you have any questions regarding redistribution or use of this work, please contact webinars@techsoupglobal.org.

Digital Media Labs & Makerspaces in Small & Rural Libraries

Course Objectives:

Digital media labs and makerspaces aren't just for large library systems! Join us for this webinar to learn how small and rural libraries are bringing creation spaces to their communities.

Digital video cameras, microphones, musical instruments, and media editing software bring value to the community through user driven content creation. 3D printers, computer programming kits, and robotics can inspire tech based creativity for all ages.

Two small libraries will share how they have integrated digital media and makerspace technology in their library, including success, challenges, and lessons learned.

This work is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License. If you have any questions regarding redistribution or use of this work, please contact webinars@techsoupglobal.org.

Top Ten Skills for Teaching Tech to Patrons

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Opportunities to provide training occur every time you help someone with a technology related question, whether it's one-on-one assistance or in a classroom environment. Making the most of the 'teachable moment' involves the right combination of training skills, techniques, and tactics. Technology training is successful when a library patron learns something new and is able to apply it to their life. You don't need to be a tech expert to learn the practical skills for successful technology training. Crystal Schimpf will share the top ten skills she's found most effective in her years of training experience.

Re-Charge Your Book Club

  • Link: Re-Charge Your Book Club
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Adults/Older Adults
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Maine State Library
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1.5

Course Objectives:

Readers' advisor Becky Spratford has been leading a book clubs for over 13 years and has seen it all. In this webcast she will share her tips and tricks for success. All book groups go through their ups and downs, but re-energizing your group is not as hard as it may seem. Becky will walk you through how to confidently identify and utilize the best resources for leading a book discussion, pick books that will engender the best conversations, lead a more interactive discussion even with the most jaded of groups, and even how to begin new book groups to targeted audiences and/or outside of traditional locations.

Bridging the Physical Virtual Divide

Course Objectives:

Promoting books in the virtual world is a tricky proposition. On the one hand, you want to exploit tools like blogs, wikis, and the ever expanding collection of social media options to reach more readers, but on the other hand, you do not want to forget about your core brick and mortar customers. Readers' Advisory expert, Becky Spratford is here to help. Using examples from her library and others, Becky will share her tricks and tips for navigating this key service issue without sacrificing your core services. Although she will not recommend or evaluate specific social media platforms, Becky will leave you with an overall philosophy and key strategies that can be easily implemented at your library across a variety of digital platforms.

Taking It to the Streets: Successful Adult Programming Outside the Library

Course Objectives:

Are you looking to spice up your adult programming offerings? Do you want to get the community more involved with the library? Becky Spratford has worked to bring core library programming out of their building, attracting new patrons, building strong ties with the business community, and making us all look cooler in the process. In this program Becky will honestly share her successes and failures showing you how easy it is to create partnerships with local businesses to host library programs, market grow and nurture those programs, and turn your success into increased publicity, higher circulation, and even monetary donations, all by simply taking it to the streets!

Energize Your Base: Tips and Tools to Raise Awareness and Build Support for Library Services

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

We know that libraries are a good investment but with tight budgets, we need to energize our base - to take action to connect more strongly with community members, to find out what excites them, and to let them know how libraries are changing lives - one connection at a time. Our panel will explore three vehicles that can help you increase awareness of library services:

Library Videos - New videos from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that showcase work done in libraries which are transforming lives, by changing the way we connect. Geek the Library - A community awareness campaign offered free to libraries to help strengthen community connections and library support. Data Visualization - We collect lots of data. Learn how the Colorado State Library is helping local libraries use their data to tell a story about impact.

Putting the Public Back in Public Libraries: Community-Led Libraries

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

While public libraries are generally viewed as inclusive spaces, there are large segments of community that do not use them. Beginning in 2004, four large urban library systems from across Canada - Vancouver, Toronto, Regina and Halifax Public Libraries - spent four years working in socially excluded communities, to determine how to make public library services relevant to the needs of underserved communities. As a result, it was discovered that when communities are involved in the identification, development and delivery of library services, there can be an exhilarating effect. Since the conclusion of the highly successful Working Together Project (2004-2008), public libraries from across Canada have integrated community-led approaches and techniques. This webinar, brought to you in collaboration with Library Journal, will discuss the major outcomes of the project and provide examples of how the bringing this approach into library service planning makes libraries even more relevant to local needs.

Recruiting and Training Volunteers for Library Advocacy

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Like many libraries, Michigan's Herrick District Library found itself with a leaner staff facing more responsibilities in recent years. The idea of sending employees out of the building to staff community awareness events seemed like a challenging concept. This Michigan library not only developed a volunteer force to meet the challenge, but they now have a sustainable volunteer training and management model to apply in future situations where the library has big dreams but lacks the staffing required to pursue them. Come hear from a Geek the Library shining star, and learn how to engage your community's volunteer force.

Dealing with the Difficult Patrons

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Library staff can handle difficult patrons, resolve issues or problems quickly and efficiently and retain customer loyalty throughout. Join presenters Paul Signorelli, writer, trainer, and consultant with a strong focus on workplace learning and performance, and Maurice Coleman, Technical Trainer at Harford County Public Library, for this one hour webinar providing expert resources for working with a patron using common sense practices and techniques for bringing that customer back into the fold.

Signature Events for Small Libraries

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

From "chocolate in the stacks" tastings to 5K runs to off-site literary dinner parties, small libraries are getting creative in offering signature events that raise funds and create friends. This webinar will be a "show and tell" of library fundraisers, with quick tips on how to get started in your community.

This webinar, hosted by WebJunction in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, is an encore presentation of one of the most highly-rated sessions at the ARSL conference.

Incubate Leadership @ Your Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Effective leadership in a library community is not performed by any one person. Instead, it is a collective act of many players contributing their toolset of complementary and evolving skills. Leadership "incubates" best in an environment nurtured by collaborative and continuous learning; it often grows accidentally, sometimes unbeknownst to the leader-to-be. Through peer mentoring and other methods, explore ways to create a generative space that nourishes the infectious qualities of leadership. Develop a network of seasoned learners who will incubate leadership, both within your library and in support of the broader community, collaboratively building and leading a rich and fulfilling learning organization.

The Rural Library Trustee: Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this content

How do library trustees get trained? How are director and trustee roles defined to ensure a healthy library organization? How are trustee relationships cultivated both in and outside the library circle? Join us on September 14, 2 pm Eastern, for a webinar exploring these and other questions related to library trustees that will provide you with practical ideas and tactical strategies to support and advocate for your library organization as a trustee, or library director in a small or rural community. This webinar is brought to you by ARSL (Association for Rural and Small Libraries) and featuring presenters: Sally Gardner Reed, Executive Director ALTAFF (Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations); Kim Armentrout, Library of Virginia; and Jim Minges, Director of the Northeast Kansas Library System.

Adult Programs on a 0 Budget

  • Link: Adult Programs on a 0 Budget
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Adults/Older Adults
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

In just a few short years, the Laurens County Library, in rural South Carolina, has created an impressive and well attended series of adult programs on a shoestring budget. Join us for a webinar, hosted in collaboration with WebJunction and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, to learn how the library selects topics, recruits presenters, raises funds, and promotes through effective public relations practices. Find out what Laurens has done that works, what doesn't work, and learn how your adult programming can make your library a valued community hub, building awareness and increasing usage of all your services.

Best Small Libraries in America: Vital, Innovative and Thriving

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Library Journal's annual Best Small Library in America Award, cosponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was created in 2005 to discover and reward exemplary work by libraries serving populations under 25,000, and to showcase these best practices to provide a replicable case study for their peers. In collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries and Library Journal, we are pleased to host this webinar featuring the two most recent award winners, 2013 Best Small Library in America: Southern Area Public Library and 2014 Best Small Library in America: Pine River Library. Join us to learn how these two libraries have developed creative programming, extensive partnerships, and innovative and responsive services so they can identify, meet, and even anticipate the ever-evolving needs of their communities.

Digital Literacy: Libraries Respond to Community Needs

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Libraries know digital literacy; they've been the go-to resource for their communities for years. Yet the need continues to grow as the demand for basic skills intensifies and new skills emerge. Whether supporting job hunters, students, older adults, or anyone seeking new technology knowledge, find out how trainers in libraries are using curricula, resources, and tools to help people in their communities advance their digital proficiency. Explore practical ways for all libraries to address digital literacy programming and training-from classroom settings, drop-in classes, or responding to patron needs on the fly. Learn about:

750+ free self-paced online classes from GCFLearnFree.org, with examples of how trainers in libraries are using their curriculum. DigitalLearn.org, a collection of self-directed tutorials for end-users to increase their digital literacy, and a community of practice for digital literacy trainers to share resources, tools and best practices.

Share your ideas, best practices, and resources as we work together to help people attain new digital literacy skills.

Making Your Space: Creators and Makers in the Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

There's a transformation going on in libraries -a shift in emphasis from consuming information to convening and creating. Makerspaces in libraries are a big part of this conversation, where the learning and camaraderie are just as significant as tools like 3D printers. If the idea of a makerspace conjures up the hurdles for you (limited space, limited resources, or limited confidence in your own tech skills), this webinar will help you learn how to get started and grow a space in your library for creating. Together, we will debunk the hype, learn how to define your library's scope and audience, get your board on board, and find creative partners in your community.

Basic PC Troubleshooting

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Does your library or organization provide computers for the public? Would you like to know more about basic troubleshooting on a Windows PC so you can minimize downtime? This introductory level webinar will introduce you to tips and techniques that will help you understand how to fix common problems.

During the hour, we discuss:

How to handle a "frozen" PC or one that appears to be "dead" Handling common printer issues Terms that are useful to know when talking to tech support Resources for learning more about how computers work Plus, lots of time for participant questions!

Bridging the Digital Divide With Mobile Services

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

The exploding popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices provides a unique opportunity for libraries to help bridge the digital divide. These devices are often discussed in the context of affluent populations and academic libraries, yet the demographics of mobile internet users are much more diverse than this, and the potential for mobile library services is correspondingly broad. Join us for this webinar brought to you in collaboration with ALA TechSource, and presented by Andromeda Yelton, author of the January issue of Library Technology Reports on the topic of Bridging the Digital Divide with Mobile Services.

We'll talk about:

the demographics of mobile internet users, and why this matters to libraries' mission real-life examples of online library services aimed at diverse populations mobile friendly steps you can take even with limited time, budget, or expertise.

Library Reading Incentive Programs for Summer and Beyond

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Join us for a showcase of reading initiatives that will draw readers of all ages to your library. Presenters will share how they plan, promote, and carry out successful summer reading programs, and will discuss year-round efforts that encourage and support lifelong readership in the community. Panelist Melanie A. Lyttle, head of public services at the Madison Public Library in Ohio, will describe her library's use of social media to support their summer reading program, including the famed "Crabby Librarian." Carol Evrard and Jenny Sitzman of Indiana's Spencer County Public Library will speak about their summer reading program; and Janet Ingraham Dwyer, library consultant at the State Library of Ohio, will talk about other successful reading programs in her state including Choose to Read Ohio, a statewide initiative which encourages Ohioans of all ages to read and enjoy books togethe

Serving the Underserved: Children with Disabilities at Your Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Whether large or small, rural or urban, all library communities serve patrons with special needs. Developing an awareness of and sensitivity to children with disabilities is crucial for providing top-notch library services. This webinar shares inspiring programming and innovative ideas for new services to target this special population. Learn about what online resources are available for staff to serve children with special needs more fully, and explore strategies to reevaluate and make new accommodations in existing youth programs for an inclusive audience.

Providing Constructive Employee Feedback

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Giving feedback to staff is one of the most important parts of being a manager or supervisor, yet we often avoid giving feedback, especially to those who need it most. This course will help you improve your skills in providing constructive feedback to your staff.

Course Objectives:

Articulate advantages of giving feedback Describe the qualities of constructive feedback Identify organization specific resources to support/enhance desired behaviors Apply strategies for handling difficult conversations

Coping With Change

  • Link: Coping With Change
  • Topic: Management - Organizational Leadership
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1.5

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

In this course, you will apply strategies to mitigate the unsettling aspects of change. You will learn skills to help you cope with change and capitalize on it.

Course Objectives:

Describe what change is.

As a result of this course, learners will be able to...

Define what change is. Accept the reality that change is going to happen and that it is normal. Compare the three different levels or orders of change. List the five myths versus the reality of change. Use the STATE model for positive conversations about change.

Learn how to cope with change.

As a result of this course, learners will be able to...

Explain the different ways we resist change. Use eight coping strategies to deal with change

Incorporate & Capitalize in the midst of change.

As a result of this course, learners will be able to...

Embrace the opportunity to reflect Take advantage of change to reexamine normal behavior Become empowered and not a victim Harness change to your benefit

Having Fun at Work Again

  • Link: Having Fun at Work Again
  • Topic: Management - Staff Development
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1.5

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Don't let the pressures of working at the library bring you or your staff down. People want a work environment that is challenging, encourages trial and error, and makes them feel that they matter. It's time to make the workplace exciting again, all throughout the library's culture. Here are some things to do to make work fun again.

Course Objectives:

Helping libraries cope with increasing pressures at work Providing meaningful things staff members can do to have fun Improving the work culture of libraries

Building a Positive Social Media Presence

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Over 70% of adults are now using a social networking site of some kind, and these online interactions can have real-life implications. This course provides guidelines for what should and should not be shared online, how to build social capital and how to put your best foot forward when using social media.

Course Objectives:

Describe the benefits of building a positive social media presence. Make informed decisions about sharing personal information on social media. Employ strategies for posting information that build positive social media capital.

Encouraging Early Literacy

  • Link: Encouraging Early Literacy
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1.5

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

It takes a Library to encourage children. Everyone in the Library can support, promote and encourage early literacy. This course provides an overview of early literacy and ways library staff can interact with children to encourage singing, talking, reading, writing and playing.

Course Objectives:

Public Service Competencies - Children's Services

Provide experiences, resources and interactions that fuel a love of learning. Model and promotes a welcoming, supportive, and nonjudgmental attitude towards children and their families. Promote awareness of children's services to other staff members and contributes to their training in relation to the delivery of those services. Provide services that enhanced literacy and reading skills.

From Librarian to Proficient Manager: Uncovering the Transitional Journey

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Many librarians find themselves challenged to make the transition into proficient managers, often without clear guidance. For her dissertation on front-line public library managers, Michele Leininger, a PhD candidate at the University of Pittsburgh, chose to investigate how and where new managers find the help they need. Through a series of diaries and interviews at one library system, Michele's research tells both the individuals' stories about how they learned and transitioned from librarians into managers, as well as the story of the library organization and its peer support network. Discover what the research has revealed and what it means for others interested in the transitional journey to proficient manager.

How to Organize and Run a Successful Human Library

Course Objectives:

Do you serve a diverse community? Do community members sometimes have trouble getting along due to differences in ethnicity, lifestyle, or life experiences? Have you ever wondered what it's like to be blind, transgender, or even a nudist?

The Human Library promotes community engagement and combats prejudice by bringing people with unique life experiences together to have open and honest conversations.

"Human Books" represent a host of lifestyles and experiences that are often met with misunderstanding and discrimination. Books and Readers have the opportunity to speak personally and in private in a structured, protected space within a limited time but without any further commitment. The Human Library is a low-cost (even free!) program that will change the lives of each and every person who attends.

Join Julie Winkelstein from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Rachel Foyt from Santa Monica Public Library, and Chelsie Harris from San Diego County Library as they share information about the Human Library, how to start planning a Human Library at your institution, and how to make it successful and rewarding for your community.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be familiar with the history and background of the Human Library Identify at least three strategies for recruiting Human Books Be able to create the necessary print materials to host a Human Library Be able to identify the resources needed to host a Human Library at your facility Be familiar with event logistics needed to host a Human Library at your facility

This webinar will be of interest to library staff working with the public in all types of libraries interested in establishing a Human Library.

From Baby to Preschooler: Early Childhood Health Resources

Course Objectives:

Wouldn't it be nice if babies came with a service manual for maintenance and troubleshooting? Do you feel confident recommending health or medical resources about this young age group? What are some of the most pressing questions you face in the library about young kids' health issues? Are you interested in developing programs to draw in parents of babies and young kids, but need some ideas?

Parents and caregivers need current, relevant information to help with early childhood matters such as handling illnesses and injuries, developing healthy habits such as potty training, and providing a safe and nurturing environment for babies to grow into toddlers and beyond. Popular books, websites, and other resources offering opinions and advice are a dime a dozen, but which are accurate and authoritative? Knowing the answer to that question will make the library a trusted resource for help and accurate information.

Join us to get ideas for reaching out to parents of young kids and to learn about the best resources for answering health-related questions about newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand the topics that concern parents and caregivers of young children Be able to match the user with appropriate, high-quality children's health resources, based on user's specific needs, characteristics, and circumstances Have ideas for new programs to engage kids, parents and caregivers

This webinar will be of interest to public library staff, including reference librarians or reference desk staff, adult services librarians, and staff from organizations that provide health information to consumers and members of the public.

Foundations of Early Childhood Development: It's All About Relationships

Course Objectives:

NOTE: This is a follow-up webinar to "Basic Developmental Milestones of Early Childhood".

What do librarians need to know about the developmental processes of very young children? How can we interact with family members in a supportive and constructive manner when these processes enter our settings?

This webinar will orient participants to the Touchpoints approach to child development. The discussion will include identifying the themes of development that operate when parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers bring their children to libraries. We will also examine how libraries can respond to families by focusing on parent-child relationships, and supporting parental mastery.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:

Recognize developmental themes of: Infancy Toddlerhood Preschool Support parent-child relationships Support parental mastery

This webinar will be of interest to library staff who interact with families of young children.

Writing a Social Media Policy for Your Library

Course Objectives:

Does your library have a social media policy?

Chances are, it doesn't...but it almost certainly should. Learn why you need one, and what points are essential. Discover how writing this kind of policy can be completely different than writing any other kind for a library, and what you might need in a policy for staff versus what you might need to spell out for patrons.

This webinar will help you to understand some current best practices that you can use to guide you through the process of drafting your own social media policy for your library.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to identify at least three reasons for which your library should have a social media policy Be able to identify at least five points that should be covered in a social media policy for library employees Understand how your library's current social media policy may be breaking the law Be familiar with at least one key difference in purpose for a policy for patrons, as opposed to employees

This webinar will be of interest to Library Administrative staff, HR staff, and those working with social media issues.

How to Get Media Coverage for Your Event

Course Objectives:

Have you tried to get media coverage for your event, and been disappointed? Been part of an interview that was less than successful? Looking for ideas on how to deal with the media?

Join veteran newspaper, magazine and TV reporter Barbara Lewis to learn about the best ways to garner publicity for your event. She'll discuss Top 15 Tips on dealing with the media.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Know how to select the right media Know how to develop the perfect pitch Know how to successfully pitch an idea

Learn why our presenter decided to cover certain events, but not others when she was a reporter. And hear about the results of a survey conducted among library peers about the media and publicity.

This webinar will be of interest to all levels of library staff involved dealing with the media or looking for ways to ensure good publicity.

Beyond the Rhymes: Rethinking the Who, Where, and How of Storytimes Part 3: The Package

Course Objectives:

Storytime is the most vital early learning program in your community. This series of three webinars (People, Place, Package) will introduce techniques to achieve bigger outcomes for more of your community through storytime. The ideas presented will move beyond the nuts and bolts of storytime delivery to look at big picture concepts that influence strategic decision-making about storytimes.

At the end of the third in this series of one-hour webinars, participants will:

Be able to identify factors beyond storytime content and delivery that play a role in storytime planning Be aware of the benefits of mixed age learning Learn at least 3 action steps to assess customer service in relation to storytime

This series will be of interest to children's librarians and supervisors interested in working together to make strategic decisions that improve our customers' experience and enable the library to connect with more families.

Beyond the Rhymes: Rethinking the Who, Where, and How of Storytimes Part 2: The Place

Course Objectives:

Presenters: Patrick Remer and Heidi Dolamore

Storytime is the most vital early learning program in your community. This series of three webinars (People, Place, Package) will introduce techniques to achieve bigger outcomes for more of your community through storytime. The ideas presented will move beyond the nuts and bolts of storytime delivery to look at big picture concepts that influence strategic decision-making about storytimes.

At the end of the second of this series of one-hour webinars, participants will:

Know 2 ways to evaluate physical layout of children's areas Know how to increase storytime capacities to meet expanding high demands Learn at least 3 action steps to assess and enhance storytime and related services at your library

This series will be of interest to children's librarians and supervisors interested in working together to make strategic decisions that improve our customers' experience and enable the library to connect with more families.

Beyond the Rhymes: Rethinking the Who, Where, and How of Storytimes Part 1: The People

Course Objectives:

Storytime is the most vital early learning program in your community. This series of three webinars (People, Place, Package) will introduce techniques to achieve bigger outcomes for more of your community through storytime. The ideas presented will move beyond the nuts and bolts of storytime delivery to look at big picture concepts that influence strategic decision-making about storytimes.

At the end of the first in this series of one-hour webinars, participants will:

Learn at least 3 conversation prompts to facilitate planning discussions between children's librarians and their supervisors

Learn at least 2 strategies to help supervisors without a background in children's services Identify techniques to support mentoring and professional development

This series will be of interest to children's librarians and supervisors interested in working together to make strategic decisions that improve our customers' experience and enable the library to connect with more families.

Ebook Merchandising

  • Link: Ebook Merchandising
  • Topic: Marketing & Advocacy - Marketing
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Are you launching a new ebook service and looking for ways to get started on the right foot? Do you want your existing ebook collection to have the same vibrancy and staff support as your print collection? Frustrated by the different levels of ebook usage and knowledge among your Library users? Looking for ways to recommend ebook titles to users who aren't in the Library building?

Ebooks are increasingly in demand, and libraries may experience a gap between their users needs and their ebook services. A combination of marketing, tech support, and readers' advisory can fill this gap.

Though ebooks can present a new set of challenges for libraries, many ebook services can be merchandised using tools that library staff are already familiar with, making it easier for libraries to provide the human element so crucial to recommending books.

This webinar will help you develop a more comprehensive plan for ebook merchandising in your library and online, allowing you to better serve your current ebook readers, as well as reach out to a new group of users.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to understand the three facets of ebook merchandising: merchandising the service, merchandising the support, and merchandising the titles Be able to identify at least one strategy for improving ebook merchandising for each facet in their library Know strategies for introducing technology to new e-reading public Know the differences in marketing requirements and capabilities from different ebook providers

This webinar will be of interest to public library frontline staff, collection development and readers' advisory administrators.

Optimizing Materials Handling on the Cheap: How to Lean Your Workflow

Course Objectives:

Is your backroom overrun with book carts full of in-process material? Does it take more than a couple hours to get your incoming delivery processed? Does it take three days to catch up after a holiday closure? Does it take more than four people to get a new acquisition into circulation? Can you easily determine the age and status of items on every book cart?

As much as we love our book carts, they have helped us develop some very bad habits, and Lean will help us reduce or eliminate some of these bad habits. Lean is a management philosophy designed to identify and eliminate 'waste' in a workflow. Waste can be any number of things including waiting, unnecessary handling or transport, duplicating steps, processing that doesn't provide any benefit to the customer, and unnecessary hand-offs. By eliminating these wastes, we can find an optimal workflow that will get items to our customers faster and reduce our costs.

In this webinar, we will:

Identify several library materials handling workflows that would benefit from a Lean process Work through the steps of identifying the 'uniquely library' types of waste See how to improve the flow Revisit library successes that have implemented Lean projects and Find out how they put the principles to good use. Provide you the tools you need to get started optimizing your library's materials handling workflows without spending more than the cost of this webinar!

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand the definition of 'Lean' Learn five key principles of Lean Understand how focusing on efficiency can lead to poor process workflows Be able to identify key materials handling workflows that can be improved with Lean methodology Learn the steps for re-engineering a process workflow according to Lean principles Learn about the library specific pitfalls that create workflow problems (and how to address them) Have a list of useful resources for getting started

This webinar will be of interest to circulation and technical services supervisors and staff, delivery personnel, and anyone interested in saving time and money and improving services for their library customer.

Graphic Novels for Adult Readers: Recommending the Best

Course Objectives:

Are you wondering how to recommend graphic novels to adult leisure readers? Are you uncomfortable talking with adults who want to discuss graphic novels because you're not the 'staff expert'? Do you know where to find essential graphic novel titles that should be included in most library collections?

Even though graphic novels continue to become more visible in library collections, adults often don't consider reading in this format. Staff providing reader's advisory may also feel at a loss when attempting to include graphic novels as suggestions.

This hour-long webinar will help staff broaden their skills by adding graphic novels to their recommendations. It will show how to locate satisfying and often little-known graphic novels that respond to both the subject interest and personal appeal factors in readers who have little experience with the format. Ideas for encouraging experienced comics readers to move to graphic novels will also be discussed.

Collection development staff will learn sources for graphic novels that are essential to most collections for adult leisure readers.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Know the history and key elements that make up the graphic novel. Be able to discuss the literary appeal graphic novels will have for adult readers. Recognize literary genres in graphic novel form. Have techniques for recommending graphic novels to adults based on their other reading interests.

Please note: This webinar is aimed at those who work with adults and with materials published for the adult reader market. It will be of interest to readers' advisors and collection developers at any type of library serving adults.

Teen Volunteer Programs: There's More than Simply Shelving!

Course Objectives:

Are you noticing an influx of teens asking for volunteer hours at your library and you can't seem to find tasks for them? Have your experiences with teen volunteers been less than positive? Are you the only person in charge of teen volunteers at your library?

Managing teen volunteers can often be a challenge that takes time and dedication. Learn how to effectively engage teen volunteers to benefit your library as well as create positive leadership experiences for them and for you.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:

Find at least three ways to engage their teen volunteers. Identify the types of volunteers (short term/long term) and properly assign tasks. Find ways to problem-solve common issues with teen volunteers.

This webinar will be of interest to library staff working with teens or managing teen volunteers in both public and school libraries.

Failing in the Right Direction

Course Objectives:

What happens at your library when something doesn't go according to plan? Do you or your colleagues find yourselves:

Apologizing and promising not to let that happen again? Pointing out the circumstances that were beyond your control? Worrying about how this setback might affect your budget or your career? Wishing that other people had done more to support you? Or just feeling generally down and discouraged?

We hear a lot about the need for innovation and risk taking in the workplace but not so much about the flip side of that coin: failure. Failure happens. Some even say that there is no creativity without failure. In fact, many success stories - Thomas Edison, Vera Wang, Jay-Z, Dr. Seuss - are prefaced by accounts of repeated failures. Even so, the library environment has not been especially tolerant of imperfect outcomes. If we want to continue to change and grow, we'll need to rethink how we deal with failure.

Though we can't totally avoid failing, we can learn to fail more constructively. In this lively one-hour webinar, we will explore how to:

Set clear parameters for what constitutes success, Inspire support and participation even when success cannot be guaranteed, Keep minor glitches from escalating, Isolate and correct what went wrong without shaming or blaming, Understand when to let go and when to regroup and keep trying, Extract valuable information from unsuccessful ventures, Care for ourselves and others when things don't work out as well as we'd hoped, and Avoid repeating old mistakes while retaining the nerve to make new ones!

If you are a member of the library community who has ever planned, supervised, funded, participated in, or stood by helplessly during an honest effort that fell short, this webinar will offer you both practical techniques and reassuring perspectives.

Rural Resources and Funding: The Rural Information Center

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Established in 1987, by the USDA as a service of the National Agricultural Library, the Rural Information Center (RIC) assists rural communities by providing information and referral services to local, tribal, state, and federal government officials; community organizations; libraries; businesses; and citizens working to maintain the vitality of America's rural areas. RIC provides information and tools to support our nation's rural communities. Join us for this webinar to learn more about RIC services for rural libraries including connecting to resources for funding, the number one information request handled by the librarians and information specialists who staff the center.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.

Developing Irresistible Teen Programs

Course Objectives:

In this Evanced-sponsored webcast, teen programming expert Sarah Flowers joins Susan Brackney, Evanced's Director of Content and Marketing, to discuss approaches and ideas for drawing teens into your library.

Developing compelling teen programs can be tricky, whether you have limited staff and little-to-no funding or are simply looking for fresh ideas. In this webinar, we'll discuss just what it takes, including budgeting and planning, marketing and publicity, post-event evaluations and much more. You'll learn best practices from other libraries, see creative examples of passive and non-passive programs that have worked well, and discover new resources you can use in your own library.

Murder and Mayhem @ Your Library: Mystery RA

Course Objectives:

Join experienced Readers' Advisor Becky Spratford for 90 minutes of murder and detection as she walks you through the current state of mystery fiction. She will get you up to speed on the best resources, most popular authors, and biggest trends of the genre. This program will walk you through the RA interview as it specifically applies to mystery fans. She will provide an overview of what mystery readers like most about the genre and illustrate the differences in the various mystery subgenres, small differences that can make a huge difference when helping patrons. During this webinar, Becky will also consider the appeal of other crime centered stories for mystery readers including suspense, thriller, and true crime options. You will come away from this webinar re-energized and ready to help all of your mystery fans.

