CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR GEORGIA'S PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF

Upcoming CE Events

Welcome to the Upcoming Events page, where we showcase Georgia's in-person and online continuing education opportunities sponsored by GPLS and associated organizations. These opportunities are tailored to meet the needs of our busy professionals, and most sessions are recorded and archived for later viewing.

Introduction

Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, learn new techniques, or explore new areas of interest, our continuing education offerings have something for everyone. Our experienced presenters are committed to helping you achieve your goals, and we provide a supportive and collaborative learning environment to ensure your success. 

So why wait? Register to attend the listed events and start learning. We look forward to helping you achieve your full potential.

Time: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Idaho Commission for Libraries

 

This presentation will feature three Boise State University faculty librarians who are engaged in directly teaching students how to critically engage with artificial intelligence (AI). While many librarians are engaging with AI, and even teaching about it, Boise State librarians are leading the way on their campus by 1) creating a for-credit information literacy and AI course, 2) integrating AI literacy into the general education curriculum, and 3) developing an asynchronous course with campus partners that is available to the entire campus. Presenters will discuss strategies for using information literacy principles to critically and ethically engage with generative AI in higher education. 


Note: All who register will receive access to the live event as well as a link to the recorded version. 


Register here

The Power of Mental Health First Aid

Time: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

NNLM

 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based, early intervention program that teaches individuals about mental health and substance misuse challenges. The course takes a person-first approach to supporting others and is grounded in the belief that recovery from a mental health or substance misuse issue is achievable. Through skills-based activities and discussions, participants will strengthen their knowledge to become better equipped with tools and resources to support their loved ones, friends, and community.


While the full MHFA course is 6-8 hours long, the Power of Mental Health First Aid webinar will explore the course framework and objectives, its global impact, and the tangible skills that one can expect to walk away with after completing the course.


Guest Speaker:
Victoria Watson, M.Ed – Assistant Director of Health Promotion and Basic Needs at the University of Colorado, Denver

Registration is required. By registering for this class, you are agreeing to the NNLM Code of Conduct


Objectives: 


Register here

Please note: You will need to create a free NNLM account if you do not already have one.

Library Customer Data: Privacy vs. Personalization 

Time: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

RIPL

 

Customer privacy and confidentiality are core public library values. Our default is to not make use of our customer behavior data, in spite of the fact that it would allow us to personalize and market targeted services. Where is the middle ground between maximum privacy and maximum personalization that respects our commitment to privacy while allowing us to use data to guide service design and delivery? There is not one perfect answer, but this webinar will explore the topic in theory and in practice. Interact with colleagues to find your comfort zone along the privacy vs. personalization continuum, both personally and in your organization.


Register here

Please note: This webinar lasts 90 minutes.

Nonprofit Website Audits & Best Practices for Fundraising Success 

Time: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Bloomerang

 

Unlock your nonprofit’s fundraising potential with our upcoming webinar on website audits! This session focuses on optimizing your website to drive donations and improve donor engagement. Ken Miller, CFRE will walk you through best practices for assessing your site’s functionality, design, and donor experience, ensuring your website becomes a powerful fundraising tool. Learn how to identify and fix common issues, streamline the giving process, and create an engaging online platform that inspires generosity. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your nonprofit’s digital fundraising strategy!



Register here

The Hidden Costs of Staff Turnover and How to Hire Right the First Time

Time: Monday, January 13, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Nonprofit Learning Lab


Turnover is costly, but those costs can be mitigated with a streamlined hiring process. When the process becomes an afterthought rather than an informed, strategic process, the true costs can be catastrophic. In this session we'll expose common hiring pitfalls that cost organizations more than they realize and learn easy solutions to avoid them. We'll also explore the pros and cons of leveraging AI in the hiring process.


Register here

Learning Tech Showcase: Simulations, AR/VR 

Time: Monday, January 13, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Training Industry


Explore new realms of possibilities in learning and development during this Training Industry Learning Tech Showcase, where we will explore the power of simulations, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). You will learn how these advanced tools can improve engagement, reduce costs and increase knowledge retention. Watch live product demonstrations showcasing how immersive technologies can provide low-risk, authentic, hands-on experiences to your training programs. Engage with product experts during interactive Q&A sessions to get answers to your questions about applying simulations, AR/VR into your organization.


Register here

Please note: There are several shorter sessions that together make up a two-hour training. Attend as many or as few as you like.

Spring & Summer Book Club Picks

Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Booklist


New year, new book clubs, new reading goals! We want to help you start 2025 off right with book group recommendations from Sourcebooks, Macmillan, and Harlequin Trade Publishing! Whether your library is starting a new book club, looking for titles that will attract new members, or searching for something totally unique, we’ve got you covered with these upcoming adult titles hitting shelves this spring and summer! Register now for this one-hour Booklist webinar on Tuesday, January 14 at 2 p.m. ET! Moderated by Susan Maguire, Booklist’s Senior Editor, Collection Management and Library Outreach. 

Register here

Information to Support Research from the National Agricultural Library

Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

FDLP


The webinar will present an overview of freely available research tools and collections provided by the NAL to support a wide range of disciplines and research types from STEM and the sciences, to food and culture, to history and art. Attendees will increase their awareness of NAL tools and collections that connect users to information on food, agriculture, and the related sciences.


Register here

Public Libraries Standing up and Standing Together 

Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Public Library Association-ALA 


Following a polarized political season and threats to de-fund public agencies, the Public Library Association (PLA) has heard a range of concerns from our members and a desire for community and peer sharing. From increased book challenges to potential adverse legislation to supporting diverse staff and patrons, library workers are feeling isolated and overwhelmed by what lies ahead. But you are not alone! Standing up for libraries and library workers will demand persistence and strategic action from all of us. Join PLA for a virtual town hall to connect with colleagues and hear from PLA member-leaders on how they are staying focused but flexible during these times of transition.



Register here

Build Smarter Campaigns with AI-Powered Communication Strategies with TechSoup AI Services 

Time: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

TechSoup


This interactive workshop teaches participants how to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Jasper to craft personalized donor communication campaigns. Attendees will engage in a hands-on exercise, drafting email templates and social media posts using AI tools with live feedback from experts. They will also learn about how TechSoup’s AI Services can enhance donor engagement and overall impact for nonprofits.


Register here

Please note: You need to have or register for a free TechSoup account to watch this or any other webinar from TechSoup.

Building Community: Strategies for Coming Together

Time: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Niche Academy


For some time now, many communities have been grappling with political division and conflict. How can the library be a more positive and unifying influence?


Part of the solution is "turning outward"- the shift in librarianship that sees our services as part of a web of social assets to provide coordinated responses to pressing community needs. But to make this real we need to build narratives founded on human story, on evidence, and a deliberate frame of both individual and social value.


Join Jamie LaRue to learn strategies for coming together with community.  By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

* Articulate library services in a "community building" framework.
* Describe a low-cost process for gathering community wisdom.
* Build protocols that help frame public meetings and services around a larger framework of shared values.
* Demonstrate civic courage and institutional purpose.


If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact. 

Register here

Foundations of Comics Librarianship

Time: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

PCI Webinars

 

The world of graphic literature can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Olivia Radbill can help!


This interactive and informative program will dive into the history of comics in libraries, best practices for collection development, and how library workers can better interact with comics and graphic novels in their libraries.


Who will benefit from this program:

All staff that interacts with patrons

All circulation staff members

Readers' advisory staff

Olivia Radbill ~ Biography

Olivia Radbill is a Los Angeles-based librarian and archivist. She has served as the Adult Services/Local History Librarian for the South Pasadena Public Library since 2019. In her day-to-day work she handles public research requests, manages the Library's Local History Collection, and runs Library programming for adults.

She has previously served as a reviewer for No Flying No Tights, a site dedicated to reviewing and sharing graphic literature with information professionals, and has presented on various topics at the California Library Association (CLA) Annual Conference, including LBPQ comics, comic purchasing, best archival practices for libraries, and library programming.


Register here

Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.

Getting Started with Libby

Time: Thursday, January 16, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)

Cost: Free

Description

OverDrive

 

Join OverDrive's training team for this live session to learn how easy it is to get your patrons started with Libby, the library reading app. This session will demonstrate:

Audience: This session will benefit public library, academic, and professional staff who support OverDrive digital library patrons.

Note: Times shown in Eastern Standard. We understand the timing may not suit everyone but signing up ensures that a recording is sent the day after the live session so you can view at your convenience

Register here

Don't Manage Change - Embrace It

Time: Thursday, January 16, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

WebJunction

 

Learn strategies to lead positive, collaborative change in libraries by reframing challenges as growth opportunities. 

Trying to make changes at your library can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you get people on board? What do you do when you encounter resistance? Change management plans can help, but too often they frame the change as a problem to manage rather than an opportunity to reach for a shared vision. In this webinar, you will:

Presented by: Dr. Audrey Barbakoff, CEO of Co/Lab Capacity and author


Register here

Copyright Confusion? Fair Use to the Rescue!

Time: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Niche Academy

 

Sara Wolf helps librarians answer copyright and fair use questions from patrons

If you’ve ever been confused about whether or not a patron’s use of copyrighted materials can be considered “fair”, this webinar is for you.

Definitive answers about fair use are tough to find, as most copyright decisions are determined by the courts. Yet, library patrons seek guidance about their use of copyrighted materials more frequently than sometimes the reference desk can handle. So, how do librarians provide appropriate guidance to their patrons without risking inappropriate giving of legal advice?

Sara Wolf will give librarians strategies for helping patrons make their own use decisions, and solidify the foundations on which fair use decisions are made.

Register here

Crisis Management in Libraries: Preparedness and Response

Time: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

PCI Webinars

 

Libraries are not immune to crises, whether they involve security threats, natural disasters, or public health emergencies. This webinar provides essential strategies to prepare library staff for effectively managing various crises, ensuring the safety and well-being of both patrons and employees.

Participants will gain the tools to develop comprehensive crisis management plans, execute them efficiently, and communicate clearly during emergencies

Attendees will learn how to:

Who will benefit from this program:


AnaLía Fiorio ~ Biography

Analia Fiorio has more than 20 years of experience in the areas of Public Relations (PR), Networking, Organization and Management.

She is an Ontological Coach certified by the two most important federations in the world. She has a degree in Public and Institutional Relations and a Master’s degree in Business Management (MBA).

She is recognized in Argentina for being a reference for gender equality and female empowerment, which has earned her national awards and recognition.


Register here

Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.

What Gets in the Way of Excellence? 

Time: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Niche Academy

 

Dave Dodson shares practical and actionable steps for breaking down barriers, reaching your potential, and achieving success. 

We all know our meetings are too long and largely not impactful, that we cut corners when hiring, and that we waste time responding to low-value emails. Yet we keep doing it day after day. There are reasons. But only after you understand them can you overcome these barriers to success. 

Best-selling author and Stanford Business School lecturer David Dodson will provide practical and actionable steps you can take the next day to break down the barriers to reaching your potential and get you on the path to success.

If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.


Register here

Understanding and Managing Burnout in Libraries

Time: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

PCI Webinars

 

Burnout among library staff is an increasing concern, impacting both personal well-being and workplace productivity. This session is designed to address the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout, fostering open communication, and implementing strategies for sustainable management. You will learn strategies for managing, enhancing awareness, and actional ways to create more supportive and sustainable library workplaces. 

Attendees will cultivate skills to:


Dr. Stevie Munz ~ Biography

Dr. Stevie M. Munz, Ph.D. is an award-winning teacher and researcher with 10+ years of experience in the communication field. She has led hundreds of discussion forums, presentations, trainings, and workshops. As a communication expert, she is passionate about developing your communication power skills!


Register here

Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.

Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Brain Health – What Everyone Should Know

Time: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Colorado State Library

 

This ninety-minute session will cover:


After the main presentation (60 minutes), a robust discussion and Q&A section will follow during which participants can ask about topics covered in the presentation and how libraries may engage with partners like Alzheimer’s Association for free public education sessions, digital and print public awareness materials, and educator training to support our public community members.


About the Presenters:

JJ Jordan from Dementia Friendly Denver/ America and Kelly Ostroff from the Alzheimer’s Association are both members of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Action Coalition from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).


Please note: This session will last 90 minutes in total.


Register here

Building Community Connections by Hiring for Cultural Knowledge

Time: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

WebJunction

 

Learn how the Cultural Liaison Library Assistant program builds community connections by hiring for cultural knowledge and creating a team that reflects a diverse library community. 


Staffing demographics rarely match those of the communities they serve. Learn how valuing specific knowledge, skills, and abilities during the hiring process can develop a staff ready to serve a diverse community. Hear from Cultural Liaison Library Assistant staff representing Hispanic and Tribal communities, including the results of their efforts to build connections with and share stories of these communities. Attendees will be challenged to reconsider some common hiring practices and how to make them more inclusive. Hear a success story from a library that identified cultural knowledge gaps and worked with community stakeholders during the job posting and selection process.

Presented by staff from Whatcom County Library System (WA), including:


Register here

Fostering Healthy Communication in Your Library

Time: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Nebraska Library Commission

Good communication skills are no accident. Quality communication takes sustained effort, an open mind, and a listening ear. Come learn about some different approaches for enhancing communication pathways and improving your communication skills. Better communication skills not only improve relationships with coworkers but help us serve our communities more effectively. Following a presentation on some different approaches for fostering healthy communication, there will be time to share what’s working well in your library and discussion about practical ways to implement new ideas.

Presenter: Jessica Chamberlain, Library Director, Norfolk (NE) Public Library.

If you would like to watch the webinar but cannot attend the live session, register and you will receive a recording of it.

Register here

Please note: Registration closes Monday night, February 3. 

Simplifying E-Rate Funding for Mobile Hotspots and School Bus Wi-Fi

Time: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Niche Academy

 

Carrie Rogers-Whitehead and Gene Ballard share how E-Rate funding can support mobile hotspots and school bus Wi-Fi connectivity. 

Join Carrie Rogers-Whitehead and Gene Ballard for an informative webinar on how E-Rate funding can support mobile hotspots and school bus Wi-Fi connectivity.
They'll cover the latest eligibility requirements, the application process, and best practices for securing funding. Learn how libraries can ensure compliance, increase student access to online learning, and enhance connectivity for underserved communities.

If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.

Register here

Best Picture Books Published in 2024

Time: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

PCI Webinars

 

Are you looking for new picture books to share in your classroom, curriculum, or collection? This presentation will showcase the "best of the best" from the 2024 publishing crop. A variety of books will be featured, including quality read-alouds, distinguished illustrations, and stories ranging in tone, theme, and style. Don’t miss this hour-long event to discover the latest standout picture books. 

Participants will:


Katie Clausen ~ Biography

Katie Clausen is the Early Literacy Services Manager at Gail Borden Public Library and a current PhD candidate in Information Studies at Dominican University. She holds an MLIS from Dominican University and an M.A. in Children’s Literature from Simmons College. Katie has shared her expertise at numerous conferences, and her articles have been featured in the Children & Libraries: The Journal of ALSC and Marvels and Tales. Her specialties include early literacy, children’s literature evaluation, and best storytime practices.


Register here

Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.

Beyond the Bachelor's Degree: Supporting First-Generation Students Through Graduate School and Beyond

Time: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

GLA/Carterette Series Webinars

 

First-generation students (FGS) are a growing but understudied and underserved group in academia. FGS may face challenges when it comes to navigating systems that assume prior knowledge of academic jargon, structures, and environments. The study of FGS has increased in library and information science, often focusing on undergraduate FGS through targeted outreach, services, and programs. However, the potential role that academic libraries can play in supporting first-generation students throughout their academic careers has not been fully explored. While most research has been at the undergraduate level, our research shows that challenges for first-generation students exist not only for undergraduates but persist for those pursuing advanced degrees. Substantially less is known about the needs of graduate FGS, either as academic library users or as students in an LIS graduate program.

In this session, participants will gain a better understanding of who FGS are, how academic libraries and LIS programs can support FGS throughout their entire academic careers, and the current challenges and opportunities for researchers interested in studying this population.


About the Presenters:

Rebecca Stallworth is an assistant professor in the School of Library and Information Science at Simmons University. She has a PhD in Communication and Information from the University of Tennessee. Her research focuses on marginalized groups, their use of academic library resources, and first-generation students.

Danielle Maurici-Pollock is an assistant professor and research data specialist at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center. She has a PhD in Communication and Information from the University of Tennessee. Along with Dr. Stallworth, she has been examining first-generation students’ information-seeking in their paths to and through graduate education.


The session will be recorded and available on the Carterette Series Webinars site approximately 1 week after the live program. 


