WebJunction Training and Content News

Highlighted Content

• Navigating Civil Legal Issues of Natural Disasters, a Self-Paced Course Series: In the wake of a natural disaster, civil legal issues surface quickly, and people often turn to their local libraries for help in finding resources. To assist library staff, WebJunction has launched a three-course series, Navigating Civil Legal Issues of Natural Disasters, as part of its continued partnership with the Legal Services Corporation. These new courses cover issues and resources specific to natural disasters, so library staff can prepare for and feel confident in supporting patrons through crisis times.
  
  
• Three Lessons for Launching Successful Multilingual Programs at Your Library: Nicholas Brown shares lessons learned over the past ten years as Prince George's County Memorial Library System worked towards expanding access to multilingual library programming. Check it out to learn more how implementing similar strategies can help to make a difference for your community too.
  
  
• Spice of Life! Adding Variety to a Library of Things: In recent years, libraries have offered community members the opportunity to borrow items beyond the books and media most people associate with libraries. This includes diverse items such as cultural passes to local museums, outdoor adventure kits, sewing machines, WiFi hotspots, tools, and even musical instruments and art. One small-town library in Maine has put a culinary spin on the Library of Things trend by launching their Spice Library, a project that grew from their 2022 summer reading program that focused on exploring world cultures and religions.

WebJunction Webinars for You

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.

Suicide Prevention for Veterans, Service Members, Families and Communities

Tuesday, November 15, 2022 ◆ 2:00 pm Eastern ◆ 60 minutes

Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/mental-health-suicide-prevention-veterans.html

Suicide is a national public health issue that impacts people from all walks of life, regardless of whether or not they have served in the military. However, the suicide rate among Veterans was 52% higher than non-Veteran adults in the U.S. in 2019, and Veteran suicides represent approximately 22% of all suicide deaths in the U.S. (2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report). Libraries are well positioned to provide information and referral services to connect Veterans and members of military communities with Veterans Health Administration programs and initiatives that address risks and protective factors for suicidal behaviors.

Join us for this webinar with presenters from the Veterans Health Administration Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, who will provide an introduction to military culture and share how libraries can help raise awareness of the resources available to Veterans, their families, and other members of military communities.

Social Work Approaches to Library Services

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern ◆ 60 minutes

Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/social-work-approaches-to-library-services.html

Join this webinar to explore the concept of "Whole Person Librarianship" and to learn how a range of social work approaches can be applied to improve library services. We’ll invite you to look at all aspects of your library through a social service lens, including policies, spaces, community partnerships, and programming. Additionally, we will discuss the amazing benefits and possibilities that exist when libraries collaborate with social workers who can bring expertise and capacity to the community through the library. You will leave knowing how to conduct a community needs assessment and how to identify resources and social services you can provide through your library. You’ll explore new ideas and goals to incorporate within your strategic plan, and gain the confidence necessary to advocate for whole person services at your library.

Remember Your Patrons Living with Memory Loss

Wednesday, December 7, 2022 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern ◆ 75 minutes

Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/remember-your-patrons-living-with-memory-loss.html

Research shows that many people living with dementia can still read and benefit from using a wide variety of library materials. Join this webinar to hear practical advice on choosing reading materials uniquely suited to each individual, following the tenets of person-centered care. Presenters will share simple ways to create more dementia-friendly libraries and provide examples of literacy activities and programs hosted at libraries and memory cafes around the world, including oral reading, browsing through books, singing, choral reading of poetry, and word games. Previously held misconceptions will dissolve when you see how libraries of all sizes can positively impact people living with dementia.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Shannon White
Library Development Manager
Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48909
Whites29@michigan.gov  517-335-1507 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan