Library of Michigan Continuing Education Round Up - August 26, 2025
Hello Michigan Library Staff! As summer winds down, we're virtually "high-fiving" you for a job well done! As you look ahead to what's next, we hope this curated list of continuing education opportunities from LM and beyond is helpful to you whether you are planning staff training or training for yourself. Please reach out anytime if you have feedback to share or if you'd like to chat about library training and development. And if you haven't already, we'd love for you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts and preferences about continuing education for public library staff in our current survey.<https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8425235/2025-Training-Opportunity-Assessment>
From Library of Michigan
Managing Your Library's Afterschool Crowd <https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=9726&> - September 26 at 2-3 pm The hours of 3-5pm Monday-Friday can be a busy time for libraries. This is where libraries may get an influx of young people, and an increase in behavior incidents. But this is also a time of great potential impact, where libraries can be a safe place and reach out to teens. In this webinar you'll hear from a former teen services librarian whose library typically had 100-150 teens most days after school. She and colleagues learned from their partners and experience how to manage these chaotic (and fun!) hours. Instructor Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, is a former teen services librarian and the Founder and CEO of Digital Respons-Ability. Register here<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=9726&>. Office Hours with LM Library Development Staff - Register on LM's Continuing Education Calendar<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/intro/lm-continuing-education-opportunities> to receive Zoom link * Grants Office Hours with Karren Reish<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=6651> - September 9, 3-4 pm * Digital Collections Office Hours with Biz Gallo<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=7301> - September 11, 3-4 pm * Library Law Office Hours with Claire Membiela<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=7450> - September 18, 3-4 pm MeL Database Training: * Back to School with Brittanica<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=9751&> - September 9, 9 - 9:30 am * National Geographic Virtual Library<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=9746&> - October 15 at 2 -2:30 pm Webjunction<https://www.webjunction.org/home.html> Self-Paced Courses and Webinars LM's Staff Skills Niche Academy<https://my.nicheacademy.com/staffskills> United for Libraries<https://www.ala.org/united> People Connect Institute's (PCI) Weekly Webinars - Wednesdays at 2 pm - Next Up: Inclusive and Impactful: Reinventing Your Meeting Culture<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=7511> For full details on all of Library of Michigan's Continuing Education opportunities including upcoming events and recorded webinars, visit our website<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/intro/lm-continuing-education-opportunities>. Library of Michigan projects are made possible in-part by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. Other Continuing Education Opportunities Learn more about the Sustainable Libraries Initiative<https://www.sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/resources?combine=&field_resource_type_target_id%5B120%5D=120> - September 8, 2025, 2 - 3 pm Offering exclusive tools, resources and methodologies that help library leaders be more authentic and focused in their decision making; resource use; service and program design; and partnerships to align with the triple bottom line of sustainability: environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic feasibility. Register here<https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/txVlzYh7Qh-BfF48erPpJQ#/registration>. Previously recorded webinars are available here<https://www.sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/resources?combine=&field_resource_type_target_id%5B120%5D=120>. Data Storytelling 101 with Dr. Kate McDowell<https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/data-storytelling-101.html> - Book out in September! If you haven't already checked out the Data Storytelling Toolkit for Libraries<https://uiucdstl.wixsite.com/uiucdstl>, make some time to do so. This research-backed toolkit is perfect for anyone wanting to craft a more compelling story to any audience. Whether you're sharing information with your board, staff, patrons, or community leaders, using data and storytelling effectively will help you communicate your library's impact and justify future investment. Based on 30 years of library work and national consulting, Dr. McDowell's September 2025 book Critical Data Storytelling for Libraries<https://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjA2NjAzMyZwPTEmdT0xMTYzNTQ5NDQ1JmxpPTExNzE5OTU2NA/index.html>, is designed to help all library workers craft ethical, evidence-based narratives for advocacy and impact. 