Using LibPAS Reports: Let the Numbers Do the Talking

Course Objectives:

Join us for a look at the new and exciting reporting feature of LibPAS. In this webinar, you will learn how to create reports and use the data you submit for the Public Library Annual Report. With the new software and reporting feature you can compare your library to others in your population size or in your geographic area, create trend reports to look at data over time and custom reports for assessing the needs of your community. The new software also generates per capita figures and percent change numbers.

How to Start a Friends Group

  • Link: How to Start a Friends Group
  • Topic: Management - Trustees/Friends/Volunteers
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: United for Libraries
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

United for Libraries coordinated the eighth annual National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 20-26, 2013. As part of the celebration, United for Libraries Executive Director Sally Gardner Reed presented a free webinar on how to start a Friends of the Library group

Booktalking: Harnessing the Power of Sharing Books with Patrons

Course Objectives:

Booktalking is at the heart of what we do with patrons each and every day at the public library. Whether we are sharing books informally at the services desk, presenting a prepared list of books, or posting information online, talking about books is something we do each and every day. It is a core service, but it is also hard to teach. Booktalking is more of an art than a skill, but with the right guidance and some practice, it can go a long way toward engaging your patrons and re-energizing your staff. Join experienced Readers' Advisory Becky Spratford as she demystifies the secrets behind delivering great book talks, giving you tips and tricks you can begin using right away to hone your own skills. Rediscover the power and joy that comes from sharing books with patrons.

Becky Spratford [MLIS] has been a Readers' Advisor for patrons ages 13 and up for over 14 years in Illinois. She has taught at the graduate level and trains librarians all over the world. Becky runs two popular and critically acclaimed blogs, RA for All (raforall.blogspot.com) and RA for All: Horror (raforallhorror.blogspot.com) and writes content for EBSCO's NoveList database. She is the author, mostly recently, of The Readers' Advisory Guide to Horror (ALA Editions, 2012) and is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association.

Outside the Box - Placemaking, Partnerships & Community Event Design

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Developed and funded by Redbox, and managed by OCLC in partnership with Project for Public Spaces, Outside the Box is an innovative program that brings people together for free, fun entertainment events in their local community. When people connect, communities benefit--and as trusted community anchors, public libraries are central to Outside the Box efforts

Goals:

Part 1: What is placemaking? Part 2: Turning your event into a great place experience Part 3: How to conduct a community brainstorming session

Objectives

Identify a space near the library, on the library grounds, or in the community that can be used for ongoing public entertainment events Lead a community brainstorming or planning session on event/place design Identify at least three new community partners and an action plan for engaging with them Develop a list of reusable materials and features that can be used in the community space, to create a welcoming, comfortable environment (seating, tables, surface cover, shading, lighting, etc.)

Presented by Elena Madison, Vice President, Project for Public Spaces

Look First: Creating Exceptional Patron Experiences

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Success in wowing people requires planning for the big picture and tiny details, considering all the senses, and considering the various reasons people visit or could visit the library--both online and in person--but all that requires that we look and listen before we act. Too often, we assume we know more than we do, and we skip the looking step. By taking time to observe and experience the library through patrons' eyes, we can dramatically improve the experiences our patrons encounter. Learn simple, fun, and effective tools and low-budget tips that will improve the patron experience--for all ages, for big and small libraries, and for all budgets. No additional funds required.

Presented by: Erica Reynolds, BiblioCommons, Shawnee, Kansas

Hosted by: Nicolet Federated Library System, which serves 42 public libraries in 8 counties and is based in Green Bay, WI. This webinar was presented as part of the Wild Wisconsin Winter Web Conference.

Assessing Library Facility Needs in the 21st Century

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Today's library facility manager (usually the Director) is faced with a wide cross-section responsibilities, challenges, and priorities. How do you plan for a new 21st century library facility? How do you reconfigure an existing facility to meet 21st century needs? What kinds of spaces do we need to plan for our communities, and what kinds of priorities do we set on maintaining and improving our spaces? From lighting to water systems, power to noise control, networking to flooring--there is plenty to think about. This session will provide an overview of the issues facing old and new library facilities and techniques and tools for tackling both.

Presented by: Sarah Houghton, Director, San Rafael Public Library, San Rafael (CA) Hosted by: Nicolet Federated Library System, which serves 42 public libraries in 8 counties and is based in Green Bay, WI. This webinar was presented as part of Wisconsin Trustee Training Week.

Branding Your Organizational Culture

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

In this session, Anythink Communications Director Stacie Ledden and HR Director Susan Dobbs discuss how a strong brand and vibrant culture influence each other and can transform an organization. Build a strong culture, and you build a strong brand because your staff IS your brand. Webinar Archives > Library Management

Explore language, storytelling, and core values as a means of shaping an organization's personality, and ultimately creating brand loyalty, helping staff and customers alike fall in love with the library.

Presented by: Stacie Ledden, Communications Director & Susan Dobbs, Human Resources Director, Anythink Libraries (Thornton, CO) Hosted by: Nicolet Federated Library System, which serves 42 public libraries in 8 counties and is based in Green Bay, WI

Consistent Communication: Coordinating Marketing Efforts Across Platforms

Course Objectives:

In the old days, a well-written press release and a few posters did an effective job of reaching your community. We now live in a time where people expect to receive information through their preferred communication channels. With so many options and limited staff and time, what can a library do?

Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Tumblr and Instagram. Your library hardly has enough time to create print and web promotional materials - how can you possibly add more marketing channels? Your Facebook presence only has a handful of followers, should you keep going or give up? Is there one marketing channel or a combination that is right for your library?

If your library is struggling to answer these and other questions around multichannel marketing, then you will want to join this webinar. Nancy Dowd, co-author of Bite-Sized Marketing, Realistic Solutions for Overwork Librarians will help library staff sift through the confusion of multi-channel marketing to determine a pathway that is right for your needs. You will learn to understand the different communication styles needed for each channel and hear about pathways other libraries are implementing

Get Out to Get Them In: Marketing Outside the Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

To attract nonusers to the library, you'll first have to bring the library to them. Getting outside the four walls of your building is often the first step toward bringing new users in. This presentation will cover outreach ideas that are easy to implement in order to market your library's programs and services.

Presented by: Erin Shea, Ferguson Library, Stamford, Connecticut

Hosted by: Nicolet Federated Library System, which serves 42 public libraries in 8 counties and is based in Green Bay, WI. This webinar was presented as part of the Wild Wisconsin Winter Web Conference.

Staying Afloat in a Sea of Change

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Our libraries and communities are experiencing the constant motion of changes in technology, demographics and services. The sensation of being afloat in an unpredictable environment can be thrilling as we contemplate the many new possibilities but also a bit scary because of the many unknowns. Join seasoned change manager Debra Westwood for a walk through the process of change to help us recognize our physiological and emotional responses to change and determine how our current skills and experience can fit into new ways of working. All of us, as library staff members, can get beyond just surviving change and learn to embrace and thrive in new environments.

Making Cents of Financial Literacy: Tech Tools and Innovative Programs

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Financial literacy may be a serious topic, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun! Technology, games, and parties can bring playfulness and help people approach a topic that can otherwise be daunting and stressful. You can help your community learn to be more financially literate, connect to valuable information about savings and retirement planning, and take control of their money.

Join us for this webinar and hear from two libraries in South Carolina who have developed fun and innovative financial literacy programs. We also hear from the New York Public Library about the staff training materials they have developed, available for free to all libraries. Throughout the webinar we share tech tools, tips, and practical ideas to engage your community on this important topic.

Tablet-Slinging Librarians: Using Tablets to Improve Customer Service

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

No matter a library's size or budget, we are all looking for ways to increase staff efficiency and better serve our patrons. This webinar will focus on practical and creative ways to use tablet technology (including reference, circulation, payments, storytime music, program registrations, and more!) to stay on the leading edge of customer service.

Presented by: Leah Kulikowski, Assistant Branch Manager, Lexington Park Library, Maryland

Hosted by: Nicolet Federated Library System, which serves 42 public libraries in 8 counties and is based in Green Bay, WI. This webinar was presented as part of Wild Wisconsin Winter Web Conference.

Basic Developmental Milestones of Early Childhood

Course Objectives:

What do library staff need to know about the basic developmental tasks of early childhood? How can we use this developmental knowledge to help us more effectively interact with family members in supportive and constructive ways?

This webinar will build upon and expand the conversation begun with our April 10, 2014 webinar, also given by Dr. Hornstein and entitled Foundations of Early Childhood Development: It's All About Relationships. In this second webinar we will review the basic tenets of child development from the Touchpoints perspective - identifying the major developmental tasks of infants, toddlers and preschoolers within the context of their relationships and culture. The discontinuous nature of this developmental process will also be explored. We will then examine how library staff can respond to families by focusing on parent-child relationships, and supporting parental mastery as might occur in various library-based scenarios.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be better able to recognize developmental themes of:

Infancy Toddlerhood Preschool Support parent-child relationships Support parental mastery

You might also be interested in the followup webinar: Foundations of Early Childhood Development: It's All About Relationships. This webinar will be of interest to any and all library staff who interact with families of young children.

Creative Spaces and Family Engagement in Libraries

Course Objectives:

Struggling to infuse creativity into a cramped, quiet or quirky space? Tired of following powerful literature with cookie cutter crafts? Confounded by events attended by children 2 to 18 years old? Think you have to be an artist to engage children in the arts?

As an institution, the library has the power to teach families the joy and meaning derived from the creative process. Yet, too often, after a powerful story, we shut down the opportunity for authentic, individual responses by asking children to mass produce popsicle stick protagonists or glue soaked story props.

Library staff and parents often feel inadequate as artists and pass along their hang ups by safety proofing crafts or spending loads of money for professional artists to lead the workshop. In this webinar, we will rethink what it means to engage children and their families in creativity as we explore play based and process art. You will leave with very concrete ideas about designing a space and an approach that nurtures the artist in each child. As the sole access point to the arts for many families, libraries are a key force in ensuring every child can engage with the world as a creator.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Have a new way of viewing the arts that empowers them to design effective arts programs for children and families Gain specific ideas for designing spaces for families to engage in the arts Explore 5 stories and affordable and exciting arts experiences to accompany them

This webinar will be of interest to library staff working to engage families and enliven storytimes and programming for families.

Rainbow Family Connections: Embracing LGBTQ Families at Your Library

Course Objectives:

Does your library serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) families? Do you know how to design displays, programs, services, and collections inclusive of these Rainbow Families? How do you select high-quality children's materials representing Rainbow Families? Where can you find information about successful children's library programs that welcome Rainbow Families?

This webinar will help library staff establish a basis for understanding the informational and cultural needs of children and adults in Rainbow Families while exploring the best resources for collection development and program planning.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:

Identify informational needs of children and adults in Rainbow Families Describe how to make the library welcoming for Rainbow Families Evaluate culturally appropriate materials representing Rainbow Families Plan programs and outreach services for Rainbow Families Locate high-quality children's materials and professional resources related to Rainbow Families

Introduction to Intellectual Freedom in Libraries - 2015 Update

Course Objectives:

A parent asks you to remove a book from the shelf because she feels it could harm her children. A library user complains that the current collection of magazines doesn't include his political viewpoint and too much of a different one. You heard that a library worker in the next county was reprimanded for a post she put on the library's social media site. Now you wonder about writing your next posts for your library. One public comment on the library's social media site seems like a slur and another seems like a threat. Should you remove them?

What do you do?

In this webinar, you will learn techniques to approach these challenges and others, along with a firm background of intellectual freedom in libraries, including relevant laws and court cases.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, attendees will be able to:

Identify and interpret key ALA documents, policies, and decisions related to intellectual freedom, both in print and online Identify and understand holdings in key court cases on intellectual freedom in libraries Understand how the law treats different libraries - academic, school and public. Understand the types of speech that are not protected by the First Amendment, and when to call the police to report child pornography Develop skills for recognizing and strategies for responding to challenges

This webinar will be of interest to library staff at all levels in any type of library. It will be particularly beneficial for those who are relatively new to the library field and who have not had any formal training in the core values of the profession.

Sensory-Enhanced Storytimes

Course Objectives:

What are the distinguishing elements of a sensory storytime? Have you considered offering a sensory storytime? Do you already offer one and need some inspiration?

Join Laura Olson and Laura Baldassari-Hackstaff, youth librarians for Douglas County Libraries in Colorado, who co-developed and have been offering a sensory storytime for three years. A sensory storytime is a traditional storytime, with added enhancements that engage the participants through their senses and thus add to their enjoyment of the experience.

This webinar will describe the development of an ongoing sensory storytime, from inception to establishment and growth. Participants will receive detailed information on how to develop and sustain this program, including who from their community to contact, what resources they will need, when to offer their storytime, how to market their storytime, and why it supports the ALA's Core Values of Librarianship.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to create a step-by-step plan to develop and implement a sensory storytime program Be able to organize the staff, time, budget, and other resources needed to begin and support a sensory storytime program Know the elements of a sensory storytime, and why it is an important program for their communities

This webinar will be of interest to youth librarians and staff who offer storytimes.

Creating Baby Spaces in Public Libraries: designing for success

Course Objectives:

Babies can be one of the toughest audiences we work with in our library settings. They squirm. They chew on books and one another. They are still figuring out language. They come attached to exhausted caregivers and even wigglier big brothers and sisters. Yet, the benefits of building an early relationship to babies and their caregivers are substantial.

Parents and caregivers benefit from belonging to a community. Babies benefit from activities that develop visual tracking, vocabulary, auditory processing, and a range of motor skills that line the path to reading and writing. Library staff assist caregivers in identifying that early literacy is developed in play and direct engagement rather than through flashcards and DVDS for infants.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand the developmental stages in infancy that provide key windows to developing future literacy Build a repertoire of activities and strategies to engage infants and caregivers Explore a range of environments and process based art experiences that overcome the challenges of working with infants joyfully and affordably Examine models of successful library design that invites in children of all ages

This webinar will be of interest to library staff working with programs for children and families

STEM and STEAM Programming for Teens in Libraries

Course Objectives:

Want to know more about the benefits of STEM programming? Curious to know how STEAM programming is different from STEM programming? Want to hear about some basic STEM and STEAM programs that you can do with teens in your library?

Join us for STEM and STEAM Programming for Teens in Libraries where will discuss the basic concepts behind both STEM and STEAM programming. We'll also discuss the benefits for both libraries and the teens they serve. We'll also provide you with some basic program starting points for STEAM programs that involve art, music and/or books.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Identify the elements and benefits of STEM programming for both teens and libraries Identify the benefits of adding art to STEM programming to create what is referred to as STEAM programming for both teens and libraries Learn some basic starting points for STEM/STEAM programming that includes art, music and nontraditional book discussion techniques

This webinar will be of interest to library staff working with tweens and teens that want to provide quality STEM/STEAM programming and understand the changing demands of 21st century educational goals.

Value-Added Facilitation

  • Link: Value-Added Facilitation
  • Topic: Management - Interpersonal Skills
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

As library work becomes more team oriented and community focused, we find ourselves participating in more meetings. The accepted wisdom is that designating a facilitator will ensure that meeting time is well spent. Is that true for your library? Even when someone is facilitating,

Do meetings tend to be all talk and no action? Can a few outspoken participants dominate the conversation? Does the group sometimes have trouble moving from brainstorming to decision-making? Does lack of information or disagreement about the facts impede progress? Do the people with the ideas lack the authority to implement them? Do long standing conflicts resurface so that nothing gets resolved?

Sound familiar? It may be time to rethink your approach to meeting facilitation. In this lively webinar, we will explore ways to reinvigorate the facilitator role to add more value to the meeting process. You will learn skills that can elevate facilitation beyond simply calling on meeting participants and recording their comments. Our focus will be on active facilitation tips and techniques, including how to:

Stay neutral on content while exerting leadership on process, Frame questions and set expectations, Analyze comments in real time and sort them for ease of comparison, Identify and address gaps in the discussion, Resolve conflicts and reach consensus, and Create work products that allow ideas to move forward.

If you are a member of the library community who is already, or might someday be, called upon to act as a facilitator, this webinar will help you improve your effectiveness, increase your value to your organization, and make more productive use of meeting time.

This webinar will be of interest to library staff at all levels, as well as library friends, trustees, and commissioners.

Youth Development in Action

  • Link: Youth Development in Action
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Young Adults
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Do your staff ever roll their eyes whenever young people come into the building? How do we enable our library institutions to move from the mindset of serving youth to that of working with youth?

Take a journey with Yolo County Librarian Patty Wong as she shares her work with staff in three institutions using youth development as a model. Learn how groups have transformed themselves into organizations that consider safety, support and opportunities for youth and also include youth voice in their service development.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand the framework of youth development as a strategic and strengths-based set of actions to provide positive opportunities for youth to develop and enhance their interests, skills and abilities Learn how libraries have incorporated youth development in their operations at high levels and low levels Identify other youth development organizations as potential partners

This webinar will be of interest to library staff working with teens and interesting in partnering with other local agencies.

Resource Description and Access Overview: Making RDA Work

Course Objectives:

Have you heard of Resource Description and Access (RDA), the new cataloging code? Would you like to know more about how RDA will affect your library's staff and its users?

This webinar will cover the basics of RDA, including changes that will be noticeable to library staff (catalogers and non-catalogers alike) and to library users. Information in this webinar will range from practical tips for dealing with RDA records to thoughts about how RDA fits into future changes to library catalogs.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to identify at least three differences between AACR2 and RDA Be able to identify the ways in which their ILS will need to be changed to accommodate RDA records. Have a familiarity with other cataloging developments related to RDA, such as BIBFRAME and Linked Data

This webinar will be of interest to staff in all types of libraries whose job duties include cataloging (a little or a lot!)

Programs in a Box

  • Link: Programs in a Box
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Is program planning taking too much of your time? Are you looking for some easily reproducible ideas? Would you like to offer the same program at several locations while keeping staffing costs low? Do you want to have backup programs packaged and ready to go in case a performer cancels or a staff member is absent?

Once you've created a successful program, there are ways to offer it at locations throughout your library system without recreating it from scratch each time. In a small or stand-alone library, you can have programs on hand to use spontaneously when the need arises.

During this presentation you'll learn how to design, assemble, package and market ready-to-use and easily replicated programs for all ages while keeping costs low and success rates high.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand the value of programs in a box. Understand the various types of programs in a box. Know how to build a program in a box from scratch.

This webinar will be of interest to public library staff responsible for planning and presenting programs.

You Can Do I.T. On Your Own

Course Objectives:

Are you the only person assigned to IT in your library building? Are you really 'accidental IT staff'? Would you like to tips and tricks to help manage your library technology more efficiently and effectively?

In this webinar, you'll get tips, tricks, and advice for libraries with minimal information technology staff and a shoe-string budget, and see demonstrations of some great products and services that will make managing your library's computers easier, more efficient, and more secure. We'll discuss great opportunities to replace computers with less expensive iPads, places for awesome deals on hardware and software, and best practices for offsite backup. Get your library's IT whipped into shape without breaking the bank!

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will know how to:

Evaluate and use Note-taking apps Clean up, organize and control email Create an equipment and network inventory Evaluate cloud-based back-up and remote desktop products and services Substitute Raspberry Pi for computers and create less expensive digital signs

This webinar will be of interest to library staff in charge of technology with limited budget/IT staff.

Makerspaces in Libraries: Legal Considerations

Course Objectives:

Your community is supercharged about the new makerspace planned for your library. All systems are full speed ahead, and the staff is ready. But wait. Have you considered all the issues? For instance,

Do you know about the liability issues inherent in makerspace programs? What can your library do to protect itself from liability? What elements should be in user waivers and in partnership agreements? Can the library protect itself from intellectual property liability when patrons use library equipment to create and copy all types of works using library tools and equipment such as 3D printers?

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will understand ways to:

Minimize liability through waivers and insurance Point users to intellectual property resources to minimize their risks Register the library with U.S. Copyright Office to minimize its exposure to copyright liability from user generated content Frame a partnership agreement with an outside provider

This webinar will be of interest to library program planners, Administration, and those interested in makerspace activities.

Veterans Connect @ the Library

Course Objectives:

PLEASE NOTE: This webinar is California-centric, although others may find it valuable

Are veterans (anyone who served in one of the 5 branches of the military) asking you questions you cannot answer? Worse yet, are they not asking you anything because they do not know about the service/benefits to which they are entitled? Do you know why should libraries serve veterans when there are other agencies that already do so? How can a public library establish services for veterans in a simple step by step way?

The California State Library has a statewide grant which is setting up Veterans Resource Centers in public libraries. The goals are to provide veteran benefits and local service information to veterans and family members and links to other organizations serving veterans, to increase veteran benefit claims and to increase the number of veterans registered with CalVet so that they stay informed about veterans. The grant program will expand in FY 14/15, and this webinar will explain how libraries can become involved in the grant and/or set up services for veterans on their own.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand why it is important for libraries to serve veterans and their families Know the top 4 needs of veterans Know where to find 'library service' in a box for California Public Libraries and understand the 6 steps to providing services to veterans in a library. Understand how to get funding to setup a Veterans Resource Center Library or how to set one up on your own

This webinar will be of interest to public library staff who plan services and desk staff who work with veterans or intend to work with veterans.

Life After Desk: Implementing the New Service Models

Course Objectives:

Are you wondering how a new service model might work in your library? Do you wish you had more information about what it really takes to transition to these new approaches? Are you in the middle of implementation and looking for practical tips and suggestions from other libraries? Or are you just curious about how library work is changing?

We've all heard how progressive libraries are experimenting with new ways to deliver service. Recent years have brought news of shrinking circ desks, roving reference, virtual branches, after-hours lockers, unattended kiosks, information neighborhoods, zone staffing, imbedded librarians, and other service innovations.

In this timely webinar, library consultant and futurist Joan Frye Williams will bring us up to date on how new service models are performing in a variety of settings. She'll share lessons learned about how to succeed with these new techniques, including practical advice for:

Training and redeploying staff, Revising job descriptions, Rearranging library spaces, Rethinking library collections, Introducing the new model to your community, and Measuring success and productivity.

This one-hour webinar will be of interest to library staff at all levels looking to increase their understanding of what's working well, what still needs tweaking, and what just might be coming our way in the future.

How to Hire IT Staff for Your Library

Course Objectives:

Do you know what really makes for a good library IT staffer? Do you wish you knew what pitfalls to look out for when hiring one?

It's not easy to hire for a position where it's unlikely you fully understand the position's responsibilities or challenges, let alone what exact skill set you need a hire to have. In this webinar, you will:

Learn what to look for and for red flags that can cause issues down the road. Find out how job ads can actually turn off qualified applicants. Hear real words of wisdom, from current library IT managers.

When it comes time to hire your library's next IT person, you'll be better prepared!

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will able to:

Identify at least three criteria to use when evaluating potential IT hires. Identify at least one warning sign of a poor potential hire List at least two practical strategies that can be used during the interview process with potential IT hires

This webinar will be of interest to hiring managers, administrative staff, and staff responsible for interviewing potential IT employees.

Civic Engagement in Your Library Community - A Guided Tour of the Book-to-Action Program and Toolkit

Course Objectives:

Do you want to try something new in library programming? Feel like your library could play a more active role in your community? Are you looking for ways to build partnerships with community organizations? Interested in building programs that promote intergenerational relationships? Want to promote volunteer activities that simultaneously engage community members more fully in the library and in support of community-based projects and organizations?

Book-to-Action is an innovative library program being implemented in libraries throughout California. Funded by IMLS/LSTA, Book-to-Action programs have offered California residents both the opportunity to collectively read and discuss a book and to put their newfound knowledge and perspective into action by engaging in a community service project related to the book's topic. The activities and guidelines presented in the Tool-Kit are now available and will be of great value to libraries everywhere. Book-to-Action offers libraries a new way to collaborate with and support organizations doing vital work in local communities, and to expand the role of the public library by mobilizing volunteers in work that enhances civic engagement. At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Know how to use the Book-to-Action Toolkit to: select an engaging book, collaborate with community partners, choose a service project, engage volunteers, and organize a successful program. Know about five projects implemented in California, to help direct your planning of a Book-to-Action program in your community. Know common challenges and how to overcome them. Have an overview of 15 tips for a successful event.

This webinar will be of interest to public library staff responsible for planning programs serving adults, teens, and children. Webinar participants are encouraged to view the 4-minute video 'From Book-to-Action: One Library's Story (link is external) prior to joining the webinar and to download the Tool-Kit, available at: http://booktoaction.library.ca.gov (link is external)

Build Staff Buy-In for Volunteer Engagement

Course Objectives:

Is your library open to engaging volunteers in new ways? Often one of the biggest challenges to a new model of volunteer engagement is the resistance of paid staff. The attitudes and fears of our co-workers prevent us from expanding the work that volunteers do. But, if you've never worked with volunteers before, it can be scary. In this webinar we'll discuss strategies for working with paid staff to engage volunteers. We'll cover what you can do to alleviate some of those fears, strategies for working within a Union environment, and how you can train and support your coworkers as they become responsible for managing volunteers

Veterans and Public Libraries: What Every Librarian Should Know

Course Objectives:

This webinar focuses primarily on California libraries and veterans, although many of the principles discussed are applicable in libraries throughout the country.

Do you know how many veterans live in your community, what services they need and how you can help them improve the quality of their lives? Libraries offer:

A welcoming access point for those seeking benefits. Meeting space for service organizations. Events and programs providing resources and a sense of community. Library staff with strength in navigating sometimes complicated information systems.

This webinar will review some basic concepts for library professionals who seek to learn more about serving veterans in their community. We will:

Discuss who our veterans are, and the family members and caregivers of veterans who are part of the larger veteran community. Review the congressionally chartered veteran service organizations and resources where veterans can go to seek assistance with healthcare, finances, and mental health issues. Learn about some of the ways in which California libraries are currently serving the veterans in their communities and what strategies might work for your library in connecting with veterans in your area.

People are talking about you-but do you know what they're saying?

Course Objectives:

Your library may have spent a lot of money or time on online marketing or social media outreach, only to have its reputation severely damaged by one angry blogger. How can you track this kind of activity and mitigate negative commentary? Learn what tools are available to help monitor your library's precious online reputation and some strategies to protect your library's brand.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to identify at least two reasons why ORM (online reputation management) matters for a library Be able to identify at least 3 tools that can be used for ORM Be familiar with strategies for dealing with negative content

This webinar will be of interest to library marketing and PR staff, and social media managers.

Small Claims Court Legal Resources: a Guide for Public Libraries

Course Objectives:

I'm going to sue you!

My car was towed and the guys on the lot didn't even have signs saying I couldn't park! I moved over a month ago and still don't have my security deposit back! The contractor who worked on my home was unlicensed. I want my money back! I bought a used car that is a lemon!

Small Claims courts deal with many types of cases involving $10,000 or less.

Do you know the types of cases that can and cannot be filed in California Small Claims Court? Do you wonder where to find quick and easy information on the Small Claims process? Would you like to know where to get answers to small claims frequently asked questions?

Resolving disputes through the small claims process, when the option is available, may be the preferred method for addressing a legal matter in the courts.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Receive a general overview of the Small Claims process, including going to court, collecting money and mediation services as an alternative to going to court Be familiar with key terminology and court procedures used in Small Claims Be introduced to the 'Small Claims' section of Courts.ca.gov, the California Courts website Have a basic understanding of the online resources to assist parties in completing Small Claims forms Learn about the Small Claims advisory services available at local superior courts Get tips on print resources and library databases that can be helpful for locating small claims information and forms

This webinar will be of interest to library staff who are on the front lines of connecting people with information in public libraries. Law librarians from all disciplines who have seen a need for training public librarians in providing access to legal information and services to customers with legal questions.

Instant Recess: Encouraging Customers and Staff to Get Moving in the Library

Course Objectives:

Feeling a bit lethargic while working on your computer? Worried about your health and your customers' well-being? Looking for an easy way to fit in 10 minutes of exercise at your library?

Many communities have identified health and wellness as a priority. More than half of California's adults as well as nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese and at risk for developing chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Libraries can play an important role in promoting physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Instant Recess, a fun and effective strategy developed by Dr. Toni Yancey, encourages regular 10 minute activity breaks that are easily incorporated into school, work, and community life. Libraries big and small are ideal locations to get America moving, 10 minutes at a time.

Using the experience of the Lawndale Library, a medium-sized library in the County of Los Angeles Public Library system, as well as other case studies, this one-hour webinar will explain the benefits of Instant Recess for all ages, provide examples of exercises, routines, and games, and share how to quickly and effectively incorporate this innovative program into your library.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Know the health challenges communities face Know the benefits of physical activity for all ages Know how Instant Recess has been implemented in schools, job sites, and libraries Learn strategies for implementing Instant Recess in a library setting

Wear comfortable shoes!

This webinar will be of interest to staff working with all ages.

What Your Tech Wants You to Know

Course Objectives:

No, your library's tech staff doesn't hate you. Or try to confuse you on purpose. They even speak the same language as you do! Yet, often, conflict arises between tech and other library staff. Everyone gets frustrated, and issues don't get solved as quickly as everyone would like.

Discover what you can do to make communication easier and make problem resolutions happen faster. Hear stories and some words of wisdom from actual IT staff who on the front lines of library technology. Learn how to approach troubleshooting like your tech does, and even some basic things you can do on your own.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to list at least 3 actions that will help get an IT problem resolved more quickly Name 2 or more tips that can help you to solve your own tech problems Understand how to make IT problem reporting more efficient

This webinar will be of interest to library staff that needs to regularly communicate with IT staff or outside technology consultants.

Finding Legal Forms: Getting Started in Public Libraries

Course Objectives:

I changed my mind about getting a divorce. Is there a court form for dismissing my court case? Where can I find a sample form letter to get my security deposit back? Can I get free Court forms? What is a Quit Claim Deed? I was told that it is not a court form. Can I find this form in a law library? I would like to file a motion. Where I can get motion forms? Are there 'pre-made' court forms for the kinds of legal questions you are getting? Would you like to know the online and print resources law librarians recommend for getting customers started?

The Finding Legal Forms webinar will empower public librarians with tips and information about the top places to start and effectively refer customers who are looking for forms. At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to understand the two types of legal forms - 'pre-made' and 'self-created' Have a basic understanding of the free forms that court websites have, and what they don't have Be better prepared to identify areas of law for which 'pre-made' court forms are most likely to appear Be introduced to the Forms section on Courts.ca.gov, the California Courts website and the different ways to access those forms Learn about form resources - both in print and electronic - publicly available at county public law libraries

This webinar will be of interest to: Librarians and library staff who are on the front lines of connecting people with information in public libraries. Law librarians from all disciplines who have seen a need for training public librarians in providing access to legal information and services to customers with legal questions.

Family Law Basics for Public Libraries

Course Objectives:

My ex got a raise at work. How can I get more child support? I've been to court. When is my divorce considered final? I heard that California is a 'no fault' state. What does that mean? I want more time with my son. Can I change the original child custody order? I want to get a restraining order. Is there a form for that?

Court findings show that as many as 70 percent of family law litigants in California are unrepresented. Library staff often get questions about common legal problems, like divorce, child custody, support and domestic violence.

This webinar will help librarians and library staff to understand the California family law process, learn some key terms and explore reliable referral sources that will be helpful for customers. Attendees will also learn about online resources that can be used as a starting point for responding to family law-related questions.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Receive a general overview of family law matters including: divorce, custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, paternity and domestic violence Be familiar with key terminology in family law matters Gain an overview of the phases of the divorce process Be introduced to the "Families & Children" and "Divorce or Separation" sections of Courts.ca.gov, the California Courts website Have a basic understanding of the family law forms that the California Courts website has, and what it doesn't have Learn about online resources that can be used as a starting point Get tips on print resources and library databases that can be helpful for locating family law information and forms

This webinar will be of interest to library staff on the front lines of connecting people with information in public libraries, as well as law librarians from all disciplines who have seen a need for training public librarians in providing access to legal information and services to customers with legal questions

Legal Research Resources: Great Legal Reference and Referral in the Public Library

Course Objectives:

Can someone really address every aspect of a legal issue by using online resources? How do I get someone started on addressing legal issues? If a customer asks me to find a legal form, can I? should I? How can I help a customer with a legal question and not be held liable? What do I do if I can't help a customer with a legal matter?

Helping library customers understand legal resources can be both daunting and rewarding. The idea of public access to legal information is becoming more prevalent, with library staff participating in a trend that identifies the public library, with its neutral and safe environment, trained staffers, convenient location and free computer access to the Internet as the ideal place to find the information people need.

This webinar will prepare you to act as a compass and guide to point your users in the right direction for gaining a better understanding of the legal system and how to navigate it successfully. You will also learn when to answer questions, when to teach users to find their answers, and when and where to refer them for additional help.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, attendees will:

Have a set of best practices for assisting the public with their legal questions and without fear of liability Know how laws, regulations and opinions produced by the three branches of government impact our individual rights and obligations as citizens Be able to comfortably direct users to free or low cost attorney referral services, legal service and government agencies, forms and handbooks Develop a familiarity with common legal terms users come across when navigating the legal system Understand the various types and key elements differentiating self-help legal resources available on the Internet and in public law libraries.

This webinar will be of interest to Public library staff who provide front line reference desk service and library students who are curious about a career in law librarianship.

Thrills and Chills @ Your Library: Helping Your Scariest Patrons

Course Objectives:

Did you know that Halloween is only 6 months away? Now's the perfect time to assess your horror collections and reacquaint yourself with this popular genre so that you are ready to handle the increase in demand come October. Join experienced Readers' Advisor and international horror expert Becky Spratford for 90 minutes of vampires, ghosts, zombies and more. She will show you how to work with horror readers by explaining the appeal the appeal of horror, book talking some of the genre's most popular authors, presenting the current trends, and going over the most useful resources. Remember, you don't need to be scared of your horror readers. They are not monsters, they just like to read about them.

Public Library Directors 101: Your New Role

Course Objectives:

The Public Library Directors 101 series of on-demand webinar recordings introduces the many and unique facets of public library directorship.

Download the Learner's Guide for the series at http://www.cosla.org/content.cfm/id/publiclibrarydirector101series

Four recordings provide a broad overview that both inform and inspire. Your New Role covers ethics, values, and leadership - all important traits for public library directors.

This webinar lasts just under 11 minutes.

Public Library Directors 101: Community Relations

Course Objectives:

The Public Library Directors 101 series of on-demand webinar recordings introduces the many and unique facets of public library directorship. Four recordings provide a broad overview that both inform and inspire.

Download the Learner's Guide for the series at http://www.cosla.org/content.cfm/id/publiclibrarydirector101series

This module module introduces marketing, public relations, and outreach from the public library director perspective.

The webinar is 14 minutes and 30 seconds long

Public Library Directors 101: Planning and Project Management

Course Objectives:

The Public Library Directors 101 series of on-demand webinar recordings introduces the many and unique facets of public library directorship. Four recordings provide a broad overview that both inform and inspire.

Download the Learner's Guide for the series at http://www.cosla.org/content.cfm/id/publiclibrarydirector101series

The third installment of the series "Planning and Project Management" discusses essential steps in the strategic planning process, the benefits of strategic planning, and tools for successful project management.

This webinar is 17 minutes and 11 seconds long

Public Library Directors 101: Asset Management

Course Objectives:

The Public Library Directors 101 series of on-demand webinar recordings introduces the many and unique facets of public library directorship. Four recordings provide a broad overview that both inform and inspire.

The final module in the series, "Asset Management" covers management of the varied assets of library systems, including staff, buildings, collections, and budget. Download the Learner's Guide for the series at http://www.cosla.org/content.cfm/id/publiclibrarydirector101series

This webinar is 28 minutes and 10 seconds long.

Open Access in the Humanities

  • Link: Open Access in the Humanities
  • Topic: Fundamentals of Librarianship
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: University of Wisconsin Madison SLIS
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1.5

Course Objectives:

The open access (OA) movement has broad support within the library community, and it is increasingly embraced by researchers, granting agencies, and publishers. Why, then, are many graduate students, faculty, and professional associations in the humanities advocating measures such as embargoing access to dissertations in digital repositories? Why are some humanities faculty skeptical of accepting peer review requests from OA journals? In this session, Professor Jonathan Senchyne will explore some of the issues that differentiate OA conversations in the humanities and the sciences. The conversation will explore the pros, cons, and gray areas of OA in the humanities from different stakeholder perspectives while seeking common ground and increased collaboration between students, faculty, publishers, and librarians within the scholarly communication ecosystem.

Dr. Jonathan Senchyne is assistant professor of library and information studies and associate director of the Center for the History of Print and Digital Culture at UW-Madison. He holds a PhD in American literature and print culture from Cornell University. His previous webinar in this series was "Digital Humanities for Librarians."

Copyright, Libraries, and the Higher Ed Classroom

Course Objectives:

Get updated on the latest lawsuits, campaigns, and other copyright happenings in the higher-education classroom. We'll touch on electronic-reserves legal action, streaming video legal action, the ARL Code of Best Practices in Fair Use, MOOCs, Google Books and Hathi Trust lawsuits, open access, open textbooks, and open educational resources.

Get up and move! Why movement is part of early literacy skills development

Course Objectives:

Pitter, patter like a cat; Stomp like an elephant with feet flat! Now turn around and just like that; Sit down quietly with hands in your lap!

The ALSC early literacy initiative, "Every Child Ready to Read," presents five practices: Talking, Singing, Reading, Writing, and Playing, as strategies for helping parents understand how to develop early literacy skills in their children. We tend to feel pretty comfortable with incorporating Talking, Singing, Reading, and Writing into storytime programming; but, what about Playing? In this webinar, participants will learn about the important role moving, playing instruments, and pretending have in helping children ages 0-4 develop early literacy skills and how to incorporate those into storytime programming.

With Dr. Allison Kaplan

An Introduction to the Digital Humanities for Librarians

Course Objectives:

In recent years, the term "digital humanities" has been used to describe modes of research, collaboration, and teaching that apply or analyze computational, digital, and networked tools in humanities contexts. The collaborative, project-focused, and technologically-oriented nature of the field means that information professionals often work alongside scholar-researchers and students. Academic, special, and public libraries and librarians have played important roles in the development of "dh." This webinar will provide an introduction to the digital humanities using examples of recent projects, and focus on how librarians can contribute to or support the digital humanities through, for example, maker spaces, digital labs and learning environments, or as managers of data and providers of digital resources.

Resources: http://acrl.ala.org/dh/

No Job Seeker Left Behind: Library Services to Meet Their Needs

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Every day, libraries around the country are filled with people seeking help with jobs and careers. How do library staff find time and resources to assist them all? Learn a variety of practical ways to deliver career development services in your library from two certified ALA Career Development Facilitators. They have strategies and resources to help you cover the spectrum from a quick "on the fly" toolbox of forms and templates to ideas for one-time classes, workshop series, and even one-on-one personalized career sessions for patrons. You really can support those job-seekers!

Beyond Book Sales: Practical Ideas fro Raising Funds for Your Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

It's time to take a fresh look at ideas for raising funds for your library. Although book sales have been a standard library fundraiser, they take a lot of time and effort, with dwindling returns on investment in recent years. Whether considering new types of events or tried-and-true activities, you'll learn the "12 Must-Know Facts About Fundraising." Find out how to assess your library's capacity for fundraising, enlist the right volunteers, engage the community, and create a sustainable plan to boost your library's bottom line and raise visibility. With this strong foundation, libraries of any size can move into new directions to grow support for their libraries.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.

Beyond Book Groups: Fun Library Programs for Adult Readers

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Think outside the book group! Libraries are re-engaging with adult readers and sharing books with them in innovative new ways and in unconventional places. From pop-up programming on planes, trains and ferries, to Books on Tap, a literary sport over local brews, jump into the programming sandbox to explore creative ideas for reaching new adult audiences and delighting the bibliophiles in your own community

Workforce Literacy: Supporting Job Seekers in Your Community

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

As job seekers of all kinds continue to come to the library for resources and support, libraries continue to find new ways to respond to this essential community need. Workforce literacy impacts a variety of patrons, including ex-offenders reentering the workforce, small businesses looking to grow, young first time job seekers, military personnel and veterans, and older adults seeking new skills to stay in the workforce. Work SC brings a comprehensive, yet accessible, set of tools to South Carolina residents through the State Library, and Jason played no small part in making it happen. Find out how your library, large or small, can adapt these service models and partnerships to provide the resources and support your local community needs to thrive in today's workforce.

The Community Connector: Referring Social Services at the Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Every day, patrons enter libraries around the country with questions about health, housing, employment, counseling and other essential human services. And libraries are there to make these crucial connections for them. Many libraries are now exploring ways to expand their role as connector to community social services through resources such as webpages, mobile apps, and databases. These services might refer somebody to a free meal, legal assistance, support groups, and much more. Join us to hear examples of how referral services and resources have augmented the social services connections that contribute to community vitality.

12 Ways to More Effective Marketing

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this content.

Marketing in libraries is often an afterthought rather than a priority embedded in planning. But times are changing! Community members now have more choices for books, information, entertainment and assistance. Don't let your library become invisible due to perceived lack of time, money or marketing savvy. Jamie will help you think differently to achieve the basics of effective marketing without a ton of money or staff. From promotional videos to eye-catching emails, you'll learn about marketing techniques and tools available to even the smallest of libraries. Discover simple ways to gain attention and increase attendance.

Evaluating Your Project Plan

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

This is Part 2 of a two-part webinar produced by the Coalition to Advance Learning in Archives, Libraries, and Museums.

Join your colleagues from archives, libraries and museums for a two-part, interactive learning webinar that will introduce the fundamentals of project management: planning a project. All of our fields struggle with unstable budgets and dynamic technology, so learning to think and act in terms of projects is critical-it can be the difference between turning an idea into a successful, resourced initiative or not. Led by representatives from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the webinars will focus on the key elements of a project plan: the idea, the audiences, funding options, a work plan, an evaluation, and more. We will also discuss how to critically examine your project ideas, asking, Is it fundable? Valuable? Sustainable? And if not, what could you do differently? While learning these fundamentals, you will also benefit from the insights and experiences shared by your fellow participants from across archives, library, and museum institutions.

In this highly interactive second session, we will use sample project ideas and case studies to look at how we can assess the strength of a project plan before it is implemented. We will also discuss other project management resources and where to learn more about the topic.

Key Elements of a Project Plan

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

This is Part 1 of a two-part webinar produced by the Coalition to Advance Learning in Archives, Libraries, and Museums. To register for both parts, go to the 'Register to Attend' button at right.

See also, Part 2: Evaluating Your Project Plan.

Join your colleagues from archives, libraries and museums for a two-part, interactive learning webinar that will introduce the fundamentals of project management: planning a project. All of our fields struggle with unstable budgets and dynamic technology, so learning to think and act in terms of projects is critical-it can be the difference between turning an idea into a successful, resourced initiative or not. Led by representatives from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the webinars will focus on the key elements of a project plan: the idea, the audiences, funding options, a work plan, an evaluation, and more. We will also discuss how to critically examine your project ideas, asking, Is it fundable? Valuable? Sustainable? And if not, what could you do differently? While learning these fundamentals, you will also benefit from the insights and experiences shared by your fellow participants from across archives, library, and museum institutions.

This session will describe how careful planning leads to more successful projects. We will cover how to develop an idea, define your audience, look at funding options, do an environmental scan, assess your resource capacity and needs, and develop a project scope and schedule for implementation. Attendees will be invited to use the two weeks between webinars to outline a project idea based on these key principles. Submitted project plans will be reviewed by webinar moderators with individual feedback provided for each submission.

Summer Reading Programs for Adults

Course Objectives:

If you're not planning to offer an Adult Summer Reading Program, WHY NOT? Adults are people, too, and having a Summer Reading Program is a great way to show them your library cares. Did you know participants in Adult Summer Reading Programs:

Have families who also participate? Are looking for ways to stay active and involved? Become library advocates? VOTE for Library funding?

Now that you know why you should have a program, join Santa Clara City Library Librarian, Morgan Pershing and Simi Valley Public Library Director, Heather Cousin, as they share the nuts and bolts of creating a successful Adult Summer Reading Program at your library. During the webinar, Morgan and Heather will discuss:

How to start a program for first timers, including how to encourage your administrators and fellow staff to support your effort How to enhance your existing program How to develop affordable programming How to target adults

This webinar will be of interest to Adult Services Librarians and anyone curious about Adult Summer Reading Programs.

Seeing the Big Picture

  • Link: Seeing the Big Picture
  • Topic: Management - Interpersonal Skills
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

They say that there are two types of people -the 'big picture people' and the 'details people.' But what if your role requires you to be both? Whatever your natural comfort zone, big picture thinking can also be a learned skill, if you wish to develop it.

Is your daily to-do list so long that you never have time to think about the future? Do your meetings fail to resolve issues or reach decisions because you get bogged down in arguments about the details? Despite planning your work with great care, are you often caught off guard by 'out of the blue' setbacks? Do you sail through editing or tweaking other people's plans but struggle to come up with new ideas of your own? Do you have trouble getting the powers that be to support your suggestions?

If so, it may be time to tune up your big picture thinking. Even if you are highly effective at your own tasks, if you don't see the larger context in which you and your library operate, you could be missing out on greater job satisfaction, improved work relationships, and better career prospects.

In this lively webinar, we will explore ways to see and apply the big picture in your daily work. Our focus will be on practical skills for extending and enhancing your perspective to achieve better results. Topics will include how to

Ask the key questions that help to uncover the big picture, Connect the dots between specific actions and overall policies and strategies, Identify and focus on the highest value work activities, Assess risks and avoid unpleasant surprises, Reach closure while honoring the values of multiple stakeholders, Articulate the 'why' behind important recommendations or decisions, and Overcome habits that get in the way of big picture thinking.

If you are a member of the library community, especially if you aspire to advance in your career, this webinar will help you to improve your effectiveness, increase your value to your organization, and make more productive use of your time. Content will be of interest to library staff at all levels, as well as library friends, trustees, and commissioners.

Pop-Up Storytimes

  • Link: Pop-Up Storytimes
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Are you looking for:

Quick and easy outreach opportunities? Ways to expand your storytime portfolio? Ideas to increase strategic partnerships with businesses, corporations, and non-profits?

Then look no further than Pop-Up Storytimes. The most popular program in the library is still storytime. What about taking a time-honored program on the road. Instead of having storytime in the library, you could have it at a bank, a toy store, or a car dealership.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to identify at least three locations outside the library to perform a storytime. Be able to approach local businesses/corporations and non-profits about Pop-Up Storytimes via email, phone, or in person. Be able to advertise the program using at least two forms of marketing and social media avenues. Learn how to use Pop-Up Storytime as a 'gateway' to more strategic community partnerships.

This webinar will be of interest to public library staff that offer services to children and youth, involved with outreach and extension services.

Engaging the Volunteer of the Future

Course Objectives:

The age of one-size fits all volunteer engagement is coming to an end. This webinar will start with a review of some of the things that we know about what volunteers are looking for in an opportunity. It will then help you use this information to start designing volunteer opportunities and determining who is the 'right' volunteer for your program.

What You'll Learn:

The trends that are influencing volunteer engagement and what that means for your program. How to create volunteer opportunities that match what volunteers are looking for now. How to take advantage of "word of mouth" recruitment by understanding what types of volunteers are right for your program. The role that social media can play in engaging the volunteer of the future.

DPLA 1 - Planning for Digitization

Course Objectives:

This is the first module in the Public Library Partnerships Project curriculum, given by Jennifer Birnel, Director of the Montana Memory Project.

It covers: -advantages of digitization for your institution -value of digitization partnerships -tips for project planning

The Public Library Partnerships Project curriculum is intended for cultural heritage professionals who are new to digitization. It was designed to provide useful conceptual and practical information about each stage of the process to a beginner audience.

DPLA 2 - Selecting Content for a Digitization Project

Course Objectives:

This is the second module in the Public Library Partnerships Project curriculum, given by Carla Urban from Minnesota Digital Library.

It covers: -project scope -uniqueness -physical format and quality -subject matter -previously processed or cataloged materials

DPLA 3 - Understanding Copyright

Course Objectives:

This is the third module in the Public Library Partnerships Project curriculum, given by Franky Abbott from Digital Public Library of America.

It covers: -how to identify content in the public domain -how to identify content under copyright and pursue permissions -orphan works -fair use -understanding risk -rights and access statements

DPLA 4 - Using Metadata to Describe Digital Content

Course Objectives:

This is the fourth module in the Public Library Partnerships Project curriculum, given by Greer Martin, Digital Public Library metadata librarian and archivist at the Digital Library of Georgia, and Anna Neatrour, metadata librarian at University of Utah and former metadata librarian at the Mountain West Digital Library.

It covers: -why metadata is important -basic metadata fields -using controlled vocabularies -using spreadsheets for metadata

DPLA 5 - Digital Reformatting and File Management

Course Objectives:

This is the fifth module in the Public Library Partnerships Project curriculum, given by Sandra McIntyre, Director of the Mountain West Digital Library and prepared by Sheila McAlister, Director of the Digital Library of Georgia.

It covers: -scanning and conversion -file naming -file storage -master and access files -working with partners and vendors

DPLA 6 - Promoting Use of Your Digital Content

Course Objectives:

This is the sixth module in the Public Library Partnerships Project curriculum, given by Anna Fahey-Flynn from the Boston Public Library and Digital Commonwealth.

It covers: -identifying audiences -media outreach -social media strategies -curated projects -measuring use

Growing Through Conflict: Healthy Workplace Communication

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

We are all so busy! Who has time to deal with conflicts? When conflict occurs, and we are confronted with a colleague, library patron, supervisor, or board member who is frustrated and upset, it can be tempting to identify a quick fix. However, when we do take the time to practice clear communication to uncover what people really need, we can get to better outcomes. Healthy communication involves:

Actions that show you are really listening Communication with people who are angry or upset in a way that their needs can be addressed and resolved Knowing your own emotions and needs, and effective ways to express them

Practicing healthy communication skills will boost your self-confidence and contribute to a happier workplace

Best Small Library in America 2015: Belgrade Community Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a free WebJunction learner account to access this archive.

With just six staff members serving a community of 12,700 outside of Bozeman, MT, the Belgrade Community Library won this year's Library Journal Best Small Library in America Award. This award, cosponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was created in 2005 to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of libraries serving populations under 25,000. What is Belgrade's secret award-winning sauce? With a robust volunteer base, they have reimagined library services and aggressively developed new outreach efforts to meet the community's changing needs. The result is intense engagement and support from the community and an impact beyond Belgrade's borders through leadership to small libraries throughout the state. Learn how to replicate and adapt Belgrade's ambitious outreach efforts on a small-library budget.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries and Library Journal, and will include an overview of the nomination process and details for next year's award (Deadline: September 9).

Because Advocacy Never Stops: New Tools for Taking Action

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a free WebJunction learner account to access this archive.

This webinar will highlight free, newly revised downloadable materials for public libraries distilled from landmark advocacy and awareness-building programs. Learn about two resources scheduled for release in summer 2015: updated curriculum from Turning the Page including tools, worksheets and training materials you can adapt locally to grow your team's advocacy knowledge and abilities; and a new online guide that walks through each step of planning and carrying out a local library awareness campaign modeled after Geek the Library. Hear from library leaders who have put these ideas to work to build advocacy know-how, increase staff confidence, and engage more deeply with the community. Whether you are looking to get started, or seeking to maintain momentum following a recent advocacy effort, join us to discuss strategies to take your library to the next level.

Crafting a Successful Adult Education Program for Small, Rural and/or Part-time Libraries

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a free WebJunction learner account to access this archive.

No matter how small a community you serve, your library can provide vital, successful adult education opportunities for patrons who lack a GED, or other high school equivalency. When the Shreve Memorial Library (LA) decided that its small, rural part-time branches should be equipped to serve patrons with the same level of instruction and resources offered in the full-time branches, the first ever Rural Adult Education Program was born. Join us to hear how the library's Adult Education Coordinator devised workable, affordable and manageable strategies to launch the program in small libraries; learn about solutions and alternatives that can be adapted to any budget, workforce, workspace and public need.

This session was presented as a preconference at Association for Rural and Small Libraries 2014 and has been adapted to fit within a 90 minute webinar.

Science Cafe: STEM Learning- A Lifelong, Life Wide View/ The Aspen Report: Rising to the Challenge- Re-Envisioning Libraries

Course Objectives:

Enjoy a science cafe presented to the Cornerstones of Science Board on October 2, 2015. Cindy Randall, Executive Director of Maine-based Cornerstones of Science, introduces Dr. John Falk, Oregon State University, presents his research on the benefits of informal STEM learning and Susan Hildreth, Executive Director of the Peninsula Library System, Pacific Library Partnership and Califa, talks about the recent Aspen Institute Report: Rising to the Challenge- Re-Envisioning Libraries.

Tailoring Communications to Different Audiences

Course Objectives:

This webinar focuses on the importance of communication for technical services librarians and staff. In a single day, we may find ourselves negotiating with vendors, requesting or providing tech support, explaining new purchases to public services staff, defending budget requests to administration, and advertising new services to patrons. Each of these situations involves a different kind of communication. We will begin by identifying all the people we might need to communicate with, and the reasons for communication. With these various audiences and goals in mind, we will look at tips and tricks for effectively communicating in different scenarios.

This webinar was originally presented on February 23, 2015.

Can I Copyright My Data?

  • Link: Can I Copyright My Data?
  • Topic: Organization of Materials
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

As if copyright and current publishing models aren't confusing enough, sharing datasets makes it even more complex. Join our presenters who will

discuss the history of copyright, the purpose of intellectual property laws and policies, and where datasets fit in to the story define research data and describe the current landscape of data sharing in the US

Attendees will learn about issues of data ownership and the role that librarians can play in educating and promoting clear workflows for faculty.

This webinar was originally presented on December 3, 2014. Learning Outcomes

Outline the current landscape of data sharing and intellectual property ownership. Clear picture of how copyright applies to data.

Who Should Attend

technical services librarians academic librarians institutional repository librarians e-resources librarians copyright/scholarly communications librarians data management librarians

Creating Holistic User Experiences

  • Link: Creating Holistic User Experiences
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Customer Service
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Have you ever considered what it's like to:

take a bus on a rainy day to a library to start to hunt for a job? plan for your daughter's college education when you don't have a college education? organize your reservations so the right books are available at the right time for your vacation?

These are examples of real world situations that people undertake. We all try hard to deliver solutions for tasks we are familiar with but we often only consider a small slice of these users huge real-life experiences.

User experience is about seeing the world from another person's perspective and considering how to support their needs. It is also about how we look at the services and tools we provide and how through understanding our users need, we can make them more relevant and engaging. A user-centered focus makes it possible to create welcoming, supportive and efficient experiences that hide the seams of technologies, teams, and spaces.

This session will introduce you to the value of approaching the design of your services and systems from a user-centered approach and how you can apply observation methods to learn about your users and apply insights. Applying user experience techniques to enhance experience does not need to be expensive but it does require putting the people you serve in the center of system and design thinking.

This webinar was originally presented on October 29, 2014. Learning Outcomes This webinar will provide:

an introduction to what needs to be considered in creating people experiences for libraries an overview of methods and approaches that will provide insights on the people you serve, and how to convert insight into action a list of resources for learning more about designing people experiences

Who Should Attend This session will appeal to librarians in all types and sizes of libraries who are involved in creating and providing library services, whether related to technology, the environment, or services to the public.

Using Excel to Help Cut Budgets

  • Link: Using Excel to Help Cut Budgets
  • Topic: Management - Budget & Finance
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

In this session, the presenter will show ways to use Excel spreadsheet functions and features to compile, organize, and evaluate data for many purposes, not the least of which is planning with a reduced budget. Content covered will include Excel and other spreadsheets, usage data, and data downloaded from an integrated library system.

Originally presented on Wednesday, September 10, 2014. Learning Outcomes

Attendees will learn ways to use Excel to compile, organize, and evaluate data for collection development planning in a reduced budget environment. Who Should Attend Collection development and collection management librarians and support staff for collection management units.

Data Visualization for the Rest of Us: A Beginner's Guide

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this archive.

You don't have to be a graphic designer to present your library statistics in a way that effectively communicates value. Learn quick and easy tips for visually displaying statistics that will enable you to tell a powerful story about your library, whether your data visualization aspirations consist of adding a few Excel charts to a board report or designing a complex infographic for your website.

Presented by: Linda Hofschire, Research Analyst, Library Research Service, Colorado State Library

This is an encore presentation from the 2015 Association for Rural & Small Libraries conference.

Go Out & Play: Community Engagement through 'Turning Outward'

Course Objectives:

All communities have challenges. Libraries can help conquer them given the right tools. Learn how Columbus (Wis.) Public Library, Red Hook (N.Y.) Public Library, and Spokane County (Wash.) Library District are bringing residents, local organizations and city leaders together to tackle a variety of issues using the turning outward approach.

Created by The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, the step-by-step turning outward process is being used by libraries and nonprofits across the country to engage communities and help bring about positive change. Learn how you can facilitate more effective community conversations, build stronger partnerships and take more effective action on the issues that the community views as most important. In this 60-minute introduction, representatives of Columbus Public Library, Red Hook Public Library, and Spokane County Library District will share how they are using the free turning outward tools to be intentional with resources, realign day-to-day library operations, and succeed in community relationships outside of the building. This webinar is offered as part of ALA's Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) initiative.

Facing Challenges as a First Time Manager

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Management > First Time Manager

High expectations are often placed on first-time managers. Along with these expectations comes the pressure to succeed and the need to prove you belong in a management position. Establishing credibility early and building new working relationships can go a long way in helping a first-time manager succeed in adjusting to his or her new responsibilities. This course describes ways to establish credibility and manage former colleagues effectively. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Leading Your Team through Change

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Leadership > Leadership Essentials > Leveraging Leadership Techniques

'To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.' This is a quote by Henri Bergson, a nineteenth century French philosopher. Since the nineteenth century, the pace of change in all aspects of our lives has become faster and faster and responding to change well is a necessity in today's competitive business environment. Leaders and managers, regardless of industry or organization, require a clear understanding of how important organizational change is in order to propel their organizations forward. This course outlines what is meant by change, as well as the importance and benefits of implementing change within an organization. It also details the three different types of organizational change: strategic adjustments, strategic reorientation, and transformational change. Finally, this course covers different practical approaches for managing organizational change, taking into account factors such as the time allotted for the change, the expected degree of change, and the potential resistance to change within the organization. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.

Facing and Resolving Conflict in the Workplace

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Difficult Communications > Dealing with Workplace Conflict

Aggressive people are arguably the most difficult type of people to work with. Hostile-aggressives are openly pushy and can easily intimidate people; passive-aggressives work behind the scenes with hidden agendas. No matter which type of aggressive behavior you have to deal with, aggressive co-workers can easily ruin your day or ruin a project with their behavior. In order to limit the negative impact aggressive people can have, you need a set of tools and techniques at your disposal suited to the particular type of aggressive person you may be dealing with. This course will review the more common behaviors of hostile-aggressive and passive-aggressive people and provide some effective strategies you can use in coping with an aggressor's behavior.

Writing for Business

  • Link: Writing for Business
  • Topic: Management - Interpersonal Skills
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Skillsoft
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Written Communication

People who have no problem communicating clearly when they speak sometimes struggle to make themselves understood when they write. That's because the ability to write clearly and concisely is a skill that requires effort to master. Acquiring this skill gives you the tools to create effective business documents for readers who lack the time or the patience to search for essential information buried in long, rambling e-mails or reports. Writing clearly also entails organizing content logically and appropriately for the subject and reader. Clear and concise sentences get you part of the way. But you need to organize these into coherent paragraphs that convey the relevant information in the most effective way. This course describes ways to make your writing more clear. Specifically, it covers the importance of using short, familiar words, appropriate connotations, concrete and specific language, and transitional words and phrases. The course also discusses ways to be more concise and explains some best practices for organizing content logically and appropriately.

Creating a Culture of Yes at Your Library and in Your Community

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this content.

The immortal Kurt Vonnegut said, "The America I love still exists at the front desks of our public libraries." In this webinar, you can discover at least three ways to shift your library from good enough to unexpectedly amazing, and to take your community's image of the public library to new heights. Locate your library's first impressions, displays, customer service, policies and more on the "Yes-O-Meter" and understand how to move from "No" or "Yes, but..." to a powerful culture of "Yes, and!" The insights you gain for shifting your library culture will invigorate the relationships between your staff and with your community.

Finding and Training Volunteer Technology Instructors

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Small libraries are often challenged to find the staff, skills, or time needed to meet growing community needs and demands for digital literacy training. Volunteers can help you meet these needs! Learn strategies from two successful statewide projects eager to share tools and curricula to help get volunteers ready for technology training in your small or rural library. California's Get Involved: Powered by Your Library provides libraries with tools to recruit, train and retain skilled volunteers. And Guiding Ohio Online has created curricula for volunteers to deliver digital literacy training through computer classes and one-on-one computer assistance in libraries of all sizes. Project staff will share their expertise and experience to help you build the program that is right for your community.

Family Literacy at a Food Pantry

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

The Cazenovia Public Library is connecting the dots between early literacy, the local food pantry and family well-being, and they're doing it all on a small budget. Starting with an Early Literacy project at the CazCares food pantry, library outreach coordinators began to build more in-depth relationships with the food pantry's clients. Their interactions led to unexpected positive outcomes:

adults obtaining their high school equivalency through the library tutoring program; school age children participating in an interactive summer learning program and book club; and the food pantry becoming the site for ESL classes, Dolly Parton Imagination Library sign ups and health literacy initiatives.

Find out how this innovative library team supplemented their small budget with donations and volunteers to make Family Literacy work for the community.

Beyond the Survey: a practical approach to interviews and focus groups

Course Objectives:

Presenters: Stephanie Gerding and Brenda Hough ​

Do you want a more in-depth understanding of the true needs of your community? Are you interested in learning easy ways to get valuable input and advice from your staff or public by conducting focus groups and interviews? Would like to learn how to communicate the library story using meaningful examples to make your case and get results?

During this one-hour webinar, you will learn the four steps involved in focus groups and interviews. You'll discover how to clearly define the goal or purpose, how to select participants, and how to successfully conduct the focus group or interviews. We'll also discuss how to analyze and synthesize the data to create valuable results that you can package and deliver in meaningful and useful ways.

We will show you how to be successful whether conducting interviews and focus groups in-person or online. If you are planning training for your staff, working on a strategic plan, gathering expert knowledge to solve a problem, or gathering stories to influence politicians and decision-makers, this is the webinar for you!

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:

Recognize when to conduct focus groups or interviews. Incorporate tips and best practices for planning and conducting successful focus groups and interviews. Analyze and present the data from focus groups and interviews.

This webinar will be of interest to any library staff interested in using focus groups or interviews for the purposes of strategic planning, evaluation, needs assessments, gathering staff input, advocacy, or change management.

Digital Badging in the Library Community

Course Objectives:

What in the world are digital badges and why should you care? Remember those end-of-workshop paper certificates that validated your attendance? Where are they now? Want to know how you can use technology to create a virtual record of achievement?

Even in today's online world, the validation of professional growth is still critical, however small, online badges have now replaced those big, paper records in many cases. Your library can also give out badges to add validity to the programs you offer, and your staff can collect their own to demonstrate professional development and achievement.

Digital badging isn't hard and it's not expensive. Join Catherine Hakala-Ausperk to learn how to make digital badges work for you and your library community!

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be aware of at least three different ways that issuing digital badges can enhance library training and programming. Be able to design and create a branded badge template. Understand the four main steps in creating and sending individualized, digital badges.

This webinar will be of interest to all public library staff interested in learning how to create and use digital badging with their library's training and programming.

Libraries That Lend 'Things'

Course Objectives:

If your library can lend books, why not:

Telescopes and microscopes? Synthesizers or spinning wheels? Or even replica dinosaur bones?

A chief strength of libraries is making knowledge accessible through the lending of physical objects. Join us for an interactive discussion on building a circulating collection of objects for your library. Together we will explore how to select the tools needed by your community. We will also examine how partnerships with local organizations and events can help raise awareness of your tools collection.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Identify a starting point for developing a circulating tools collection. Define community needs and potential partners. Recognize ways to promote user interaction with your new collection through local and library events.

This webinar will be of interest to staff at any type of library with an interest in developing object lending collections.

Born Reading: Bringing Up Bookworms in a Digital Age

Course Objectives:

Looking for ways to show users how to share books and apps more effectively with young readers? Need ways to help users prepare their children for Common Core English Language Arts standards? Want ideas to help users apply engaging reading techniques across books, apps, movies and other media?

Author Jason Boog explores a set of interactive reading techniques that can help parents and caregivers to increase a child's intellectual development. These techniques make any media experience more engaging, especially traditionally passive activities like TV watching or digital device usage.

This webinar will also show how these techniques prepare young readers for the new Common Core standards.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Learn 5 interactive reading techniques and apply the technique to one particular kind of media: a children's book, audiobook, app, TV show or movie. Learn 5 key Common Core English Language Arts standards for kindergarten and first grade students. Using 2 exemplary Common Core texts, connect interactive reading techniques to relevant skills within the Common Core English Language Arts requirements. Learn how to share 5 interactive reading techniques with parents and caregivers, connecting these skills to Common Core requirements. Define 'informational' reading with one book and one app, applying interactive reading techniques to this key section of the Common Core requirements.

This webinar will be of interest to public and school library staff that offer services to toddlers and children and those involved with outreach and extension services.

Promoting Creativity in Childhood - Moving from Why? to How?

Course Objectives:

Looking for ways to incorporate creative learning into the programming at your library?

Erica Fortescue, Associate Director of the Center for Childhood Creativity, will present the case for creativity and innovation as core skills for future success. She will share highlights from the newest research on creative thinking from a variety of fields including neuroscience, psychology, sociology, and education.

This webinar will also show how these techniques prepare young readers for the new Common Core standards.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Have a new collection of activities and resources to use in designing creative library programs Learn to support kids' creative development by being: child-directed, risk-friendly, emotionally attuned, active, time-flexible, and exploratory Be able to meaningfully connect their practices to relevant research findings

This webinar is meant for library educators, and other library staff who offer services to children, seeking practical tips for promoting the next generation of creative innovators.

Participants are also encouraged to read the newest white paper (link is external) from the Center for Childhood Creativity.

Successful Programming for Babies and Toddlers

Course Objectives:

Are you seeking ways to energize your baby and toddler programs? Do you want to improve your knowledge of early literacy skills and practices? Are you searching for programs that will keep families coming back?

Join us for an interactive discussion on programming for the youngest patrons. Learn how to create exceptional, early literacy rich programs for this demographic that will have caregivers lining up to participate.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Have new ideas to incorporate immediately into existing, or potential, baby and toddler programs. Understand the value of high interest, unique programs for babies and toddlers. Be able to identify ways to incorporate at least one of the Every Child Ready to Read 2 practices (Read, Talk, Sing, Play, Write) in programs for babies and toddlers.

This webinar will be of interest to public library staff providing storytimes and early literacy programs, and those involved in the Early Learning with Families (ELF) 2.0 project.

Using Social Media for Reader's Advisory

Course Objectives:

Are you always looking for ways to push good reading to patrons? Readers' advisory is a growing field and technology and social media developments have spurred even more growth. Social media offers creative opportunities and unusual challenges regarding engagement with readers in a virtual world.

In this webinar you will learn how to use various popular social media platforms to promote books and reading. Kaite Stover will also help you understand the importance of having a Library Social Media Policy in place. Be prepared to participate and generate ideas for sharing books, reading programs, and social media promotions.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand the differences and challenges in using at least three social media platforms for Readers' Advisory. Understand the importance of a Social Media Policy for Libraries and have examples for creating one. Understand how to use different social media platforms for different types of readers' advisory. Have short lists of ideas for promoting readers' advisory via social media (includes participant brainstorming).

This webinar will be of interest to public library customer services and readers' advisory staff; marketing, publicity or promotions staff.

Engaging Your Community in Sustainable Funding

Course Objectives:

Libraries face critical challenges in the 21st century. Over the last 2 decades, the rapid pace of technological change has caused many people to question the relevance and need for libraries. How can libraries address this perception? Libraries must continue to assess the needs of their communities and develop services and programs to meet those needs. Libraries must actively engage in dialog with their communities about the library's role. And, libraries need to tell compelling stories and back those stories up with solid data. Libraries must make a major culture shift and become more purposeful in gathering, analyzing, and using data for decision making, strategic planning, and to prove library impact.

Join Susan Preece, Director of the Topsham (ME)Public Library, for a presentation on the why, what and how of using data to tell your library's story. Susan has been engaged in some interesting community outreach around funding the library of the 21st century and will share what she's been doing and some of the results.

Serving Library Users on the Autism Spectrum

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

Whether you knew it at the time or not, you have likely interacted with or assisted a library user with autism, as it is the fastest growing disability according to Autism Speaks, a national autism advocacy organization. A new online course, designed by experts in both the library and autism fields, is a series of four independent, self-paced instructional modules that are intended for librarians and library staff to learn how to better serve their users with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Funded by the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program and led by faculty at two schools within the College of Communication & Information, Project PALS developed four research-based, professional development modules that are freely available. Hosted in the WebJunction Course Catalog, now all libraries have access to this robust and informative course.

The modules are:

About Autism in the Library provides information about ASD and why understanding it is important for librarians and library staff. Arranging the Library Environment explores the importance of the library environment and how, by understanding and organizing the environment, you can support patrons with autism. Communicating with Individuals with Autism suggests options to facilitate information exchange, as individuals with ASD often do not have the appropriate tools to communicate. Interacting with Technology explores how libraries can enhance the social and vocational independence of individuals with ASD by harnessing the power of technology.

Research-based checklists, examples of materials, tip sheets, lists, templates, and additional resources are included throughout the course to assist you to implement best practices in your unique library setting. Access this new course today: Serving Library Users on the Autism Spectrum: Project PALS

Explore and Discover: Nature-Based Spaces and Activities at your Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction Learning account to access this course.

When children have regular contact with nature, they learn and grow better. Children who play, build, climb, grow, splash and read are developing their observation, visual-spatial, social, and literacy skills. Nature Explorium, a nature-based program at Middle Country Public Library (NY), encourages children to explore, discover and connect with nature. Learn about best practices and resources that you can use at your library to create outdoor spaces, along with indoor and outdoor nature activities. It's a unique way to connect literacy, learning and appreciation for nature as a regular part of the library visit.

Presented by: Tracy LaStella, Coordinator for Youth Services, Middle Country Public Library, NY, and 2015 Library Journal Mover & Shaker.

Encouraging Team Communication and Collaboration

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course.

Follow the path below to find the course. Library > Business Skills > Leadership > Leading teams > Leveraging team leadership skills

Regardless of how talented the individual members of your team are, they can only get your team so far alone. To maximize their potential, teams rely on the participation, input, and opinions of all team members. Learning to speak up and encouraging others to open up are important to a team's success. Effective communication is the fuel that will keep your team going to the finish line. In this course, you'll learn the importance of fostering a team environment that encourages open and supportive communication. You will learn to recognize common verbal barriers that can seriously interfere with team productivity and learn strategies for eliminating those barriers. This course also covers active listening and presents techniques for listening more effectively to teammates, thereby encouraging the sharing of ideas within the team.

Community Engagement: Serving Diverse Communities Where They Are

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a free WebJunction learner account to access this webinar.

In this interactive session, we will explore what it means to provide inclusive outreach to and engagement with members of your local community. How do you identify the needs of the diverse communities your library is serving? What are effective approaches for community engagement, and how do you apply what you learn along the way to improve your practice? Come prepared with a challenge or opportunity from your own community that you would like to workshop with your peers during the webinar. You will also leave with a framework and action plan for cultivating partnerships for successful community engagement.

Reaching Out: Fighting back against a bad public image

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a free WebJunction learner account to access this webinar.

A webinar presented as part of the Big Talk from Small Libraries online conference, hosted by the Nebraska Library Commission.

Join me as I talk you through some of the ways that we have begun to fight back and work hard to bring the community back to a library it once loved through programs, interactive library board meetings, welcome packets and even a community garden with a club and classes.

Presented by: Natalie Bazan, Director, Hopkins District and Dorr Township Libraries, TN (Pop Served: 7400)

Introduction to Fundraising Planning

Course Objectives:

Does your organization need help directing its fundraising efforts? Planning focuses your organization by setting fundraising priorities and helps give staff and board members a roadmap to success.

This introductory class will provide you the basic steps for developing a fundraising plan, including tips on:

Making your case for support Diversifying your organization's fundraising base Creating a plan of action

We recommend viewing Introduction to Finding Grants prior to watching this recording.

This brief recording captures the key concepts of the course. For more expansive discussion of the topic, we suggest attending a live webinar or in-person session. Note the recording is captioned for individuals with hearing impairments.

Your Board and Fundraising

Course Objectives:

The purpose of this webinar is to think systematically through the process of getting your board involved with fundraising. This process involves some key elements:

Understanding the role of your board How to overcome board member concerns regarding fundraising Ways the board can participate in the fundraising process Tips for strengthening your fundraising board

Nonprofit 911: The 7 Steps to a Stellar Fundraising Plan

Course Objectives:

Get ready to kick start your 2016 fundraising! Now is the perfect time to set a plan in place to meet your biggest goals. Learn from fundraising experts, Caryn Stein and Heather Yandow, and discover why your organization needs a fundraising plan and how to do it in seven easy steps. Together, we'll help you put these steps in place immediately for maximum impact this year!

In this one-hour webinar, you'll discover:

7 easy steps to a fundraising plan Real-life examples of each step Key elements to start your planning Includes a copy of 7 Easy Steps to a Fundraising Plan

Enhancing Your Library's Web Presence with WordPress

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

WordPress makes it easy for libraries of any size or budget to have a user-friendly web presence. Whether your library's website needs to be refreshed or rebuilt, this webinar will provide practical steps for creating, maintaining, and enhancing your website without technical expertise. Learn how the right WordPress template and plugins can help you provide your community with an informative and nimble website, 24/7

Let's Make This Look Good: Graphic Design for Maximum Engagement

Course Objectives:

The future is a visual place. The media is dominated by image-based sharing. Carefully designed ads and brands are constantly bombarding us. Such a visually stimulated world raises important questions about visual literacy but it also asks questions about how libraries are communicating without words. What do our materials and use of images say about us? How are we engaging our communities with intentional graphic design?

This session will begin with basic graphic design principles and apply them to various print and electronic materials with the purpose of effectively communicating messages and engaging with communities. Emphasis will be placed on the practical considerations of the design process, software choices, where to find useful materials for including in designs, and places to be inspired. Attendees will leave with many free resource suggestions and an understanding of how to use design principles to create all kinds of materials from handouts and event posters to infographics and syllabi.

What is this New Adult Fiction: A new category of literature or stepped up YA novels?

Course Objectives:

In the last few years we've witnessed a boom in Young Adult literature both in the marketing of books and its readership. YA literature includes many firsts such as: first crush, first kiss, first love, first moral dilemma. The birth of New Adult literature takes it one step further. As the YA readers age out publishers are seeing New Adult as the next, new step. But what does New Adult literature mean for editors, publishing companies and librarians? A few years ago, editors at St. Martin's Press held a contest. The results helped them to coin the term New Adult Fiction. What were they thinking when they came up with the term? And who did they think the readership would be? How did Indie authors impact the market? And where do you place these works of fiction in your collection? In this presentation we will: define New Adult Fiction and explore its history, identify books and publishers, and analyze its fast-paced success. At the end of the session, participants will: understand the significance of New Adult Fiction, identify motivated readers, and consider innovative ways to promote and integrate New Adult Fiction into their collections.

Linked Data and Libraries: An Overview

Course Objectives:

Join Robin Hastings, Director of Technology Services for Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS), as she goes over the basics of what linked data is, what the potential of linked data can be and how libraries (and other organizations) are using it right now to make information more easily accessible on the web. Learn what the Library of Congress is doing with BIBFRAME and how projects like the Open Library are making use of linked data to extend their reach and make their information reusable.

Teaching Digital Literacy with TechBoomers.com and Other Online Resources

Course Objectives:

A big part of the TechBoomers.com mission is to empower libraries and other technology training organizations by offering our free video and article tutorials to help them teach digital literacy. Libraries of all sizes find our educational content to be a great asset to build their programs around, as it saves them the time and effort of preparing training materials for websites that are constantly changing. TechBoomers.com can also be a valuable tool to encourage students to continue learning at home on their own time

To help spread the word about this, TechBoomers.com has teamed up with the Nebraska Library Commission to run a webinar that will explain all the ways libraries can leverage free resource websites like TechBoomers.com to help them teach digital literacy.

Presenter: Steve Black, Founder and CEO, TechBoomers.com.

Life After MARC: Cataloging Tools of the Future

Course Objectives:

Are you curious about the brave new world of post-MARC cataloging? Are you wondering what this BIBFRAME, Linked Data mumbo-jumbo you keep hearing about is, anyway? Attend this session to see demonstrations of a variety of tools to see how they each do their best to answer the question of what cataloging without MARC will be like, and what they can do in terms of transforming our catalogs' legacy MARC data. Tools covered will include: RDA in Many Metadata Formats (RIMMF), BIBFRAME Editors (from the Library of Congress and Zepheira), and OpenRefine.

Presenter: Emily Nimsakont, Head of Cataloging & Resource Management, Schmid Law Library, University of Nebraska College of Law.

Inspire Your Community with an Innovation Lab

Course Objectives:

Find out how a midsized county library turned a staff training area into a digital creativity space in 75 days with some money and a lot of ingenuity.

The Harford County (MD) Public Library Innovation Lab at the Abingdon Library is a digital media lab that provides sixth grade through adult community members opportunities to be creators of electronic video, audio, publishing, and 3D designs. The lab features 3 Macs, 3 PCs, 3 3D printers, and a green screen among the many pieces of equipment used to keep the lab relevant and useful. The Lab is open to the public and can be reserved for special projects. Hands-on training is offered to help maximize the use of the equipment and software. Through creative experiences in the Innovation Lab, our customers develop new skills, resources, and products that help to drive Harford County's economy forward.

Join the Project Manager and Former Lab Manager Maurice Coleman with a practical discussion about how HCPL turned an underused space into a magnet for public creativity.

Your Digital Footprint: Managing Your Online Identity

Course Objectives:

Your digital footprint is the trail left by all the things you do online, including Facebook accounts, your browsing history, your online subscriptions, any photo galleries and videos you've uploaded-essentially, anything on the Internet with your name on it. Digital natives like today's students rarely think twice about putting their names on things online, so their footprints can be pretty wide. Digital immigrants like adults and seniors learning to use the Internet don't understand what their footprints reveal about them. Join Denise Harders, Co-Director, Central Plains Library System, to learn how you can help both groups manage their Digital Footprints.

Meeting the Unique Needs of Teens

Course Objectives:

To address complaints about library atmosphere during after school hours, Columbus Public Library evaluated behavior policies, empowered library staff, and took innovative steps to meet the needs of their community. Rachelle McPhillips, Adult & Young Adult Librarian, Columbus (NE) Public Library will provide attendees with a set of tools to motivate library staff to meet the unique needs of their young adult patrons.

Library Challenge: The Amazing Library Race

Course Objectives:

The Kearney (NE) Public Schools' Elementary Librarian team developed the Library Challenge, which is used by all the Elementary Schools in the District. Stop students' eyes from glazing over with this innovative Library Challenge. Students work in teams to answer research questions faster than their classmates' teams. Learn how hands-on challenges motivate students to find answers using all the tools available in the library. Children learn by doing to integrate skills into their own lives. Learning isn't always quiet!

Purposeful Innovation: Idea Management for Libraries

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Sooner or later, all libraries need to realign or reinvent services and workflows to respond to shifting community needs, but there's often a disconnect between ideas generated by staff on the front lines and the decisions made by management. Imagine a library where all staff feel empowered to submit, vote and comment on service and workflow ideas. To reach this ideal, Sno-Isle Libraries (WA) has embraced the idea management process in order to consider and approve ideas holistically, for cost, benefit and time, and before a heavy investment of resources. Sno-Isle Libraries realized that building a collaborative, transparent framework to support workflows, change, ideas and community engagement is essential to creating a culture of purposeful innovation. During this webinar, you'll gain a clear understanding of the "what" and "why" of idea management, hear lessons learned, and leave with tools to empower staff to lead from any position by sharing their ideas.

Leaving Fort Ref: Frontiers of Embedded Librarianship

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

At the innovative Douglas County (Colo.) Libraries, librarians don't just wait for the questions to come to them. They leave the building and embed the public library in the community. Through a series of projects and experiments, the Douglas County librarians have explored a new dimension of modern reference service, one that places their expertise at points of need to respond to the questions the public didn't take to the library. By helping to define and answer questions in context, the embedded librarians add value to their community.

Presented by: Jamie LaRue, director, Colbe Galston, business librarian and Amy Long, Parker library manager, Douglas County Libraries (CO)

Taking Time to Teach Technology to Technophobes

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Do you find it difficult to spend sufficient time with patrons and their technology questions? L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has adopted a program called Tech Tuesdays that allows staff to spend more time with patron's technology questions. We offer informal walk-in hours to answer patron's questions about their personal devices, such as e-readers, tablets, laptops and smartphones. Topics include how to load e-books, apps and music onto devices and basic computer and internet search skills. We don't claim to have all the answers, but we offer the time and resources to work with patrons to solve their technology issues. This session will address branding, marketing, promotion of the program and service models seen at other public libraries such as workshops, appointments and working with partners to provide technology instruction outside of the library. We will also share our challenges, successes and the immediate response we've received from our patrons.

Presenters: Jennifer Cook and Peter Rudrud, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, WI.

NCompass Live is hosted by the Nebraska Library Commission.

Original webinar date: December 16, 2015

Pinterest for Libraries: Building Community Through Social Media

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

You've probably heard of Pinterest, but how might libraries use it? While Pinterest can be a useful tool for crafters, culinary amateurs, and fashionistas, it can also be a valuable resources for libraries and library users. Join us to learn how your library can benefit from establishing an online sharing community with Pinterest.

Come to this free webinar to learn how to develop your own library Pinterest board. Lauren Drittler, Assistant Director of the Arkansas River Valley Regional Library System, will share her experience developing their library Pinterest account which now has 61 boards and 1,600 followers. She will also share tips and best practices for how you can get started with your own library Pinterest account, or improve your existing account for better community engagement.

Presented by Lauren Drittler

Original webinar date: October 14, 2015

A Techsoup webinar

Incubate Creativity at Your Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a free WebJunction learner account to access this webinar.

The Library as Incubator Project (LAIP) promotes the library as a place to connect and create. LAIP has networked with hundreds of libraries who are working with their communities to incubate and inspire creative projects. They have talked with scores of artists, writers, makers, performers, and other creatives about how they use their libraries and how their libraries can serve them even better. In this webinar, LAIP shares program and project ideas, resources and case studies to turn your library into a creativity incubator. Take the workable, scalable programming and resource framework from LAIP and become a hub for supporting creatives of all types and skill levels in your community.

Make, Do, Share: Build a STEM Learning Community

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a free WebJunction learner account to access this webinar.

Youth in grades K-12 spend an astounding 81% of their time in informal learning environments outside of school. Libraries are a locus of informal learning. As the number of STEM related careers continues to multiply, libraries can play a key role in fostering the interest and excitement for STEM learning that may be missing in schools. Through the generous support of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Kitsap Regional Library System (KRL) has developed a ready-to-use system that empowers libraries of all sizes to become community STEM leaders. If you feel like an "accidental STEM librarian" and are wondering how to get started, staff at this semi-rural library system will share fresh ideas and hands-on, practical advice for planning and implementing impactful programs. Learn how to take the lead with informal learning for youth and families in your community.

Digital Skills for Older Adults: Teaching Technology in Public Libraries

Course Objectives:

Does your library offer technology assistance to older adults? Do you teach computer classes for seniors? Are patrons bringing in tablets and other devices that have been given to them by grandchildren? Recent research from the Pew Institute shows that only 59% of older adults go online. New technologies can be difficult to learn, and older adults may not understand the benefits of using technology. But libraries can help older adults adopt technology in meaningful ways for communication, lifelong learning, and entertainment.

Join us for this free webinar to learn how your library can help older adults learn to use new technologies. You will hear from the St. Mary's County Library (Maryland), which is providing older adults with effective training and technology assistance. This library will share examples of successful programming, as well as tips for working with older adults. You will also learn about TechBoomers, a free website that offers technology training tutorials developed specifically for older adults. Come hear examples of how this site is being used by libraries to supplement programs and services, and to help increase staff's confidence in being able to help patrons

Flip the Script: Changing the Direction of the Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

A webinar presented as part of the Big Talk from Small Libraries online conference, hosted by the Nebraska Library Commission.

Learn how the rural library dramatically changed focus in the last 5 years' from book depository to community hub, and how they've turned outward to build relationships and try new ideas. Being at the fortunate point in time that the library was running out of money and volunteers, with no tax dollar support, created freedom to experiment without fear of failure. Successful leaders need to paint a compelling and inspiring picture of what that future will look like. This requires developing your own clear vision of where you want to go and providing meaningful guidance regarding how to move forward.

Aspen Institute's Rising to the Challenge: Re-envisioning Public Libraries

Course Objectives:

In October 2014 the Aspen Institute released its report, Rising to the Challenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries (link is external). With support from the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation, the multi-year project brought together thought leaders and experts from different sectors, including libraries, to consider the challenges, opportunities and trends that will influence the future of public libraries in the United States. Since then the Aspen Institute has embarked upon an ambitious program to ensure that the report will be used to promote transformation and sustainability of public libraries in communities across the country and at state and national levels.

If you've heard about the Aspen report and would like to know how you could utilize it in your library or community, this webinar is for you. Join Susan Hildreth, Aspen Fellow, to learn about the highlights of the reports and resources available to support your use of the report with a variety of stakeholders.

By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be familiar with the three key elements of the report 'People, Place and Platform' Learn strategies for success and action steps for library staff, policy makers and community members Be familiar with the Action Guide (link is external), an online resource to provide tools to use the report as framework for many activities (final version of Action Guide being introduced at ALA Mid-Winter) Be able to identify contacts for further information and utilization of the report

This webinar will be of interest to: Public Library Administrators and staff, Library Supporters and Volunteers

Measuring Program Outcomes: A Toolkit for Small Libraries

Course Objectives:

This free webinar will provide an overview of outcome measurement from Project Outcome, a new program from the Public Library Association that provides simple tools so libraries can measure programs across seven common service areas. This webinar is specifically aimed toward small and rural libraries interested in getting started with outcome measurement, but libraries of all sizes are welcome to watch.

