Recorded 4/11/24

This hour long session will cover all of the primary features of Patron Point's software, including the email builder, segments, campaigns, and reports.

Learning Objectives:

• Create and send an email in Patron Point
• Build patron segments
• Put together a simple Patron Point campaign

Presenter:

Brenna Hill is the Training and Instructional Design Manager for Patron Point and has been with the company since 2022.

Recorded 3/27/24

Burnout is increasingly a conversation topic among library workers.  Feeling burnout and/or experiencing fatigue can seriously impact the quality of life-work balance and work performance.  While burnout is not considered a medical condition but “an occupational phenomenon,” it is felt by library workers as it brings acute stress that is challenging to manage.

In this masterclass, we will start with definitions of burnout and fatigue which are characterized by different symptoms. We will focus on specific aspects and their challenges. These can be unique to each participant, therefore each individual needs personalized specific strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue. Garcia-Febo will guide attendees on a self-reflection session to check in with themselves. After that, everyone will create a checklist to identify stressors igniting burnout and fatigue, and then will set up their unique strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue. Participants are encouraged to bring pen/paper/devices to take notes and to work on their assessments and toolbox. Garcia-Febo’s events on wellness including burnout and fatigue have been attended by over 8,000 library workers from around the world. Read more general news about her work on her website.

Learning Objectives:

• Personal burnout assessment
• Personal fatigue assessment
• Identify stressors, unique to each one, causing burnout and fatigue
• Learn basic strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue
• Learn basic self-care and mindfulness strategies they can adapt to their personal situation
• Create a basic "Toolbox to manage burnout and fatigue”

Presenter:

Loida Garcia-Febo is a Puerto Rican American librarian and International Library Consultant with 24 years of experience as an expert in library services to diverse populations and human rights. President of the American Library Association 2018-2019. Garcia-Febo is worldwide known for her passion about diversity, communities, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, library workers, library advocacy, wellness for library workers, and new librarians about which she has taught in 45 countries. In her job, she helps libraries, companies and organizations strategize programs, services and strategies in areas related to these topics and many others. Recently Garcia-Febo started a partnership with the San Jose State University iSchool where she is its first Health and Wellness Ambassador. Garcia-Febo has a Bachelors in Business Education, Masters in Library and Information Sciences.

Garcia-Febo has a long history of service with library associations. Highlights include- At IFLA: Governing Board 2013-2017 2023-Present, Co-Founder of IFLA New Professionals, two-term Member/Expert resource person of the Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Committee of IFLA (FAIFE), two-term member of the Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning Section of IFLA (CPDWL). Currently: CPDWL Advisor, Chair of the Management of Library Associations Section. Currently at ALA: Chair, IRC United Nations Subcommittee, Chair Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship. Recently at ALA: Chair, Public Awareness Committee; Chair, ALA United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Task Force developing a multi-year strategic plan for ALA. Garcia-Febo is serving her second term on the Freedom to Read Foundation. She is a Past President of REFORMA. Born, raised, and educated in Puerto Rico, Garcia-Febo has advocated for libraries at the United Nations, the European Union Parliament, U.S. Congress, NY State Senate, NY City Hall, and on sidewalks and streets in various states in the U.S.

Recorded 3/13/24

Phonics. Vocabulary. Comprehension. These are just a few of the components of the science of reading. It’s not a curriculum or a special program schools are using to better align with Ohio’s plan to raise literacy achievement; it’s all the research behind the best ways we learn to read. And libraries have been using this information since the early 2000s through the six early literacy skills and the Every Child Ready to Read program. In this webinar, we will focus on what the science of reading actually tells us about how children learn to read, Ohio’s plan, and what it all means for libraries. Past attendance or background knowledge of the Every Child Ready to Read program is encouraged, but not required.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand what the science of reading is and what it tells us about how children learn to read
• Understand Ohio's plan to raise literacy achievement
• Discuss how libraries can support students, families, and schools through collection development and programming

Presenter:

Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees a staff of five who work with the SPARK program in Stark County. Through this program, her staff visit homes of preschoolers to provide early intervention and help prepare the preschoolers and their parents or caregivers for Kindergarten. She also oversees the literacy efforts of Stark Library by providing staff training, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. She has also provided Every Child Ready to Read training to librarians in Northeast Ohio through the Early Literacy 101 workshops. Previously, she has worked as a teen programmer and provided baby storytime for two years in the Youth Services department at Main library. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Walsh University in Education.

Recorded 3/7/24

As gateways to knowledge, libraries have a pivotal role to play in facilitating the safe use of AI. So, gear up for a lively and interactive discussion. Join CML staff, Michaela Herrick and Justin Bumbico, as they delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Bing Chat for Enterprise within the context of public libraries. Amidst continuous media attention and daily technological changes, CML proactively formed a cross-departmental AI task force to monitor advancements and its impact on libraries. During this session, we’ll explore our findings, focusing on their relevance to library customers and staff. This session will discuss the benefits of AI technology for libraries and underscore the associated challenges and evolution of best practices.

This session will provide a pragmatic understanding of AI’s role, applications, and challenges, regardless of library size or budget. You will gain a better understanding of how every library can benefit from these advancements and how to safeguard against biases and inaccuracies, a vital consideration for all institutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn public library applications of Generative AI.
• Gain an understanding of cautions and concerns when deciding on how to use AI in your library.
• Gather resources for education, implementation, and usage of Generative AI technology.

Presenters:

Justin Bumbico serves as the Director of Information Technology at the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML). In his position, he leads all aspects of CML’s technology operations, including Data Analytics. With over 20 years of experience in the technology field, Justin is focused on delivering reliable, secure, and cost-effective technological solutions.



Michaela Herrick is a Data and Applications Analyst for the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Past work in social science research from interviewing to data mining informs the way she thinks about library usership and customer encounters. She has a passion for improving processes, understanding library customers, and providing the best library experience by leveraging new and existing data sources. Her passion for data science and libraries has fueled her goal of helping to bridge the gap between analytics and libraries.

 

Recorded 2/28/24

The library, a community gathering and learning place that serves people at all stages of life’s journey, plays a vital role in helping individuals live well with dementia. The new free resource from the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health, The Dementia Inclusive Public Library Guide, provides a roadmap and practical tools for libraries and other community organizations to unite with fellow Ohioans in reshaping the narrative surrounding dementia to one of engaged community living.
 
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to: 

• To navigate the free and comprehensive Dementia Inclusive Public Library Guide and use its ready-to-implement resources to grow dementia inclusive practice in their libraries.
• To facilitate staff development (including Dementia Friends training) and build staff enthusiasm for dementia inclusive service.
• To identify potential allies for ongoing support and growth of their library’s Dementia Inclusive Initiative as a catalyst for a dementia inclusive community.
• To craft next steps that are a “right fit” for the staffing, budget, and environmental capacities of their libraries.

Presenter:

Barb White, retired after 31 years of service with the Akron-Summit County Public Library (in early childhood and adult services and in public services administration),  continues her commitment to Dementia Inclusive communities as a Dementia Friends Champion, founding member of Dementia Friendly Summit County (OH), and Education and Programming Committee Chair with Dementia Action Alliance. Barb has shared strategies for Dementia Inclusive library practice on a statewide and national level, and brings Dementia Friends workshops to organizations, businesses, and governmental agencies across multiple community sectors in Summit County and beyond. Most recently, Barb co-authored (with Jennifer Brush and Margaret Jarrell) The Dementia Inclusive Public Library Guide, a publication of the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health. 

 

Recorded 2/21/24

Delve into the vibrant world of Youth Services in Public Libraries with Carolyn Burrier and Kathleen Mockensturm as they share over 45 years of combined experience./

Explore the multifaceted responsibilities of a youth services department, ensuring that the diverse needs of the youth demographic are met and celebrated. Kathleen and Carolyn will guide you through the essential pillars of youth library services, including programming, collection development, reference services, outreach efforts, and community engagement initiatives. These are the core elements that help build a strong and well-rounded youth services department within a public library.

Whether you're considering a career in youth services or new to the field, this presentation promises valuable insights. Join us as we unravel the layers of expertise and passion that Carrie and Kathleen bring to the table, and discover how you can make a lasting impact on the lives of the young readers and learners in your community.

Learning Objectives:

• Collection – Ensuring the library has materials that meet the needs of all youth.
• Programming – The library's role in supporting youth through library programming with a focus on Every Child Ready to Read, diversity, and the 40 Developmental Assets
• Outreach/Community Engagement – Ensuring the library supports organizations that support youth.

Presenters:

Carrie Burrier started her library career as a student shelver at the Niantic Public Library in Connecticut where she decided she wanted to be a children's librarian. She has been the Youth Services Coordinator for the Akron-Summit County Public Library since 1999. Carrie's work includes representing the library on various community committees dealing with early childhood literacy and other topics of significance to youth and their families, planning and providing training for the systems early childhood librarians, overseeing the systems summer reading program and sitting on the Administrative team. Carrie also serves as a state trainer for Literacy 101. She manages an office of four who together support the 20 locations in providing service to the Library's customers. Carrie has also honed her customer service skills early on working in food service and retail.

Kathleen Mockensturm currently serves as the Assistant Youth Services Coordinator at the Akron Summit County Public Library. Throughout the year, she is actively engaged in various roles, including providing training sessions for intermediate/teen librarians, participating in committees focusing on youth, spearheading the signature event GeekFest, overseeing book acquisitions for the Summer Reading program, representing the library at community events, and orchestrating system-wide reading programs. Her diverse career in library services includes previous roles as an Early Childhood Librarian at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, a Youth Services Librarian at the Lenawee County Public Library in Michigan, and a Clerk in the Youth Department at the Wood County District Public Library. Prior to her venture into librarianship, Kathleen spent three years as a High School Teacher in Toledo.

 

Recorded 2/14/24

Change is never easy, but understanding the transition process that leads to adopting a change is a critical skill for library leaders.  This session will help you understand the stages of a transition process, where people get stuck (and how to help them if they do!), and how to develop strong team dynamics that support the change.  Drawing on the transition theory work of Bruce Feiler, William Bridges, and Susan Bridges, participants will deeply consider the elements of each stage of a transition and how to support themselves, their team, and their colleagues each step of the way, as well as how to head off tension and conflict along the way.  While change may never be easy, understanding the transition process that leads to change helps library leaders become more intentional and effective.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain skills to better communicate about change
• Navigate unintended consequences
• Ensure that the change sticks

Presenter:

Amanda Standerfer’s passion is helping libraries and nonprofit organizations advance so they can create meaningful impact in their communities. Since 2002, Amanda's consulting practice Fast Forward Libraries has worked with libraries and nonprofits on strategic planning, fundraising, organizational development, and capacity building. Amanda has 15 years of experience at various positions in public libraries, most recently as the Director of Community Engagement for The Urbana (IL) Free Library.  She also has 7 years of experience working in the philanthropy sector.  She has a BA and MA in History from Eastern Illinois University and a MLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
 

Recorded 1/31/24

No one expects public service staff to have read every popular title that has been published in a given year; however, it's not an unrealistic expectation to be familiar with them to better serve patrons. This webinar will go over the top 23 titles of 2023, literary trends and anticipated releases to note for 2024, and tried and true reader's advisory tips & tricks. 
 
Learning Objectives:

• Familiarize yourself with the buzziest books for children, teens, and adults in both fiction and non-fiction. 
• Gain an understanding of the 2024 literary landscape.
• Improve your reader’s advisory and circulation upselling skills.

Presenters:

Ris Labib, a librarian in the Business, Government, & Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main, believes in the power of a good book. She has been talking with others about books -- in a professional and personal capacity -- since middle school and was even technically on NPR! One of the (many) books she is currently reading is “Yellowface” by RF Kuang.

Amber Salmon has 19 years of experience in public libraries and is currently a librarian in the Business, Government, and Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library whose areas of specialty are cookbooks, fashion & folklore, and general trivia.  She is the co-leader of specialty book clubs like: Think & Drink Book Club, Romance Book Club, and Speculative Fiction Book Club. Her favorite read of 2023 was “Fourth Wing” (The Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros. 

Recorded 1/31/24

This presentation will introduce the Digital Transgender Archive, an online hub for digitized historical materials, born-digital materials, and information on archival holdings globally relating to trans and gender non-normative individuals and practices. The presenter will discuss what items can be found on the DTA and how we determine what to add to our collection, how those items are organized, and suggestions for how to navigate the site and the additional resources it provides. Additionally, drawing on both his own experience working at the DTA and as a researcher working with items on the DTA, he will discuss suggestions for interacting with the DTA as a researcher.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn what kinds of items can be found on the DTA and how they are selected
• Learn about the additional resources the DTA provides
• Learn what the DTA offers from a researcher’s perspective

Presenter:

Leslie Beegle (he/they) is a 2nd year PhD student in the English Department at Northeastern University, and a Research Assistant and Lab Coordinator for the Digital Transgender Archive (DTA), where he works closely with his advisor and creator of the archive, Dr. K.J. Rawson. His work at the DTA includes managing undergraduates as they add items to the DTA, and coordinating with archives and individuals who provide new items for the DTA. Their PhD research focuses on the relationships between trans, archival, and medical rhetorics.

Recorded 1/25/24

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a manager? Have you wondered if you have what it takes to be a good leader? Are you interested in working now to develop the skills and abilities needed to be a good manager and leader? If so, this webinar will help you gain a clear understanding of what skills, abilities, and qualities a good manager needs. You will also have a chance to hear from a panel of supervisors from different types of libraries, at different management levels, and at different points in their management careers about their experiences and advice for people wanting to become a manager. 

Learning Objectives:

• You will learn what skills you will need to develop in order to be a good manager.
• You will learn the qualities and abilities needed in a manager.
• You will gain a sense of what it is like to be a manager or supervisor.
• You will get real-world advice and guidance from the panel of managers. 

Facilitator:
Mary Frankenfield has worked in the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library system for more than 20 years. During her time at MRCPL, Mary has worked as a page, a clerk, a children's librarian, and a branch manager. She has been in her current position as Deputy Director for a little over five years. Among her many other duties, Mary has an active role in employee training and development and has presented workshops for NEO-RLS, OLC, and the MRCPL staff.



Panel:

Andrea Wittmer, Head Librarian at The Ohio State University Mansfield Campus
Bromfield Library And Information Commons
Andrea is the librarian and director of The Bromfield Library and Information Commons where she serves The Ohio State University at Mansfield and North Central State College communities. She has innumerable creative pursuits and can be found engaging in those when she’s not at work.



Kim Garrett, Deputy Director at Warren-Trumbull County Public Library
With a passion for knowledge and a dedication to serving the community, Kim brings nearly 15 years of invaluable experience to the table. Having started her career as a youth services librarian, Kim has steadily climbed the ranks, exemplifying unwavering commitment to promoting literacy, fostering a love for learning, and expanding access to resources for all patrons. Her extensive expertise in library management, collection development, and innovative programming has been instrumental in transforming the libraries she has served into vibrant hubs for lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. 


Mariana Branch, Director at Kingsville Public Library 
Mariana has a unique background, having earned her bachelor's degree in Archaeology from Kent State University to become an "Accidental Librarian" in 2009 serving as library director for 14 ½ years. She is a member of the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, serves on the American Library Association's (ALA) Peggy Barber Tribute Grant Selection Committee, and demonstrated her commitment to her local community by serving on the United Way of Ashtabula County Board from 2015 to 2018.

Kathy Zappitello, Executive Director at Conneaut Public Library
In addition to her role as Executive Director, Kathy is a past president of ARSL, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries. With over 20 years of experience, she has displayed courageous commitment to leadership paired with a genuine passion for empowering others, all within the framework of rural library service.


Kaya Burgin, Loveland Branch Manager for Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library
Kaya received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University and her MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2015, she was named an American Library Association Emerging Leader. Kaya believes libraries are places where people can come together and share their experiences with each other.
 

