From the State of Texas comes their calendar for free continuing educational opportunities–check out the following webinars:
February 2012: Free Continuing Education Events 2012 January 27 tags: free online training, webinars by Christina Manz<!– Dashboard ‹ Booktrucking’s Blog — WordPress
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Here’s our monthly reminder of free training on the web. Confirm date and time when you pre-register, or follow the links for archive information. Webinars listed in Central Standard Time. Wednesday, February 1, 2012 SOPA and PIPA: What Libraries Need to Know (NCompass Live) Brandon Butler, from the Library Copyright Alliance and Director of Public Policy Initiatives, Association of Research Libraries. Time: 10-11:00 a.m. Fast Track to Employee Development: Understanding What Makes Them Tick (AMA) Have you ever wished someone would hand you a customized personality and skill level road map to assist you in developing each member of your team? Wouldn’t it make developing and managing a direct report that much easier if you REALLY knew what made them tick and where they were on the learning curve for a specific job or task? The Meyers Briggs Type Indicator and Blanchard’s Situational Leadership® II leveraged together can enable you to tailor an employee learning and development plan that speaks to the heart of the individual. Time: 11-12:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 2, 2012 Exploring Literature (TexShare) Hemingway, Atwood, Fitzgerald, Twain, Blume, Seuss! Just a fraction of the authors that can be found within your incredible collection. We’ll spend 60 minutes immersed in literature, discussing authors and providing new ways to uncover literature criticism! Troy Anderson (Customer Education Specialist) will demonstrate effective ways to navigate, highlight new features and discuss the applicability of the information found in this powerful collection. During this time we’ll also discuss the applicability of these resources to your library programs and book clubs! Time: 10-11:00 a.m.
Before You Push Record (TechSoup) Part 1 of 3 in the 2012 Digital Storytelling Challenge webinar series. This webinar will cover what you need to know before you record your video. Topics include the importance of storytelling, creating a script and production guide, and finding free music, stock video and photography Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
Building Bridges #4: Your Library’s Future (WebJunction) Join OCLC, host Chrystie Hill, WebJunction’s Director of Community Services, and guest speakers for a series of four free webinars designed to inspire and engage public libraries on topics of vital interest. Each program in the series will offer practical advice on issues that are top-of-mind in public libraries. In this one-hour online OCLC session, the fourth in the series, Martin Gomez, City Librarian at Los Angeles Public Library, will answer your questions and give practical advice about the continued success of public libraries in our changing environment. Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
Children’s Literature Update 2012 (InfoPeople) Discover the new books that you can recommend to children who use your library! Hear about books published in 2011, and upcoming Spring 2012 titles, that will be popular with children ages 0-12. These include picture books, easy readers, transitional fiction, genre fiction for middle grades, graphic novels, poetry, nonfiction, and more! Hear about books that will appeal to the “reluctant reader,” boys who may have drifted away from reading, and books that will have popularity with a wide audience of children. Time: 2-3:00 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2012 Tech Tools with Tine: 1 Hour of Dropbox (TSLAC) Please join us for a special series with technology trainer, Christine Walczyk, all about popular online tools. The series is meant to be short on talk about library context and higher concepts. It’s really all about the tools themselves! Our aim is to demonstrate how to use one tool in each webinar in under 60 minutes with time for Q&A built in. Time: 10-11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 Storing and Managing Digital Collections (InfoPeople) This is part 3 of a 4 part series on Digital Preservation. Time: 2-3:00 p.m.
What’s New in YA: 2012 (Booklist) Get a preview of what 2012 holds in store for teen readers during this free, hour-long webinar. Representatives from Egmont USA, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Sourcebooks, and Disney Book Group will share their leading titles for spring and beyond. Booklist Books for Youth Associate Editor Ann Kelley moderates. Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Learning4Life: AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner (NCompass Live) Learn how to use Web 2.0 tools and other technologies to differentiate instruction while addressing the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Learning4Life standards of collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving. Open source applications such as Xtranormal, Juxio, Prezi, and Make Beliefs Comix will be demonstrated. Samples of student projects using these technologies will also be presented along with ways to integrate into the curriculum. Time: 10-11:00 a.m.
Youth Media Activities in Your Community: Teaching Digital Natives (InfoPeople) Engaging today’s youth through technology is critical to reach a generation that has had access to advanced technology throughout their entire educational and personal lives. Reaching this “tech generation” may seem overwhelming as the proliferation of technology advances and the ever-changing trends make it difficult to determine what efforts will be effective. This webinar will focus on what you can do to educate and engage youth using technology. Time: 2-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 9, 2012 Cloud Computing 101 (WebJunction) “Cloud computing” seems to be all the rage, but what actually is it? This overview presentation will explain what cloud computing offers libraries, how libraries are using these services, and what you should consider when thinking about using a cloud service in your library. A distinction between services for end-users and services for organizations will be made, explained, and illustrated, as well as the terms used to describe cloud services. Learn how quick and easy it now is to deploy applications “in the cloud” using tools such as Google Docs, Google App Engine, and Amazon’s Web Services, among others. Resources for further exploration will be included. Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
Capturing Your Story on Camera (TechSoup) Part 2 of 3 in the 2012 Digital Storytelling Challenge webinar series. The second webinar of the series will provide you with great tips for shooting your video. You’ll learn what equipment is right for your organization, how to set up a good shot, and considerations for capturing indoor, outdoor and event footage. Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
App Development: The Why & How (TSLAC) Join Corinne Hill as she discuss why Dallas Public Library pursued a library app and how it was designed and implemented. Corinne Hill has been in the library business for 17 years. During this time she has managed public service, technical services, library technology, and is currently the Interim Director of Libraries at Dallas Public Library. Time: 2-3:00 p.m.
SLJ Non-Fiction Spring Book Buzz (School Library Journal) The world around us is constantly changing and evolving; the same should be said of your nonfiction collection! The Egypt of one year ago no longer exists, new social networking tools have been created that complicate teen relationships more than ever, and movements like Occupy Wall Street have redefined activism. It is important for your students and young patrons to have the resources they need to research and understand the society in which they live as well as communities beyond their borders. The Nonfiction Announcements Spring 2012 one hour webcast will include titles for grade levels three through 12, both in series and non-series formats. Time: 2-3:00 p.m.
Friday, February 10, 2012 Tech Tools with Tine: 1 Hour of Shelfari and Goodreads (TSLAC) Please join us for a special series with technology trainer, Christine Walczyk, all about popular online tools. The series is meant to be short on talk about library context and higher concepts. It’s really all about the tools themselves! Our aim is to demonstrate how to use one tool in each webinar in under 60 minutes with time for Q&A built in. Time: 10-11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 SLJ Teen Spring Book Buzz (School Library Journal) It’s time to start your spring cleaning, and nothing can few freshen up your shelves better than the new season’s crop of great teen reads! A few highlights—the crazy-fun graphic novel Teen Boat! from dynamic duo Dave Roman and John Green; meeting Ricki Jo, who sheds her rural simple persona to become Ericka at her new high school in The Queen of Kentucky; and for young entrepreneurs, Better Than a Lemonade Stand! Small Business Ideas for Kids. This Teen Book Buzz Spring 2012 one hour webcast will include titles for all your teen readers, from fans of paranormal and romance to aspiring artists and writers. Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
Top Tech Trends in Materials Handling (Infopeople) There are affordable technologies on the market today that can reduce the number of library staff that need to be involved in basic materials handling functions. Some technologies help staff be more efficient. Other technologies take the workflow out of the staff’s hands entirely. From self-check in and self-check out machines to vending machines and sorters, there’s a solution out there for libraries of every size and for every budget. Self-check in machines with small sorters can get your library staff out of the back room and out onto the floor where they can deliver services to patrons. Vending machines don’t need staff at all but provide another way (and location) for getting material to patrons. And self-checkout machines aren’t just one trick ponies anymore. Time: 2-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 Turning Your Library Around (NCompass Live) When we started at the South Sioux City Public Library two years ago the library was having difficult times. Circulation and attendance numbers were down. The public’s opinion of the library was not positive. In two years’ time period we have seen an increase of circulation from 21000 items to over 40000 items. We have seen attendance numbers for youth climb from 2000 to 6000 and adult attendance has gone from 800 participants to over 3000 participants. This presentation will tell what we did to turn the program around. Time: 10-11:00 a.m. Meet the Power Patron: Insights from Patron Profiles (Library Journal) Hear from a team of experts and learn how you can use Library Journal’s new Patron Profiles research and other unique tools to shape your library’s future! This event is moderated by School Library Journal’s Editor-in-Chief, Rebecca Miller. Time: 12-1:00 p.m.
Exploring Literature (TexShare) Hemingway, Atwood, Fitzgerald, Twain, Blume, Seuss! Just a fraction of the authors that can be found within your incredible collection. We’ll spend 60 minutes immersed in literature, discussing authors and providing new ways to uncover literature criticism! Troy Anderson (Customer Education Specialist) will demonstrate effective ways to navigate, highlight new features and discuss the applicability of the information found in this powerful collection. During this time we’ll also discuss the applicability of these resources to your library programs and book clubs! Time: 3-4:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 16, 2012 Libraries as Content Collaborators & The Life of a Production Librarian with Eli Neiburger (TSLAC) Join Library Journal Mover and Shaker Eli Neiburger, Associate Director of IT & Production at the Ann Arbor District Library, as he expands upon his compelling argument that one way for libraries to remain relevant in this current technological era is to become producers of and/or collaborators on their own content. Eli will talk about AADL’s approach to digital projects, and how Production Librarians at AADL work with community partners to bring new content to the web. He’ll also cover the infrastructure and skills necessary for libraries to move in this direction, and how to get started without a budget. Time: 10-11:00 a.m.
You Have the Footage, Now What? (TechSoup) Part 3 of 3 in the 2012 Digital Storytelling Challenge webinar series. The final installment of this 3-part webinar series will help you edit and distribute your video. We’ll show you recommendations for editing software, the basics of creating a more professional video, and how to upload, tag and describe your video in order to get it seen. Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
Building a LibraryAware Community: Making the Connection (Library Journal) Panelists from libraries from the US and Canada discuss how to build stronger library connections to your community as well as giving advice on making the shift to eBooks. This webcast is moderated by Nancy Dowd, Project Lead LibraryAware, NoveList/EBSCO Publishing. Time: 1-2:00 p.m. Libraries, We Mean Business: Best Ideas from LJ’s Best Business Books of the Year(InfoPeople) As libraries are seeking ways to meet the needs of their communities in a challenging economy, leaders can turn to best business models and practices for ideas and inspiration. During this webinar, presenters will review Library Journal’s 2010 Best Business Books of the year; select and discuss relevant techniques and strategies from books pertaining to management, leadership, marketing and organizational dynamics; and provide practical examples for applying these practices in your own library. Time: 2-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 The Accidental Library Marketer (TSLAC) If you find yourself doing PR, promotion, or marketing as part of your job, but you never formally learned how, then you’re an “accidental marketer” — and you’re not alone! Hear the basic tenets you never had a chance to learn as well as advanced tactics. Get the real reasons why many patrons don’t attend programs and why the media doesn’t always cover your events. Learn what “true marketing” is and why it can make your hard work pay off more often. This webinar will be led by the author of the book, The Accidental Library Marketer, author/trainer/consultant, Kathy Dempsey. Time: 10-11:00 a.m. Your Library at Webscale: How Radical Collaboration Is Redefining Library Management Services (Library Journal) During this session, Andrew Pace, Executive Director, Networked Library Services, will provide an overview of OCLC’s vision for connecting the world’s libraries to operate and innovate at Webscale. You’ll also hear directly from library automation experts and members of the OCLC WorldShare Management Services community about how the move to WorldShare has eliminated traditional operating silos, allowing them to focus more attention on the communities they serve. Time: 11-12:00 p.m.
Books for Youth Alert: New Titles for 2012 (Booklist) Join us for a free, hour-long webinar featuring publishing representatives who will fill you in on their leading titles for spring and beyond. Sponsored by Holiday House, Penguin Young Readers Group, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Perseus/Running Press. Moderated by Booklist senior editor Ilene Cooper. Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Learning to Live Without a Statistical Abstract (NCompass Live) In March 2011, the division of the U.S. Census Bureau responsible for data compilations such as the Statistical Abstract of the United States revealed that it would discontinue several popular publications. The decision was largely driven by budgetary concerns, but it also reflected further evolution toward new vectors for distributing data electronically. James Shaw, Director of Collections, Criss Library – UNO, will provide an update of the situation and offer practical advice concerning alternative resources. He will also explore the policy implications of trading away convenience and ease-of-use for enhanced data tools more suitable for advanced researchers than the general public. Time: 10-11:00 a.m.
Leadership Presence: How to Build Personal Influence in Your Organization (AMA) Presence is directly linked to your ability to get noticed, forge trusting relationships, and get others on board with your agenda. Influence is the primary means for getting work done. Presence is an amorphous concept with a defined impact in our success. We’re experts at reading others’ presence, but it’s remarkably hard to understand and shape our own without the right approach. The good news is that anyone can strengthen their presence in a way that’s authentic, natural, and influential whether they’re an introvert, extrovert, aspiring or seasoned leader. Time: 11-12:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 23, 2012 Twitter for Job Seekers: Tips for Helping Your Library’s Job-seeking Patrons (WebJunction) Twitter is one of the best online tools for networking and job seeking. Whether browsing job postings or connecting with people in your field, Twitter offers something for everyone. This session will cover tips and techniques for helping patrons network and find jobs on Twitter, and provide your library with ways to use Twitter in support of job seekers. Learn how you can use “tweets” to extend and augment your library services, showcase the resources and programs you provide job seekers and demonstrate the powerful connections you create in your library community. Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
New Data Rules: Census 2010 and American Community Survey (Library Journal) We’ve already seen how Census 2010 is reconfiguring political districts based on population gains and losses. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Join us to learn about the sweeping new data methods behind Census 2010 and the American Community Survey (ACS), how they’re different than Census 2000, and what they mean for librarians delivering services, library boards and elected officials making library funding decisions, and library users including business patrons. Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
Friday, February 24, 2012 Directors’ Summit: Discover a 21st Century Roadmap for Community Outcomes (Live Journal) Join us as we explore some of the key themes from the Library Journal 2011 Directors’ Summit, held in partnership with Columbus Metropolitan Library. Garry Golden speaks and Patrick Losinski, executive director of Columbus Metropolitan Library (Ohio), will lead a discussion between Garry and the audience. Library Journal’s Editor-in-Chief Francine Fialkoff will give the welcoming introductions. Time: 12-1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Big Talk From Small Libraries (Nebraska Library Commission) This free one-day online conference is aimed at librarians from small libraries; the smaller the better. Each of our speakers is from a small library or directly works with small libraries. Topics range from technology (new tech and old tech) to programming to partnering with your community. Speakers will cover eight topics—one each hour. Come for the programs on what you’re dealing with now or maybe try something new. Time: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Writing Good Press Releases and Working with the Media (TSLAC) Learn the art of writing press releases and communicating with the media with author/consultant, Kathy Dempsey, the woman who literally wrote the book on this topic! Kathy’s book, The Accidental Library Marketer, is widely consulted by librarians that suddenly find themselves chief marketer for their organization. She’ll provide both good and bad examples of press releases and show how facts can easily be compiled to form a good press release. Kathy will also review common mistakes librarians make when working with the media. Lots more advice on managing those sticky calls from the media, so don’t miss this one! Time: 10-11:00 a.m.
