Below is a selection of upcoming free webinars this month collected by the Maine State Library. To see the full list, please visit: https://maine-msl.libguides.com/CECAL
Tuesday, Sep 10 (3-4 pm)
Pride In Practice: LGBTQ+ Library Workers Perspectives on Mental Health (Colorado State Library)
This discussion panel delves into the lived experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) identity and mental health within the context of library work. LGBTQ+ library workers face unique challenges stemming from societal stigma, discrimination, and workplace environments. Many individuals still face prejudice and discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, both within and outside of the workplace. This can manifest in various ways, from microaggressions and exclusion to overt acts of discrimination. Such experiences can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, impacting job performance and job satisfaction. Despite these challenges, LGBTQ+ library professionals demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness in navigating their work environments. Sharing coping strategies, fostering supportive networks, and promoting dialogue around LGBTQ+ identity and mental health are crucial steps toward creating more inclusive and supportive library workplaces. By acknowledging the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ library workers, we can work towards building environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported in their professional roles.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.librarieslearn.org/calendar/month/2024-09/
Wednesday, Sep 11 (2-3 pm)
Talk to the Elephant - Designing Learning for Behavior Change (NicheAcademy)
What do you do when people know they need to wear their safety glasses, or add to their retirement savings, or update their client records, or finish their compliance training, or submit their expense reports on time, but they still aren’t doing it? Join Julie Dirksen to explore how to design with principles and models from behavioral science. Learn the top reasons why learning fails to change behavior and what you can do instead.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nicheacademy.com/upcoming-webinars
Thursday, Sep 12 (2-3 pm)
Your Library as a Polling Place: Election Site Security for November 5, 2024 (Library 2.0)
The United States national presidential election this year promises to be an emotional event. It’s hard to recall when an election has created such strong feelings on both sides. If your library has served as a polling place for your community in the past and will do so again, you have certainly thought of the pending security concerns related to the protection of your facility, library staff, poll workers, and the ballots. If this is the first time your library will be a polling site, you’ve probably already started having a lot of meetings with county election coordinators, your County Clerk’s office, the Registrar of Voters, and perhaps even the Secretary of State’s office in your state. November 5, 2024 will be a long day of work for the library employees and poll volunteers who commit their time and energy to a safe and successful election process. This session will help library leaders and employees in every state to better understand the staff, facility, and ballot protection issues; legal and fair use of the building; weather concerns; and how to handle issues around on-site electioneering, protests, and news media visits.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.library20.com/
Monday, Sep 16 (11 am-12 pm)
Captivating Canva Graphics: Unlock the Power of Design Principles (NonProfitLearningLab)
Nonprofit communications and marketing professionals often juggle many tasks, including ad hoc Canva design. By understanding design best practices, you can create more effective Canva graphics—and stay on-brand. Learn the four key design principles (layout, color, typography, imagery) as well as sources for high-quality graphics. Basic Canva knowledge is helpful but not required.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/webinars
Wednesday, Sep 18 (11 am-12 pm)
Problem-solving in Your Library using the Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit (Nebraska Library Commission)
In this session, we will tap into the collective "IT brain" of the attendees to walk through how to solve common library tech issues using the free Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit. The newly updated toolkit helps library staff scale up their tech skills to understand, improve, and fund IT and broadband improvements. The Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit was made possible through two grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), RE-00-15-0110-15 and RE-246219-OLS-20. For example, how can a non-techie library worker know which cables are actually working and which ones are dormant/unused? The participants will collaborate with some help from Stephanie, Carson, and the toolkit to talk through common IT and broadband problems and find solutions. Attendees are encouraged to bring their real-life library IT and broadband issues to the session– we'll work together to leverage the community's collective knowledge and the toolkit's resources to solve them. After you attend the session, you'll know how to navigate the free toolkit to use later with your library staff to raise everyone's "IT IQ."
For more information and to register, visit: https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventlist.asp?Mode=ALL
Wednesday, Sep 18 (11 am-12 pm)
Science of Reading (Indiana State Library)
Participants will gain a foundational understanding of the Science of Reading and the theoretical models aligned with the Science of Reading. Presented by Shaiya Badgley and Kat Holton, literacy specialists from the Indiana Department of Education Literacy Center.
For more information and to register, visit: https://indianastatelibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar?ln=ALL
Wednesday, Sep 18 (2-3 pm)
LinkedIn for Librarians (NicheAcademy)
LinkedIn can help with finding a job or filling open positions at the library—but it is also a great tool for professional networking, finding partners for collaboration, and sharing professional news with a wider audience. Join Melody Karle for this webinar on using LinkedIn for libraries, covering the basics of using LinkedIn as well as library-specific tips for using and managing this tool.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nicheacademy.com/upcoming-webinars
Wednesday, Sep 18 (3-4 pm)
Crafting and maintaining effective patron policies for community success (WebJunction)
Effective library policies are essential for setting clear expectations, defining responsibilities, and establishing boundaries for both patrons and staff. This session will cover the ten most common patron-facing policies and offer guidance on selecting and tailoring them to meet your library and community needs for safe and effective operation. Using a Code of Conduct policy as an example, we’ll discuss how to avoid policies driven by trauma or drama, ensuring they are clear, accessible, and enforceable. Additionally, we’ll explore best practices for policy management, including the importance of regular reviews by directors, boards, and staff, to maintain accountability and relevance.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction.html
Thursday, Sep 19 (2-3 pm)
How to Apply for NNLM Funding (NNLM)
Designed for beginning grant proposal writers interested in NNLM funding, this class presents a general overview of grant and funding processes, as well as the level of detail required for a successful proposal.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nnlm.gov/training/schedule
Thursday, Sep 19 (2-3:30 pm)
DLG Webinar: Ethical and Responsible AI in Libraries (ASERL)
Join the Digital Library of Georgia along with presenters Hannah Scates Kettler and Yasmeen Shorish who will discuss the use of ethical and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries. This webinar will cover the use of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in archives and libraries and aid archives/LIS/GLAM professionals make ethical decisions when implementing AI in their work.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.aserl.org/events/
Tuesday, Sep 24 (2-3 pm)
Children's Collections and Boosting Engagement: A Panel Presentation (MontanaStateLib)
Join us for a panel presentation and discussion from two Montana libraries who have successfully made changes with their children's collections and boosted engagement and circulations in the process.
For more information and to register, visit: https://mslservices.mt.gov/ASPeN/Events/
Wednesday, Sep 25 (10-11 am)
What's Up Wednesday: Adult Programming Made Easy (Indiana State Library)
Programming for adults doesn’t have to be complicated. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I have gathered 12 programming ideas, complete with instructions, for your library to use. These programs are adaptable to any budget.
For more information and to register, visit: https://indianastatelibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar?ln=ALL
Thursday, Sep 26 (2-3 pm)
Empowering Democracy: Unlocking the GODORT Voter & Elections Toolkit (FDLP)
As the November 5, 2024, U.S. general election approaches, the Government Documents Round Table (GODORT) of the American Library Association has collaborated with information professionals nationwide to create a comprehensive voter resource guide. This toolkit covers all 50 states and the District of Columbia, providing crucial information on voting rules, regulations, and services. Our presentation will: explore the toolkit's development, demonstrate how to navigate its features effectively, offer strategies for information professionals to promote civic literacy and engagement. Join us to learn how this valuable resource can empower both new and returning voters in your community. The toolkit is now available at: https://godort.libguides.com/votingtoolkit/.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.fdlp.gov/events
Thursday, Sep 26 (3-3:30 pm)
Take Your Child to the Library Day Communications Training (Connecticut Library Consortium)
Are you looking for ways to reach a broader audience about your library's participation in Take Your Child to the Library Day? In this session, you will learn how to create effective communications for the web, PR, email, and newsletters that will attract potential participants. This includes: Crafting messages for existing library users, encouraging them to participate and spread the word; Developing strategies to engage parents and guardians who are not yet library users, showcasing the event and the library's overall benefits; Creating content that appeals to community stakeholders, showcasing the event's value and the importance of their support.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.ctlibrarians.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1860375&group=
Thursday, Sep 26 (3-4 pm)
Engaging Beyond Our Walls: Libraries connecting communities through outdoor games and stories (WebJunction)
Discover how libraries across the country are creating their own outdoor games and interactive stories that showcase local history, landmarks, and voices. These playful activities, often designed by library staff, include texting with murals, audio tours by Black feminist historians, ghost scavenger hunts, and "eye spy" quests for architecture and culture. These low-tech creations are part of a national project, Engaging Beyond Our Walls, which aims to connect libraries with their communities in innovative ways. Learn how over 50 towns and cities have already joined in, using free templates and training from the Playful City Lab of American University and the DC Public Library. Find out how these do-it-yourself tools can help libraries of all sizes tell their own stories and build stronger places. Whether you're looking for a small or big project, this webinar will provide you with inspiration, resources, and real outcomes that can catalyze community engagement.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction.html
The Four County Library System and its member libraries are part of the South Central Regional Library Council. SCRLC, as well as the other New York State library councils, offer free webinars for library staff to attend.
The other library councils in New York State are: