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.
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.
Get Your Voice Heard Where Decisions are Made: Grow your Advocacy Skills
Time: Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 12 pm Eastern (9 am Pacific | 10 am Mountain | 11 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nonprofit Learning Lab
Nonprofits are facing growing challenges—shrinking resources, increased demand for services, and shifting public attitudes. At the same time, public policy decisions are reshaping everything from charitable giving to the future of critical social programs. Now more than ever, advocacy isn’t optional - it’s essential. In this interactive session, you’ll explore how smart, strategic advocacy communications can elevate your cause, activate your network, and ensure your organization’s voice is heard where decisions are made.
Storytime Success: Crafting Engaging Sessions from Start to Finish
Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Learn to craft the winning formula for captivating storytimes! Explore the essentials of book selection, rhymes, music, movement, visual aids, and smooth transitions. This session will delve into best practices for tailoring storytime content to different age groups—babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—using developmentally appropriate materials.
Discover innovative ways to incorporate creative activities, engaging props, and go-to resources to keep your storytimes fresh. Plus, learn strategies for managing diverse crowd dynamics and adjusting on the fly to ensure an engaging and interactive experience for all. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned storytellers looking to refresh their approach.
What attendees will learn:
Best practices for selecting books for read-alouds for storytime
How to choose rhymes, movement songs, and activities that are engaging and age-appropriate for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
Tips for managing crowd dynamics and adapting storytime to the needs of different audiences
Techniques for creating smooth transitions that keep young participants engaged from start to finish
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.
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 10 am Eastern (7 am Pacific | 8 am Mountain | 9 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Indiana State Library
The Fort Ben Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library was given the opportunity to become a Certified Autism Center through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in 2023 when the branch first opened. Branch Manager, Shelby Peak, and Children's Librarian, Sarah Tadsen, both disability advocates in their community, will share Fort Ben's story of pursuing accreditation and the impact this process has had on the branch staff, the local community, and the entire IndyPL system.
Storytime Success: Crafting Engaging Sessions from Start to Finish
Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Learn to craft the winning formula for captivating storytimes! Explore the essentials of book selection, rhymes, music, movement, visual aids, and smooth transitions. This session will delve into best practices for tailoring storytime content to different age groups—babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—using developmentally appropriate materials.
Discover innovative ways to incorporate creative activities, engaging props, and go-to resources to keep your storytimes fresh. Plus, learn strategies for managing diverse crowd dynamics and adjusting on the fly to ensure an engaging and interactive experience for all. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned storytellers looking to refresh their approach.
What attendees will learn:
Best practices for selecting books for read-alouds for storytime
How to choose rhymes, movement songs, and activities that are engaging and age-appropriate for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
Tips for managing crowd dynamics and adapting storytime to the needs of different audiences
Techniques for creating smooth transitions that keep young participants engaged from start to finish
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.
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 10 am Eastern (7 am Pacific | 8 am Mountain | 9 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Indiana State Library
The Fort Ben Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library was given the opportunity to become a Certified Autism Center through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in 2023 when the branch first opened. Branch Manager, Shelby Peak, and Children's Librarian, Sarah Tadsen, both disability advocates in their community, will share Fort Ben's story of pursuing accreditation and the impact this process has had on the branch staff, the local community, and the entire IndyPL system.
Storytime Success: Crafting Engaging Sessions from Start to Finish
Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Learn to craft the winning formula for captivating storytimes! Explore the essentials of book selection, rhymes, music, movement, visual aids, and smooth transitions. This session will delve into best practices for tailoring storytime content to different age groups—babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—using developmentally appropriate materials.
Discover innovative ways to incorporate creative activities, engaging props, and go-to resources to keep your storytimes fresh. Plus, learn strategies for managing diverse crowd dynamics and adjusting on the fly to ensure an engaging and interactive experience for all. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned storytellers looking to refresh their approach.
What attendees will learn:
Best practices for selecting books for read-alouds for storytime
How to choose rhymes, movement songs, and activities that are engaging and age-appropriate for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
Tips for managing crowd dynamics and adapting storytime to the needs of different audiences
Techniques for creating smooth transitions that keep young participants engaged from start to finish
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.
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 10 am Eastern (7 am Pacific | 8 am Mountain | 9 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Indiana State Library
The Fort Ben Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library was given the opportunity to become a Certified Autism Center through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in 2023 when the branch first opened. Branch Manager, Shelby Peak, and Children's Librarian, Sarah Tadsen, both disability advocates in their community, will share Fort Ben's story of pursuing accreditation and the impact this process has had on the branch staff, the local community, and the entire IndyPL system.