250 by 2026 Wiki Scholars Courses<https://wikiedu.org/250-by-2026-wiki-scholars-courses/> - Apply by September 22 Did you know that every month 500 million readers visit Wikipedia? The information readers find on Wikipedia helps form people's understandings of their communities, their societies, and the world. Wikipedia is a particularly significant resource for younger generations, educators, and members of the public with a casual interest in history. Information on Wikipedia also plays an outsized role in shaping the answers generated by search engines and AI. This makes the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of the historical content on Wikipedia vitally important. With the 250th anniversary of the United States fast approaching, more readers than ever will be searching Wikipedia for information about American history. In preparation for this major milestone, Wiki Education, in partnership with AASLH, is offering 250 by 2026<https://u83566.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.iX6JsoPV9JgEQBGKAIiq1WgZIpWEAI9W8I17al9lH3bwqAc8mskMykMKmA1IdUOay2wH8Q-2FHkmullVXfE-2BKldw-3D-3DoDkd_jB9JZbMO7GwZk-2Fb-2BieLnssobKFvIbtu3Hg0R8V2U2GUepMh26I-2BGw6EUSRuZOel10eEj7oCe6f1Bqscfro6KILdL78ZPHETZmiy45QZbV2nlwOQZ48VbjUUn2up4ApAI7tFDGG897SqERR5mtZhFNnPUz08Z06OipVye7BTmr7efv45u7sU4K1s6LKrwWsIvFpC1v7iUHJ0BGEWnQhpFJ29bec0VUDPTTyBMcUn0ZJutI8cQsQb-2F-2BMyupvz4dU1k3ZbDK5kLXEoHzLgDcjQDrnj3YH-2Fizo4QiduZ1V2-2Bk2FwHee42IqnG-2F6YVwbXZGV49QE1fPXjRW8OFGtszCMu1RWKLQogRmXi3lBJ4Kji8iCXy8Uql7YSGNPOGl0jOaKWfCgbgrp1S3Svoy24HQAsGZB1cvwevel3n-2FEor0NFw0tXE5jeQ0XNVrutts84tiNLH60R-2BPD89jpIz7ZRnVMglKOwwWOeRrs-2BcZiqVy-2BmTE00sOJ9RR-2BlSBf5Uv-2B3JjTR-2F5mzzCj89hdArGyzljSoU040cR8VREd76LZWVzbizIbyqNrkCJuJbcyWtj3-2BP6sAMo9bjMP8NFiE-2BH9QW4Ybrati-2B-2FP7zgeTTFeTNGw4-2Fmxm7A6UcvHHor1Pg5Blt2ou3DvQuo58E2YScaorWgGTRFIbUlCLHF0aJfvsEXAOOGc-3D> Wikipedia Courses. This free course will teach best practices in contributing evidence-based, comprehensive information to Wikipedia to promote a deeper understanding of American history in all of its depth and complexity, starting millennia before 1776 and continuing on to the present. It's also a chance to shine a light on your community's local history. Sign up for the free, eight-week online course<https://u83566.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.iX6JsoPV9JgEQBGKAIiq1WgZIpWEAI9W8I17al9lH3bwqAc8mskMykMKmA1IdUOay2wH8Q-2FHkmullVXfE-2BKldw-3D-3DHSBn_jB9JZbMO7GwZk-2Fb-2BieLnssobKFvIbtu3Hg0R8V2U2GUepMh26I-2BGw6EUSRuZOel10eEj7oCe6f1Bqscfro6KILdL78ZPHETZmiy45QZbV2nlwOQZ48VbjUUn2up4ApAI7tFDGG897SqERR5mtZhFNnPUz08Z06OipVye7BTmr7efv45u7sU4K1s6LKrwWsIvFpC1v7iUHJ0BGEWnQhpFJ29bec0VUDPTTyBMcUn0ZJutI8cQsQb-2F-2BMyupvz4dU1k3ZbDK5kLXEoHzLgDcjQDrnj3YH-2Fizo4QiduZ1V2-2Bk2FwHee42IqnG-2F6YVwbXZGV49QE1fPXjRW8OFGtszCMu1RWKLQogRmXi3lBJ4Kji8iCXy8Uql7YSGNPOGl0jOaKWfCgbgrp1S3Svoy24HQAsGZB1cvwevel3n-2FEor0NFw0tXE5jeQ0XNVrutts84tiNLH60R-2BPD89jpIz7ZRnVMglKOwwWOeRrs-2BcZiqVy-2BmTE00sOJ9RR-2BlSBf5Uv-2B3JjTR-2F5mzzCj89hdArGyzljSoU1AdXkaWQMSRDEq1q9OaslRG3iUMqgbanUgzPW7t5aUnM2QUb84QI9wzTqJL-2BY027IoNuoIidYWE5EbZfocvjDwSc-2Bc4y1J4gGadVQzs0w-2BgjMXAWWTZ64MEfb9wNoim2pFAjAJ2PWuxlXqQu8qA4vE-3D> to learn how to bring your organization's expertise to this global platform. There are multiple course sessions and the deadline for registration is September 22. Happy learning! Andrea Vernola Continuing Education Coordinator | Library Development Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo St, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909 vernolaA@michigan.gov | 517-335-0123 https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan [cid:image001.png@01DC16A8.E8261940] Nourishing Michigan's Future during the summer! Find a Summer Food Service Program site nearest you and encourage Michigan's children to Meet Up and Eat Up! Michigan.gov/MeetUpEatUp<http://www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup>. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.
