Ring in 2020 with some new topics and ideas with free, online professional development in January! This list, adapted from the master list provided by Wyoming State Library, features options of particular interest to youth services staff. All sessions should be free and listed in Mountain Time. Take an hour or two to re-energize with some great online learning, but if there’s a session that you won’t be able to attend, no worries; most if not all of these webinars will be available to view after the live session at your convenience. Happy learning, and Happy New Year!
Tue Jan 7, 2020
10am – 11am
First Tuesdays: Introduction to the 2020 Census (Washington State Library)
Description: The 2020 Census is fast approaching. An accurate count will ensure the fair distribution of political representation and of federal and state resources. These resources enable Washington to deliver services to children, veterans, senior citizens and families. Learn how you can help ensure that Everyone Counts in 2020. Presented by Licett Figueroa Garbe, U.S. Census Bureau.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.sos.wa.gov/library/libraries/training/trainingcalendar.aspx?audience=state
12pm – 1pm
Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) Office Hours (Public Library Association)
Description: The Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) offers paid, summer-long internships to high school students at their local public library. Through III, students from diverse backgrounds are introduced to careers in librarianship, library mentors practice leadership skills, and host libraries grow new audiences through outreach and programming. Any public library in the U.S. is welcome to apply. Applications for the Summer 2020 cohort will be accepted from January 6– February 3,2020. Is your library interested in applying to be a part of the 2020cohort? During the webinar, you’ll hear from past III mentors who will share their insights and experiences from participating in this program. PLA staff will go over the application process, deadlines, and program requirements. PLA staff and past mentors will be available to answer any questions your library has about applying to or participating in the program.
For more information and to register, visit: http://www.ala.org/pla/education/onlinelearning/webinars
12pm – 1pm
The Positions Model for Improving Personal Influence and Workplace Interactions (Pattern Research)
Description: The concept of positions in communication is embedded in the grammar of most languages. First position, second position, and third position translate into first person (I, me, mine, we, ours), second person (you and yours), and third person (he, she, it, they, theirs). These three positions represent how we see the world and our relationships with other people. And, as with most models of human behavior, there is an upside and a down side. Ideally, we can move among the three positions, which translate into personal responsibility and initiative, empathy and compassion, and objectivity and rationality. However, sometimes we get stuck in one position, which keeps us from being as productive and influential as we want to be. Learn what each position stands for and how to incorporate them in how you think and act in your workplace.
For more information and to register, visit: https://patternresearch.com/calendar/
Wed Jan 8, 2020
12pm – 1:30pm
Children’s Lively Minds: Deb Curtis and Nadia Jaboneta Share Insights about Scheme Theory (Early Childhood Investigations)
Description: In this interview-style session, Master early childhood professionals, authors and play experts Deb Curtis and Nadia Jaboneta will share stories of children’s play and identify the repeated actions and patterns (schemas), and think together about how this play is a reflection of children’s learning and development. Join us to enhance your own joy and appreciation of children’s lively minds.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinars/
2pm – 3pm
The Community Centered Library (Colorado State Library)
Description: One of the key changes in 21st Century public librarianship has been a shift in focus from library-centric to community-centric. This is sometimes called “turning out.” But pragmatically, what does this shift mean to library operations? Join Jamie LaRue, former public library director, author, and consultant, to explore the Community Centered Library as it applies to human resources decisions, building projects, strategic planning, and the larger issue of advocacy.
No registration needed! To connect to the webinar, visit: https://create.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/calendar/2020-01/
Fri Jan 10, 2020
12pm – 1pm
Three Steps to Thriving in Chaos (Effectiveness Institute)
Description: The turbulence of current events increases stress, drains energy and reduces productivity. In this webinar you’ll learn three essential steps for not only surviving but thriving in the chaos.