The Road to the Best Small Library Award: How Our Small Library Planned this Incredible Journey

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

A webinar presented as part of the Big Talk from Small Libraries online conference, hosted by the Nebraska Library Commission.

The Albert Wisner Public Library in Warwick NY has been named the 2016 Best Small Library in America by Library Journal. The award, cosponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and now in its twelfth year, honors the top libraries serving populations of 25,000 or fewer people. Library Director Rosemary Cooper will talk about the process involved in preparing their application and what they learned about their Library in the process.

Genealogy Essentials: Helping Patrons Search for Family Roots

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

The advent of the Internet liberated genealogy research. With the resulting ease of access, individual genealogy exploration has blossomed. However, many people pay for research services, not realizing that they can go to their public library for free, reliable tools and assistance. This webinar will teach library staff how to assist patrons with genealogical questions, using FamilySearch.org, a leading genealogy resource. Learn the reference skills necessary to determine a patron's research experience and reveal the problem to be solved. Learn how to orient patrons to available resources and introduce them to the principles of finding a record for a known ancestor. Become a better guide to your patron researchers and help them to connect successfully with the details and stories of their ancestry.

Transforming Your Library from Lovely to Lively

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

A webinar presented as part of the Big Talk from Small Libraries online conference, hosted by the Nebraska Library Commission.

Our lovely small town library was stagnant. And then we discovered programming! The patrons slowly started coming alive, and getting excited about the monthly schedule. We jumped on Twitter and Facebook, and the numbers starting rising rapidly. Even exponentially some months. Our programs started conservatively, with some sedate topics (conversational French, yoga, and a museum tour). Then we went BIG- how to raise backyard chickens (with a real chicken in tow), beekeeping (with hives present), craft beer (with beer tasting), ukulele night (with 50 ukuleles all at play), wine and cheese tasting, cocktail parties, murder mystery night, soap making, etc. Then community groups started coming to us for space. It seems the busier we got, the more our schedule expanded. I will present this ten step talk on how to revitalize your lovely library to a vibrant community centre!

Reach Them, Teach Them: Having a Lifelong Learning Series in YOUR Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

A webinar presented as part of the Big Talk from Small Libraries online conference, hosted by the Nebraska Library Commission.

Regardless of your library and town size, you can help with your adult patrons' ongoing learning. There is a wide variety of ways in which we can accomplish this effort. Attend this workshop to learn about putting together a Lifelong Learning Lecture Series at your library - it doesn't have to require a lot of staff time, effort, or money. Learn some tips and tricks to make it work at YOUR library.

Instagram for Public Libraries: Good Practices for Social Media

Course Objectives:

Instagram is a highly popular social network, and one that is increasingly being used by libraries to engage with patrons and supporters. Instagram's user-friendly interface makes it easy to broadcast pictures and short videos to a wide audience. But just like any social media tool, it is important to know what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to using Instagram to share library information.

Come to this free webinar to learn from two libraries who have been successfully using Instagram to engage with their communities, and to share positive library messages with the larger community of Instagram users across the world. From promoting library materials to showcasing library services, these libraries will share good practices that they have learned along the way.

Visual Content: Level Up Your Social Media

Course Objectives:

Are you interested in new ways to serve the immigrants in your community? Would you like to have fun and build strong relationships with your patrons? Are you interested in attending the best potluck ever?

ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation Clubs are simple and inexpensive programs that make a big impact. In just an hour a week, you can create lasting connections between people, the library and your community.

Staff from three different public libraries will share their best practices, presenting a range of styles and activities that can be adapted to meet your community's needs.

At the end of this one hour webinar, attendees will:

Have at least three new ideas for activities to do at an ESL club Feel comfortable starting a new ESL Club Gain understanding of the different ways an ESL Club may be structured Identify potential volunteers and attendees, and understand how to reach them

This webinar will be of interest to library staff members considering starting or improving an ESL Conversation Club. The primary focus of this webinar is on public libraries, but any library interested in forming a group will find helpful tips and ideas.

Digital Literacy Training Tutorials for Libraries

Course Objectives:

Libraries are an integral part of digital inclusion and technology training in communities across the United States. GCFLearnFree.org and DigitalLearn.org are two resources that provide free digital literacy and technology training tutorials that can be used by library staff to assist patrons.

Come to this free webinar to learn what these sites have to offer, and to gain ideas for integrating these resources into library services and programming.

Getting Started with Digitization: An Introduction for Libraries

Course Objectives:

Collaborators from the Digital Public Library of America's Public Library Partnerships Project will help participants think through the digitization of their archives. Using a free, online curriculum developed as part of the project, they will share tips and ideas to consider when planning the who, what, when, where, how, and why of a digital project.

Future Proofing Library Spaces

Course Objectives:

Do you want learn the essentials of making your library environment future-friendly? There's no question of whether technology impacts your library-the question is, how does it impact your library now, and how will it change in the future? What can you do at your library to keep up? Join Carson Block in this fun and thought-provoking webinar to explore how technology is impacting library users and library spaces, and develop strategies that you can use to stay ahead of the curve.

In this webinar we'll look at approaches to retrofitting existing library spaces to accommodate established and emerging technologies. We'll also introduce the basics of "Design Thinking" and Project Management to help you form a vision for your library and implement your ideas. Finally, we'll use plain language to consider trends and tools from a common-sense standpoint to help equip you for the future.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to recognize and understand the impacts of technology trends such as mobile devices on their library spaces. Be able to identify the technology and infrastructure needed to serve patrons into the future. Be familiar with the concept of Design Thinking. Begin developing a plan to future proof their libraries utilizing a three-part session worksheet.

This webinar will be of interest to: Library staff at all levels in Public, School, Small Academic and Special Libraries.

Innovation on a Shoestring:Free and Cheap Tools

Course Objectives:

Libraries everywhere are dealing with tight budgets and shrinking staff. Small and medium libraries are particularly hard hit by these issues. So, how are they maintaining a respectable level of technology and library service innovation with little or no money and staff? They are starting new programs, bringing in new resources, and developing new partnerships by harnessing the full potential of new internet tools, technologies, and websites. This session will highlight some very creative responses from small and rural libraries in middle America. Attendees will pick up some great ideas they can take back and use at their own library, no matter what the size, to provide innovative library services and programming.

Creating Awesome Supervisor Training: Best Practices and Techniques from the Field

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

This is the first session in the Supervisor Success: Development Programs That Work Symposium, hosted in collaboration with ALA's Learning Round Table.

As our profession transforms and our work changes, nurturing skillful and competent supervisors has become a priority for all types of libraries. Rising to the challenge, many people are creating and offering learning and development programs in their libraries. Whether we hire outside consultants or create in-house programs, we could all benefit from knowing the best practices. Let's learn together about the most effective and low-cost options for supervisor development programs, and how to strategically promote implementation of those programs in our organizations. And let's explore how we might motivate our supervisors to fully benefit from their learning.

Why is supervisor development so important in libraries? What are the best practices and techniques being used right now? Learn from a select group of consultants, trainers, and training coordinators about how they have addressed these questions!

This first session explores best practices for providing supervisor training in libraries. You'll learn about effective road-tested delivery methods and strategies to help you discover those most appropriate for your library or consortium members.

Technology Skills for Library Staff: Effective and Engaging Training Programs

Course Objectives:

Designing an engaging technology training program can help all library staff get up to speed. Join us for this free webinar to learn about two fun and engaging staff technology training programs in public libraries.

The Changing Landscape of Library Privacy

Course Objectives:

Watch this free webinar in which we hear from library privacy experts on the ethical foundations for patron privacy. We offer resources that can be used to help libraries preserve patron privacy when adopting new technology.

STEAM Programming for Diverse Populations

Course Objectives:

STEAM programs that connect youth audiences to science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math continue to be a particularly hot topic in libraries, with plenty of conference programs and online learning opportunities devoted to the concept. Yet despite the growing number of STEAM resources available, libraries may find themselves wondering:

What might STEAM programs look like particularly in libraries serving racially and ethnically diverse communities? How do my staff and I offer meaningful STEAM opportunities for diverse populations without specialized training? How do we help youth build strong foundations in STEAM through programs that are easily accessible and interesting to a community with a diverse population?

In a landscape where children of color tend to have fewer STEAM opportunities in school and extracurriculars, the library can aim to fill these gaps for their communities. This webinar will explore why it is necessary to offer STEAM programs for diverse youth and teen populations, and will include a variety of ideas for programs and resources for finding and creating your own programs.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to define STEAM and describe its place in youth & teen services for diverse communities Understand how preparation, access, and motivation are issues of STEAM equity Know how to identify a new audience that can be served by an existing program Have new ideas about how to create library programs that connect children to STEAM learning opportunities Be familiar with how to design engaging and empowering STEAM opportunities for teens

This webinar will be of interest to: public library youth & teen services librarians and paraprofessionals, school library staff, youth services managers and coordinators, library administrators

Content Marketing and Strategy

Course Objectives:

Has your library been promoting itself online (blogs, social media, etc.)? If so, chances are it has seen very mixed results. Now is the time to make your library's online efforts more effective, however, the majority of libraries don't have an online content marketing plan...and it shows.

In this webinar Laura Solomon will share the steps for defining a content strategy for your library. Find out what people really want online, how to further content reach, and how to re-purpose your content for different platforms. Get valuable tips that can help you create and better distribute content to attract and engage your library's audience. Discover how to move beyond just advertising and promotion (which people usually ignore). Start getting a better handle on where your library's efforts should go and how to make that effort count!

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Learn the basics of putting together a content strategy Discover what kinds of content can better engage your library's audience Learn the importance and value of re-purposing content

This webinar will be of interest to: Staff in all types of libraries who want to improve their online content.

Managing Challenging Patrons: Security for the New Library Environment

Course Objectives:

Every library encounters challenging situations with patrons who seem eccentric, entitled or possibly even aggressive. We all know who they are. In this one hour webinar, Dr. Steve Albrecht, one of the leading national experts on library safety and security, will guide you through managing these challenging patrons effectively, efficiently, and without creating major disruptions in your library environment. Author of the new ALA book, Library Security: Safer Facilities, Better Communication (link is external), Steve has trained thousands of library employees on the do's and don'ts of handling difficult or challenging patrons who disrupt the library environment.

This fast-paced, entertaining, and empowering webinar offers practical, realistic tools to make your facility a better, safer place to work. Using a mix of real-life experiences as a law enforcement officer, knowledge of workplace behavior and security measures and a good sense of humor, Steve will teach you how to activate your "high-risk" customer service skills.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand the need for firm, fair, consistent, and assertive responses by staff when working with challenging or problematic patrons. Have guidelines for creating and enforcing library Codes of Conduct that are positive in tone and clearly written. Understand the importance for creating liaison relationships with law enforcement, mental health and other social service organization to assist when needed with the chronically mentally ill or homeless populations that enter the library

This webinar will be of interest to: Library staff in all types of libraries at all levels.

Above and Beyond: Developing a Culture of Organizational Citizenship

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

In this webinar, learn what it means to develop a healthy organizational culture, based on the concepts of organizational citizenship behavior.

A healthy and effective workplace often stems from strong leadership. For supervisors, it's important to develop a team of individuals who work well together, do what needs to be done, and help each other succeed. Join us for a dynamic session to learn what it means to develop a healthy organizational culture, with an introduction to the concept of organizational citizenship behavior and its relevance to public libraries. You'll learn techniques to build and support a team that is willing and able to go above and beyond, and to help your library succeed.

Managing the Device Deluge: Training and Supporting Staff

Course Objectives:

Librarians have always taught the public how to use the tools that serve their information needs, but now there's an ever-changing variety of personal devices that patrons use to access our services. How do front-line staff with self-taught or very basic knowledge of technology stay savvy about the latest and hottest gadgets? How do we train non-technical staff to effectively troubleshoot and train our patrons on using their own gadgets? By discussing her recent Library Journal article, Jennifer Koerber will offer suggestions and resources to train and support your library staff.

Shaping Outcomes

  • Link: Shaping Outcomes
  • Topic: Management - Strategic Planning
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Shaping Outcomes
  • Format: self paced online
  • Contact Hours: 2

Course Objectives:

This online course explains what outcome based program evaluation is and outlines the process for implementing OBE in libraries and museums. There are 5 self-paced modules:

Module A Overview Module B Plan Module C Build Module D Evaluate Module E Report

Beyond the Job Description: Ten Practical Tips for the New Rural Library Director

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

On paper, your job description as a library director may not cover some of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with serving a small or rural community. Juggling the nuances of a new position can be overwhelming, but equipped with a tool belt of everyday skills ranging from assessment to communication and outreach to time-management, you can move through your new role with confidence. This session will be useful for anyone interested in strengthening their role in the library, even if you aren't a director. Come learn from a successful new director, 10 fresh tips for working with staff, boards, and the community to create a strong and vibrant library. Join us and bring your tips and ideas to help new directors succeed!

Coding for Everyone: How Your Library Can Help Anyone Learn to Code

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Computer programming, or coding, is a digital literacy skill that has become as important as reading and writing. Learning to code builds rational thinking and problem-solving skills, providing powerful tools that transfer to other subjects and create lifelong learners. Libraries have stepped up to help everyone learn the basics of coding - preschoolers, elementary school kids, tweens, teens, young adults, mid-career professionals, and retirees. In this webinar, learn why coding is important for everyone. Hear examples of informal and facilitated learning approaches, resources and best practices for library coding programs for a variety of audiences. And the best news is that you don't need any specialized training in computer programming yourself to run a successful program!

Before Bilingual Storytime: The Outreach Bridge to Engaging Latino and Spanish-speaking Families

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

If you want to attract Latino and Spanish-speaking families to your library, the instinct is to launch a bilingual or Spanish-language storytime. It's the 'if we build it, they will come' logic for attracting community members who are not being served by the library. Libraries may be disappointed to discover that it doesn't necessarily work that way. In this webinar, recognize the critical role that outreach plays in bridging the gap between Latino and Spanish-speaking families and library services. Hear real-world examples of outreach strategies from librarians who successfully connected with their Latino and Spanish-speaking communities, and learn a basic outreach process that you can adapt for your own community.

Support Small Business Development at Your Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to assess this content.

Economic development and job opportunities are concerns in most communities, and thriving small businesses are important to ensuring a community's economic health. Join the Small Business Information Center (SBIC) Librarian from the Cecil County Public Library (CCPL) to learn how your library can be a part of the formula for building and supporting a stronger local economy. You'll learn how CCPL has developed the SBIC since its inception in 2003, growing from a shelf of books to a personalized service, with examples and lessons they've learned along the way.

Find out how your library can be an excellent resource for aspiring and experienced business owners. This session will cover the basics of collection development, classes, marketing, partnerships and more. Hear how libraries are not only helping launch small businesses, but as these businesses continue to thrive, they are able to give back to the community. For an awe-inspiring example, watch this story of CCPL's role in a local small business with global impact.

Build Your Learning Culture: The Whole Organization Approach

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

The most innovative workplaces embrace learning as an essential activity for their employees. Since libraries are dedicated learning places in our communities, it is crucial that we practice learning intentionally and internally. But where do we begin? Learning is not one-size-fits-all for individuals or for organizations. This webinar, for all library staff, from front line to administration, encourages a broad approach to creating organizational learning structures. Learn how libraries of all sizes can map learning strategies to highlight the most impactful opportunities for staff.

Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) in the Library

Course Objectives:

Do you want to involve your community in shaping library services? Would you like to learn more about planning programs and services based on the strengths in your community? Are you seeking practical tools and processes to invite community members to become regular partners? Community engagement requires an organizational culture that embraces two key things: an asset-based model over a needs-based model, and the belief that the community has as much, if not more, to offer than library professionals. Join presenter Tonya Kennon as she discusses the essence of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) as well as real life examples of how it can work in a library.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be familiar with the principles and five key assets of ABCD. Be able to identify the advantages of mapping community assets as opposed to documenting community needs. Be able to define the public library's role as a unique community bumping place. Be able to identify at least three tools for community engagement.

This webinar will be of interest to: Library staff at all levels and of all types desiring to engage their community and shape services and programs alongside them.

Building Business Connections With Your Community

Course Objectives:

Do you want to form meaningful relationships with the small business owners, professionals, and job seekers in your public library"s community? Are members of your business community unaware of the value that their public library provides to their daily lives? In this webinar, presenter Barbara Alvarez will discuss how to take your connections with the business community to the next level through embedded networking and sustainable structured library services. Additionally she will cover programs and initiatives, networking events, workshops and the value of creating coworking spaces in the library. At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to identify the components of embedded business librarianship and how it differs from providing outreach Be able to implement the 5-step process to navigating your library's business community Be able to tailor specific library services and initiatives toward growing stronger relationships with the business community

This webinar will be of interest to: Public librarians who currently provide or want to provide outreach and/or business services to the community. This webinar is ideal for librarians who are brand-new to building relationships with the business community.

Fostering Innovation and Creativity

Course Objectives:

Do you want to foster innovation in your organization, but you're not sure where to begin? Would you like to better understand what motivates people to be more innovative? Are you looking for practical tools and processes to help lead innovation? Are you prepared to handle the risks that are involved with trying new things?

Fostering innovation requires two key things: an organizational culture that supports innovation and tools/processes that support innovation. Join Brenda Hough and Stephanie Gerding in this fast-paced and interactive webinar to explore how to be more creative and innovative yourself- and how to help others get in on the fun, too.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:

List three potential innovation barriers and motivations Cite examples of innovation Describe techniques to foster a culture of innovation and experimentation Recognize the importance of rapid iteration and documentation in learning from innovation Use strategies to balance risk and innovation

Content in this session is based upon the Nexus LAB Leadership curriculum (link is external).

This webinar will be of interest to: Library leaders and staff who need or want to foster a culture of innovation in their organization

New Twists on Storytime

  • Link: New Twists on Storytime
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Are you looking for something new and different to add to your storytime offerings? Library storytimes are one of the most popular and consistent programs offered by libraries, but it's not uncommon for presenters to feel like they are in a rut. In this webinar Penny Peck will discuss how to bolster interest and revitalize storytime by creating some 'special event' storytimes to attract new library visitors and excite long-time storytime fans. Additionally she will cover how to enhance and update existing storytimes by adding new technology and more interactive play and movement.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will learn about developing and presenting:

Stay and Play Storytimes that encourage parent-child interaction Yoga Storytimes Storytime Dance Parties that help parents learn new songs to sing with their children Technology Storytimes that include apps and online books 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten programs to assist families in building their children's vocabularies and preparing for kindergarten

This webinar will be of interest to: Any library staff member who provides storytime programs to children, including new children's librarians or other library staff who are relatively new to serving children. This webinar is particularly valuable for support staff whose work includes children's services responsibilities at public libraries and elementary schools.

Cultural Literacy Programs in Your Library: Connecting with Diverse Children & Families

Course Objectives:

Do you promote cultural literacy in your library? Would you like to learn more about planning programs and outreach services for diverse groups of children and their families?

This webinar will help libraries establish a foundation for understanding how cultural bias influences services to diverse patrons. We will also explore strategies and resources for program planning and outreach. Presenter Jamie Naidoo will discuss how libraries can promote services and get community buy-in from specific cultural groups. Additionally he will cover where to find resources for planning the best programs that celebrate cultural diversity and connect children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:

Begin to examine their understanding of various cultural groups and identify personal cultural biases. Be able to describe how they can become culturally literate and promote cultural literacy in library programs. Become aware of some approaches to make their library welcoming to various cultural groups. Begin to identify necessary strategies for reaching diverse cultural populations of children and their families. Begin to identify strategies for planning programs that connect children and families from diverse cultural groups.

This webinar will be of interest to: Librarians and library support staff in public libraries who work with children.

The Future of Libraries

  • Link: The Future of Libraries
  • Topic: Management - Strategic Planning
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Maine State Library
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: .25

Course Objectives:

Libraries have a long and rich history but in the age of Google and 24/7/365 access, what future do libraries have?

This presentation is a synthesis of the Aspen Report "Rising to the Challenge: Re-envisioning Public Libraries" and information from the Pew Research Institute and the 2008 Great Libraries of the World Tour.

Librarians will be introduced to trends that will effect the future of libraries and suggestions from the Aspen Report on how libraries can insure a place in their community's future.

Leaving Fort Ref -Reaching Out with Reference

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Through a series of small projects and collaborative efforts, Douglas County (CO) librarians explored a new dimension of modern reference service, one that places their expertise at points of need outside of the library to respond to the questions the public didn't take to the library.

By reaching out to their community and building new relationships, they are raising awareness about the reference services of the public library and learning more about the range of information local businesses and community members really need.

Join us as we step away from the desk and:

Explore new approaches to reference services that place public librarians directly in the community, answering questions at the point of need and growing community connections.

Discover possible outcomes and impacts of embedding library staff in direct projects supporting community businesses and organizations.

Identify your expertise. Identify new ways to place your expertise at points of need to respond to the questions the public does not typically take to the library.

Consider change. Consider new ways to adjust to this change and the opportunities for personal and professional growth that are possible for all staff within your library.

Count Your Impact: Getting Started with Outcome-Based Evaluation

Course Objectives:

To evaluate and report on library programs and services, we need to collect three types of data in order to get a complete picture of the impact of the program or service. This webinar introduces the data trifecta - inputs, outputs and outcomes. At the end of the webinar, attendees should be able to differentiate between inputs, outputs and outcomes, have a basic awareness of how to measure outcomes and understand how outcome based evaluation (OBE) can be used for strategic planning, management and communicating the impact of the library.

Using Data to Tell the Library's Story

Course Objectives:

This webinar introduces the Why, What and How of data collection and evaluation and ways to put it all together to tell the library's story. You'll get an overview of the types of data to collect, the theory of change and how it can be applied to library programs and services to get to patron outcomes, community needs assessment methods and data based communication techniques. This webinar is based on information presented at the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL)data bootcamp in 2015.

Teen Programming: A Mover & Shaker's Recipe for Impact

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a WebJunction user account to access this content.

When "Change Agent" Courtney Saldana was featured as a 2016 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, we were treated to a sampling of her outstanding work with teens, and knew that all libraries could benefit from hearing more. Learn about her teen programming basics along with practical and actionable steps for doing a teen needs assessment, creating a teen space and hosting a teen book fest. Courtney will also introduce us to Skills for Teen Parenting (STeP), a program connecting teens with what they need to succeed as adults and parents: how to interview successfully, dress professionally, deal with conflict and time management, care for their child, postpone or prevent a second pregnancy, and more. Expanding from local success to state-wide implementation, the STeP program embodies a wonderful example of the replicable innovation brought to the field by Movers & Shakers.

Basic Budgeting for Non-financial Professionals

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a Skillsoft learning account to access this course.

Library > Business Skills >Finance and Accounting

This course replaces "Creating and Analyzing an Operating Budget" and "Planning and Preparing an Operating Budget".

Preparing and planning budgets involves a number of organizational activities, ranging from determining the organization's budgetary goals to approving its budgets over a specific period of time. Individual departments translate the organization's budgetary goals into departmental goals relevant to their area. Preparing operating budgets often starts with revenue forecasting, followed by various expenses budgets. Many forecasting tools are used for forecasting revenues and expenses. Knowing the various activities associated with preparing, reviewing, and having management's approval on operating budgets helps you with your own budgeting responsibilities in the organization. This course presents some of the key activities required for planning and preparing an operating budget. It discusses key characteristics of the budget manual and calendar. It also introduces some qualitative and quantitative methods and how they are used to prepare an operating budget. Finally, the course walks you through the stages in the review and approval of the budget.

Target Audience Finance and nonfinance professionals, functional managers, executives, and all individuals involved directly or indirectly with budgetary planning and an organization's control process

Lesson Objectives Planning and Preparing an Operating Budget -match the budget manual and the budget calendar to their characteristics -match qualitative forecasting methods to examples -use quantitative forecasting to prepare a sales budget in a given scenario -classify the components of an expenditure budget as fixed or variable costs -match each stage of the reviewing and approval process to examples

Emotional Intellegence at Work

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a Skillsoft learning account to access this course.

Library > Business Skills > Professional effectiveness > Working with emotional intelligence > Achieving Emotional Intelligence

This course is about applying emotional intelligence in the workplace, playing the role of an emotionally intelligent leader whether you have the title or not. The application of emotional intelligence in the workplace is everyone's responsibility.

Objectives

Emotional Intelligence at Work recognize uses for emotional intelligence in the workplace manage conflict and stress using emotional intelligence recognize traits of an emotionally intelligent influencer use emotional intelligence to increase team effectiveness participate in and lead emotionally intelligent teams

Conducting Interviews: Asking the Right Questions

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a Skillsoft learning account to access this course.

Library > Business Skills > Human Resources > Recruitment and Hiring > Recruiting, Screening and Onboarding Effectively

Proper preparation is crucial to ensure a good interview. But all your preparation will be useless if you don't follow some important guidelines when conducting the employment interview. Opening the interview properly and establishing a sound format are key. You must also be mindful of the functions of different question types and styles so you can use them effectively during an interview. Finally, you will want to close the interview on a positive note. This course describes how to proceed with a face-to-face to interview. It covers how to open an interview well, what types of questions to ask, and how to close the interview.

Objectives

Conducting Interviews apply techniques for opening an interview recognize how to use techniques for opening an interview identify the functions of different question types in an interview recognize examples of how to end an interview

Detecting and Dealing with Performance Problems

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a Skillsoft learning account to access this course.

Library > Business Skills > Management > Managing Performance > Managing Employee Performance

If not dealt with in a timely manner, minor performance problems can develop into larger issues that affect the success of the whole organization. Understanding how to broach the subject of performance with employees enables you to keep the discussion focused on the real issues and required expectations. When you know how to implement corrective measures both at the situational level and the employee level, you can turn performance problems around and inspire workers to contribute to the best of their ability. This course identifies the benefits of dealing with minor performance problems and explains how to communicate with employees about performance discrepancies. It also demonstrates how you can help employees resolve situational problems in the workplace. And it shows how to put in place corrective measures for performance problems that are the result of the employee's unwillingness or inability to perform.

Objectives

Communicating and Resolving Problem Performance choose an appropriate level of intervention for problem performance sequence examples of steps for communicating with employees about their problem performance communicate with employees about their problem performance match problem situations to appropriate fast fixes determine appropriate actions for resolving problem performance

Conquering the Challenges of Public Speaking

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a Skillsoft learning account to access this course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Verbal Communication > Public Speaking Strategies

Effective speech delivery is crucial to public speaking, as it allows you to showcase your work and communicate with confidence. No matter how much time you've spent perfecting your message, no one will hear it if you are unable to engage your audience, handle on-the-spot challenges, and avoid being disrupted by nerves.

This course looks at the methods you can employ to deliver an effective speech, such as making a good first impression and building rapport with your audience. The course also provides effective techniques for handling challenges that may arise while you are delivering a speech, such as regaining an inattentive audience's focus and handling difficult questions or hecklers. Finally, this course introduces strategies you can use to overcome public speaking anxiety.

Overcoming Public Speaking Challenges recognize the basics of good speech delivery recognize techniques for dealing with the challenges of public speaking use techniques for overcoming public speaking anxiety in a given scenario deliver a speech with confidence in a given scenario

Community Engagement

  • Link: Community Engagement
  • Topic: Marketing & Advocacy - Partnerships
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: COSLA
  • Format: online course
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

The library of the 21st Century is considered an essential part of its community. With that in mind the director and staff need to "get out of the stacks and into the streets!" Being involved in organizations and activities outside of the library provides a unique perspective to both staff and trustees in regard to the culture and needs of the community.

Community engagement, while it may have a different meaning depending upon your role in the library, is reaching outside of the physical library building, meeting people in the community and listening to them. There are many roles to play and you can monitor your level of involvement based on your capacity. Community engagement activities provide an opportunity to offer the library as a solution to issues, or at least as a potential partner to help tackle issues. This can be accomplished through building relationships and sharing ideas and library resources, whether that is space, staff or other assets to accomplish a common goal.

Digital Literacy Series: Designing a computer literacy training program for your library, staff and community

Course Objectives:

In this first webinar of the series, we will explore finding and using volunteer technology tutors, the computer skills patrons need, the employment, education and life skills tasks that can be done online, and managing patron expectations.

Each webinar in this series is an opportunity to learn about a different aspect of digital literacy training for librarians seeking to expand their own understanding of digital literacy and to better serve their communities.

The Digital Literacy Webinar Series is a cooperative training series of webinars held by Samantha Duckworth of the Portland Public Library and Jared Leadbetter of the Maine State Library.

Digital Literacy Series: Devices, tools and resources for librarians

Course Objectives:

In this second webinar in the series, we explore laptop and eReader lending, the best skis image for patron computers, tools for time management, software updating and more, and accessibility issues.

Each webinar in this series is an opportunity to learn about a different aspect of digital literacy training for librarians seeking to expand their own understanding of digital literacy and to better serve their communities.

The Digital Literacy Webinar Series is a cooperative training series of webinars held by Samantha Duckworth of the Portland Public Library and Jared Leadbetter of the Maine State Library.

Digital Literacy Series: Internet Safety and best practice for online behaviors

Course Objectives:

The third webinar in the series discusses library filtering, digital citizenship, the Library Freedom Project, HTTPS Everyone, the Tor browser and password keepers.

Each webinar in this series is an opportunity to learn about a different aspect of digital literacy training for librarians seeking to expand their own understanding of digital literacy and to better serve their communities.

The Digital Literacy Webinar Series is a cooperative training series of webinars held by Samantha Duckworth of the Portland Public Library and Jared Leadbetter of the Maine State Library.

Digital Literacy Series: Internet Navigation Part 2

Course Objectives:

In this fourth part of the Digital Literacy Webinar Series, we explore social media safety and best practices, how to overcome a social media mistake and privacy settings.

Each webinar in this series is an opportunity to learn about a different aspect of digital literacy training for librarians seeking to expand their own understanding of digital literacy and to better serve their communities.

The Digital Literacy Webinar Series is a cooperative training series of webinars held by Samantha Duckworth of the Portland Public Library and Jared Leadbetter of the Maine State Library.

Digital Literacy Series: Continuing Education in Digital Skills

Course Objectives:

The fifth webinar in the series discusses navigating websites, common web design practices, managing programs and files, software maintenance, policies for TOS, AUP and captive portals, and eReaders, streaming services, changes to common online platforms.

Each webinar in this series is an opportunity to learn about a different aspect of digital literacy training for librarians seeking to expand their own understanding of digital literacy and to better serve their communities.

The Digital Literacy Webinar Series is a cooperative training series of webinars held by Samantha Duckworth of the Portland Public Library and Jared Leadbetter of the Maine State Library.

Taking Care of Us: Ergonomic Advice for Library Staff

Course Objectives:

Stressed out? Whether you're knotted up over work, the holidays or politics, it seems like there's plenty to bring on tension headaches this time of year. Well, a new year calls for new habits. Join us to learn some quick, easy movements that will have you feeling better without ever leaving your workstation (or the circulation desk, or the community room).

Join Jenn Carson (librarian, Programming Librarian blogger and creator of YogaintheLibrary.com) as she teaches you how to de-stress at your desk, maintain proper posture, avoid injury and regulate your emotions through breathing and stretching exercises. Participants will learn an easy self-care routine that will help to reduce stress at work and leave you feeling recharged. No experience necessary. Participants will leave with digital downloads to help them remember what they learned.

How Successful Libraries Thrive in Uncertain Times

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Have you noticed that some libraries manage to thrive even when times are tough and things are going against them? We would all love to know how to pave the way for future success in a world that seems to change by the hour. Successful libraries don't have a crystal ball but they do share five characteristics that encourage positive results, regardless of what the world throws their way. Learn how to activate these characteristics in your library, including low cost/no cost tips that apply to any size of library or community. Give your library a new lease on life and revitalize excitement about your services.

Managing Library Tech: Keeping All the Balls in the Air

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learning account to access this course.

Managing library technology isn't just about the technology. It involves fine juggling skills to manage people, workflows, procedures, policies and more―all while prioritizing, delegating and tracking. Just preparing staff effectively for upgrades or changes to technology takes finesse. How does one person do it all? Strong project and time management skills are key. Regardless of your job title, and whether working with a small team or a library-wide technology committee, anyone can learn smart practices to keep everything, and everyone, in motion and on target.

Serving Older Adults in a Changing World

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

With longer life expectancy and increasing diversity, older adults are reinventing aging and changing perceptions of their demographic. It's time to rethink how our libraries serve this important and growing segment of our patron base. This webinar will focus on trends and impacts of the aging population, and will share creative strategies for library staff to meet the evolving needs of older adults in a changing world.

Engaged Planning: Ask What You Can Do for Your Rural Community

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Your community needs the library, and planning for the future of your library begins with understanding the community and their aspirations. Once you understand what your rural community wants and needs, you can assess how the library can help them. In this webinar, understand the important steps of this engaged planning process, including internal assessment, data collection and analysis, trustee involvement, and community conversations. Learn what it means for your library to 'turn outward' to secure its place at the heart of your community.

Culinary Literacy: A Library Recipe for Cooking Up Literacy and Community

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

Opening in 2014, the Free Library of Philadelphia's Culinary Literacy Center offered the country's first commercial-grade kitchen classroom in a library. It is revolutionizing the way Philadelphians think about food, nutrition, and literacy. The Center reaches to every corner of the community. It teaches math and science to kids through measuring and mixing, builds English language skills and nutrition education for non-native speakers, empowers adults with disabilities to cook with confidence, and much more. Hear how this innovative idea was transformed into reality through strategic community partnerships and institutional support. Learn how your library can start teaching community residents everything from butchering a goat to making a vegan stew, boosting literacy and nutritional health for all.

The Power to Delight: Providing Extraordinary Service

Course Objectives:

People everywhere (including our patrons) have seemingly unending choices when it comes to deciding where to take their business. Consequently, customer experience can make or break the relationships we have with our communities.

In this session we will share concrete tips from non-library service champions, and brainstorm ways to provide extraordinary service in our own organizations. Come prepared to share your own service stories, both good and bad, from within your library and beyond, as we work together to develop new rules of service designed to delight.

Service Excellence in Challenging Times

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this course.

In turbulent times, many Americans turn to their libraries. While this is a true affirmation of the value our country places on its libraries, it increases the responsibility for library staff to meet the public with the best customer service. During times of community turmoil, it is an extra challenge to convey patience, good humor, an accurate knowledge of your collections and services, and a willingness to serve. Learn how to ramp up your skills to maintain a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can visit, work, and play without feeling uncomfortable. Keep calm, confident and capable of guiding your community through difficult times.

Toward Tech Savvy Trustees

  • Link: Toward Tech Savvy Trustees
  • Topic: Management - Trustees/Friends/Volunteers
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Library staff are expected to embrace technology advancements and keep their skills sharp and their libraries relevant. But what about library boards - how tech savvy are your trustees? The more that trustees are dialed into a personal use of technology, the better advocates they will be for the library's technology needs. Learn some fun and practical ways to inspire greater tech savviness in your trustees. You don't need a board of IT specialists, just a board that has a sharper set of digital tools

Creating a Culture of Data Visualization

Course Objectives:

In this Harvard Business Review webinar, visualization expert Scott Berinato, author of Good Charts and multiple Harvard Business Review articles on visualization, describes how organizations can change their approach to visualization and the benefits of doing so. Berinato discusses where companies are today in using visuals and how to approach visualization differently. Doing so will create a new organizational competency leading to making better, faster decisions.

Trauma Informed Services in the Library: Understanding and Serving our Community

Course Objectives:

What is meant by trauma informed services and how should libraries be involved? This webinar will explore the effects of trauma on society and how libraries are directly impacted by the trauma and stress carried by the communities they serve. Additionally we'll cover information about a Mental Health First Aid training program and how it applies to library services. Finding awareness of the effects of trauma on our community leads to more compassion and allows us to dive into our own problem solving skills more effectively. Presenter Elissa Hardy will provide resources and real life examples, as well as discuss the importance of creating a self-care plan for library staff.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand the effects of trauma on society and how it impacts library services Understand the key elements of mental health first aid and how it applies to library services Understand the importance of building a self-care support community

This webinar will be of interest to: Any library staff providing customer services

Burnout or Bounce Back? Building Resilience

Course Objectives:

We work in times of new roles for libraries, changes in technology, pressure to do more with less, and staff members who want to do it all and yet may lack time or resources. These pressures can contribute to a gradual grinding down, a loss of joy or a fading of enthusiasm and passion. In other words: burnout. Yet some in our field go on for decades, maintaining their energy and focus. How do they keep their freshness and fire? How do they maintain such resilience?

Join change management expert Debra Westwood in this interactive webinar where she will identify the factors that contribute to burnout as well as techniques for avoiding or alleviating those conditions. Attendees will learn skills that can be applied at work and at home, and be able to formulate a plan to put those new tools into action.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Identify 3-5 factors that contribute to workplace burnout Identify 3-5 actions that can build or maintain resilience Identify 2 specific actions to support his/her own resilience

The webinar will be of interest to: front-line staff and supervisors in public, academic and school libraries.

Using Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) for Research and Learning

Course Objectives:

Would you like to be able to search one website to access thousands of libraries, archives, and museums? Does your institution digitize content that would benefit from circulation to a broader audience? Do you work with researchers who struggle searching many institutional websites to find online sources relevant to their needs?

This webinar will introduce participants to the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) (link is external), a free, non-profit national digital library that provides access to digital primary and secondary sources from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Presenter Franky Abbot will cover how DPLA works, how institutions can contribute content, and how users can employ its resources for a variety of research purposes.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be familiar with DPLA, how it collects content, and what types of content it makes available Be familiar with search tools, exhibitions, education resources, and copyright resources available through DPLA Be able to perform basic searches using DPLA

This webinar will be of interest to: library staff at all types of institutions, archivists, and museum professionals

Measure Your Impact: Getting Started with Outcome-Based Evaluation

Course Objectives:

Do you want to learn how to measure the effects your library's programs, resources, and services have on your users? Would you like to discover various ways to measure outcomes in your library? Join Linda Hofschire, Director of the Colorado State Library's Library Research Service, in this webinar, where you'll learn practical tips for getting started with outcome-based evaluation. You will gain a deeper understanding of what outcomes are, and how they work in conjunction with inputs and outputs to provide meaningful information about your library's impact on your community.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to differentiate between inputs, outputs, and outcomes (the data trifecta) and recognize why all three are needed in order to conduct meaningful evaluations Be familiar with various methods for measuring outcomes Be able to create a plan for evaluating a program, project, or service at their library

This webinar will be of interest to: Any library staff who are interested in getting started with outcome-based evaluation

Active Shooter Procedures for Libraries

Course Objectives:

Have you thought about what to do in an active shooter situation? Have you identified the most vulnerable areas in your library? Do you know where to go for resources to create an active shooter procedure?

Join North Dakota State Librarian Mary Soucie as she discusses what should be included in an active shooter procedure, including an emergency & disaster plan, communication plan and evacuation plan. Additionally she will cover how to respond (run, hide, fight), and what you need to be aware of to prepare for this situation.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to identify what is needed in an active shooter procedure Be able to identify areas of vulnerability in their library Know where to find additional resources to assist in crafting their procedures

This webinar will be of interest to: All library types; administration and front line staff

Teen Mental Illness 101

  • Link: Teen Mental Illness 101
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Young Adults
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Do you know a teen suffering from mental illness? In 2014, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that 1 in 5 teens (ages 13-18) have, or will have a serious mental illness. As part of the 2016 California State Library (CSL) Mental Health Initiative, library staff and youth advocates are invited to learn more about mental illness with Michelle Carlson and Cheryl Eskin from Teen Line (www.teenlineonline.org), a teen-to-teen hotline that provides education and support for teens.

At the end of this webinar, participants will:

Learn methods to decrease the stigma around teen mental illness through education and real life stories Be familiar with tools for talking with teens who are struggling Learn about opportunities to become a teen advocate

This webinar will be of interest to: all library staff who works with teens and those interested in learning more about teen mental illness.

Building an Effective Learning Culture: Introductory Webinar

Course Objectives:

Do you want staff learning to be an integral part of the daily routine at your library? Would you like to foster staff development in order to help your organization grow and change? Are you looking for ways to support shared learning experiences between library staff?

Building an effective learning culture is a process that can lead your library to be more successful in meeting strategic goals and providing services to the community. In learning organizations, library staff will actively seek out learning in both formal and informal settings, and will more readily apply new skills and knowledge to their work. The result is a library that is able to respond more quickly to change, and is more effective at achieving its strategic goals. Join us for this interactive webinar to learn about a general process for building an effective learning culture in your library.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:

Define "learning culture" and reflect on how that might manifest in their library. Consider a process for bringing a learning culture into their organization. Reflect on examples of successful libraries that have a learning culture. Identify the benefits of experiential, team-based learning across various formats. Apply to be a part of the upcoming Building an Effective Learning Culture program.

This webinar will be of interest to: Library leaders and staff who need or want to support workplace learning and professional development in their organization

Building on Successful Examples: Exploring Programs that Work

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

As our profession transforms and our work changes, nurturing skillful and competent supervisors has become a priority for all types of libraries. Rising to the challenge, many people are creating and offering learning and development programs in their libraries. Whether we hire outside consultants or create in-house programs, we could all benefit from knowing the best practices. Let's learn together about the most effective and low-cost options for supervisor development programs, and how to strategically promote implementation of those programs in our organizations. And let's explore how we might motivate our supervisors to fully benefit from their learning.

Learn by example as we hear about successful programs implemented in a variety of library settings. We'll explore several examples to identify successful models, the underlying drivers or needs, challenges faced, and opportunities for improvement in each. We'll also learn about how specific organizations have assessed supervisor training outcomes, and the metrics used to quantify success. Finally, hear what these library organizations would do differently if they had to do it all again.

Rolling it Out: Strategies for Success

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

As our profession transforms and our work changes, nurturing skillful and competent supervisors has become a priority for all types of libraries. Rising to the challenge, many people are creating and offering learning and development programs in their libraries. Whether we hire outside consultants or create in-house programs, we could all benefit from knowing the best practices. Let's learn together about the most effective and low-cost options for supervisor development programs, and how to strategically promote implementation of those programs in our organizations. And let's explore how we might motivate our supervisors to fully benefit from their learning.

Position your library's supervisor development program to be successful and viable for the long-term. This session will explore the key strategies that guide your success, including making clear to all levels of staff the connection between supervisor development and your library's organizational and staff goals and priorities, and tying curriculum to performance needs and competencies. It also means devising clear, doable roles for both supervisors and their managers, and creating systemic processes that keep it alive and relevant. You'll also get tips for creating a marketing campaign that will motivate, encourage and inspire!

Learn More, Pay Less

  • Link: Learn More, Pay Less
  • Topic: Management - Staff Development
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Have you always wanted to learn about the latest technology, how to create a disaster plan, updates on children's programming or how to host a comic con? Join me to learn about free and low cost webinar and training opportunities available to everyone. Keep you, your staff and your board up to date on all the newest information without breaking the budget. Topics range from grants to RDA to programming ideas and much more. Please feel free to bring your favorite training websites to share!

Time Management for Technical Services Managers

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a free WebJunction learner account to access this content.

The nature of work in technical services shifts and fluctuates depending on the time of year, type of materials, staffing levels, and changes in technology. By using time management methods inspired by business strategies, software development, and mindfulness-based practices, technical services managers can set goals and prioritize tasks to successfully accomplish daily work and special projects.

This webinar will cover prioritization techniques and freely available organizational tools. We will discuss methods for remaining responsive and flexible when unexpected events or interruptions occur, as well as how time management can have a positive impact on work-life balance.

Beyond the Welcome Sign:Tailoring Immigrant Services for Success

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

There is much more to supporting immigrants and refugees than hanging out a "welcome" sign at your library. Successful programs and services are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the range of populations who may come through your doors. Hear from Movers & Shakers who work with communities to empower vulnerable and often underserved populations with a sense of belonging and self-reliance. Learn innovative approaches to identifying and celebrating immigrant leaders; how to foster networking between native-born and newcomer populations and between immigrant groups of varying national origins; how to highlight immigrant-positive narratives; and more. You'll be sure to find practical ideas among the multi-pronged strategies that these librarians have used to ensure that new immigrants really do feel welcomed by the library and the community.

Build Your Political Skills for Advocacy

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Advocacy efforts to sustain funding for your library are crucial in the best of times. Challenging times call for new ways to engage and activate advocates for your library. Level up your political savviness by taking lessons from successful campaigns. Whether or not you have a library ballot measure on the horizon, learn how to put these proven techniques to work for your library funding requests. Explore innovative options to energize, focus and build your skills and confidence. You'll come away with actionable tips and tools to market your library to garner a wide base of support from your community constituents.

Civility Goes Viral: A New Approach for a New Era

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

To "choose civility" means to celebrate diversity and choose respect, compassion, empathy, and inclusiveness when interacting with others. Civility is the healing power we need to counteract the divisive, fragmented forces that seem to be undermining our social fabric. Since 2006, Howard County Library System (MD) has been leading the way toward community connectedness with their Choose Civility initiative. They, along with library systems across the country, invite you to join the movement to nurture civility in your own community. Learn how kindness creates communities, how to challenge stereotypes effectively, and cultivate random acts of civility. Find opportunities to implement Choose Civility to enhance internal and external customer service, develop partnerships and community support, and create a more connected community of people who will #choose2Bkind. Let's see civility go viral in 2017.

Whole Person Librarianship: Fostering Empathy in Challenging Times

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Libraries are among the few public spaces that feel safe and welcoming to everyone in our current political landscape. As librarians striving to provide equitable service, we are challenged to meet the needs of patrons whose life experiences are markedly different from our own. To address these challenges, we have much to learn much from social workers, who are trained to approach their clients with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries. Whole Person Librarianship draws from social work concepts to help librarians become more confident in learning from, interacting with, and serving diverse patrons. Learn basic ideas to build your empathy skills, such as cultural humility and person-in-environment, to apply right away to your library practice, as well as where to find more in-depth information and support.

Story Time Underground: A Peer Created Community

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Library practitioners who provide storytimes have a gold mine of ideas to share and questions to ask of each other. Storytime Underground is your online community to connect with peers and enhance your practice. Learn about Storytime University, where you earn digital badges for participating in professional development activities and learning new skills; learn about Guerrilla Storytime and how to host one in your area (spoiler alert: we give you all the tools you need!). Storytime Underground is open and free to anyone interested in storytimes and early literacy, regardless of the level of education or position held. It is created by and for storytime providers everywhere, so join us!

Supercharged Storytimes

  • Link: Supercharged Storytimes
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: WebJunction
  • Format: self paced course
  • Contact Hours: 5

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

This is a self-directed learning experience. There are five modules within this course, each with a 1-hour archive recording.

You already provide great storytimes. Supercharge your practice to make them even better.

Access this course to:

Learn more about the Supercharged Storytimes online orientation, originally offered to more than 500 library staff members in six states in 2015; Access archived orientation materials and share your thoughts with other course enrollees in discussion forums; Learn how to incorporate research-based early literacy concepts into your storytimes; Recognize the role early literacy plays in early childhood development; and Gain insight for articulating the relevance of your services to parents, caregivers, and other library stakeholders.

Cataloging Continuous Resources in a Changing Landscape

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

The cataloging of continuing resources has weathered the change to RDA but unresolved issues remain and new issues have surfaced. This presentation will explore continuing resources cataloging from the perspectives of ISSN, RDA, and FRBR; introduce an alternative model, PRESSoo; highlight questions raised by BIBFRAME; and examine RDF output from the ISSN records in the ISSN International Centre's ROAD database.

E-Book Cataloging Using a Shared Mailbox

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Acquiring and cataloging e-books received as firm orders presents a unique challenge to librarians accustomed to print materials, who struggle to manage an invisible backlog and workflow, and the attendant difficulties with tracking, communicating between departments, and notifying users when the materials are available to them. This session will show participants how to plan and create a workflow for processing these orders using a shared mailbox.

Persistence: "Got Yours?" Preserving Scholarship

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to assess this content.

As more and more content (books and journals and other genres) is made available only in an electronic format, ensuring that the scholarly record remains intact in the event of a technological or natural disaster is ever more critical. Learn about the importance of digital preservation, rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders, and what you can do to ensure that key research remains readily available.

The Accidental Cataloger: Tips & Tools to Help You Use the Rules

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Have you found yourself responsible for cataloging with no previous experience? Is "cataloger" only one of many hats you wear at your library? Attend this session to learn about free tools to innovate your cataloging process, make your life easier, and get your library's materials cataloged and in the hands of your patrons.

Crowdfunding for Libraries: Technology Tips for Futuristic Fundraising

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Could you use more funding for your library projects? Are you looking for money to launch a new program? Turn community-driven support into dollars with crowdfunding! A well-run crowdfunding campaign can yield big results, even for small libraries.

Learn technology tools, tips, and tried-and-true practices for running a successful crowdfunding campaign for your library. Learn the basics, and hear from two libraries with experience in this type of fundraising, one using crowdfunding to support capital campaign to build a new library and another using crowdfunding to purchase and promote graphic novels and technology in the library.

Visualizing (and Finding!) Funding for Libraries

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

This webinar will introduce participants to a dynamic and freely available data-visualization tool, Visualizing Funding for Libraries that enables library professionals and supporters to search for institutional funding for libraries at national, state, and local levels. Participants will learn pro tips on navigating the tool and as well as next steps on how to pursue new funding opportunities. Data visualizations such as maps, network constellations, and partnership pathways showcase key networks of funders and recipients, as well as individual grants that highlight the library services and programs that are winning grants. Visualizing Funding for Libraries is a Knight Foundation News Challenge winning project.

Learn from the Past, Prepare for the Future

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

This webinar will explore the changing landscape of libraries and the role of leadership in managing effective change.

Roy will explore the changing landscape of libraries. You'll walk away with a better understanding of:

The tremendous changes libraries have seen over the last several decades Where libraries currently stand in a broader context of where we have come from The future of libraries and where we are likely to be going.

Rob will examine the role of leadership in managing and driving change. You'll walk away with a better understanding of:

Why changes and change management are crucial to success of the modern library How leaders can effectively implement change with the right skills What strategies can result in success for your library, your staff and your future.

Health Happens in Libraries: Public Health and Public Libraries: Librarians as Health Literacy First Responders

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Misinformation about health abounds in today's info-glutted environment. What is the role of public libraries in addressing issues of accurate health information? Public libraries are uniquely positioned to contribute to healthy communities by providing informed access to reliable health information. This panel presentation provides an overview of the field of public health, highlighting innovative health promotion initiatives at public libraries, and covering training and funding resources for health-related library outreach and programming. Join the conversation about building your community's health literacy.

Libraries Help Patrons Become Financially Empowered Consumers

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) exists not only to protect consumers but to empower all of us to take more control over our economic lives. The CFPB recognizes the important role that libraries can play as the go-to source for unbiased financial education resources in every community. The CFPB plans to build a community financial education infrastructure with libraries and national partners to reach consumers in their neighborhoods, expanding on programs and resources that are already working in libraries. With this infrastructure in place, public libraries can help fill consumers' critical financial knowledge gaps by providing and distributing easy-to-understand, behaviorally informed financial education content. Learn how two libraries have implemented financial literacy program ideas, resources and tools, and connected with local partners, and hear how you can take your library and your community to the next level with patrons empowered to be informed consumers.

Privacy Literacy at Your Library

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

Our offline lives are no longer separate from our online identities. Many people are unaware of how their information is being used, what they have control over, or how to have safe online interactions. San Jose Public Library's Virtual Privacy Lab has developed a seven-module customized learning experience for library patrons, in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The modules guide users through topics such as social media and security, and provide personalized tips, links and resources that enable them to feel safe and confident online. This privacy literacy resource is available for everyone, so learn how you can utilize the online Virtual Privacy Lab with the populations you serve at your library.

New Year, New Tech Plan: Mission-Driven Technology Planning

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to assess this content.

Technology is essential to running a nonprofit in 2015, but it changes so quickly and there is so much to learn that it can be very overwhelming. The good news is that if you use it effectively, technology will go from being a stressor/annoyance/expense to an enabler that helps you to run more efficiently and increases your organization's impact.

In this free webinar, we discuss:

How to assess your current use of technology (everything from your computers to tracking data to your online presence) Inspiring examples of nonprofits that are using technology effectively Best practices for using technology and recommended tools How to make the most of a limited IT budget -- where to find nonprofit technology discounts and donations (including TechSoup technology donations program and how it works)

Technology Planning Tips for Small Libraries

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

How do you maximize your technology resources? When should you replace computers? How do you manage software updates? Do you have enough bandwidth to support patron Internet use? Technology decisions can be difficult to make, but a technology plan can help you focus your efforts.

Join us for this free webinar to learn from small libraries that have used technology planning to make better decisions, be more prepared, and improve services to their communities. Even with limited time and resources, a technology plan can help your library stay up-to-date. We will share tips and tactics to help you create a plan for your library's technology.

Effective Online Outreach: Tools and Tactics for Connecting Communities and Collections

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction online learner account to access this content.

How did a small two-person library capture national media attention, become a focus of high-profile museum exhibits, and generate 13 million views of its online photos in just a few years? They built on a framework of eight values to drive innovative services and greatly enhance the information-seeking experience of their users. With a combination of free and low-cost web tools, savvy marketing, and innovations borrowed from archives and museums, Kenn Bicknell embarked on an aggressive digitization and outreach program to push information out to his constituents in creative, engaging ways. Find inspiration and practical ideas that can breathe new life into your collections and keep libraries front and center in users' lives.

Big Trends in Small and Rural Libraries -2017

Course Objectives:

Operating a library in small and rural community comes with its own set of challenges. Join representatives from the Association for Rural & Small Libraries to learn the latest in trends and big ideas. Ask librarians familiar with the unique challenges of small and rural locations. What's your biggest challenge?

Where Teens and Technology Meet

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You will need a WebJunction learner account to access this content.

HOMAGO (Hanging Out. Messing Around. Geeking Out) is an exploratory learning approach that has been used successfully to engage youth. The Howard County Library System's HiTech Digital Media Lab applies innovative teaching methods based on HOMAGO, demonstrating that teens learn most effectively through hands-on projects and peer-to-peer communications.

Learn about: -the HOMAGO approach -how HiTech Labs engage teens at the library -the connection between digital media and STEM -how to apply hands-on instruction in a teen-centered environment -what works, both high and low tech

Course Design: Based on a webinar originally presented by Angela Brade, Chief Operating Officer, Support Services, Howard County Library System, Maryland and designed by WebJunction.

Run , Hide, Fight: Surviving an Active Shooter Incident

Course Objectives:

No one wants to think that they will be involved in a mass shooting. This video by the Houston (TX) Police Department covers the basics for surviving an active shooter event.

Video Copyright - 2012 City of Houston.

How to Serve Genealogists Now

Course Objectives:

Genealogy is the second most popular hobby in the U.S. In this webinar you will learn ideas for working with genealogists, even if you don't have a dedicated genealogy/local history collection at your library. Nicole Wedemeyer Miller, co-author of Fostering Family History Services: A Guide for Librarians, Archivists and Volunteers, will give you low and no-cost ideas for reference and programming that can be implemented quickly.

During this hour, the following questions will be answered:

How do genealogical sources differ from sources used in other types of research? How is genealogical information organized in print and digital formats? What can I do for patrons if I don't have a genealogy/local history collection? How do I make effective referrals to a variety of institutions that hold sources useful for genealogy? What are the major types of genealogical websites and how do I help researchers locate them? Which types of programs are helpful to researchers yet are not complicated to organize?

This webinar will be of interest to any information providers who want to serve genealogists, particularly those in small institutions.

Understanding and Supporting Patrons with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Course Objectives:

This webinar will discuss the characteristics of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), to better understand how to best serve them in our libraries. We will review common behaviors seen in both children and adults diagnosed with ASD. We will review effective strategies library employees can utilize to support patrons with a variety of special needs. Participants will have an opportunity to present specific questions and scenarios to further their understanding and application of the training material.

About the Presenter: Jenna Johnson is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who has worked in schools, homes, and within the community supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and/mental health challenges for over 15 years. She has completed extensive work with individuals with Autism and their families addressing behaviors, teaching social skills and advocating for appropriate services. She loves providing education and working to empower services providers, families and other support people. She has a Masters degree in Social Work and a PPS credential and is currently working as a Mental Health Clinician within the education system.

This webinar will be of interest to: Library staff seeking information about Autism Spectrum Disorders in order to better serve their community.

How to Use the Community Resiliency Model to Assist Youth in Need

Course Objectives:

As part of the 2016-2017 California State Library Mental Health Initiative, library staff, teens, and youth advocates are invited to learn key concepts of the Community Resiliency Model (CRM). This 45-minute presentation will expand on the use of CRM skills in relation to youth, with particular emphasis on the Help Now! Skill and other exercises adapted specifically for use with children and youth. Following the presentation, there will be 15-minutes for questions and answers.

This webinar will be of interest to: library staff, educators, parents, teens, youth advocates, and mentors.

USA Learns: A Free Website to Learn English and Prepare for U.S. Citizenship

Course Objectives:

Join presenters Andrea Willis and Kathryn Azevedo, as they provide an overview of the free USA Learns website (usalearns.org) and share ideas about how one California library utilizes the site to teach English to adults.

During this one-hour webinar, attendees will:

Learn about the highly popular USA Learns website, which has been accessed by more than 9 million adults around the world to learn English free. Check out the three existing ESL courses and the various activity types, which include listening, speaking, reading, writing, comprehension, and more! Get a sneak peek at information about the upcoming U.S. Citizenship course, which will help applicants prepare for the naturalization interview. Learn how one California library uses USA Learns to teach English to their patrons. Get ideas on how you might use this valuable resource with volunteers and tutors in your library. Start thinking about how to roll out the new U.S. Citizenship course at your library.