Printing, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nebraska Library Commission
Printing has become a "hot app" for libraries. Many people don’t have printers at home or got burned by the expense and unreliability of "affordable" inkjet printers. When they need to print, scan, and/or fax something, they will likely go to their library to do it. Andrew "Sherm" Sherman, NLC Library Technology Support Specialist, will provide recommendations on the best makes and models of printers to purchase and the best practices for providing printing, scanning, and faxing to your patrons.
Note: Registration closes, Monday, July 7 in the evening.
Leadership under Pressure: Mastering Change, Complexity, and Uncertainty
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 12 pm Eastern (9 am Pacific | 10 am Mountain | 11 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Training Magazine Network
The world has reached a level of unprecedented volatility and uncertainty in today’s business landscape, forcing leaders to face challenges that demand new approaches to thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and team management. Drawing on groundbreaking research on effective leadership, cognitive diversity, and team dynamics, this webinar explores how successful leaders navigate and build resilience in this tumultuous era of complexity and uncertainty. You'll learn practical and proven strategies that help leaders effectively ride the waves of constant change, develop resilience for themselves and their team members, and harness the collective intelligence of their team to solve complex problems they face and drive innovative thinking in response.
Identifying and Managing Cyber Risk
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Tech Soup
In today's digital landscape, safeguarding sensitive data is paramount, especially for nonprofits handling information from vulnerable populations like low-income families, children, and the elderly. Nonprofit organizations, often operating with limited resources, face unique challenges in defending against cyberthreats. In this session, we will discuss the following topics: The importance of cybersecurity risk and the impact to your organization; Identifying digital assets critical to your mission; Determining what threats to prepare for; Identifying vulnerabilities in people, process, and technology; Prioritizing and managing cyber risk.
Nonprofit 101: The Basics of Fundraising Readiness
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Tech Soup
If you are new to fundraising or need to take your strategy back to the basics after funding cuts, this webinar is for you! Megan Frenz and Jess DiVito from Nonprofit People will break down the first steps you need to take to craft a holistic fundraising plan that will work for your organization.
Fortifying Your Library: Protecting Your Library and Staff through Policy
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Niche Academy
Al Hayden offers practical advice for strengthening, revising, and evaluating your library policies.
Libraries are in need of updated policies now more than ever. Strong policy is one of the best ways to protect library staff, prevent issues, and keep unpreventable issues from escalating too far.
Join Al Hayden for this webinar, which will offer practical advice for revising your library's policies with:
Essential policies every library should keep updated
Tools to evaluate the strength of the policies you have now
Guidelines to consider when revising your policies
Suggestions for training staff on your updates
Communicating policy to patrons
Attendees should leave with actionable ideas to strengthen, revise, and evaluate library policy manuals.
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.
The Power of Partnerships: Planning a Successful Community Meet & Greet at Your Library
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
This training equips library staff with the skills to plan, execute, and follow up on a community meet and greet with local organizations and stakeholders. The session will cover event planning, effective partner engagement, hosting strategies, and sustaining relationships to enhance community collaboration.
Participants will also learn how to create a welcoming and productive networking space that fosters meaningful partnerships, promotes library resources, and encourages collaborative programming.
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.
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Georgia Library Association Carterette Series Webinars
Following a period of disruption, library leaders often need to realign service offerings with current organizational priorities and resources. In this session, the speakers will introduce a new model that was designed and applied at a large research library in an effort to redefine, reevaluate, and right-size research service offerings to better align with current staffing levels and support work-life balance. The model includes: (1) a rubric designed to aid in the evaluation of service offerings against available resources and campus needs; (2) a reusable checklist to support the sunsetting of services; and (3) a service template to clarify ongoing services for internal and external audiences. In this session, participants will use the model to engage in hands-on learning as they assess the sustainability and resource levels of the service offerings at their own institution. They will be positioned to identify potential service changes to align internal and external communication strategies for supported change. The session will also be infused with change management practices that center people and support them as individuals through the transformation process.
About the Presenters:
Erinn Aspinall is the Director of the Health Sciences Libraries at the University of Minnesota. Her career includes work at public health, medical, and health sciences libraries, including 17 years at the University of Minnesota, previous experience at the University of New Mexico and the University of Michigan, and post-graduate work at the NIH National Library of Medicine. She believes that libraries are at their best when they mirror the needs of their communities and has brought that vision to her work. Her additional interests include organizational development and continuous process improvement.
Danya Leebaw is the Social Sciences Director at the University of Minnesota Libraries. She spent ten years as a social sciences librarian at Carleton College, and prior to that was a business librarian at Emory University. Danya earned her MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to becoming a librarian, Danya worked for nearly a decade in advertising. Her research is focused on academic library management, librarians, and academic freedom, often through a critical theoretical lens.
Emma Molls is the Director of the Open Research & Publishing Department at the University of Minnesota Libraries, which includes computational research, publishing services, research data services, research information management, and houses the Data Curation Network. Prior to this role, Emma was a publishing librarian at the University of Minnesota and a Scholarly Communication and Social Science Librarian at Iowa State University. Emma is a current member of the SPARC Steering Committee and writes about the sustainability and scalability of scholarly communication programs.
Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Candid Learning
Does your nonprofit need help developing more organized, intentional fundraising efforts? Planning focuses your organization by setting specific fundraising priorities and helps give staff and board members a roadmap to success.
Fall Picks from OverDrive Librarians
Time: Thursday, July 10, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
OverDrive
Join OverDrive's staff librarians to hear about the best books landing on your digital shelves this fall. We're sharing can't-miss titles with highlights in humor, action, adventure, feel-good picks and more!
Genres may include titles for juvenile, young adult, and adult audiences. You'll also hear some of our favorite film picks on Kanopy.
Bonus: You'll receive a link to easily shop all the titles mentioned.
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
Decode the Funder's Playbook: How to Read between the Lines of an RFP
Time: Monday, July 14, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Grant Station
The demand for funding is increasing. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is your map to crafting a competitive proposal. But it’s more than just a checklist—it communicates priorities, tone, and strategy. During this session, you’ll learn how to dig deeper into funder guidelines to fully align your proposal, even if the language is vague or inconsistent. This session contains 30 minutes of practical teaching and 15 minutes of Q&A. It’s perfect for any member of a nonprofit organization seeking to strengthen their proposal writing skills.
How to Make Constituent Services More Accessible
Time: Monday, July 14, 2025, 4 pm Eastern (1 pm Pacific | 2 pm Mountain | 3 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
GovLoop
Accessibility ensures that all citizens, regardless of their circumstances, can understand and utilize the support available to them. Prioritizing accessibility also enhances civic involvement and promotes equity.
In short, understanding how to improve accessibility helps government agencies to better fulfill their mission of serving the public. Join us to learn how to identify and address common challenges when it comes to accessibility in constituent services.
Data Governance: Coordination Requires Clarity
Time: Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 8 am Eastern (5 am Pacific | 6 am Mountain | 7 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
TechSoup
What does better data really mean for nonprofits? In this session, Fabio Fraticelli will explore how ethical and well-structured data practices can support trust, collaboration and collective action in the nonprofit sector. Drawing on his experience with organizations such as UNICEF, ActionAid and European Food Banks, Fabio will share practical insights into how data governance can strengthen civil society. The session will focus on both technical and organizational dimensions of data, with an emphasis on readiness, accountability and shared impact. This is a short, conversational session designed for nonprofit leaders, practitioners and anyone involved in managing or using data in a mission-driven context.
From Access to Impact: Practical Approaches to OA in Higher Education
Time: Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
ACRL/Choice 360
In today’s budget-conscious academic environment, open access (OA) is no longer just a philosophical ideal—it’s a practical necessity. But what does OA adoption look like from a real-world perspective?
Learn how academic libraries can adopt open access strategies to support cost-savings, research access, and collection development.
Member Portals: Enhancing Engagement through Community Spaces
Time: Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Tech Soup
Learn how member portals can transform nonprofit engagement by fostering a sense of community and offering exclusive resources to members. This webinar will explore the benefits of member portals, key features to prioritize, and strategies for creating a user-friendly experience. Discover how to use community spaces to drive deeper connections, enhance member retention, and amplify your nonprofit’s impact.
Bring Back the Joy: Fundraise Like a 5th Grader (and Love Your Job Again)
Time: Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Grant Station
Fundraising can feel like nonstop adulting—chasing metrics, wrangling CRMs, and drowning in “pivot tables of doom.” Teams often over-engineer every campaign and forget the mission that brought them here in the first place. Donors? They can sense that stress from a mile away—and disappear. In this webinar, 20+ year fundraising veteran Patrick Kirby will help you break free from the rut of solicitation fatigue. He’ll show weary fundraisers how to swap burnout with playground-level enthusiasm by revisiting ten timeless traits we all had in 5th grade—like fearless asks, curious questioning, and friendly stewardship. These kid-inspired habits form the backbone of a no-cost, high-return fundraising approach that works. This webinar is perfect for development directors, grant writers, and board members who want to raise more money without feeling like they need a second MBA—or a nap.
The Status of (Modern) Fundraising in the United States
Time: Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Blackbaud
In the current challenging landscape, nonprofit organizations are grappling with heightened pressures—from reduced budgets to a lack of tools and an urgent need to adopt new skills quickly. Deliberate strategies around donor cultivation and engagement, innovation, and resourcing are essential for these organizations not only to sustain their performance but to thrive and flourish in the long term. This webinar will feature new research from the Blackbaud Institute into the ways that modern fundraisers in the United States are leveraging tech integration and AI tools to drive success, despite uncertainty.
Nonprofit 101: Getting Started with Event Planning
Time: Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nonprofit Hub
Fundraising Events can be very profitable, but they are also a BIG undertaking. From deciding what type of event to hold all the way to making sure you have a follow up plan for attendees, there are countless steps in the process. In this webinar, we will walk you through the basics of event planning and the things you need to consider before hosting your next event.
Elevating Your Game as a Professional
Time: Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Use the information from this interactive session to stand out from everyone else as a top-level professional. Learn about the four A's that will help you develop your professional image as a competent and trusted resource within your organization or in any setting.
As a result of this program, attendees will learn how to:
• Hone their communication skills and understand how and when to communicate effectively
• Maximize their professional presence in person and virtually
• Leverage emotional intelligence to build a positive and professional image
• Bring their A-game to work as a knowledgeable and esteemed top-level professional
This session will teach you how to use your skills and professional image to maximize the potential you possess and position yourself as a valued employee within your organization.
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.
Serving Neurodiverse Library Patrons
Time: Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
StarNet Libraries
Neurodiversity includes a spectrum of cognitive differences, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other unique ways of thinking and experiencing the world. Although each person with these conditions has different skills, abilities, and needs, there are a variety of ways that libraries can tailor their programs and facilities to support neurodiverse patrons. Join this webinar to hear from a variety of experts, including leaders in the NASA’s Neurodiversity Network (N3) project and NASA@ My Library’s #actuallyautistic PI Anne Holland. We invite you to share your own efforts and experiences in supporting neurodiverse patrons!
Please note: Registration is limited.
Talking Teen Services: Strengths-Based Relaionship Building Panel
Time: Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Colorado State Library
Curious about strategies for building meaningful relationships with tweens and teens that support positive interactions in developmentally appropriate ways? Join us for a panel discussion about strengths-based relationship building in teen and tween services. Panelists from several different Colorado public libraries will share their experiences including how they approach connecting with teens and tweens in both the fun and the challenging moments, ways they communicate with colleagues and patrons about how to do the same, and why they're ok with being considered "cool but not that cool" in their communities of teens.
Please note: Registration is limited.
Celebrate Stories across Generations
Time: Thursday, July 17, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Booklist
Join Random House Children's Books for an engaging author event celebrating the magic of family traditions through captivating picture books during this free, one-hour webinar. Hear from authors Daniel Nayeri (A Knot is Not a Tangle), Carole Boston Weatherford (Family Feast!), Jamal Saeed (My Sister the Apple Tree), and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Two Artists, Grandad and Me) as they share stories of heartfelt memories and embracing diversity within families. These inspiring books foster cultural understanding, strengthen community bonds, and highlight the importance of the power of family ties.
Super Searches and Meet LEO
Time: Thursday, July 17, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PLA (Public Library Association)
The ease with which misinformation can be created and spread online endangers everyday discourse—and libraries are uniquely suited to help counteract its negative effects. Google has created a new set of tools for evaluating material found online, making it easier to think critically about the veracity of digital information right at the point of search. New this year are additional tools to help library workers guide parents, caregivers and educators in safely navigating online with their children. Library consultant Toby Greenwalt demonstrates the capabilities of Super Searchers and Meet LEO and showcases potential applications in the library workspace.
Using Data and Evalution to Strengthn Resilience, Navigate Change, and Build Power
Time: Monday, July 21, 2025, 12 pm Eastern (9am Pacific | 10 am Mountain | 11 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nonprofit Learning Lab
In times of uncertainty—shifting funding landscapes, policy rollbacks, and increased pressures on communities—how can organizations use data and evaluation as tools for resilience. This interactive discussion will explore questions that organization leaders can use to leverage data and evaluation for decision-making in times of change.
