Continuing Education and Professional Development: Other Upcoming Free Webinars

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

Wednesday, Nov 20 (1-2:30 pm)

Inspire, Advocate, Communicate: Library Data Storytelling (RIPL)

What can you tell about your library data as a story? Learn how to bring data stories to life for library advocacy of all types, from sustaining the library to transforming its work. Participants will learn about ongoing research identifying classic library stories told to persuade decision-makers as part of the Data Storytelling Toolkit for Libraries project (IMLS). You will gain a better understanding of data storytelling uses for public libraries, and tools to reach different kinds of audiences such as governing boards, executives, and the public and to adapt narrative structures to communicate information and emotion at the same time.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.ripleffect.org/webinars/

Wednesday, Nov 20 (2-3 pm)

Media Literacy Education for Adult Audiences: Navigating the Attention Economy (Programming Librarian)

Is human attention a commodity that can be bought and sold?  Join us for the fourth session in our new Media Literacy Education for Adult Audiences: Architecture of the Internet webinar series, a five-part series that will focus on shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of the internet that shape the information landscape online. In this session, we will explore the attention economy and how organizations use tactics in order to attract our attention to certain products and websites.  Key learning objectives for this session will include: Understanding what the attention economy is and how to develop critical consumption habits; Recognizing how the attention economy impacts information consumption and behavior; Identifying strategies for educating adult patrons about the impact of the attention economy on their daily lives. This webinar series focuses on topics included in the recently published Media Literacy for Adults: Architecture of the Internet Programming Guide.

For more information and to register, visit: https://programminglibrarian.org/webinars

Wednesday, Nov 20 (2-3 pm)

Providing Mental Health Resources at Your Library (NNLM)

This 1-hour webinar will discuss how to effectively respond to requests for mental health information at your library. Sites that we'll explore include: MedlinePlus, DailyMed, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the National Institute of Mental Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MentalHealth.gov; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization resources and more. During the webinar, we'll cover: A few mental health stats and definitions; Tips for reference interactions; Reliable information resources; And lastly, we’ll look at some ideas for programs around mental health.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nnlm.gov/training/schedule

Wednesday, Nov 20 (3-4 pm)

Leading from Within: Cultivating Managerial Self-Care for Resilient Organizations (LibrariesLearn)

Mid-level library managers are often caught between the upper management’s expectations and the frontline staff’s needs. Balancing budgets, meeting deadlines, and handling personnel issues can lead to high levels of stress, which can take a toll on their mental health. The focus on employee well-being often takes a backseat to operational needs. When managers prioritize operational needs over employee well-being, it can contribute to a toxic workplace culture. However, prioritizing mental health is crucial not only for the individual manager’s success but also for fostering a healthy workplace culture. In many cases, there’s a lack of support for mid-level managers in terms of mental health resources and training. They may feel isolated in their roles, without peers or supervisors who understand the unique challenges they face. This discussion panel will explore the unique challenges faced by mid-level library managers in maintaining their own mental health while also supporting the well-being of their team members.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.librarieslearn.org/calendar/month/2024-11/

Thursday, Nov 21 (2-3 pm)

Rural Health Resources (NNLM)

This webinar is part of the Rural Health Webinar Series in November 2024. Evidence shows that there are marked health disparities between those living in rural areas versus their urban counterparts. Not only do rural residents suffer from higher incidence of chronic illness, they also have limited access to primary care services and are more likely to be uninsured or under-insured. This webinar will describe hallmarks of rural America, identify access challenges of living in rural communities, and equip participants with tools to service the health information needs of those living in rural communities. We will explore websites from the National Library of Medicine, U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service and the Rural Health Information Hub. The origins of each website will be explained. Each of the websites contain consumer-level information and offers an opportunity for data downloads. The downloads will be demonstrated. These resources are relevant to nurses, librarians, public health workers, allied healthcare professionals, educators, faith- and community-based organizations.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nnlm.gov/training/schedule

Monday, Dec 2 (6-7 pm)

Book Madness: Engaging Schools, Teachers, and the Community (Libraries Learn)

Are you familiar with NCAA Basketball March Madness and want to find a creative way to engage students, classroom teachers, parent volunteers, and community members in reading? Then Book Madness may be for you! Learn how to choose your Sweet Sixteen, plan your brackets, recruit a team of readers, and execute a successful Book Madness program. In just three short weeks you will have kids and adults asking for more!

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.librarieslearn.org/calendar/month/2024-12/

Wednesday, Dec 4 (2-3 pm)

NOAA Library Seminar with SciStarter (SciStarter)

Join us on Wednesday, December 4th at 2pm EST for a NOAA Library Seminar: Libraries as community hubs for Citizen Science: How SciStarter is Supporting the Movement and hear from Tara Cox, the Director of the Citizen and Community Science Library Network and Emma Giles, the Manager of Public Outreach and Programs at SciStarter.

For more information and to register, visit: https://scistarter.org/events

Wednesday, Dec 4 (2-3 pm)

Partnerships and Building Relationships: How, Why, and Who (Niche Academy)

It takes a village… What strategies work for libraries wanting to become stronger community partners? How can you do this work no matter your job title? Being strategic, accountable, and a library advocate focused on documentation are key, but so too is centering the entire process around joy. In this free one-hour webinar, Rebecca Hass and Noah Lenstra share how to center joy in the sometimes complicated work of building and maintaining community partnerships. They’ll present examples of libraries across America that have devised working systems for building partnerships and strong community relationships. And they’ll take a deep dive into the successes and challenges experienced at Maryland’s Anne Arundel County Public Library. You’ll leave this session not only with renewed confidence in your ability to find partners, but also with plans to integrate partnerships and relationships even more fully into your work, and into the work of your library.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nicheacademy.com/upcoming-webinars

Wednesday, Dec 4 (3-4 pm)

NASA’s Eyes for Libraries (STAR Net)

NASA’s Eyes is a suite of 3D, interactive applications to allow anyone to see how NASA is exploring the universe. Join us to hear about how you can start utilizing this free, yet professional NASA tool today in your spaces.  Ask questions and contribute your voice to how NASA can make it more useful for you and your patrons!

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.starnetlibraries.org/resources/webinars/

Thursday, Dec 5 (3-4 pm)

Climate change communication: How and why to do it in libraries (WebJunction)

What are the best practices for discussing climate change? Join us to explore effective communication strategies developed through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, which has been advancing this work for over a decade, and the new National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries. Gain insights from Seeding Action, an initiative aimed at fostering a culture of planetary health action with communities through science centers and museums. Discover how libraries and museums communicate about climate change, its causes, and solutions. Participants will leave empowered to engage staff, board members, and community members in meaningful conversations that inspire action and foster a proactive response to climate challenges.

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction.html

Thursday, Dec 5 (4-5 pm)

NASA@ My Library: Heliophysics Workshop Series Featuring Vincent, the “Aurora Guy” (STAR Net)

Are you interested in exploring the fascinating field of heliophysics? Join us for an exciting collaboration between NASA@ My Library and NASA SCoPE! You can engage with NASA experts, learn about heliophysics, and access valuable educational resources. This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, expand your knowledge, and get involved in groundbreaking science. Don’t miss out! Vincent, the “Aurora Guy,” will showcase amazing aurora displays and explain the science behind these phenomena.

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.starnetlibraries.org/resources/webinars/

Monday, Dec 9 (12-1 pm)

Building Belonging: EDI Strategies for Children's Services and Beyond (ALSC)

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion among library staff. Designed for children's services managers, this session will offer actionable insights and real-world examples of successful EDI initiatives in libraries. Our panelists will share strategies on how to: Collaborate with library employees to reflect their voices and needs in policies and services, Train staff in culturally responsive practices to better serve diverse communities, Launch low-cost, resource-efficient EDI efforts within your team.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.ala.org/alsc/elearning/webinararchive

Wednesday, Dec 11 (1-2 pm)

What Counts? Finding Meaningful Metrics (RIPL)

Metrics are one way we frequently measure success in libraries. But finding the right metrics isn’t easy. “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted,” a quote from sociologist William Bruce Cameron, neatly summarizes why finding meaningful metrics is often challenging. Libraries count all kinds of things, many of which take a great deal of effort to collect and analyze. Which metrics have the most meaning and impact? In this session, you will learn about how metrics only have meaning in context. Our entire discussion will be framed by the understanding that metrics reflect and drive the values of your organization. So how do you create meaningful metrics? You will get hands-on time to revise a desired impact/outcome/definition of success, align metrics to that desired impact, and reflect on what metrics will help you learn and be intentional.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.ripleffect.org/webinars/

Wednesday, Dec 11 (2-3 pm)

Media Literacy Education for Adult Audiences: Exploring ChatGPT and Conversational AI (Programming Librarian)

Conversational AI is a technology that enable machines to simulate human conversation, or as ChatGPT would describe itself, “think of me as a really well-read assistant who’s here to help with a wide range of topics, from answering questions and offering advice to brainstorming ideas and providing a bit of entertainment.” Join us for the last session in our new Media Literacy Education for Adult Audiences: Architecture of the Internet webinar series, a five-part series that will focus on shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of the internet that shape the information landscape online. In this session, "Media Literacy Education for Adult Audiences: Exploring ChatGPT and Conversational AI”, we will explore what conversational AI is as well as the risks, benefits, and considerations when utilizing this technology.