This webinar will be of interest to: library staff and volunteers who are looking for high-quality (and free!) resources to help adults learn English and prepare to become U.S. citizens.

The Community Resiliency Model: Becoming Trauma-Informed and Resiliency-Focused and Informed

Course Objectives:

As part of the 2016-2017 California State Library (CSL) Mental Health Initiative, library staff, teens, and youth advocates are invited to learn more about the Community Resiliency Model (CRM). CRM's goal is to help to create 'trauma-informed' and 'resiliency-focused' communities that share a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored or increased using this skills-based approach.

This 45-minute CRM (Community Resiliency Model) presentation will focus on learning some key concepts of neurobiology and education about stress/trauma, which are the foundation for learning CRM Skills. While the presentation will touch on these skills in relation to youth, the focus will be on using skills for self-care. Two CRM Skills will be taught to participants (if time permits, a third skill will be included). Following the presentation, there will be 15-minutes for questions and answers.

This webinar will be of interest to: library staff, educators, parents, teens, youth advocates, and mentors.

Veterans and Mental Health - Learning About PTSD

Course Objectives:

Join presenter Dr. Laura Wiedman, clinical psychologist within the PTSD Clinical Team at the Northern California VA Health Care System, as she provides an overview of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and available resources for veterans with PTSD.

During this one-hour webinar, attendees will:

Learn about PTSD epidemiology, symptoms, and current treatment guidelines Review available resources for veterans with PTSD, including websites, educational videos, mobile apps, and VA services Address common misconceptions about PTSD that may be held by veterans and/or the public Develop a greater understanding of how to interact with veterans with PTSD

This webinar will be of interest to: library staff, volunteers, veterans and their family members, friends or caregivers who want to gain a better understanding and awareness of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

The Art of Coding

  • Link: The Art of Coding
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Young Adults
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Infopeople
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Are you interested in offering a coding program, but not sure where to begin? Join us for this one-hour webinar that will cover how to facilitate a coding club or workshop in the context of art making. Presenter Sylvia Agui-aga will explore fundamental coding concepts and how to apply them specifically to visual design. Not only is this is a great way to engage kids of all ages, it is also especially effective for motivating students to express themselves in a creative way while teaching critical coding & life skills. Additionally, because art making is such an impactful method of self-expression, it is especially effective in recruiting girls into the world of coding.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Explain what coding art means and why it's important Use the resources provided to launch a coding club or an introductory workshop Apply teaching techniques that will help cultivate a safe and engaging learning environment

This webinar will be of interest to: librarians and library support staff in any type of library who work with tweens and teens.

Veterans and Mental Health - Suicide Prevention

Course Objectives:

Historically, active duty service members had lower rates of suicide than the general population; however, since 2005 the rates have increased dramatically, particularly among Soldiers and Marines. From 2005 to 2009 more than 1,100 members of the Armed Forces took their own lives: an average of one suicide every 36 hours. In 2014, an average of 20 Veterans died by suicide each day. Regardless of the numbers or rates, one Veteran suicide is one too many. Suicide is a major public health issue in the United States, but it is important to recognize that suicide is a preventable tragedy. With help comes hope.

In this webinar, participants will:

Review recent suicide related data Understand Veteran's increased risk for suicide Learn how to identify, address and mitigate risk for suicide Know where to contact the Veteran's Crisis Line Understand trauma and resiliency

This webinar will be of interest to: library staff, volunteers, veterans and their family members, friends or caregivers who want to gain a better understanding and awareness of suicide prevention for Veterans.

Informational Books for Storytime

Course Objectives:

Would you like to include more informational or nonfiction books in your storytimes? In recent years, the number of simple informational books being published has increased. Storytimes offer a great opportunity to show parents and caregivers that these are great books to read aloud to children, and not just for homework. Additionally, since even kindergarteners listen to informational books in their classrooms, including them in storytimes can be a great first step in showing how fun and interesting these books can be.

Join esteemed children's librarian and author Penny Peck as she shares:

Why and how to incorporate informational books into storytime, including concept books Titles of new informational books to use at storytimes How to pair storybooks to informational books on the same topic, with related activities Simple informational books related to the 2017 summer reading themes of 'Build a Better World' and 'Reading by Design'

This webinar will be of interest to: Any library staff member who provides storytime programs to children. This webinar is particularly valuable for staff whose work includes children's services responsibilities at public libraries and elementary schools.

Teen Suicide Prevention: How to Listen, Assess, and Guide Teens in their Time of Need

Course Objectives:

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds in the United States. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, COMBINED. Since 4 out of 5 teens who attempt suicide give warning signs, it can be vital to know what to look for and what to do or say. With the influx of social media and extreme pressure to succeed, teens are struggling more than ever.

As part of the 2016-2017 California State Library (CSL) Mental Health Initiative, library staff, teens, and youth advocates are invited to learn more about teen suicide prevention with Michelle Carlson and Cheryl Eskin from Teen Line (www.teenlineonline.org (link is external)), a teen-to-teen hotline that provides education and support for teens.

In this webinar, participants will:

Learn the warning signs of suicide Dispel myths such as talking about suicide makes someone more likely to attempt suicide Explore how to talk to teens who may be suicidal and guide them towards help and hope

This webinar will be of interest to: anyone who works with teens and for teens who want to learn how to advocate for themselves and those they care about.

Developmentally Appropriate Programming for Babies & Toddlers

Course Objectives:

Are you a preschool programming rockstar who'd like to build a stronger foundation serving ages 0-2? Do you have lingering questions about what's best for children at this age? Then join us for this one-hour webinar as presenters Brooke Newberry and Amy Koester discuss the developmental milestones as well as optimal space, format, content and staffing for library programming aimed at babies, infants and toddlers. Programming for this age is a cornerstone of public library service, and the best such programs take into account the developmental needs and supports that very young children require to thrive.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be familiar with developmental milestones for children 0-35 months Understand ways in which a program's space, format, content, and staffing contribute to its developmental appropriateness. Be able to share developmentally appropriate parent/caregiver messages in infant, baby, and toddler programs Be familiar with resources for ideas and best practices in serving children 0-35 months.

This webinar will be of interest to: public library staff serving youth

10 Strategies for Community Organizing in Libraries

Course Objectives:

This ten-step, self-paced guide takes your staff and leadership from a basic understanding of the 'Ladder of Engagement' through the important steps 'Power Mapping' your community to putting a unique message and call-to-action into the field. New trainings will be released throughout 2017 to help library communities and Yes campaigns anticipate fundraising, volunteer engagement, endorsements, and handling opposition.

Grant Writing Basics

  • Link: Grant Writing Basics
  • Topic: Management - Fundraising
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Maine State Library
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

'Can you get a grant for that?' Librarians hear this a lot from their board and town officials. So where are the best places to start your search for a grant, how do you begin the ask, and - perhaps most importantly - is a grant really the best way to go?

Working with Disaster Recovery Companies: What You Need to Know

Course Objectives:

If your institution is affected by a large-scale disaster, you may very well rely on the services of a disaster recovery company to help get back on your feet. What companies are out there and what services do they offer? How do you vet companies to make sure that they are using responsible techniques in handling and recovering your impacted collections?

Join National Heritage Responder Tara Kennedy to learn some basic principles for salvaging different types of collection materials and which critical questions to ask when entering into (or renewing) contracts with recovery companies.

Look At Me When I'm Talking to You!

Course Objectives:

Look at me when I'm talking to you: getting ahead by improving your listening skills. In our high-tech and often stressful world, communication is becoming more important than ever. If this is true, then why are so many of us such poor listeners? Becoming a better listener will allow you to become more productive, avoid conflict, improve accuracy, and build better friendships and careers. During this session you will discover how good your listening skills are and what you can do to improve them.

Summertime Outreach: Bringing Summer Learning into the Community

Course Objectives:

Your public library is packed with kids during the summer, and that is excellent! Research shows that those children benefit from your library's many strong enrichment activities, staff expertise, and collections that go so far in preventing summer slide.

However, there are children in your community that you don't see in your library that need this same enrichment the most over the summer.

How can you find and support them, and provide them with the same rich resources? How can you collaborate with other organizations to help with this effort? How will you possibly find the time and resources to provide outreach services during the busiest time of the year?

Join us for this lively, interactive session and bring your questions, challenges and ideas.

We Need To Talk: Overcoming the fear of having a difficult conversatio

Course Objectives:

When faced with having a difficult conversation do you find yourself procrastinating, back peddling, dodging, panicking, or finding yourself filled with dread? Whether the conversation is with staff, a patron, your family, or an annoying neighbor this session will help to move you forward. These conversations don't have to be difficult if you prepare in advance and leave your emotions out of the equation.

Leading Doesn't Have to be Loud

Course Objectives:

If you're an introvert, you might assume (or you might have been told) that you're not cut out for leadership. Maybe you think you're too quiet to lead. Maybe you think that all great leaders need to have larger-than-life personalities. Nothing could be further from the truth. Introverts possess skills that make them valued leaders-skills like listening, relationship building, and thoughtfulness. This session will provide you with practical strategies for turning the strengths you already have into leadership potential. If you're not an introvert, come learn how you can create a work environment that values all voices, even the quiet ones.

Workplace Bullying: words can hurt more than you think

Course Objectives:

Remember being bullied in grade school? The tears, fears, and anxiety of facing bullies may have shaped who you have become today. Do you ever wonder what happened to those bullies? It's sad to say but many have grown up and are now creating havoc in our libraries! This engaging session will show you how to remain calm and stay strong when coping with the bullies you work with or serve in your community

Growing Readers Together: Early Literacy Services Beyond Your Library

Course Objectives:

Your library has a thriving storytime program, strong collection of board and picture books, perhaps parenting classes, and other services to support young families inside your library, but now you want to share those services beyond your library walls? How can you reach parents, unlicensed childcare providers, and young children that don't come to your library,often the very population that needs library services the most?

Join us for this interactive session to explore valuable community partnership opportunities, promotional possibilities, and methods for providing outreach to families, unlicensed childcare providers, and beyond. We will discuss research-based practices in Colorado libraries; potential collaborations; challenges and successes around outreach; and come away with practical ideas you can implement in your library.

Library Services: Making the atypical, typical

Course Objectives:

Does your library offer unusual services? Is there a population in your community that you are finding hard to reach? Is there an innovative program that you would love to try?

We all know that libraries are so much more than books, but the services and programs we offer to our communities can be as diverse as the population segments we serve.

Join us as we share one library's journey into atypical services and how atypical is now often the norm. Come ready to share your thoughts and questions as we share unique ideas, brainstorm potential partnerships, and discuss how to define and measure success.

Healthy Aging at Your Library: Connecting Older Adults to Health Information

Course Objectives:

This "train the trainer" class is designed to help librarians assist their older adult patrons find health information. Discover techniques for teaching older adults to use computers and to find health information on the Internet, learn what makes a website senior-friendly; plan library programs on senior health topics; and find out about some recommended health websites for older adults. Objectives

Participants will:

Learn about the reasons it is important to better assist their older patrons Be able to evaluate health information resources based on usability issues that affect older adults Learn and practice techniques for teaching older adults to look for health information on the Internet Be able to research health information for older adults on online resources from the National Institutes of Health and other recommended websites

Designing Interactive Library Spaces on Limited Budgets

Course Objectives:

The success of libraries in the future will be determined by their ability to create stories and engage their communities in new and exciting ways. One way to accomplish this is by putting technology, people and spaces together so patrons can become creators and innovators. Join Brian Pichman from the Evolve Project as he covers tips for success when designing interactive library spaces and experiences on a limited budget. Brian will offer ideas for your library, from programming for all ages to display tips to makerspaces, that will help you engage your community without spending thousands of dollars. You'll learn about furniture and design concepts, which maker technology to include and how to find additional funding to make your dream into reality. This is a jam-packed session full of ideas, data, and of course, cats. You'll learn:

How to share the benefits of interactive spaces and technology to help you get buy-in from staff, the public, IT teams and your board The key design concepts for library spaces that will increase collaboration and foster innovation The latest games, gadgets and gizmos and how they encourage new ideas and improve skill sets Innovative ways to obtain additional funds to build your interactive makerspace

Libraries = Education: Your Key to Success

Course Objectives:

Looking for a webinar that will make you think? During this presentation, you'll discover a strategy that is ushering in a new era of how we view libraries. Presenter Valerie Gross details the steps to rebranding your library as a key educational institution in your community, helping you gain the respect and funding you deserve. This game-changing vision of 'Libraries = Education' has been hailed by Library Journal as a 21st-century model worthy of study and consideration by every library in America, if not the world.

The approach will help you transform the image of your library to be on-par with your region's schools, colleges and universities and earn your institution optimal funding. The Libraries = Education approach can be used for all types of libraries and the best part? By making just a few easy modifications to how you present your library, you can enjoy huge returns. You will be able to:

Redefine and rebrand your library in a new, innovative way using strategic vocabulary. Dispel misperceptions about libraries and increase respect for librarians. Heighten your library's visibility and stature with community members and funding sources. Introduce this approach to key constituents and develop strategies you can integrate immediately into your work.

Transform Your Children's Library Into an Interactive STEAM Learning Environment

Course Objectives:

Nowadays it is common to hear the following terms in the education field: Next Generation Standards, 21st century skills, STEAM, hands-on, lifelong learning yet, how can libraries bring these terms to life and transform them into an interactive learning environment? Learn new strategies from education innovator and consultant Amparo Leyman Pino for how to incorporate multigenerational, engaging and participatory programs and museum-type experiences into your library setting. Learn the educational theories that support these new terms, as well as concrete ways to put them into practice, such as makerspaces, programming, bridging STEAM to literature, partnerships and more. You'll learn:

Why and how to transform your children's library into an interactive learning environment How to implement hands-on, interactive and participatory activities in the library How to revive the library and make it the go-to place in the community How to engage multigenerational groups in activities

Re-evaluating Existing Library Spaces and Furnishings on a Budget

Course Objectives:

Libraries that cannot afford to expand or have buildings that are landlocked are faced with multiple obstacles when it comes to improving library services and creating the types of spaces customers are demanding.

During this webinar, you'll learn how to take an objective look at your library to reimagine your spaces. Interior designer Stephanie Shook will demonstrate methods for evaluating your existing building and furniture conditions, gathering objective input and creating a new experience and fresh environment for your customers, all in a budget-friendly way. You'll learn:

How to assemble your 'tool kit' and evaluate your existing library building on a budget (especially if you are landlocked and don't have room to build an addition) How to gather staff and community input objectively and how to translate that input into prioritized facility improvements that have the most impact How to reconfigure existing library spaces and furniture and create a welcoming and comfortable environment for learning, entertainment and social gathering How to evaluate your furniture for replacement or retrofitting/updating

Beyond the Hour of Code: Implementation for All

Course Objectives:

Schools throughout the world participate in the Computer Science Education Week's #HourofCode, which will take place in 2016 from December 5th to 9th. Unfortunately, many schools don't move beyond that hour. As stakeholders in providing the best educational experiences to prepare students for tomorrow, it is imperative that we move 'Beyond the Hour of Code' and truly integrate coding into the daily instruction for all.

Learn more about:

Creating a maker culture in your schools and beyond Using computer science for inquiry-based learning and integrating computer science with all subject areas What district administration can do to empower teachers to bring computer science into the school day How to create coding/robotics electives and after school clubs Where teachers can find curriculum to use year-round

Media Literacy: A Crash Course in 60 Minutes

Course Objectives:

Let's face it. Fake media is a hot topic in, ahem, the media. But it is also a hot topic in education. In November 2016, the Stanford History Education Group (SHEG) published Evaluating Information: The Cornerstone of Civic Online Reasoning, a study that revealed concerning results. Because students increasingly turn to online news to meet their research needs, it is more important than ever for educators to help them separate truth from fiction. In this session, USA Today Reporter Greg Toppo joins Michelle Luhtala, Library Department Chair, New Canaan High School, CT, to discuss shifting trends in the news business and what teachers can do to help their learners sift through the information pool to find trustworthy journalism.

Moving Your Board from Good to Great

Course Objectives:

The board is humming in second gear -steady, showing up with clarity about its role, making solid decisions, taking care of business. You and the board leadership have worked really hard to get to this place. How do you move to the next level? The dimension in which board members are inspired and creative, as well as taking care of business in the fiduciary level. We will look at the characteristics of great boards, and how your board can make this move with intention and confidence. For Board members, Executive Directors, Deputy Directors, and anyone who wants to learn how to strengthen their board. Appropriate for any size nonprofit.

Serving At-Risk Patrons: Lessons from Library Social Workers

Course Objectives:

Looking for ideas on how to provide services to vulnerable customers in your library system? Join two library social workers to learn how libraries are on the front lines of social work - and how you can help patrons in need in your own communities.

Participants will learn how to provide new or additional services to vulnerable customers in the library system. Gain tips and advice from social workers working in the library field.

Who Should Attend

This program is beneficial for everyone.

Leading Teens: Accidental Teen Librarian

Course Objectives:

Libraries are becoming the after school hangout for many communities. But this can mean problems too. Are you having trouble with your teens behaving in the library? Includes presentation and handouts

Cheap and Easy: An Introduction to Passive Programming

Course Objectives:

Are you short on programming funds? Does your staff struggle to find time to program? Would you like to showcase collections and services or promote community initiatives? If so, then it's time to add passive programming to your repertoire! Discover what passive programming is and how to do it well. Return to work with ideas that will allow you to design activities suitable for all ages, from kids to seniors, and even intergenerational audiences. Emily Wichman is the author of the Librarian's Guide to Passive Programming: Easy and Affordable Activities for All Ages (Libraries Unlimited, 2012).

More than Storytime: Outreach to Childcare Centers and Preschools

Course Objectives:

Outreach to childcare centers and preschools can be more than just a storytime. This webinar will help you begin to think about ways you can bring elements of the library experience, such as browsing and checking out books, getting a library card, or participating in a reading program to childcare centers and preschools in your area. Offering more than a storytime allows you to connect with children and families who may not already be library users, strengthen relationships among childcare providers in your community and the library, and spread early literacy advocacy beyond your walls. From Facebook messages to grant applications, I will share how my partnerships developed, function, and may evolve in the future. I will also highlight some other libraries with great ideas for preschool outreach that I would bring to my community if I could.

Let the Wild Rumpus Start! Child-led play in public library programming

Course Objectives:

Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to spend your summer programming hours than hiring magicians and jugglers? Do you struggle with ways to incorporate truly authentic play (the kind YOU engaged in as a kid, not the kind directed by adults) into your library offerings? Not sure how much guidance to provide in open-exploration sessions for toddlers? Are you looking for more ways to encourage literacy skills and parent education? This webinar will introduce you to a radical new library program idea being pioneered in Madison, Wisconsin, based on a groundbreaking new educational philosophy called Anji Play. Learn how Carissa has adapted this approach, originally developed for schools, into a library-friendly format that both kids and parents love.

Engaged Planning

  • Link: Engaged Planning
  • Topic: Management - Strategic Planning
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: University of Wisconsin Madison SLIS
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

How can you make your library the heart of the community? To survive and thrive in the current political and fiscal climate, libraries must reflect their communities' needs and wants. Learn the basics of turning outward in order to reflect the aspirations of your community as you plan for your library's future.

Tell the story of volunteer impact

Course Objectives:

You want to share the impact volunteers have in your organization and in the community, but often the information you track doesn't help you tell that story. This webinar will help you move past number of volunteers and number of hours and start telling the real story. You'll learn about information gathering and the key components to good storytelling, how to evaluate your current measurements and how to build support for a more thorough measurement and evaluation program, and how to engage other staff - paid and volunteer - in this work. You'll also receive a worksheet to help you begin to tell the story of volunteer impact in your organization. (last slide of the deck)

Fix It at the Library with DIY Repair Programs

Course Objectives:

Making is all the rage. But what if you want to fix something that's broken? Repair programs are an opportunity to teach patrons new skills while fixing technology, electronics, clothing, and other household items. These programs can be a great way to engage new community partners and volunteers and have proven successful in many libraries in the United States and Canada. Repair programs also help reduce waste by fixing items that would otherwise be thrown away. Come to this free webinar to learn how repair programs are being offered in public libraries.

Libraries as Innovation Hubs: Community Driven Design

Course Objectives:

Public libraries are hubs for innovation and community engagement. Library workers must listen closely to community needs to design programs and services responsive to continuous changes in technology and fluctuations in funding. This free webinar will showcase two examples of collaborative design events used in public libraries to generate ideas, build community, and solve problems.

Libraries Supporting Social Good: Tools and Tips for Outreach to Nonprofits

Course Objectives:

Libraries should be engaged with their local social sector community. The social sector includes nonprofits, as well as grantmaking organizations and business enterprises with an explicit social purpose. This free webinar will offer practical guidance on the best tools, training resources, and marketing tactics your library can use engage the social sector in your community. You will also hear examples of how librarians have implemented these tools and tactics in their libraries.

Making the Case for Early STEM Learning

Course Objectives:

Explore how to make a stronger case for early STEM experiences. Join the Early Learning Lab and Julie Sweetland from the FrameWorks Institute to discuss proven, practical ways for early childhood advocates to talk about why and how early STEM matters.

EGAD! Bed Bugs in the Library?

Course Objectives:

Yes, bed bugs can be found in a library. Libraries are not favorable environments for bed bugs to thrive, but they can hide in jackets, backpacks, and books. Jody Green from the Lancaster County Extension Office will discuss their life cycle and how to identify symptoms of infestations. Lincoln City Library staff, Julie Beno and Katie Murtha, will discuss how to recognize signs of bed bugs in the library and what steps to take if they are found.

Planning for Successful Internships

Course Objectives:

Each year when librarians report on their internship experiences we learn more about what worked well and what tips they might have learned along the way that will make for a better internship next time. The one thing that we hear every year is about the importance of planning and selecting an intern that is the right fit for the library and for the tasks that are planned for the internship. JoAnn McManus and Mary Jo Ryan, both with the Nebraska Library Commission, will address the planning involved in preparing for a new intern and share tips to providing your intern--and your library--with a great experience. Although the presentation focuses on ensuring that the newly announced library grant recipients of the 2017 Nebraska Library Internship Grant Program are armed with great information, other libraries will also pick up great tips for how to prepare and make the most out of internships at their libraries.

Topics covered that will be helpful for everyone include: determine if the library should provide a stipend or actually hire the intern as an employee, advertise the position/opportunity, intern selection considerations, review of resources to assist you, goal-setting for the internship, organize before day one of the internship, introduce your intern to the projects to be completed, prepare and follow a timeline, orient the intern to the work of the library (even though the intern may not have responsibilities or tasks in many of the areas), share information about education and career paths in library careers, follow the intern's progress, and the importance of a good experience for both the intern and the library and how to achieve it.

Topics of specific interest to the libraries that are being awarded an internship (and those that might be applying in the future) include: contract considerations between your library and the Nebraska Library Commission, required paperwork and reporting requirements for those receiving the internship grants, and other aspects related to selection of interns and orientation considerations for grant recipient compliance.

Small and Rural Libraries Leading with TV White Space

Course Objectives:

This presentation provides an opportunity for librarians working in small and rural library contexts to learn about the innovative applications of TV White Space (TVWS) technology in their communities. Join us to find out how small and rural libraries can implement this emerging technology and use it to collaborate with other community anchor institutions to advance access, inclusion, and crisis planning.

TVWS is an extremely valuable license-exempt radio spectrum located in the bands for traditional TV broadcast. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently made a portion of these TVWS bands of spectrum available for free, open, and shared public use (similar to WiFi). TVWS, in conjunction with WiFi, allows libraries to extend their networks of internet access strategically across their communities.

Among our objectives are to build awareness of TVWS technology, describe how TVWS wireless networks operate, and help participants develop familiarity with several library TVWS case studies. We anticipate sharing how to plan for a new TVWS network and next steps participants might take. Also discussed will be a recent project, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which will give small and rural libraries the opportunity to apply to become a pilot site/early adopter of TVWS.

Collecting Library User Feedback: Free! high tech and low tech options that will meet your needs

Course Objectives:

In the context of the growing popularity of digital resources, declining reference and circulation transactions, and falling gate counts, collecting feedback about the unique needs and preferences of twenty-first century library users has never been more pertinent and important. But collecting that data can be expensive, especially for small libraries. This is particularly true in times of shrinking budgets.

Fortunately, there are plenty of free options when it comes to surveying your service population. Depending on your needs, you may choose a high tech option like Google Forms or a low tech option like a white marker board. Paul Meek Library at the University of Tennessee at Martin conducted user satisfaction surveys using both high tech and low tech options in the spring of 2016, the results of which were surprisingly similar.

In this presentation, we will discuss our experience conducting high tech and low tech (but all free!) surveys with an emphasis on the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you decide which option is best for your needs.

Technology Classes at Your Library

Course Objectives:

In the past three years, the Iowa City Public Library has tripled their patron involvement in technology classes taught by library staff, without increasing staff or budget. Technology is an ever changing landscape and classes are a great way to help patrons become savvier technology users. Learn how to grow interest in your library's technology courses with strategies for assessment, marketing, and curriculum development.

Presenter: Jen Eilers, Library Assistant, Iowa City Public Library. Jen organizes and coordinates a team of librarians who teach 4-5 classes a month to adult learners. The classes focus on technology and information literacy skills for the Iowa City Community. She also staffs the information desk and problem solves various patron technology issues through the library's drop-in tech zone.

The Facets of Fair Use

  • Link: The Facets of Fair Use
  • Topic: Fundamentals of Librarianship
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Nebraska Library Commission
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Many educational activities rely on using someone else's intellectual property under the banner of "fair use", but just how far can you take it? What are the limits and what are your responsibilities as a school librarian? This session will decipher some of the copyright and trademark laws and doctrines that determine what you should and shouldn't do.

Outside the Lines: Shifting Perceptions of Libraries

Course Objectives:

Libraries are dynamic centers for engagement that help everyone in your community be their best. To shift perceptions, let's not just tell people how libraries have changed; let's show them.

Join this free webinar to learn about Outside the Lines, a week-long international celebration of the creativity and innovation happening in libraries. Whether your organization is large or small, academic or public, you can participate by hosting at least one event or campaign that gets people thinking - and talking - about libraries in a different way. Discover how you can use social media to help support your efforts with examples from participants. Gain a deeper understanding of grassroots library marketing and inspiration for your next social media campaign.

During this webinar, you will:

Learn more about Outside the Lines as an initiative and how participating can benefit your organization or library Gain an understanding of how social media can play an important role in participating in Outside the Lines Gain inspiration from examples that can help spark new ideas for telling your own organization's story

Protecting Patron Privacy in Public Libraries

Course Objectives:

Explore two key areas of patron privacy: public access technology and the collection of patron data.

Preparing for the Worst: Disaster Prep and Recovery for Nonprofits and Libraries

Course Objectives:

Learn basic things you can do TODAY to help your nonprofit or library be better prepared ahead of a disaster and bounce back quicker after one strikes.

Coding Clubs: Youth Programming for Public Libraries

Course Objectives:

You don't have to be an expert in computer science to offer effective educational programs that teach coding skills in your library. Watch this free webinar to hear about two libraries using free coding curricula available from library partners.

Post-Truth: Fake News and a New Era of Information Literacy

Course Objectives:

Can you spot fake news? Do you know how to help others differentiate between truth and fiction? Join us to learn how you can be a better ambassador for information literacy.

A recent Stanford Graduate School of Education study found that most students, middle school through college, struggled to distinguish between credible and unreliable news articles. Many adults have the same challenge. Description

Talk of fake news and the need for critical thinking skills have been in heavy rotation in the media in recent months, with new calls for the public to acquire appropriate research and evaluation skills and become more information savvy. However, none of this is new for librarians and information professionals, particularly for those who teach information literacy classes! With this renewed interest, librarians have brand new opportunities to impart these skills to patrons.

In this webinar, participants will:

Learn more about the rise of fake news, particularly those information behaviors that perpetuate its spread Learn ways to identify fake news Explore methods to help library patrons identify fake news

Libraries Transforming Communities: Models for Change Overview

Course Objectives:

Join ALA and the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation for this introductory webinar to learn about a free learning series that will teach library professionals to lead change in their communities.

Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Models for Change is a free professional development program for all types of library professionals interested in exploring community engagement through dialogue and deliberation.

In a series of online and in-person classes, attendees will learn how, when and why to facilitate conversations about important topics; how to bring disparate voices together in a productive discussion; and how to translate a conversation into a course of action. Description

During this two-year (2017-18) professional development project, library professionals will have access to free training in community leadership techniques like coalition-building and dialogue facilitation. Offerings will include free web-based and in-person workshops specially designed for three library types:

large public libraries (spring 2017) academic libraries (fall 2017) small, medium-sized and rural public libraries (winter/spring 2018)

This introductory webinar will provide an overview of LTC: Models for Change. Participants will:

Learn about the LTC: Models for Change initiative and ALA's project partners. Gain information about how the series will help libraries to better engage with their specific communities.

Not Just for Kids: STEM Programs Your Adult Patrons Will Love

Course Objectives:

Looking to add adult STEM programs to your offerings but aren't sure where to start? Join librarians from Princeton (N.J) Public Library and Phelps (N.Y) Community Memorial Library for tips on creating STEM programming adults are sure to love. Description

Phelps (N.Y.) Community Memorial Library, a rural library with a small annual budget, creatively designed and integrated an 800-square-foot community space dedicated to education and inspiration. In this space, the library features adult STEAM programming that is almost exclusively community-driven in both topic and teaching. Library Manager Leah Hamilton will discuss what makes their programs successful, how unexpected challenges helped the makerspace grow, and the importance of collaborating with local organizations. Hamilton will also share how to recruit talented community volunteers to teach programs, ideas for instilling the maker philosophy with passive programming and the one type of promotion that works every time.

In spring 2016, Princeton (N.J.) Public Library introduced its broadly themed History of Science program series, featuring public lectures with local notables, two book discussions with Princeton University faculty and a recommended readings list. The highlight of the series was a conversation featuring world-renowned physicist Freeman Dyson. Public historian Hannah Schmidl and Public Programming Librarian Janie Hermann will share how they drew on their rich scholarly community to construct an engaging and well-attended series and offer advice on how this can be adapted to any community.

Libraries Transforming Communities: Everyday Democracy's Dialogue to Change Process

Course Objectives:

oin us to learn how Everyday Democracy's Dialogue to Change community engagement process can help library professionals bring people together and lead change in their communities. Description

Everyday Democracy Logo

This session will emphasize how to initiate a large-scale program to bring together groups of people from different backgrounds and viewpoints to talk about an issue. Participants will learn how to utilize Everyday Democracy's Dialogue to Change process, which leads to a wide range of action and change efforts. Learn more about Everyday Democracy's Dialogue to Change approach.

Participants will:

Gain a general understanding of Everyday Democracy's dialogue-to-change process. Gain an appreciation of the central principles of community engagement that are part of that process. Learn strategies and practices for outreach and engagement in that process. Acquire a basic understanding of general principles of inclusion and equity that are central to that work.

LTC: Introduction to Dialogue & Deliberation for Public Libraries Serving Small, Mid-sized and/or Rural Communities

Course Objectives:

In small, mid-sized and/or rural communities, the public library often becomes a de facto town hall. Through this important social position, libraries have the potential to make the most impactful change in their communities.

In this free, 90-minute webinar, join the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) for an overview of the range of models in dialogue and deliberation available to public libraries serving small, mid-sized and/or rural communities. Description

Using NCDD's Engagement Streams Framework and a variety of dialogue resources, participants will learn about the steps for designing successful dialogues that best fit their circumstances and resources. They will also gain an understanding of approaches to dialogue that can help them achieve their goals.

This will be an interactive session, and participants will have opportunities to ask questions and engage with presenters. Participants will:

Gain an understanding of the range of dialogue and deliberation approaches available and how public libraries serving small, mid-sized and/or rural communities have implemented them. Learn and ask questions about best practices for achieving libraries' engagement goals. Learn about resources available to libraries and how to access them. Be introduced to the two approaches featured in later webinars in this series: Conversation Cafe and Future Search.

Libraries Transforming Communities: World Cafe

Course Objectives:

Join us to learn how public libraries serving large or urban communities may utilize the World Cafe method to create a living network of conversation around questions that matter. Description

Focusing on the World Cafe method, this webinar will emphasize how collaborative dialogue, bringing together large groups of people in a series of small, conversational rounds, allows a larger community to engage in in-depth discussions together. Learn more about The World Cafe approach.

Participants will:

Experience the World Cafe process. Learn the structure of World Cafes. Learn which topics and issues are best addressed using this process. Hear about examples of outcomes from World Cafes.

This free webinar series is offered as part of Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Models for Change, an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) and National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) that seeks to strengthen libraries' roles as core community leaders and agents of change. LTC: Models for Change is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Passing the Baton: Succession Planning in a Small Library

Course Objectives:

What will happen in your library when you retire? Join us for a conversation with the Director and Assistant Director at the TLL Temple Memorial Library, and learn how Brenda and Justin are planning for the future in their library.

With Friends Like These: Pointing Your Friend's Group in the Right Direction

Course Objectives:

Friends groups can be tremendous assets to the libraries they serve by engaging community, raising money, advocating for the library, and lending the library lots of great moral support. But, when Friends groups lose focus on their role (versus that of the director) or when they start being unfriendly it can become a miserable relationship for all involved. Sally Gardner Reed will discuss ways in which to keep working on a positive track together, ways to solve conflicts, and what to do when nothing seems to work.

Bleep, Blorp, Books: Robots in the Library

Course Objectives:

Join us as we discuss the benefits of providing robotics programs to youth patrons and how to get started. Katelyn Patterson of CTLS will discuss why robotics is a wonderful way to offer STEM programming and how to get started. Cecily Ponce de Leon of the Plano Public Library System will give an overview of how PPLS has been implementing robotics programs for several years.

Back to reality: Librarians helping patrons navigate the world during reentry

Course Objectives:

Helping justice system involved individuals, especially those who have just left incarceration, is rewarding and challenging. They have unique needs that not everyone is prepared for. Learn from librarians who have helped people, inside and out, how community libraries can assist with a successful reentry back into society. Presented by Anna Nash, Washington State Library & Adrienne Breznau, Kitsap Regional Library.

Raising Your Library's Community Profile

Course Objectives:

Raising visibility means raising relevancy. As part of ALA's Libraries Transform initiative, Spokane County Library District spent the past two years doing just this by turning outward to their communities. We will discuss how this community engagement has changed day-to-day job functions, strategies for making the time to be present in your community and our best practices to implementing an engaged community focus gained from wins and fails as we embrace the idea that a library that supports its community has a community that supports its library. We will be discussing the tool 'Reaction to Change Quiz' in this webinar so feel free to take the quiz ahead of time. Presented by Amber Williams and Kris Barnes, Spokane County Library District.

Leaving the library for nature programming: backpacks and geocaches

Course Objectives:

Presenters Kylie Fullmer and Brooke Pederson, rural library directors from Eastern and Western Washington State, will review the lessons learned and best practices from their successful 'leave-the-library', nature-based programs. Kylie will present about her outdoor backpack kits, ready to be checked out for family adventures. Brooke will present about her local history focused 'Cache in Concrete' geocache trail. Attendees will leave with ideas and templates to design their own self-directed, family-friendly, nature-based programs. Presented by Kylie Fullmer, Ritzville Public Library and Brooke Pederson, Upper Skagit Library.

Disaster response and recovery: Public libraries as Key community partners

Course Objectives:

This session will address how libraries can develop plans for responding to disasters and emergencies. Perhaps even more important can be the crucial roles libraries can play in helping their communities prepare for and respond to a disaster or emergency through such means as building community resilience, sharing information, facilitating networking, providing shelter, and contributing to staffing of an emergency operations center. Presented by Phil Heikkinen, Orcas Island Library.

The Opioid Epidemic and Libraries' Challenges, Resources, and More

Course Objectives:

This webinar aired on December 11, 2017. To access the recording, find the webinar in the calendar list, click on the title and then click on the playback button.

The opioid epidemic has sunk its teeth into communities all over the United States, and many libraries are finding themselves caught right in the middle. This crisis creates a variety of issues for librarians-we find ourselves faced with security questions, questions about treatment, questions about community resources, and even medical questions. It can be tough to know how to address these issues and where to begin.

On December 11 at 1:00 pm EST, we will be hosting a discussion on this issue with experts who can speak to the unique concerns that come with our obligation to serve our communities in this time of crisis. They will provide you with insights and best practices but will also be there to answer your questions and listen to your concerns.

From Facilities to Trauma: Disaster Planning and Community Resilience at Your Library

Course Objectives:

This webinar will provide you with guidance on how to prepare your library to respond to the next disaster or crisis and to support community resiliency.

Recent catastrophes have highlighted the important role public libraries play in enhancing their community's resiliency and post-disaster recovery efforts. Many community leaders now view libraries as ad hoc disaster recovery centers and recognize librarians as Information First Responders. This presentation will help you and your library embrace this new role as Information First Responders, who quickly enable people to get back to work, back to their lives, and ensure recovery of the community's economic life. Learn what you need to prepare before disaster strikes, guided by New Jersey State Library's Disaster Preparedness & Community Resiliency Toolkit, which has been emergency-tested by libraries. Your library can be at the forefront in providing that safe haven in times of crisis and helping your community return to normal life.

Lunch at the Library: Nourishing Bodies and Minds

Course Objectives:

In this webinar, learn the tools and tips for starting or expanding a USDA summer meals site and for incorporating lunches into your summer reading program.

For too many children and teens, summer is a time of hunger and learning loss. Libraries offer the perfect environment to combat childhood hunger and obesity while preventing summer learning loss by offering free, healthy lunch to kids through the USDA Summer Food Service Program. In California, Lunch at the Library was developed to provide tailored support to library staff, offering tools to develop successful public library summer meal programs that draw new families to the library, foster community partnerships, and engage families with learning and enrichment opportunities while school is out. Join us for this webinar to learn about the tools and practical tips for starting or expanding a USDA summer meals site and incorporating lunches into your summer reading program. Even if you've been offering summer lunches for years, you'll come away inspired and ready to plan.

Homelessness in Small and Rural Communities: Libraries Can Help!

Course Objectives:

A webinar hosted in collaboration with ARSL on how small or rural libraries can provide services to community members experiencing homelessness, especially with limited access to resources, like a social worker.

Homelessness means having no predictable and safe place to sleep. Libraries in rural and small communities are often a source of information and daytime shelter for individuals facing homelessness or housing insecurity. In an already busy library with limited resources, staff may be challenged to respond to the needs of these patrons and to cope with compassion fatigue. This webinar will provide practical insights on providing services to people who don't have stable housing. Learn how to create an environment that feels welcoming, informative and supportive, including ideas for reducing policy barriers. Learn how to host conversations that explore public perceptions, help to debunk myths around homelessness, and strengthen community ties.

Visualizing Funding for Libraries: You've Gathered the Data, Now What?

Course Objectives:

In this webinar, learn how to generate a viable list of potential funders using the dynamic and freely available data-visualization tool, Visualizing Funding for Libraries.

In 2017, the Visualizing (and Finding!) Funding for Libraries webinar introduced you to a dynamic and freely available data-visualization tool that enables library professionals and supporters to search for institutional funding for libraries at national, state and local levels. This webinar will re-familiarize you with the tool and then explore how to take the next steps with your data visualizations. Presenters will connect key data findings from the tool to national trends in philanthropic support for libraries. Using the tool to leverage networks and relationships, learn how to generate a viable list of potential funders to research further in order to determine the right fit for your library. You'll also learn the action steps to take after identifying a funding prospect that will get your proposal to the top of the pile.

Intergenerational Programs at the Library: Connecting Generations for Healthy Communities

Course Objectives:

This webinar explores how and why intergenerational relationships are important and develops skills to foster intergenerational communication in libraries.

Walk into almost any public library and you'll see people of all ages engaging in the community space. When libraries offer programs and services that intentionally spark connection between generations, they contribute to more vibrant and cohesive communities. Learn how your library can develop inviting opportunities to encourage more intergenerational connections on a day-to day basis. This webinar will discuss why intergenerational relationships are important and will help you develop skills to foster intergenerational communication in your library. We'll explore ideas and resources that will turn your library into a community intergenerational catalyst.

Teaching Privacy in Libraries: Strategies and Tools

Course Objectives:

At a time when society is facing a new set of challenges around privacy, surveillance, censorship and free speech, library workers, as stewards of information and providers of internet access, are in a prime position to educate patrons about their digital rights.

Join presenter Alison Macrina, director of the Library Freedom Project, as she discusses practical strategies that can bring privacy back to our library communities at a time when these rights are most at risk. She will demonstrate tools and best practices that can be taught in any library environment, in one-on-one patron interactions or computer classes.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Learn about standard privacy best practices including: passwords and password managers, endpoint security and software updates Become familiar with several of the most trusted privacy technologies including the Tor browser and HTTPS Learn how to incorporate privacy literacy into existing computer classes, or teach a standalone privacy class as well as how to stay up to date on privacy news and information

This webinar will be of interest to: All library staff, but particularly those who offer programs around technology.

Handling Negative Feedback Online: Strategies for Your Library

Course Objectives:

We all dread it: the negative comment. Whether it's on a blog post, in an email or on a social media channel, negative feedback can quickly demoralize us and leave us wondering how to respond.

In this webinar we'll examine the most common kinds of negative commentary and the best methods for handling each. We'll also learn what differentiates an online troll from other kinds of negative users and what to do if you encounter one. Get ready to be a whole lot more prepared the next time one of those undesirable comments appears!

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be familiar with the 4 types of negative online feedback Be aware of the 6 steps for handling negative feedback Be able to define a troll and how a troll differs from other types of negative feedback

This webinar will be of interest to: Staff responsible for handling online patron comments and feedback.

Facilitating Constructive Contributions: Dealing with Difficult Behaviors; Helping People Share from a Better Place

Course Objectives:

Basic facilitation skills involve keeping a group on topic and on time. But what happens when a participant needs special attention? This webinar will identify common types of disruptive behavior and share multiple methods for facilitators to keep the conversation constructive. We'll discuss what kinds of factors lead caring people to become the "difficult" ones to better understand which strategy to use when. We'll also review how to create the conditions that reduce the likelihood of difficult of behaviors in the first place. Bring questions from your own challenging facilitation moments for the extended question and answer session.

This session is hosted by the California State Library, represented by Suzanne Flint. The lead presenter will be Susan Stuart Clark, with case examples curated from California librarians experienced in facilitating challenging participants.

This webinar will be of interest to: Librarians and library staff who have had experience designing and facilitating group discussions on important issues and are interested in deepening their group process skills.

The Opiate Crisis: What Libraries Can Do

Course Objectives:

This webinar discusses the history and depth of the opiate problem in this country and how it has come to the attention of libraries and their staff. Dr. Steve Albrecht is a former San Diego Police Reserve Sergeant and a member of the California Narcotics Officers Association, trained in Drug Abuse Recognition (DAR) and Advanced DAR.

In this session he will focus on how library staff members at all levels can recognize the signs and symptoms of opiate users who are either under the influence or in withdrawal (which makes them act erratic, irrational, threatening, and even violent). He will cover what to do when faced with an overdose patient; the safe and effective use of Narcan (a drug that reverses the effects of opiate overdose); getting help from social services agencies and substance abuse professionals, and the police. This session will also discuss how to make your library facility and its restrooms safer and less likely to become a haven for opiate users.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Recognize the tremendous increase in opiate overdose problems in this country and why libraries are not immune to the issue. How to recognize opiate use abuse in patrons - from a legal and medical perspective. Know the differences between alcohol use, drug use, poly-drug use, and opiate drug use and withdrawal symptoms in patrons. How to know when opiate use by patrons is a police issue versus a paramedics response. Discuss when and if Narcan use by library staff on opiate overdoes patrons may be a necessity. Deal with the safety hazards related to opiate users, their drugs, and drug paraphernalia, including needles.

This webinar will be of interest to: All library staff, with a focus for leaders, managers, and supervisors to support their employees as they respond to this difficult issue.

The Healing Library: Lending Healing Experiences to Families

Course Objectives:

More than ever people are turning to libraries during times of crisis. As library workers, how can we ensure we care for our communities while supporting (and not replacing) our local wellness professionals?

The Healing Library is a project that has been developed by librarians, a children's literature advocate, and a holistic art and play therapist to assist families with healing in a healthy way while teaching parents the skills of looking critically at picture books and utilizing them to communicate with children. Currently three free lendable kits have been developed, including: The Death of a Loved One, The Death of a Pet, and When a Loved One Develops Alzheimer's.

In this webinar, presenter Megan Emery will discuss the topics and contents of the three kits, and how libraries can download them for free to begin assisting their communities with healthy journeys of healing.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Understand what The Healing Library can and cannot do for their communities Have knowledge of the three kit topics and the contents of the kits Understand how to download the kit contents for free and begin assembling the kit that is right for their community

This webinar will be of interest to: Library staff, especially those working with children and families, who are interested in helping their communities deal with traumatic events.

Storytelling for Community Relationships

Course Objectives:

Do you want to develop more meaningful relationships with your library's community? Would you like to create sustainable engagement with local businesses, organizations and library users?

Enter storytelling- it's not just for kids! The people who use the library and live in the community have tons of unique perspectives and messages to share- they just need an outlet. Libraries can play an integral role by giving those stories a platform. Storytelling is a powerful tool because it builds trust and understanding. From podcasts, videos, livestreams and unique programming, there are many ways that librarians can utilize the power of storytelling to build transformational community relationships.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be able to describe what storytelling is and why it matters to library communities Be able to identify 3 different ways that libraries can collaborate with communities to tell and share stories Be able to understand different technology tools and resources to share stories with the wider community

This webinar will be of interest to: Public, academic and special librarians who would like to connect to their communities through storytelling.

Protecting Your Online Privacy: Risks and Strategies

Course Objectives:

Would you like to learn more about why you should care about your online privacy?

The topic of online privacy is growing in importance as people realize the long-term ramifications of not being privacy-aware. This webinar will cover why protecting one's online privacy is now so critical and what can happen when one doesn't. We'll also look at various concrete methods and tools you can use to help insure online privacy as much as possible.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

Be familiar with 3 or more potential risk categories of online activity Be aware of how some libraries are already dealing with online privacy issues Learn of some specific strategies and tools for managing and protecting online privacy

This webinar will be of interest to: Library staff wanting to learn more about privacy issues for either themselves or for library users.

Being an Effective Team Member

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course. Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Professional Effectiveness > Working on a Team > Optimizing Performance on a Team

Organizational success begins with individuals knowing how to participate effectively in teams. This path of courses is designed to equip you with the approach, strategies, and skills you need to excel as a member of a team, and to maximize your role in achieving the team's goals. You'll learn how to adopt a positive, proactive approach, how best to interact and collaborate with team members, and ways to build a more cohesive team. You'll also learn effective team communication skills, including how to communicate in ways that are proactive and cooperative, and how to give and receive constructive feedback.

Managing Multigenerational Employees

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course. Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Leadership > Generations in the Workforce

The workforce comprises four different generations of employees– Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Each generational group is characterized by a unique set of attributes that affect how they interact and perform as well as their expectations in the workplace. The challenge for managers is to implement strategies for managing a multigenerational workforce. This learning path introduces the different workforce generations, includingthe defining characteristics of each generation. It also covers strategies for managing a multigenerational workforce as well as specific techniques you can use to appeal to each specific generational group.

Influencing Key Decision Makers

Course Objectives:

NOTE: You must have a Skillsoft Learning account to access this course. Click on the link above and enter your learning account login and password. Follow the path below to find the course.

Library > Business Skills > Communication Skills > Influence and Persuasion > Getting Results through Personal Power

If you work in an organization, large or small, your job – everyone's job - is to get results. Some people are given the authority to direct the activities of others and make unilateral decisions to get those results. They have 'position' power. But many others must rely on their 'personal' power – the credibility, influence skills, and political savvy that is often harder won than being anointed or given a title. What it takes to get results without direct authority is to build personal power – to have the credibility, influence, and political savvy needed to not only get results but actively play a leadership role.

Baby-Friendly Libraries

  • Link: Baby-Friendly Libraries
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Colorado State Library
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Of course babies are welcome in your library, but what if you could transform your library into a truly baby-friendly library? Join us for this interactive webinar to explore ideas on transforming your space, collections, policies, programs, outreach efforts, and customer service philosophy to best fit the needs of your youngest patrons and their families, and make them feel welcome. Along with examples we’ll provide, there will be many opportunities for you to share your experiences, ideas, and questions on babies in libraries with each other.

Removing Barriers to Access: Eliminating Fines and Fees for a Win-Win for your Library and Community

Course Objectives:

Librarians have debated both the philosophy and financial role of charging fines and fees for late, lost, and damaged materials for decades. The topic is still critical today as fines and fees pose a significant barrier to library use, especially for low-income families.

Join us for this interactive session as we explore research on the benefits of eliminating fines and fees, learn from one library district that has tracked the positive effects of eliminating fines for 2years, and brainstorm with each other about the challenges and benefits to eliminating fines and fees.

Bilingual Storytimes: Reaching Through the Language Barrier

Course Objectives:

As our library clientele becomes more diverse, so must our programming. The good news is that you already have the skills and access to the resources you need to research, plan, and deliver targeted programming in languages other than English. In this webinar, we’ll focus on how to adapt your current storytimes for Spanish/English storytimes. You can use this same process to deliver storytimes in any language.

STRETCH Your Storytime! Supporting Early Learning with Yoga and Movement

Course Objectives:

The centuries-old contemplative practice know as “yoga” is much more than a passing trend; it has physical, cognitive, and social-emotional benefits for practitioners of all ages, including preschool age children and their caregivers. This webinar will introduce participants to ways in which the intentional use of yoga-inspired movement in the storytime setting can support and enhance the work of youth services library staff and others helping prepare young children for school success. Participants will be exposed to new ideas and great books they will be excited to share. No prior yoga experience required!

At the end of the webinar attendees will: •Be able to articulate at least one way yoga-inspired movement supports the following three distinct areas of early learning: ?physical literacy ?early literacy ?social-emotional learning

•Know the basic components of planning and implementing a yoga storytime. •Know several basic yoga shapes they can use in their storytimes

Intended audience: public librarians, school librarians, youth services librarians, early childhood educators, preschool teachers

The Name of the Game: Playing Tabletop Games to Build 21st Century Skills

Course Objectives:

As hubs of lifelong learning, public libraries are always seeking new strategies to cultivate 21st century skills in their community members. The deeper we move into this century, the more critical it becomes for people to hone skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, global awareness and creativity. Your patrons can strengthen these skill sets while also having fun in a social setting — through playing tabletop games at the library. Learn about the wide array of games available and the specific skill sets each one promotes. Hear how public librarians are using games and get new ideas for programming and game-related projects that you can do at your library. Your younger patrons will be ahead of the 21st century game in no time.

YALSA Teen Services Competencies Series: Teen Growth and Development

Course Objectives:

Adopting a positive youth development (PYD) approach changes the way you look at young people and how you work with them. In this webinar we will investigate what we mean by positive youth development. We will start with a quick overview of adolescent development, especially adolescent brain development. With this foundation we will explore key principles of positive youth development such as nurturing positive outcomes, using a strength based approach, and youth voice and engagement. After taking a closer look at youth voice and barriers to youth adult partnerships, we will end by sharing helpful tools and web resources.

YALSA Teen Services Competencies Series: Interactions with Teens

Course Objectives:

In this webinar hear Megan Burton and Valerie Tagoe discuss how they effectively build relationships with teens. The webinar is one in YALSA's Teen Services Competencies for Library Staff series.

YALSA Teen Services Competencies Series: Learning Environments

Course Objectives:

In this YALSA Teen Services Competencies for Library Staff webinar, Yvette Garcia from the Chicago Public Library discusses what goes into creating a learning environment from staff, to policies, to programs.

YALSA Teen Services Competencies Series: Learning Experiences

Course Objectives:

In this webinar Megan Emery talks about how to design and implement successful and engaging learning experiences for and with teens.

The slides from the presentation are available - http://bit.ly/june18webinar_slides

Let's Talk about Race in Storytimes

Course Objectives:

Storytime is the perfect place to model an open and welcoming environment for your whole community. No one should feel left out or erased from a larger narrative by never being able to see their themselves or their race reflected in storytime. How can we as librarians practice talking about race and model inclusion for our community? How can we work in training our storytime colleagues to not be afraid of delving deeper in creating an affirming and inclusive storytime environment? How do you gain institutional support that social justice advocacy should be included in storytimes? At this webinar, we will have a conversation in hopes it will lead to practice in tangible ways to model storytime inclusion. Presented by Jessica Anne Bratt, Grand Rapids Public Library.

Sensory Story Time: Programming for Children with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder and Other Special Needs

Course Objectives:

While libraries strive to be welcoming places for all, children with special needs may not always thrive in traditional story times where crowds, bright lights, and sudden noises can overstimulate and overwhelm. Parents of children with special needs can often feel conspicuous and unwelcome in a library setting.

One small town library welcomed these families by establishing a story time structured around special needs. The program became so successful that a second session of it was necessary and the library saw an increase in library use by patrons with special needs, adults and children alike.

Supporting Teacher Collections, Class Visits and School Projects: Tips and Tricks for Success

Course Objectives:

Teacher Collections, Class Visits, and Class Projects are frequent and often challenging aspects of Children’s Services. In this interactive webinar program, Jill Burket Ragase will give you a variety of tools that you will be able to use to:

• Meet the needs of community educators through up to date and varied teacher collections • Offer fresh ideas for class visits that engage both visitors and their grown ups • Support grade-wide assignments with great resources and a dash of goodwill and humor.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran looking to refresh your library’s offerings or a rookie not sure where to start, we will discuss tips and tricks to make these in-demand and sometimes challenging services work.

I Can't Reach it: Shelving and Layout in the Children's Department

Course Objectives:

The children served by youth services spaces/departments span a vast spectrum of developmental milestones. This webinar will challenge staff who work with children to take a fresh look at their spaces with differing age groups- from infants through tweens in mind. Space allocation, shelving, displays, and even the placement of the reference and circulation desks all impact circulation and customer experience. Is your space functioning at its best at each point along the growth curve?

Following this webinar, attendees will be able to: • Determine if their collection allocation and placement is maximized for youth patrons interest, demand, and convenience. • Understand the impact of signage as a user experience and how to incorporate it effectively and efficiently in a space used by non-readers, emergent readers, and early readers. • Orient their materials, shelving, and service points with young patrons in mind. • Use space creatively.

We will tackle each topic with options for libraries with little to no budget, some budget, and big budgets for improvements. This interactive webinar will encourage you to share your departments best as we walk through ideas from libraries nationwide.

Tween Programming

  • Link: Tween Programming
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Utah State Library
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

As librarians, we often offer abundant storytimes and teen programs. But what about our patrons between these age groups? Join us for a webinar on programming for ‘tweens (ages 8-12). Whether you’ve been offering ‘tween programs for years or you’re just getting started, you’ll come away with ideas on program themes, structures, and organization.

Block Play: Building a Foundation of Early Learning in the Library

Course Objectives:

Talk! Sing! Read! Write! Play, especially with blocks! Play is an integral component of the development of young children, which is increasingly reflected in libraries through their design and programming. During this webinar you will learn why block play is so powerful, how staff at Allen County Public Library tackled the challenge of adding more play–specifically block play–to their program offerings, and how to adapt their initiative for libraries big and small.

Using Diverse Books to Support Social & Emotional Learning

Course Objectives:

Lee and Low Books, a multicultural book publisher, has developed lists of books that teach social and emotional learning which is being added to school curricula across the country. Join Kathie Potter, Literacy Specialist, as she explains how she researched and developed diverse books around the 6 themes she identified: Empathy, Positive Relationships, Recognizing and Managing Emotions, Problem Solving, Grit and Perseverance and Perspective Taking. You'll find links to the different books lists as well.

Early Literacy as Library Culture

  • Link: Early Literacy as Library Culture
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Texas State Library and Archives Commission
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Early literacy development serves as a critical foundation for later learning and academic success. In this webinar, staff members of Lewisville Public Library will share simple tips and practical suggestions for easily integrating early literacy into library services for young children and their families. Learn how one library has put early literacy at the heart of its early childhood services, incorporating it throughout programming, community outreach, and marketing.

Preschool Storytime Basics

  • Link: Preschool Storytime Basics
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Texas State Library and Archives Commission
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Storytimes in public libraries offer a valuable service to children, parents, and child care providers in the community on many different levels. This webinar, presented by Kim Lehman, will cover the basics of planning, preparing, and presenting engaging storytimes for preschoolers in the library. We will cover surefire books and literature selections as well as songs and fingerplays to captivate a young audience. Learn a few tips to address some storytime challenges like organizing materials, reading aloud to a group, and managing difficult situations.

Participants will be able to: • Plan, prepare and present effective storytime programs in the library • Present age appropriate books, songs and fingerplay in library programs • Organize materials for programs effectively

Science and Math in Storytimes

  • Link: Science and Math in Storytimes
  • Topic: Programming & Services - Children
  • Level: Elective
  • Sponsor: Texas State Library and Archives Commission
  • Format: archived webinar
  • Contact Hours: 1

Course Objectives:

Children have an innate curiosity about the physical world around them. Storytimes offer a unique opportunity to help young children understand and organize information needed to make connections and solve problems. This webinar, presented by Kim Lehman, will explore inexpensive, easy to implement science and math experiences using literature, fingerplays, activities, and props. These ideas can be used in storytimes, as passive programming in the library, or as resources for parents and caregivers to extend the storytime experience for further STEM explorations.

Participants will be able to: • Explore ways to use science and math experiences in library programs for preschool children • Integrate books, music, and fingerplays centered on math and science • Introduce parents and caregivers to age appropriate math and science activities for further science explorations