6 Questions to Ask to Diffuse Any Conflict and Save Your Job
Time: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 12 pm Eastern (9 am Pacific | 10 am Mountain | 11 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Training Magazine Network
No matter what your role, every employee deserves to feel safe and supported to do their job. However, personality conflicts preoccupy us, slow us down and even stop us dead in our tracks. The stress level is off the charts and we can feel like we have no options. Wait, don’t quit! There’s another way. Bonnie Low-Kramen knows that every job ends eventually but she wants employees to have more control of when that happens. Asking key questions could save potentially great jobs. The reality is that many employees feel that it is easier to quit than to confront difficult situations with a manager or with fellow staff. That’s a lose/lose/lose situation. Drawing from her extensive work with staff in 14 countries and consultations with psychologists, Bonnie will introduce six powerful questions that can transform tense situations into opportunities for clearer understanding and diffused conflicts, leading to productive collaboration, not to mention fewer sleepless nights. Whether you are dealing with workplace disputes, family disagreements, or personal conflicts, these techniques are designed to help you maintain your composure and find truly constructive solutions. Bonnie will guide you through real-life scenarios and demonstrate how asking the right questions will build self-confidence and peace of mind. Don't miss this opportunity to save your job and your sanity.
What's up Wednesday - A Conversation about Curating Digital Collections
Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 10 am Eastern (7 am Pacific | 8 am Mountain | 9 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Indiana State Library
Join us for a conversation about theories and thoughts about building a digital collection. We will explore questions about what and what not to digitize, the importance of provenance, copyright issues, and how to determine whether it adds value to the vast number of collections out there in the digital universe. We will also look at and evaluate examples of well-curated collections versus a lot of “space junk” filing a void, all from the Indiana State Library’s Digital Collections and Hosted Collections. (Please note: this program will not focus on fund-raising nor the actual building of a digital collection.)
Maximizing Impact: The Blueprint for Success with Recurring Donors
Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 12 pm Eastern (9 am Pacific | 10 am Mountain | 11 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
CharityHowTo
In challenging times, monthly donors are true lifesavers. They keep the lights on. They keep your mission going, no matter what happens in the world. Erica Waasdorp (who wrote two books and lots of resources on monthly giving) will show you how to do exactly that. After this session, you’ll have the magic combination of mini-stories to share and tools to apply to bring in more new monthly donors and know how to steward and keep the ones you already have. You’ll learn lots of great practical examples and case studies that can be applied to your organization right away. You do not want to miss this!
Meetings that Matter: Seven Steps to Running an Effective Meetiing
Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Niche Academy
David Dodson describes seven steps you can implement to create meetings that matter.
The meeting started late and went over the scheduled time. Attendees were updated on events that had already occurred. Speakers talked too long and repeated themselves in unstructured presentations. Those on video tried to surreptitiously knock off some email while trying to appear fully present. No forward-facing decisions were made.
If any of this sounds familiar, know that it does not have to be. Join best-selling Author, CEO, and Stanford faculty member David Dodson as he describes seven steps you can implement to create meetings that matter.
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.
Trauma-Informed Libraries -- What are they, why do they matter, and how do we become one?
Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Trauma-Informed Libraries has become a buzz word in the field and seemingly everywhere, but what exactly does it mean? In this webinar, we will take deep dive into providing easy to digest explanations of what it means to be trauma-informed, why does it matter, and simple, actionable steps that professionals working in libraries can take to implement at their libraries from small scale to large scale.
Trauma and traumatic events impact approximately 90% of adults in the United States. And according to the large-scale study conducted in the late 1990s by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, traumatic events that occur in childhood otherwise known as Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impacted 64% of the study participants and that those traumatic events in childhood later impacted health outcomes for adults.
Trauma is ubiquitous, so what do we do about it? Join Bea Forkan and find out.
As a result of this program, attendees will:
Understand key definitions as it pertains to both trauma and trauma-informed practices.
Understand the importance of cultivating a trauma-informed philosophy at your organization and as part of your work style.
Learn how to implement strategies at your organization.
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 to Know Graphic Novels
Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Booklist
From their ability to reach wide communities to the singular way visual narratives impart deeply nuanced and informative ideas, comics, graphic novels, and manga offer a fresh, accessible form of storytelling to readers of all ages. But while the comics industry continues to expand, training for library staff charged with filling shelves or creating programs around these titles has not. Join Booklist for its first virtual workshop series introducing library workers to the world of comics!
Navigating E-Rate Federal Policy
Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Libraries4DE
Join us for a 30-minute talk and 15-minute Q&A designed to help libraries navigate E-Rate participation and effectively manage hotspot programs. We will provide an update on the status of the e-rate program and cover its basics, including eligibility, the status of the program (both Supreme Court decision and Congressional Review Act actions), how to maximize funding opportunities, and best practices for deploying and sustaining a successful hotspot lending program. Whether new to E-Rate or looking to enhance your existing program, this webinar will provide valuable insights to support your library’s connectivity initiatives.