Hello Michigan Library Staff! Shout-out to all the folks I was lucky to learn with, sit by, dance with, and share a coffee at MLA in Lansing this week. What a good time! We have some exciting training coming up this winter at Library of Michigan. The CE survey we recently completed showed us how many Michigan library folks valued the Conversations Worth Having experience we offered in Fall 2024. We're offering two more cohorts this winter, one in December at LM and one virtually in February. I hope you will check out the details below and consider applying! I also want to remind folks about our CE Stipend Program<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/scholarships/library-continuing-education-stipend-program>. These grant funds can help you, or your staff, attend professional development, virtually, in-state, and out-of-state. Coming Up From Library of Michigan Round 2-3! Conversations Worth Having for Library Leaders Cohort - Offered In-Person at LM on December 3 and Virtually, February 4-5, 2026 The Library of Michigan invites up to 60 public and academic library directors, managers, or supervisors to participate in Conversations Worth Having for Library Leaders<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/financialmanagementcohort/conversations-worth-having-for-library-leaders>, led by Library Development Manager, Michelle Bradley. Participants may apply to be part of the in-person cohort on December 3, 2025, or the virtual cohort on February 4-5, 2026. The in-person cohort will be held at the Library of Michigan in Lansing. LM will cover the cost of course materials and course content, a $1,498.00 per person value. Complete the online application<https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8523322/Conversations-Worth-Having-2025-2026-Cohort-Application> by Monday, November 3, 2025 to be considered. Office Hours with LM Library Development Staff - Register on LM's Continuing Education Calendar<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/intro/lm-continuing-education-opportunities> to receive Zoom link * Grants Office Hours with Karren Reish<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=6751> - November 11, 3-4 pm * Digital Collections Office Hours with Biz Gallo<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=7401> - November 13, 10:30 - 11:30 am * Library Law Office Hours with Claire Membiela<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=7460> - November 20, 3-4 pm Webjunction<https://www.webjunction.org/home.html> Self-Paced Courses and Webinars LM's Staff Skills Niche Academy<https://my.nicheacademy.com/staffskills> United for Libraries<https://www.ala.org/united> People Connect Institute's (PCI) Weekly Webinars - Wednesdays at 2 pm - Next Up: Ten Passive Programming Ideas for Teens<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=9371&> For full details on all of Library of Michigan's Continuing Education opportunities including upcoming events and recorded webinars, visit our website<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/intro/lm-continuing-education-opportunities>. Library of Michigan projects are made possible in-part by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. Other Continuing Education Opportunities LLMs for Transcription and Metadata Collection November 6, 2025 at 12 PM EST Collections of digitized materials are growing faster than metadata can be added; can Large Language Models (LLMs) be one solution for consistent, quality metadata? The AI Metadata Creation Project at the University of Texas at Austin aimed to explore whether LLMs can offer a solution for improving the efficiency of developing metadata for large, digitized collections. Using a collection of digitized architectural publications, the group tested seven different models, using both APIs and web interfaces to test their ability in generating metadata, specifically subject headings, summaries of content, and named entities, as well as efficacy in metadata preparation tasks like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) of digitized materials. Our presentation will examine our preliminary findings as well as our testing workflow, so that it can serve as a model for others wishing to evaluate LLMs. Leveraging expertise in metadata, collections, and technical tools, project members evaluated which tools to apply to the testing, created standardized testing criteria and a grading system, and met frequently to evaluate the results. Members are currently finalizing recommendations via a report, which investigates the efficiency of the LLMs in terms of results, cost, and time. Sign up here: https://content.fromthepage.com/webinars/ and receive instructions and a link to connect with this webinar. This will be recorded. Resilient Communities: Advancing Sustainability in and through Libraries Winter - Spring 2026 This new initiative from ALA and the Sustainable Libraries Initiative will equip public library workers with the knowledge and tools to lead on sustainability in their communities. 100 library workers will receive free tuition to complete a four-part asynchronous e-course, "Sustainable Librarianship: Core Competencies and Practices"<https://www.sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/news/sliala-ecourse-sustainable-librarianship-core-competencies-and-practices-0> and join a community of practice with peers and advisors. Apply by November 14!<https://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjE0NjYzMiZwPTEmdT0xMTE5OTYwNDU5JmxpPTExODQyNDQwMA/index.html> The course itself runs January - February 2026 and learners will have the opportunity to be members of a 6-month community of practice with advisors and peers through June 2026. EntreLib: ELC International 2025 - Entrepreneurship & Libraries Conference<https://entrelib.org/elc-international-2025/> November 19-20, 2025 Free and online (via Zoom). The theme is ""How Libraries and Librarians around the World Support Entrepreneurship in their Communities and Campuses". Hear public, special, and academic librarians from four countries share their insights, and participate in our moderated networking discussions. Speaker topics will include community engagement, recruiting community partners, equity issues, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurial mindset training in library schools, and more (see below). Nourishing Minds: A Free Toolkit for Teen Mental Health Programming in Libraries<https://programminglibrarian.org/learn/nourishing-minds-free-toolkit-teen-mental-health-programming-libraries> November 19, 2025 at 3:00 pm EST The Nourishing Minds Framework, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and with support from The Seattle Public Library Foundation, is a comprehensive approach for libraries to support teen mental health. Over the course of three years, Seattle Public Library staff tested the digital toolkit, supporting librarians and teens with meaningful teen-focused programming. In this webinar, hear from the Nourishing Minds team about the framework, resources, and how libraries have used the toolkit to create teen programs. For more free webinars presented by library workers and for library workers, visit programminglibrarian.org/webinars. <https://programminglibrarian.org/webinars> Wishing you a cozy fall season of good library times and lots of learning! Andrea Vernola Continuing Education Coordinator | Library Development Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo St, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909 vernolaA@michigan.gov<mailto:vernolaA@michigan.gov> | 517-335-0123 https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan [cid:image001.png@01DC16A8.E8261940] Nourishing Michigan's Future during the summer! Find a Summer Food Service Program site nearest you and encourage Michigan's children to Meet Up and Eat Up! Michigan.gov/MeetUpEatUp<http://www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup>. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.