Register here

Empowering Teens: Enhancing Information Literacy through Games and Interactive Programming

Time: Thursday, February 6, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

WebJunction

 

Learn fun ways to help teens boost information literacy, featuring escape room games and social media tools, developed with public libraries. 

You can help your teen patrons to become better navigators of the information that they find online. Come learn about how you can offer fun and engaging experiences that bring teens to the library and build their information literacy skills. Researchers at the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public will walk you through programs developed with public libraries, including an escape room game and youth video program. You’ll also discover activities adapted from school libraries that help teens reflect on their interaction with social media and give them the tools to verify questionable posts.

Presented by: Liz Crouse, Research Program Coordinator, Center for an Informed Public, University of Washington; and Stacey Wedlake, Research Scientist, University of Washington Information School


Register here

Tools for Overcoming Rejection and Social Exclusion at Work

Time: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Niche Academy


Dan Berstein, a mediator living with bipolar disorder, shares a model for responding to social exclusion and discrimination in workplace settings. 

Discrimination or not, it always hurts when someone tries to avoid you, socially exclude you, or reject you from conversations or events.  What can you do about it?

Dan Berstein, a mediator living with bipolar disorder, will share a model for responding to social exclusion and discrimination in workplace settings. This model was originally developed for people facing mental illness discrimination to help them clarify what happened, cope with the trauma, collect evidence, cultivate support, and consider options. But the tools work for anyone.

Join us and Dan will share free resources you can use to navigate any time you might be rejected.

If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.


Register here

Photography Basics for PR and Marketing

Time: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

PCI Webinars

 

Are you wanting to make your organization’s images really pop? This session will delve into information about types of digital cameras, lenses, basics of camera operations, image composition, online image storage, and online editing tools. Learn how to stage an area to make it look its best and how to incorporate those images into your organization’s promotional and marketing strategies. We’ll also look at how to create your own stock images using Canva.

Attendees will:

 

Dr. Curtis Rogers ~ Biography

Dr. Curtis Rogers is a library consultant who has worked in the library and information science field for over 35 years. He has worked at the Union (SC) Carnegie Library, and the Charleston County (SC) Public Library, and retired as the Communications Director of the South Carolina State Library. He has also taught courses at the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, a Master of Library and Information Science, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina.


Register here

Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.

Cultivating Empathy, Trust, and Optimism: Strategies for Motivating Demotivated Library Teams

Time: Thursday, February 13, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Colorado State Library

 

Library workers often face challenges in achieving organizational growth when the team is demotivated. This can lead to stagnation in services, outdated practices, and limited resources for patrons.


Demotivated teams can have a detrimental effect on the well-being of library workers. Low morale, stress, and burnout are common issues faced by those working in such environments. This impacts their mental health and overall job satisfaction. Cultivating a culture of empathy, trust, and optimism is crucial for library workers. When they feel understood, supported, and optimistic about their work environment, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their roles.In this panel discussion, we delve into motivating a demotivated team within a library setting.


We address the challenges that hinder organizational growth and employee well-being, focusing on strategies for cultivating a culture of empathy, trust, and optimism among staff towards their managers and leaders. By exploring real-world experiences and best practices, this session offers valuable insights and actionable steps for library employees to reinvigorate their teams and foster a more positive and productive work environment.


Register here

Brief, but Descriptive: Writing Effective Alt Text

Time: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Niche Academy

 

Practice Essential Accessibility

Melissa Wong helps participants increase accessibility by writing effective alt text for different contexts and types of content. 

Adding alt text to images is an essential accessibility practice for librarians. A brief textual description used by screen readers, alt text should be present anytime a librarian uses an image, including in social media marketing, instructional materials and online guides, and websites.

Effective alt text can be tricky. How detailed does one need to be? Would context change the alt text? And if alt text is supposed to be brief, how does one describe complex images like artwork and research data?

In this webinar, Melissa Wong will help participants learn to write effective alt text for different contexts and types of content, from simple social media posts to complex scientific and artistic materials.

If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.


Register here

Access and Agency: Welcoming the Disabled Community at Public Libraries

Time: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

PCI Webinars

 

From Sensory Storytimes to Disability Justice Book Clubs, libraries around the country push beyond the basics of ADA compliance to welcome disabled patrons at the library. But how do these libraries reach disabled library users and determine their information needs?