Lending eReaders: What Libraries Need to Know (Idaho Commission for Libraries and Washington State Library) Join panelists for a discussion on best practices in loaning eReaders to library customers. What are the big considerations when developing a lending program for eReaders? Hear lessons learned and success stories on lending eReaders. Hosted by Shirley Biladeau, Idaho Commission for Libraries and Jennifer Fenton, Washington State Library. Presenters are Chris Gustafson,Whitman Middle School, Seattle, Washingto; Sherrilynn Bair, Library Director, Snake River School/ Community Library in Idaho and Lauren Corder, Librarian, North Olympic Library System. Time: 11-12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Tech Talk with Michael Sauers (NCompass Live) In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library. There will also be plenty of time in each episode for you to ask your tech questions. So, bring your questions with you, or send them in ahead of time, and Michael will have your answers. Time: 10-11:00 a.m. The Black, White, and Gray Areas of Licensing: A Review and Update for Librarians and Publishers (ALCTS) Using an interactive approach employing chat, audience polling and presubmitted questions, the presenters will cover hot topics and current challenges facing libraries in licensing digital content. The presenters represent the viewpoints of a publisher (Robert Boissy), an academic library (Becky Albitz) and a consortium (Tracy Thompson-Przylucki). Time: 1-2:00 p.m.
Libraries, as we know, are vital centers for all communities, but they become especially important in rural areas like ours. Our small public libraries host various events, and, coupled with a trip to the post office often become social centers and a regular stopping point for members of the community.
The American Library Association offers good information and advice on gaining support in rural communities. There’s a free online publication called “The small but powerful guide to winning big support for your rural library,” which outlines some basic steps that can help you gain community support.
The ALA lists 9 basic steps to successful advocacy:
1. Don’t wait for a crisis–make yourself essential
2. Build your team
3. Have a clear, memorable message
4. Target your audiences
5. Identify strategies
6. Practice word-of-mouth marketing
7. Have an enthusiastic, articulate spokesperson
8. Evaluate constantly
9. Don’t stop
In addition to these basic steps, the publication offers many suggestions for increasing visibility of your library in your community:
Go where the people are–post notices of your events in post offices, grocery stores, schools; in short, anywhere people go. Instead of limiting your posters and notices to your own building, get out into the community with your message.
Win friends and influence decision-makers–this means go to meetings, get your supporters to attend meetings and speak to local dignitaries and leaders. Invite these people to your library, too–make them aware of your work and the important role you play in the community. Become a regular at town meetings and legislative sessions–don’t just show up at budget time.
Speak successfully–you don’t have to be a dynamic speaker, you just need to be convincing. If you don’t feel you can speak in public, or are hesitant to meet with local leaders, find someone who can represent your library. Talk talk talk about the library everywhere you go, and go plenty of places. People always like to hear stories about what goes on in libraries.
Make the most of the media–don’t overlook the free advertising that comes with news stories. Don’t wait for a special occasion to make friends with local newspaper, radio and television people.
Build powerful partnerships–we all know there’s strength in numbers, so get on board with community groups and organizations that have similar goals. And don’t forget to thank them for their support
What tools are important in getting your message across?
A public library’s annual report is not only required in New York State, but it’s a great opportunity to brag. From basic information to statistics, create an attractive, effective brochure to use as campaign literature.
Business cards are important and often over-looked public relations tools.
A simple fact sheet can be different from your annual report–just the basics, like hours and services you provide can be effective when distributed throughout the community.
Use your website, and maybe develop a blog for a handy, easy way to communicate your message online.
Don’t forget press releases–you never know what story the media will pick up, and you want to be at the top of their human interest stories.
These are just a few ways you can help your library become a high-profile community asset.
The CEFLS Bookmobile officially ceased circulation of items on October 27. Clerk/Driver Bob Welch has been making “pick up” runs since then, and saying goodbye to patrons. Many have come on with small gifts and reminiscences.
Pictured here is Bob with Mrs. Beatrice Hathaway, age 97, of Owl’s Head. Mrs. Hathaway taught in a one room schoolhouse “just down the road” from the stop. She brought her classes to the bookmobile in 1956 and has been a regular patron ever since.
We are continuing to match bookmobile patrons with their closest CEFLS member library. Our project for January is to determine alternative cost effective ways to provide library services to geographically isolated and senior patrons for whom access to a local library is difficult.
With quotes from some local Northern New York trustees, library directors and patrons, this is a must-read!
Digital demand at libraries – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com.