Lead through Change: The Science that Helps Managers Adapt - Not Resist
Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Training Magazine Network
Middle managers are catalysts for most organizations. They're the ones caught between strategic shifts from above and the emotional whiplash of teams below. And when change hits—whether it’s restructuring, market disruption, or internal transformation—they’re expected to adapt fast, keep others aligned, and deliver results. But here’s the truth: most managers crave the status quo. Our brains are wired to resist uncertainty. That’s why change initiatives often stall, cultures stagnate, and teams underperform. In this interactive webinar, Russ Hill, cofounder and managing partner of Lone Rock Leadership will share ChangeOS, the science-backed framework used by companies like Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, and Hormel to help managers move from change resistance to change readiness. You’ll walk away with a practical, powerful approach to help your managers lead through change.
Dare to Weed: Deselecting, Deaccessioning, and Discarding in Academic Research Libraries
Time: Thursday, July 24, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
ASERL
Libraries can’t hold everything but deciding what not to keep is every bit as complicated as developing the collection to begin with. In this webinar we will discuss four ventures into managing print collections, including notes from library-scale deselection and the logistics of large projects, to tackling smaller bites of the whole in focused collections and popular literature and media.
The American Revolution: Transatlantic Resources in the Library of Congress Collections
Time: Friday, July 25, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
FDLP
This presentation will focus on resources originally created outside of the United States related to the American Revolution. We will begin with a brief overview of the Library of Congress--its history, research centers, collections, research guides—followed by an exploration of select published and manuscript materials as a portal into the complexity of the period.
Up Your Numbers Game: How to Gather and Use Data to Drive Fundraising, Programming, and Strategic Planning Efforts
Time: Monday, July 28, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nonprofit Learning Lab
In these challenging times, having objective, quantifiable data at your fingertips to support your organizational efforts is more important than ever. This workshop will provide you with easily applied ways of collecting key information, techniques for tracking progress and impact in a single repository and tips on how to make sense of findings and prepare visually appealing and compelling reports and data briefs.
Navigating Workplace Dynamics at Your Agency
Time: Monday, July 28, 2025, 4 pm Eastern (1 pm Pacific | 2 pm Mountain | 3 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
GovLoop
Every agency’s workplace is dynamic. It’s unique to your organization’s values, processes, and, most importantly, personalities and perspectives. Navigating these internal dynamics can be tricky and downright stressful, but as a supervisor, it’s critical for you to lead your team effectively without succumbing to conflict or confrontation. Join us to learn how to handle your workplace dynamic with grace and savvy.
Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions!
Time: Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nebraska Library Commission
Get together virtually with librarians to Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions! Join any or all of the meetings for networking and discussions. Research has shown that networking with fellow librarians is beneficial professional development that improves professional practice, promotes shared leadership, and helps people remain in the profession.
What's up Wednesday: AI in Libraries - Transforming Information Access
Time: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 10 am Eastern (7 am Pacific | 8 am Mountain | 9 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Indiana State Library
Explore how AI enhances library services, including automated cataloging, AI-driven search tools, and personalized recommendations. Discuss ethical considerations and best practices for implementation.
Modern Marketing for Mission-Driven Teams: Tools, Tactics, and Trends
Time: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Blackbaud
Nonprofits today need to do more with less—and digital marketing can help. Join us to learn how the Constant Contact and Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT® integration empowers nonprofit teams with smarter tools that save time and improve results. From AI-assisted content creation to dynamic audience segmentation and cross-channel outreach, you’ll discover how to elevate your marketing without overwhelming your team.
Pretty Sweet Tech
Time: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 11 am Eastern (8 am Pacific | 9 am Mountain | 10 am Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Nebraska Library Commission
Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Note: Registrations closes the evening of Monday, July 28th.
Trauma-Informed Care or Services for Teens in the Library
Time: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Libraries are uniquely positioned to play a support role to teens who have experienced trauma. Libraries can be a familiar, welcoming environment that can encourage autonomy and healing.
This webinar will go through the basics of trauma-informed care and provide specific examples of programs and practices for librarians to make a safe and calm atmosphere for teens.
As a result of this program, attendees will learn:
Basics of trauma-informed care
Communication practices
Basic mindfulness techniques that can be added to library programs
Ideas for library programs with a trauma-informed care lens
Library collection and display suggestions
Ideas for partnerships to create a trauma-informed library
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.
DK's Fall 2025 Librarian Preview
Time: Wednesday, July 30 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Booklist
Get a glimpse at the publisher’s top adult & children’s title picks for the season. Prepare for epic get-togethers with the help of Brie Larson (yes, that Brie Larson!) and Courtney McBroom’s Party People, and Erin Lichy’s She’s a Host; discover the latest epic page-turners from popular fiction adult imprint Canelo: espionage thriller A Spy Alone and romantasy A Kiss of Hammer and Flame; embrace summerween with the first in an adorably charming, brand-new children’s fiction series The Witches of Anderson House; and help kids understand the importance of what we eat in Asma Khan’s A Kids Book about Food.
How Libraries Can Promote Computational Thinking and Learning among Preschool Families with Work it Out @ Your Library
Time: Wednesday, July 30 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Public Library Assocation (PLA)
Work It Out @ Your Library! is a new program for librarians and families built around Work It Out Wombats!, the national PBS Kids television series for four- to six-year-olds. The first public media series to promote computational thinking to preschoolers, Work It Out Wombats! follows the adventures of Malik, Zadie, and Zeke, a trio of marsupial siblings who live with their grandmother and an array of diverse friends and neighbors in a fantastical treehouse apartment complex called the Treeborhood. Through hands-on activities, library storytime sessions, animated videos, and a family app (all available free of charge), Work It Out @ Your Library is a flexible program that helps library staff guide families through the exploration of computational thinking (CT for short). CT is a creative way of solving problems in more organized ways. When children make believe they are running a restaurant, they explore sequencing by figuring out the steps for serving a customer a meal. When they play with blocks to make a castle, they can practice the design process by creating, testing, and improving the structure. It is important to start building children’s CT skills when they are young to get them ready for school success right from the start! The webinar will also cover why CT skills are important for young children; how to access these free, multimedia resources; how they have been used to run fun and engaging programs in libraries; and recent research findings that demonstrate significant impact.
Elevating Core Skills with New Library Foundational Training (LiFT) Courses
Time: Wednesday, July 30 2025, 3 pm Eastern (12 pm Pacific | 1 pm Mountain | 2 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
WebJunction
The Library Foundational Training (LiFT) courses build on the popular ABLE (Alternative Basic Library Education) curriculum while introducing fresh content and innovative learning approaches. This webinar offers an overview of the Collection Management series, the first series of the LiFT courses. Understand the findings from WebJunction's surveys of the field regarding core library skill needs; become familiar with topics in the LiFT Collection Management courses and how they address core foundational skills; and learn how to create a staff development plan using the LiFT courses. Join this webinar to find out how the Collection Management LiFT courses can be used to empower staff and enhance library services. This webinar is designed for public library staff—from front-line workers to directors and managers, state library continuing education staff, and anyone involved in staff training or in collection development.
An Introduction to the Journal of the House of Represenatatives: Everything That (Hasn't) Changed in 250 Years
Time: Thursday, July 31 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
FDLP
This webinar will introduce attendees to the Journal of the U.S. House of Representatives, the constitutionally mandated record of the proceedings of the House. Topics covered in this overview will include the history of the Journal, the production process of the daily Journal, and the importance of consistency for the historical record.
10 BIG Time Management Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Time: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all that you have to do at work or around the house, then this webinar is for you! There are some common mistakes that people make when managing their time, but you can avoid them and learn how to “create” more hours in the day. Reduce stress with these practical time management and organizing tips and techniques and see how you can get things done!
Attendees will learn how to:
Become more aware of how they’re using time
Handle email more efficiently
Look ahead proactively
Handle interruptions and distractions more effectively
Who will Benefit from this Program:
All Staff who want to get more out of their day at work or home
Managers who want to handle email better
Any volunteer or staff who feel overwhelmed
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.
Social Media Roundup for Librarians
Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Niche Academy
Join Melody Karle to learn about new social media platforms, existing platforms that have recently changed, and how social media is impacting libraries and library staff.
What's new with social media? Join Melody Karle to learn about new social media platforms, existing platforms that have recently changed, and how social media is impacting libraries and library staff.
Some topics will include: is TikTok banned already, or what? Is RedNote safe? How about Signal? Which platforms have recently changed how "news" and facts are vetted? Which platforms are in use by libraries and librarians? Whether helping patrons or just trying to stay ahead of technology, this session will give you the details.
How to Organize Anything
Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Ever wonder how some people can be so organized? Being disorganized is not a character flaw! As a child you may not have learned these skills, but you can learn them now. With the 5-step “C.L.E.A.R.” methodology, you can organize anything at work or home including your papers, things, and space.
It’s easier to get organized once you know how. In this program, you'll learn tips that can be applied immediately in your life so you can reduce stress, clear clutter, and reap the rewards of a calm, more productive, and enjoyable day!
Attendees will learn how to
Use a methodology to get organized
Stay organized with helpful, easy tips
Get motivated to make some changes
Who will Benefit from this Program:
All Staff who want to get more organized
Managers who want to have less stress
Any Volunteer or Staff who feels overwhelmed
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.
News Literacy Practices and Partnerships
Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
Niche Academy
Join communication professors Amy Damico and Melissa Yang for a webinar designed to support college librarians in integrating news literacy materials into their educational practice. The session will provide a brief overview of key news literacy strategies and explore how they can be applied across disciplinary content.
Successful collaborations between librarians and faculty featured in the pair’s edited book, News Literacy Across the Undergraduate Curriculum, will be highlighted as a way of offering real-world examples of effective collaborations between college librarians and faculty. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion where attendees can brainstorm and share ideas for implementing news literacy content at their own institutions.
Nontraditional Lending to Aid Your Community’s Environmental AND Safety Efforts
Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
The increasing damage and length of our severe weather events is concerning for all of us. How do we begin helping our communities to be sure they’re ready before disaster strikes? One way is with a new free kit created for the Maine State Library (MSL) by The Healing Library (THL)!
In 2020 the Maine State Library received a grant to support deepening their science programming from NASA. Join us to learn about the grant and about the kit that it created. It features three sections centered around disaster preparedness: Before Severe Weather, During Severe Weather, and After Severe Weather. Each section is filled with tips to stay as physically and emotionally safe as possible, all while instilling a love of nature in our children.
As a result of this program, attendees will learn:
How the Maine State Library got involved in the grant
The Maine State Libraries' thought process in striving to offer a wellness-centered initiative that included The Healing Library
What’s inside the Severe Weather & Climate Engagement Kit to help your community and ideas for deploying the kit in your community
Who will Benefit from this Program:
Youth Services Staff Members
Community Engagement Staff
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.
Inclusive and Impactful: Reinventing Your Meeting Culture
Time: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Meetings should be productive and have a purpose. Many times, staff members dread meetings and would rather do anything but attend them.
This session will introduce and reaffirm various components of hosting and attending meetings. We will discuss group dynamics, active listening skills, conflict management, creating an inclusive environment, and communicating clear meeting guidelines, instructions, and outcomes.
Attendees will be able to discuss methods to avoid and what works well in their organization’s settings.
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.
Crafting a Resilient Library: One-Page Disaster Plan Essentials
Time: Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
This informative webinar is designed to empower library staff with the skills needed to develop a concise and effective one-page disaster plan. This session will cover critical topics including effective communication strategies during emergencies, ensuring continuity of core library services, and building and nurturing partnerships with local disaster planners and law enforcement.
Participants will gain insights into best practices for maintaining seamless operations and collaboration during times of crisis, ensuring that your library remains a resilient and supportive community hub.
As a result of this program, attendees will:
• Learn the basics of a one-page disaster plan for libraries.
• Create effective emergency communication strategies.
• Maintain essential library services during crises.
• Access to a one-page disaster plan template.
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.
Trauma-Informed Programming: Using Mindfulness to Create Safe Space
Time: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
This one-hour webinar will give you a brief overview of what it means to experience trauma and how it manifests. We will discuss ways to help your staff and your physical spaces be more trauma-sensitive, including topics such as sensory issues and architecture, self-defense, mindfulness, self-care, non-violent intervention, and mental health first aid training.
We will practice looking at a space with our trauma glasses on. We'll also explore different populations that may be living with trauma and how to make programs accessible for everyone.
Using mindfulness techniques, we will also ask ourselves some tough questions about our own coping skills and what trauma we may be bringing to the workplace and how to greet ourselves and others with kindness and compassion.
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.
Techniques for Uncomfortable Conversations
Time: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Through this workshop, we examine some important strategies for navigating challenging conversations with confidence and empathy. You'll learn how to maintain composure, foster understanding, and communicate effectively even in difficult situations. We’ll also consider how to create safe and supportive communication spaces.
Together, we will become more confident and productive in our communication.
As a result of this program, attendees will:
Understand effective listening and empathy techniques
Manage emotional responses and maintain composure in tense situations
Increase confidence in communicating
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.
How to Manage Your Boss - 10 Do’s and Don’ts for a Healthy and Productive Working Relationship
Time: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific | 12 pm Mountain | 1 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
PCI Webinars
Managing your relationships at work is important if you want to perform at your best and advance in your career. This principle applies to every relationship, from colleagues to the boss. By managing your relationship with your boss, you can set and meet expectations and create a productive environment that will benefit both of you.
But how do you build a healthy working relationship when you frequently disagree with and don’t feel supported by him or her?
Inspired by an article in Forbes magazine, join Andrew for this program as we examine the Ten Do’s and Don’ts for a Healthy and Productive Working Relationship with Your Boss.
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.
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