 

In 2023 on behalf of Publishers Weekly, author and public librarian Susan Metallo interviewed librarians about their challenges and successes in serving disabled patrons. In this webinar, Susan shares best practices and lessons-learned from these proactive programs. She also recommends a framework for developing library services that empower the disabled community to engage with the public library, crafted both from her research and from her lived experience as a disabled library-lover.

 

Attendees will learn:

 

Susan Metallo ~ Biography

Susan Metallo is a neurodivergent author, librarian, and Publishers Weekly contributor. Her debut novel, Reasons to Hate Me—winner of the 2022 SCBWI Young Adult Work-in-Progress Award and the 2022 Seven Hills Literary Contest for Young Adult Literature—will be released Fall 2025 from Candlewick Press and features themes of honesty, agency, and disability justice against the backdrop of hilarious high school misadventures. Find her online at www.susanmetallo.com.


Register here

Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.

Info2Go! Moving a Library? Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned

Time: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Idaho Commission for Libraries

 

Is your library planning a move or remodel? Maybe your library has a quick construction project? Join us for this webinar to listen to the tips, tricks, and lessons learned after the Meridian Library District moved from an existing branch into a brand-new space. Our presenter, Maria Cottle, has been a part of multiple moving projects in libraries, including: packing/moving a school library, building a tiny library, and moving a library collection to a small temporary space while waiting for construction to finish at the main library. This informative session will also include practical advice about weeding – a key ingredient when moving a library! 


Note: All who register will receive access to the live event as well as a link to the recorded version. 


Register here

Talking Teen Services: Working with Teen Volunteers Panel

Time: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

Colorado State Library

 

Interested in launching or improving your teen volunteer programs? Join us for a panel discussion about working with teen volunteers in public libraries. Panelists from three very different Colorado libraries will share their experiences, why they created teen volunteer programs at their libraries, strategies for managing the program, and the integration of workforce skill development into their programs.


This panel discussion is part of the Colorado State Library’s Talking Teen Services series and will be recorded. The 75 minute program and will include time for you to ask the panelists your own questions towards the end of the discussion.



Note: This session will last for 75 minutes in total.


Register here

ELL and Literacy on the Table: Using Board or Card Games to Foster Fun with Language

Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

PCI Webinars

 

You know about word games like Scrabble, Boggle and Bananagrams, but what about using Outfoxed, What Do You Meme?, or even Jenga for language development? Learn about some modern games, along with fresh ways to look at old favorites to highlight language skills.

 

Your presenter, Annabelle Blackman, has used games professionally since 2017 in a variety of library programming. From Family Game Days to reading intervention programs to English Conversation Club, she has used games to encourage language skills in groups of all ages. Adapting well established early literacy guidelines from children's librarianship, Annabelle will share ideas for you to apply to your audience.

Takeaways from this program will include:

 

Annabelle Blackman~ Biography

Annabelle Blackman is a Librarian II at Oakland Public Library in California. Around 10 years ago, she discovered modern hobby games alongside her then 3-year-old. She stays active in her local scene, serving as a Board Game Captain at a local indie role playing game convention, Big Bad Con. Professionally, Annabelle has a particular interest in games that appeal to intergenerational groups of varying literacy levels, and English language fluency.


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Please note: All PCI Webinars are recorded and will be available on the GPLS Learning Center within a week of the original airdate. Kindly refrain from contacting the host for a copy of the recording.

Turn Strategy into Action with Theory of Change

Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific |1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)

Cost: Free

Description

WebJunction

 

Learn how to use Theory of Change to align your library's vision, drive strategy, and support flexible, collaborative implementation. 


You're getting ready to implement a change at your library, from a new strategic plan to a major project. How do you get your staff, partners, or community to understand and align with this new direction? Theory of Change is a powerful tool to help you define a shared vision that everyone can strive for together, while allowing flexibility and autonomy in how they get there. In this webinar, you’ll learn how one library is using Theory of Change to drive strategic alignment while reducing bureaucracy. You will also learn to:

Presented by: Dr. Audrey Barbakoff, CEO of Co/Lab Capacity and author; and Alison Eckes, Customer Experience Director - Programs and Services, Pierce County Library System (WA)


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