In the latest free WebJunction self-paced course, Leaving Fort Ref: Reaching out with Reference<http://learn.webjunction.org/course/search.php?search=leaving+fort+ref>, you can learn first-hand from library staff at the Douglas County Libraries (CO) about how they explored a new dimension of modern reference service, one that places their expertise at points of need outside of the library to respond to the questions that the public didn’t take to the library. The course will show you how to build support and get buy-in within your library and community, how to approach and make a plan to reach out, and then step-by-step how to execute that plan, including how to conduct community reference interviews. Explore this new addition<http://learn.webjunction.org/course/search.php?search=leaving+fort+ref> to the WebJunction course catalog today! Highlighted content from WebJunction · Library Heroes Make Health Happen<http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/library-heroes-make-health-happen.html> – Have you ever wondered how to start a conversation with colleagues, community partners or your library's board about why now is the time to take action on supporting community health? We've got your answer right here! WebJunction and partners at ZeroDivide have published a shareable infographic<http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/library-heroes-make-health-happen.html> about the essential role public libraries play in addressing equitable access to health information and resources. · Serving Your Experiencing Homelessness<http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/serving-homeless-youth.html> – youth homelessness is increasing and teens who are homeless have a myriad of challenges to overcome. While the problem of teen homelessness is complicated, public libraries are finding ways to reach out and provide safe, positive programs as well as connect teens with services they need. Upcoming Webinars If you can’t attend a live session, all WebJunction webinars are recorded and available for free from the course catalog<http://learn.webjunction.org/>. Explore and Discover: Nature-Based Spaces and Activities at your Library Tuesday, February 2, 2016 ♦ 3 pm Eastern ♦ 60 min Registration: http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/explore-and-discover-nature-ba... When children have regular contact with nature, they learn and grow better. Children who play, build, climb, grow, splash and read are developing their observation, visual-spatial, social, and literacy skills. Nature Explorium, a nature-based program at Middle Country Public Library (NY), encourages children to explore, discover and connect with nature. Learn about best practices and resources that you can use at your library to create outdoor spaces, along with indoor and outdoor nature activities. It's a unique way to connect literacy, learning and appreciation for nature as a regular part of the library visit. Presented by: Tracy LaStella, Coordinator for Youth Services, Middle Country Public Library, NY, and 2015 Library Journal Mover & Shaker. 2016 Knight News Challenge on Libraries Thursday, February 11, 2016 ♦ 3 pm Eastern ♦ 60 min Registration: http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/2016-knight-news-challenge-on-... An initiative of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation<http://www.knightfoundation.org/>, the Knight News Challenge on Libraries launches on February 24, 2016, and offers applicants a share of more than $3 million for ideas centered on libraries as they transform to accommodate the evolving needs of our communities. Knight views libraries as important institutions that can play an essential role in building more informed and engaged communities, and recognizes that libraries have the power to connect people and ideas, and build stronger democracies. This is the second Knight News Challenge on Libraries; winners<http://knightfoundation.org/press-room/press-release/knight-news-challenge-libraries-awards-3-million-i/> of the first challenge were announced in January 2015. Join us to explore the future of libraries and discuss potential ideas for the News Challenge. Chris Barr, Knight Foundation Director of Media Innovation and former library challenge winners, Jason Griffey and Jenica Rogers from Measure the Future<http://measurethefuture.net/>, will lead the discussion on emerging trends in the library space, answer any questions you may have about applying, and share how you can contribute to the challenge. Presenters: Chris Barr, Knight Foundation Director of Media Innovation; Jason Griffey and Jenica Rogers from Measure the Future<http://measurethefuture.net/> Shannon White Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo Lansing, MI 48909 www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan> 517.373.9489 Whites29@michigan.gov Check out the curated content on the LM homepage including state and national CE offerings, LM events, stats reports, headlines from around the library world and intriguing snapshots of our varied collections at http://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan