WebJunction content and upcoming webinars – August 14, 2024

Highlighted Content

Fostering public library teen engagement through connected learning

For public libraries, building connected learning-based teen services means reimagining offerings to reflect the culture and needs of diverse teens and their communities. Two new reports for library leaders and staff offer valuable insights and recommendations for public libraries working to foster teen engagement through connected learning. Read this article to learn more about the reports and supplementary resources that can support your library’s teen engagement efforts.

The signs and science of burnout

Employee burnout is rising at an alarming rate across many fields. In libraries, staff often face added unique challenges that contribute to workplace pressure and make the need for supporting employees even more pressing. To respond to these increased demands, WebJunction created >From Burnout to Balance, a self-paced course that can help learners identify burnout causes, manage stress, and boost emotional resilience. This interactive graphic offers a preview of the information and resources you’ll find in the course.

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 6 August 2024

This is the latest Hanging Together blog post, part of a regular series on issues of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, compiled by a team of OCLC contributors.

WebJunction Webinars

These upcoming webinars are open for registration. If you can’t attend a live session, all WebJunction webinars are recorded and available for free in the Course Catalog.

Library customer service and adult programs for people living with dementia

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 60 minutes

Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/library-people-living-with-dementia.html

With over 55 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and many more serving as their caregivers, it’s essential for library staff to learn how to support these community members. This webinar will offer a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer’s dementia and practical advice on meeting the needs of both those with dementia and their caregivers. We’ll cover best practices, guidelines, and actionable ideas for creating dementia-friendly services, including compassionate customer service, specialized reference resources, and engaging programming. By focusing on lifelong learning, mental stimulation, and social connections, libraries can make a meaningful difference for those experiencing cognitive decline and their caregivers.

Crafting and maintaining effective patron policies for community success

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 60 minutes

Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/crafting-and-maintaining-effective-patron-policies.html

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.

Engaging Beyond Our Walls: Libraries connecting communities through outdoor games and stories

Thursday, September 26, 2024 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 60 minutes

Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/engaging-beyond-our-walls.html

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.

This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Thank you,

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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Join the MiYouth Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services.