For more information and to register, visit: https://effectivenessinstitute.com/upcoming-events/
Tue Jan 14, 2020
11am – 12pm
Reverse Strategic Planning: Evaluating A Team’s Workplace Productivity (Pattern Research/Loveland Public Library)
Description: A reverse strategic planning meeting is about creating a group snapshot of what members of a team, department, committee, or staff (25 people or less) are doing. Everyone creates a prioritized list, which is posted and commented upon in writing. Then, each person makes a brief presentation, responding to comments and questions. Helps people understand how everyone’s work fits together. This snapshot can reveal where a group, committee, department or small workplace is regarding current project goals, job descriptions, contracts, strategic plans, and much more.
For more information and to register, visit: https://patternresearch.com/calendar/
12pm – 1pm
Presenting the 2020 Morris Award Finalists (Booklist)
Description: Join Booklist for this exciting Q and A with four of the five authors nominated for YALSA’s 2020 William C. Morris Debut Award, an honor presented annually to first-time authors writing for teens. This webinar features conversations with Ben Philippe (The Field Guide to the North American Teenager), David Yoon (Frankly in Love), Katy Rose Pool (There Will Come a Darkness), and Nafiza Azad (The Candle and the Flame).
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.booklistonline.com/webinars
12pm – 1pm
The Universal Way to Unlock Bold Change (InSyncTraining)
Description: Nearly everyone wants to make some kind of change in their life whether its losing weight, overcoming anxiety and depression, increasing their confidence, improving their relationships, or just managing their time better. Yet nearly everyone struggles to make the important changes in their lives. Discover ways to successfully make important changes in your life in this webinar.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.insynctraining.com/virtually-there-series/
Wed Jan 15, 2020
9am – 10am
Best New Children’s Books of 2019: Discovering New Books for the Young and the Young at Heart (Nebraska Library Commission)
Description: Attendees will learn the best (we think) children’s books in the categories of: Picture Books (Story time faves), Non fiction, and Middle Grade fiction, that were published within the last year.
For more information and to register, visit: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/calendar/eventlist.asp?Mode=ALL
12pm – 1pm
Build Staff Buy-In for Volunteer Engagement (VolunteerMatch)
Description: Is your organization open to engaging volunteers in new ways? Often one of the biggest challenges to a new model of volunteer engagement is the resistance of paid staff. Often attitudes and fears of our co-workers prevent us from expanding the work that volunteers do. But, if you’ve never worked with volunteers before, it can be scary. In this webinar we’ll discuss strategies for working with paid staff to engage volunteers. We’ll cover what you can do to alleviate some of those fears, strategies for working within a Union environment, and how you can train and support your coworkers as they become responsible for managing volunteers.
For more information and to register, visit: http://learn.volunteermatch.org/
12pm – 1pm
Promoting Your Library 365 (Novelist)
Description: Kick off the new year with a plan to hit the ground running to promote your library and all that it offers. From advocacy to newsletters, social media to collection building, you’ll leave this webinar with actionable steps to keep your library and its value to the community top of mind all year long.
For more information and to register, visit: https://bit.ly/2rGAlV3
12:30pm – 1:30 pm
Imagine Your Story! Programming Ideas (Colorado State Library)
Join in this interactive webinar about programming for the 2020 Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) theme, Imagine Your Story! This theme incorporates fairy tales, folk tales, mythology, and fantasy, as well as community members telling their own stories. We’ll crowdsource ideas around this theme for all ages, with the goal of online networking and everyone coming away with at least a few ideas they can implement this summer. (Note for those that attended a Fall Youth Services Workshop: the webinar content will be similar to the in-person workshop.)
No need to register. To log on, go to https://enetlearning.adobeconnect.com/librarydevelopment/
1pm – 2pm
A Conversation with the 2020 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Finalists (School Library Journal)
Description: Join School Library Journal for a lively conversation featuring four2020 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award finalists. Learn a bit about the inspiration behind these fantastic titles; hear from the authors about their research and storytelling processes; and take away some insights into how publishers select engaging and relevant nonfiction titles for teens. Don’t miss out on this exclusive event ahead of the award announcement at ALA Midwinter!
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.slj.com/?subpage=Events
Thu Jan 16, 2020
12pm – 1:30pm
Executive Function and Language Development: Unpacking the Science and Exploring New Findings (Early Childhood Investigations)
Description: It is no secret among seasoned early childhood teachers that children who thrive are those who are able to articulate their needs, have the ability to regulate their emotions, and can focus their attention on a task. Now, findings from new research studies are not only backing up that intuition, but they are providing teachers and child care staff with the new approaches and techniques to employ in their classrooms. This webinar will review those highlights.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinars/
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime (Alliance for Excellent Education/Future Ready Schools)
Description: Join Thomas C. Murray (Director of Innovation, Future Ready Schools)and All4Ed President Deb Delisle in this webinar on how educators have the power to leave a legacy by: making students’ learning experiences personal and authentic; ensuring that the culture around you is personal and authentic; developing and nurturing personal and authentic relationships; and being personal and authentic. The work is hard, but our kids are worth it!
For more information and to register, visit: https://all4ed.org/webinars-events/
3pm – 4pm
Hacking the Research Paper with Human-Centered Design (School Library Connection)
Description: What does it mean to bring human-centered design to student learning in the classroom and library? It starts with moving from assignments that ask students to “prove you understand” toward those that encourage them to “use this knowledge to make a difference.” Learn the steps to transform your research assignments into human-centered projects in both the library and the classroom with road-tested, easy-to-replicate exercises and web-based resources that will nurture your students’ empathy and strengthen their talents for collaboration, creativity, and inquiry.
For more information and to register, visit: https://schoollibraryconnection.com/
Tue Jan 21, 2020
12pm – 1pm
How to Find Your Professional Voice (GovLoop)
Description: Join GovLoop and NextGen to learn how to strengthen your public speaking skills and find your professional voice.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.govloop.com/training/
12pm – 1pm
Successful Volunteer Interview Strategies (VolunteerMatch)
Description: Interviewing each prospective volunteer can seem overwhelming, but it’s one of the best ways to ensure that the volunteers you recruit are the volunteers you need. This webinar introduces a variety of question types used in volunteer interviews and offers strategies for honing your interview skills. Materials will be provided to help you implement this process in your organization, as well as a training syllabus so you can learn how to recruit and train a volunteer staff to assist with prospective volunteer interviews.
For more information and to register, visit: http://learn.volunteermatch.org/
1pm – 2pm
Setting the Stage for Early Literacy (edWeb.net)
Description: Just for early childhood educators, this edWebinar is chock full of fun, just-right activities that build oral language and early reading and writing skills. Amy and Allison break down the hows and whys of early literacy into bite-size pieces to help busy teachers support our youngest learners’ individual development without pushing them too hard. Participants will leave with ideas for creating a literacy-rich environment; literacy activities for whole-class, small-group, and independent learning; strategies for building an effective home-school connection; and much more.
For more information and to register, visit: https://home.edweb.net/webinars/
3pm – 4pm
Technology in Rural Schools: Addressing the Challenges of Digital Equity (edWeb.net)
Description: Within each school or district, it is important that students have equitable access to devices, high-speed internet, quality instruction, and meaningful learning opportunities. However, given their geography and context, rural schools and systems face unique challenges when addressing digital equity both inside and outside of school. As these presenters will explain, each rural context presents different challenges and opportunities.
For more information and to register, visit: https://home.edweb.net/webinars/
Wed Jan 22, 2020
11am – 12pm
That’s Not Funny! Or is it? (National Network of Libraries of Medicine)
Description: To be truly socially just do you have to eradicate humor? I don’t think so! Let a trained professional explain how humor works and how it offends other people. Cultural appropriation, stereotypes, and harmful attempts at humor are not required to have a successful event. How can we plan better, intervene when something isn’t right, and take responsibility for harm in our communities? If we think before we joke – we can still joke.
For more information and to register, visit: https://nnlm.gov/training/classes-by-availability-scheduled
12pm – 1pm
Successfully Implementing Volunteer Program Changes (VolunteerMatch)
Description: What should you do when it’s time to change the policies and procedures that govern or guide the volunteers that work with your organization? How can you create a culture of inclusion and get buy-in for those new policies? This training will give you the tools to approach program changes in a strategic way. We will also cover what to do if volunteers either can’t or won’t adopt the policies, how to manage that situation, and what to do if ultimately you need to ask a volunteer to leave.
For more information and to register, visit: http://learn.volunteermatch.org/
1pm – 2pm
Hooray for Dissent! Moving Beyond a Culture of Conformity (WebJunction)
Description: Dissent and conflict are critical components of progress and are catalysts that move individuals, institutions, and communities toward systemic change. Authentic dissent in librarianship can be a catalyst to facilitate positive change against systemic oppression in libraries, and in society at large.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction.html
3pm – 4pm
Evidence-Based Advocacy: Using Data to Demonstrate the Impact of Library Programs on Student Learning (edWeb.net)
Description: Evidence is a compelling platform for advocacy. While innovative school librarians possess sophisticated training, knowledge, expertise, and pedagogical skills, these qualities take on transformational value when substantiated by data. Join this edWebinar to learn replicable strategies for generating, collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and sharing student learning evidence resulting from inquiry instruction. Michelle will share links to valuable, ready-to-use instructional materials.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.edweb.net/emergingtech
Thu Jan 23, 2020
12pm – 1pm
Serving the Underserved: tips for serving the homeless (Colorado State Library)
Description: In this session, learn practical tips to serve people experiencing homelessness, avoid burnout, encourage community conversations, and link patrons to available resources. Learn from one Library Director’s mistakes and successes, and discuss your libraries’ unique Challenges together.
For more information and to join the webinar, visit: https://cslinsession.cvlsites.org/
Tue Jan 28, 2020
12pm – 1pm
Creating a Culture of Volunteer Engagement (VolunteerMatch)
Description: It’s important to create a culture of inclusion and engagement of volunteers within your organization. But, it can be hard to recognize what your current culture says to volunteers, or identify how to make changes to help volunteers feel more welcome. This webinar will help you identify how your organization’s current culture is shaping or limiting what volunteers do, and provide steps you can take to start to create more understanding, respect, and appreciation for engaging volunteers.
For more information and to register, visit: http://learn.volunteermatch.org/
Wed Jan 29, 2020
8am – 9am
Quick Play Gaming for Teen Outreach (Indiana State Library)
Description: Teen patrons in every community live lives that are more and more hectic with little spare time and sometimes shrinking awareness of libraries and what they have to offer. It is sometimes the case that to engage them the best thing to do is to go where they are. In the community of Hagerstown, IN, a significant part of that has been accomplished by going into the high school and with the development of a program called the Quick Play Game Club. The program began over three years ago, originally as an International Gaming Day event that was highly successful, working in partnership with the school. This webinar will cover how the game club began, the process of working with the school staff and finding a place in that very set daily schedule and how it has evolved into a twice monthly outreach program, the games used and the tips and rules that have made it fun for everyone.
For more information and to register, visit: http://indianastatelibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar?ln=ALL
9am – 10am
Community Engagement: Straight Talk (Nebraska Library Commission)
Description: Participants will leave with a clear definition of Community Engagement, along with the framework for how to build a Community Engagement plan. One size doesn’t fit all. Your library is uniquely special and to honor this fact, this interactive hour will include brainstorming about what’s right for your library and community. This discussion will be supported by concrete examples and case studies from libraries who have implemented successful community engagement plans.
For more information and to register, visit: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/calendar/eventlist.asp?Mode=ALL
Thu Jan 30, 2020
1pm – 2pm
Literacy Strong All Year Long: Powerful Lessons for Grades K–5 (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)
Description: Join the authors as they share practical literacy techniques for navigating strong all year long by laying a solid foundation with literacy components, finding creative ways to fend off the mid-year blahs, empowering ideas for ending the school year on a high note, and proven strategies for motivating students in literacy all summer long!
For more information and to register, visit: http://www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars.aspx