It's that time of the year where I'm updating my personal record of things I've read, making playlists with family and friends, and pretty much consuming every "Best Of" list I can get my hands on. I know many of you do the same, making your lists, and placing orders or holds as you go. My current favorite book lists are from SLJ<https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/slj-2025-best-books-cover-unveiled-download-pdf-of-full-list>, NPR<https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#view=covers&year=2025>, and NYPL<https://www.nypl.org/spotlight/best-books-2025>. And as I place my holds this year, I am feeling grateful to be a part of the Michigan Library community and looking forward to all the amazing Michigan library workers I will be inspired by in 2026! Thank you for your service to our communities, schools, colleges, universities, and special library communities! Coming Up From Library of Michigan Digital Collections Stewardship Cohort There's still time to apply for LM's 2026 Digital Collections Stewardship Cohort with our Statewide Digitization Initiatives Coordinator, Biz Gallo. This is a facilitated learning opportunity that will meet monthly via Zoom in January - September 2026. The learning cohort will complete Webjunction's Digital Collections Stewardship course - a free, self-paced learning opportunity designed to help libraries and cultural organizations build skills in managing and sharing digital collections. Complete the online application<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8WdDnGI7JlzeMvpMjmmlpCcZfNgCTujLsf6Q_Sl8-_LJ_WA/viewform> by December 5, 2025. Please contact Biz Gallo (gallob@michigan.gov<mailto:gallob@michigan.gov>) if you have any questions. Office Hours with LM Library Development Staff - Register on LM's Continuing Education Calendar<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/intro/lm-continuing-education-opportunities> to receive Zoom link * Grants Office Hours with Karren Reish<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=6751> - December 9, 3-4 pm * Digital Collections Office Hours with Biz Gallo<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=7401> - December 11, 10:30 - 11:30 am * Library Law Office Hours with Claire Membiela<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=7460> - December 18, 3-4 pm Webjunction<https://www.webjunction.org/home.html> Self-Paced Courses and Webinars LM's Staff Skills Niche Academy<https://my.nicheacademy.com/staffskills> United for Libraries<https://www.ala.org/united> People Connect Institute's (PCI) Weekly Webinars - Wednesdays at 2 pm - Next Up: Community First- Making the Library Accessible to Neurodivergent Youth<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=9621> For full details on all of Library of Michigan's Continuing Education opportunities including upcoming events and recorded webinars, visit our website<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/intro/lm-continuing-education-opportunities>. Library of Michigan projects are made possible in-part by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. Other Continuing Education Opportunities Navigating New Building Projects December 9, 3:00 - 4:00 pm<https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/new-building-projects.html> Public library building and renovation projects are often once-in-a-generation events. Staff and leaders may never have done a similar project and may never do one again, making it imperative for libraries to learn from one another. Come learn from one library's successful experience. Presented by Cari Cusick, Executive Director of Newton Public Library via Webjunction<https://www.webjunction.org/home.html> Ableism 101 (December 9) and Ableism 102 (December 17) from Disability Network of Southwest Michigan In this workshop we will introduce the basic concepts of ableism and explore how the language we use around disability can either support equality or perpetuate stigma. Participants will be challenged to identify their own unconscious bias around disability. Come learn how to support the disability rights and disability justice community in Southwest Michigan. Register for Ableism 101 on December 9 from 1-4 pm <https://www.dnswm.org/event/72944/> and here for Ableism 102 on December 17 from 1-4 pm<https://www.dnswm.org/event/webinar-ableism-102-4/>. Web Archiving Practices for Libraries and Archives with Nicole Greenhouse December 10 & 11 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm EST For over two decades, web archiving has been a responsibility for archivists and librarians, contributing to part of their workloads, and yet, this form of archiving has always been on the periphery of library and archives work. This workshop will demonstrate the importance of engaging with web archiving work; and cover the long-term management of a web archiving program to give others the tools to make this work sustainable in their academic and professional environments. RSVP by December 5!<https://airtable.com/appjiUFI2BklUQ3xu/shrVtBMLk8JYrCm4j?prefill_Application+for=reccLsx3CZTjz57gM> Generative AI and Collection Development Policies: a proactive approach January 8, 2026 - 3:00 - 4:00 pm EST As materials created by AI continue to flood the marketplace, it is inevitable that acquisitions librarians will encounter materials generated wholly or partially by AI. Libraries can prepare for this reality with selection guidelines and collection development policies that intentionally address AI generated materials. A team of librarians from the Salt Lake County Library will share the process they used and the insights they acquired while updating their collection development policy and selection guidelines to include materials created by AI. Register here. <https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/generative-ai-collection-policies.html> Happy learning and growing! Andrea Andrea Vernola Continuing Education Coordinator | Library Development Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo St, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909 vernolaA@michigan.gov<mailto:vernolaA@michigan.gov> | 517-335-0123 https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan [cid:image001.png@01DC16A8.E8261940] Nourishing Michigan's Future during the summer! Find a Summer Food Service Program site nearest you and encourage Michigan's children to Meet Up and Eat Up! Michigan.gov/MeetUpEatUp<http://www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup>. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.
participants (1)
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Vernola, Andrea (MDE)