WebJunction content and upcoming webinars

Highlighted Content

Hopkinton Public Library unites community in library planning: There are thousands of public libraries in the United States, all different sizes with unique communities. Though larger libraries may often benefit from higher staff counts and bigger budgets, size isn’t everything. This is definitely the case for the 2,000-square-foot Hopkinton Public Library in Iowa. A team of just two enthusiastically support 338 library card holders, across Hopkinton and the county. They offer an impressive, weekly slate of engaging programs. And people love them. In fact, some event attendance numbers have eclipsed the total cardholder count, even when there’s a cost. So, what’s the secret sauce? Including the community from beginning to end. From an annual haunted house to community bake-offs, the library incorporates locals for ideation and program planning, so they feel invested and want to participate.

Monthly list of free webinars for library staff: As you may be aware, the team at the Maine State Library are now managing the national free calendar for library staff learning. Thank you to the Wyoming State Library for compiling this valuable resource for over 17 years, and much appreciation to the Maine State Library for your commitment to continue this important work. WebJunction publishes the list to WebJunction.org each month, on two pages—one listing the offerings by topic. These links remain the same, month to month:

• https://www.webjunction.org/find-training/free-events.html (with topics)
• https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/free-webinars-for-library-staff.html (without topics)

And if you have submissions for the list, or questions for the MSL team:

• View and subscribe to the Maine State Library Continuing Education (CE) Calendar at: https://maine-msl.libguides.com/CECAL (All events are listed in EST time).
• Do you have a free program that you would like us to consider for next month? Submit it by the 20th here: https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/ce/ce_program_submission_form.shtml
• Questions or Comments? Email us: CECAL.MSL@maine.gov.

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 5 March 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.

Creating a person-centered library: supporting patrons while avoiding burnout

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 90 minutes

Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/creating-person-centered-library.html

Are you feeling the strain of serving patrons with complex needs? Is your library seeing increased patron behavioral issues and mental health concerns? This session reviews ideas and approaches for how libraries can support both high-needs patrons and staff. As a result of this webinar, you will be able to:

• Articulate the changing needs of library patrons and how these impact staff 
• Learn strategies for assessing your library’s unique needs
• Discuss helpful programs, collaborations, and/or services for high-needs patrons
• Apply person-centered strategies to begin creating cultural change in your library
• Anticipate potential barriers to change

Leadership strategies for building connection and diffusing difficult situations

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 60 minutes

Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/leadership-strategies.html

As library staff, our collective morale and goodwill are often eroded by a tidal wave of factors including book challenges, budget constraints, staffing shortages, toxic online discourse, and an increasingly divided culture. In times like these, searching for common ground might sound naïve or idealistic, but intentionally cultivating these mindsets can have a profound effect on your organizational culture, communication, problem-solving, and mental health. This webinar introduces skills grounded in the “Good Inside” approach, and will cover practical strategies to develop empathetic, curiosity-led leadership that assumes good intent in moments of conflict and stress, along with actionable communication skills for connection and cooperation.

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.