For more information and to register, visit: https://programminglibrarian.org/webinars

Wednesday, Dec 11 (2-3 pm)

“Quiet Quitting,” Productivity, and the Future of Work (Niche Academy)

In today's rapidly evolving work landscape is a phenomenon known as "quiet quitting,” a subtle form of employee disengagement. Many experts feel this "checking out" is a rebellion against the persistent imbalance between work and life, a silent protest against the notion that the 40-hour workweek is both outdated and stifling. In this engaging presentation, Elaina Norlin will delve into both sides of this compelling issue. On one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped priorities for countless employees, leading them to discover newfound passions and embrace a slower-paced life. But, we must also consider the flip side. If everyone embraces a "Quiet Quitters" approach and productivity and creativity decline, how can organizations compete for vital resources in an increasingly competitive world?

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nicheacademy.com/upcoming-webinars

Monday, Dec 16 (12-1 pm)

2024 Grant Trends and What to Expect for 2025 (Nonprofit Learning Lab)

Join us to explore the latest trends in grant funding and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to secure the resources that will propel your nonprofit forward. Understanding grant trends is crucial for maximizing your nonprofit's capacity and ensuring the best return on investment. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls of cold applications and instead, through diligent research and strategic relationships, send tailored proposals to the right funders.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/webinars

Monday, Dec 16 (4-5 pm)

How to Inspire an Unmotivated Team (GovLoop)

The days are getting shorter, and we’re spending more time indoors. The change of season can be hard for many of us, and frankly, our teams might be feeling unmotivated as we close out the year. However, as a supervisor, part of your job responsibilities include maintaining team productivity and protecting their well-being. So if you’re seeing a seasonal morale dip (or really, any time of year), how can you help your team recover? Join us to hear from a government management expert about how to inspire an unmotivated team.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.govloop.com/training/

Tuesday, Dec 17 (11 am-12 pm)

Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions! (Nebraska Library Commission)

Get together virtually with librarians to Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions! You are welcome to 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.

For more information and to register, visit: https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventlist.asp?Mode=ALL

Tuesday, Dec 17 (2-3 pm)

Overcome the Overwhelm: How to Manage Stress (GovLoop)

Take a deep breath in, now ask yourself this question and answer honestly: on a scale of one to ten, how stressed do you feel? Recent studies have shown that adults report higher stress levels than ever before – both in their personal and professional lives. As we enter a typical hectic holiday season, it’s important to check in with yourself and make sure you have healthy ways to process and cope with stress. Join us to hear from a government workplace expert about proven ways to help manage your stress.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.govloop.com/training/

Wednesday, Dec 18 (3-4 pm)

Bridging the Divide: A Panel Discussion on Library Workers Loneliness (Libraries Learn)

Join us for our 5th and final Mental Health & Wellness panel. The consequences of loneliness among library workers extend beyond individual well-being to organizational effectiveness. Research has shown that lonely employees are less engaged, less productive, and more likely to leave their jobs. In the context of libraries, where staffing shortages and budget constraints are already significant challenges, addressing loneliness is not just a matter of employee satisfaction but also of organizational sustainability. Recent studies have shed light on the alarming prevalence of loneliness in the workplace, affecting up to 70% of employees globally. Within library settings, this issue poses unique challenges, as staff often grapple with a sense of isolation both professionally and personally.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.librarieslearn.org/calendar/month/2024-12/

AT YOUR LEISURE:

Pre-recorded webinars to view at your convenience

Banned Books 101: What Library Boards & Trustees Need to Know
Whether or not their community has experienced book bans, library Trustees/Board Members have a responsibility to protect access to books, programs, and resources in their libraries. Learn what board members need to know about the current state of book bans in the U.S., and how to advocate for the freedom to read and activate local support networks. Find out about United for Libraries and ALA resources, including Unite Against Book Bans, Advocacy Academy, and “Reader. Voter. Ready.” Visit: https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/8717277051318/WN_eXnp7ZxBR6mCd4LotJE9mw#/registration

Centering Community, Building Equity: A Social Justice Approach to Outreach with Families and Children in Underserved Communities

Are you seeking to develop relevant and meaningful programs and services for young children and families in underserved communities? Offering outreach programs and services that meet these young children and their families where they live and thrive is crucial for overcoming some of the many barriers these families can face with coming to the library. Centering the community’s values and strengthening equity, engagement, and empowerment in these efforts can help you develop relevant, authentic programs and services that meet these families’ needs and aspirations. In this webinar, the Project VOICE team will provide an overview of the importance of outreach efforts to underserved communities; how to intentionally integrate the social justice concepts of equity, engagement, and empowerment into these efforts; and the role of community values in developing authentic outreach services for young children and families. Visit: https://elearning.ala.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=317

Preparing for Program Challenges at your Public Library

Learn best practices and strategies to support staff, board, and community through program challenges. Are you unsure how to handle a program challenge in your library?  Do you worry about having the right policies and procedures in place? Two public library directors will share their personal experiences with intellectual freedom challenges of programs.  Learn best practices and strategies for supporting staff, board, and community members through program challenges. Resources to assist in responding to challenges and crafting appropriate policies, procedures, and training will be provided. Visit: https://programminglibrarian.org/learn/preparing-program-challenges-your-public-library