Recorded on 1/24/24

No one wants to deal with difficult patrons, yet you will inevitably encounter one or two unreasonable people. In Calm Challenging Patrons, you'll convert negative interactions into positive outcomes by implementing the six-step model. This practical system is the same one that Mj developed to manage demanding corporate clients, giving her the nickname of The Clean-Up Crew because she could calm angry customers.

The A.L.E. technique unlocks the "why" behind the patrons' behaviors and emotions. You'll get suggestions to incorporate key verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to defuse conflicts, meet the patrons' needs, and improve relationships. With the Calm Challenging Patrons' step-by-step model, you'll navigate challenging interactions confidently and easily by applying the tools provided.

Learning Objectives:

•     Understand the common cause of challenging patrons' behaviors and how to de-escalate them effectively.
•     Use the A.L.E. technique to understand the other person's perspective.
•     Develop effective communication strategies through the six-step model to resolve conflicts and build a stronger rapport with your patrons.

Presenter:

Mj Callaway delivers outcome-focused programs that include humor, real-life stories, and strategic self-mastery tools you can implement immediately. As a two-time cancer warrior and domestic abuse survivor, Mj shares that every setback is an opportunity to create your Bounce-Up™.
She's the creator of The Bounce-Up™ Principle, a Certified Virtual Presenter, Certified Change Management Specialist, and a Leadership Liaison for the National Speakers Association. In addition, Mj has earned a Holistic Resilience Certificate from Point Park University and four Gold Awards from the Parenting Media Association.
She blends her management, sales, speaking, and journalism experiences to create interactive and impactful workshops. With more than 2,000 consumer magazine features under her pen name, she's interviewed everyone from youth entrepreneurs to CEOs, non-profit founders, and professional athletes. 

Recorded on 1/23/24 - Limited availability until 4/23/24

We all know that weeding is a necessary part of maintaining a healthy and useful library collection. But when it comes right down to it, the process isn’t as easy as it sounds. Should a book be pulled just because it hasn’t circulated in a year? What if some of the information is still okay? And when will we find the time? Besides, if we pulled every book that should be weeded the shelves would be bare!  (The 75-minute presentation time includes 15 minutes for Q&A.)
 
Learning Objectives:

• Learn effective weeding strategies
• Learn tips for overcoming the biggest obstacles—time, money and bad PR

Presenter:

Belinda Boon is a Professor at Kent State University’s School of Information where she has taught since 2006. Her graduate and undergraduate courses include Collection Management, Information Services for Diverse Populations, Information Sources & Reference Services, and Information Fluency in the Workplace and Beyond.
 

Recorded 1/18/24

Onboarding can be scary for new employees, ineffective for trainers, and frustrating for all involved. By gamifying the process, you can improve information retention while increasing motivation. Learn how to create a new employee challenge that is interesting, consistent, and fun!

Learning Objectives:

â— Learn best practices for creating an online Beanstack challenge for training.
â— Take a tour through a live challenge.
â— Hear first-hand accounts of the adapted training experience.
â— Discuss opportunities for growth in the onboarding process.

Presenter:

Emily Correa is the Deputy Director for the Campbell County Public Library System in Virginia. She was a member of the 45th Class of Leadership Lynchburg in 2021, and was named one of Lynchburg Business Magazine's Top 20 Under 40 in 2022. Emily currently serves on the Virginia Library Association's LGBTQIA+ Forum. Previously she was involved in leadership with other VLA groups, the Mid-Atlantic Library Alliance, The Power of WE Lynchburg, and the County of Campbell.

 

Recorded 1/10/24
This webinar is also part of the 2023-2024 Leadership Academy.

This Webinar will provide a brief overview of strategic leadership, provide you with tools to infuse strategic thinking into your library operations, and will discuss strategic leadership  in an ever changing world.
 
Learning objectives:

• Participants will learn the difference between strategy and leadership skills vs operations and management skills, and will understand the importance of weaving these critical skills together.
• Participants will learn several integral tools for infusing their management style with strategic thinking.
• Participants will discuss trends and potential impacts on future library operations

Presenter:

Paula Miller has served as Director/Administrator in four states –Baltimore County Public Library and Eastern Shore Regional Library (both MD), Pikes Peak Library District (CO), Westlake Porter Public Library (OH), and Dover Public Library (DE). Most recently, she molded BCPL’s role as a community hub and instrument of democracy, and she oversaw the development and opening of award-winning and state-of-the-art Library 21c in Colorado Springs. Enamored by libraries since her first shelving job at age 16 at Kent Free Library, she believes our public libraries are critical community resources that bring people together and that serve as bridges to opportunities in individuals’ lives. She is focused on identifying new and emerging needs, roles, and connections that keep our libraries relevant and effective.
 

Recorded 1/9/24

Keeping abreast of changes in employment laws is an on-going challenge for employers generally and for HR Professionals in particular.  In this webinar, we will examine recent developments in the law that impact the ability of public libraries to manage the workforce in a challenging environment.

Learning Objectives:  Attendees will come away with a stronger understanding of recent changes and developments in the law, including:

• Becoming aware of recent developments in EEO law, including accommodation issues relating to pregnancy, disability, and religion.
• Being prepared for impending changes impacting salaried exempt employees.
• Understanding the heightened importance of maintaining positive employee relations in light of recent trends in union organizing activity.

Presenters:

Jim P. Wilkins,  Shareholder, OSBA Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC
Jim began his law career more than thirty years ago when labor law – dealing with unions -- was in full bloom, and employment law was still emerging. As a result, he has a depth and breadth of experience in labor law that many younger lawyers won’t have because of the decline in the unionized segment of the American workforce.

Throughout his career, he has devoted significant time to representing and counseling employers on union relations matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, arbitration proceedings, and maintaining non-union status. He has negotiated countless labor contracts in both the private and public sectors, both blue collar and white collar. He regularly represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board and Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board in representation and unfair labor practice proceedings.

At the same time, Jim is as much an employment lawyer as he is a labor lawyer. He has been around from the outset of such landmark legislation as the ADA and FMLA. Both have a tremendous impact on the day-to-day advice he provides to employers who look to him to keep them out of trouble. When discrimination claims arise, Jim represents employers in state and federal courts and before the EEOC and state fair employment practice agencies. Jim also assists employers who have federal contracts with their affirmative action obligations, including the preparation of affirmative action plans.


Amanda S Smith, Shareholder, OSBA-Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law, DE&I Officer , National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC

Amanda’s unusual path to becoming a labor and employment attorney began with earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in neuroscience at Allegheny College and Kent State University, respectively. After determining that a career in science ultimately was not for her, she took a job as a legal assistant following her graduate studies, and immediately fell in love with law.

That first position at a plaintiff’s side labor and employment firm quickly evolved into enrolling in classes at the University of Akron School of Law, where she eventually earned her juris doctor degree, summa cum laude. Her experience to-date as a management-side labor and employment attorney has led to some lively discussions at the dinner table back home with her father (a police chief) and mother (a former union president).

Amanda has found the work to be both fascinating and fulfilling. She represents employers in many types of labor and employment matters, including charges before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Ohio Civil Rights Commission and other state fair employment practice agencies. She also counsels employers on litigation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution matters, as well as wage/hour compliance, performance and leave management, discipline, and workplace policies.
 

Recorded 12/13/23

Programs and outreach can feel daunting for new and old library staff alike. Where do you start? How do you decide what to offer? This webinar will provide a basic overview on what programs and outreach services can look like, how to design and implement them, challenges your library might face, and how to evaluate their success.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will learn about the forms programs and outreach services can take.
• Attendees will learn about challenges and considerations when designing and implementing programs
• Attendees will learn how to evaluate their programs whether they go well or poorly, and how to use that data to prepare for the future.

Presenters:  

Ann MacNamara has been with Heights Libraries in Cleveland Heights, OH for nearly 10 years. As a Technology Trainer, she provides group and one-on-one technology instruction on everything from how to use the mouse to Excel formulas and 3D printing. Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts from Earlham College in German Language and Literature and International Studies and a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University.



Steve Sanders has been the Refugee Services Librarian at the Noble Neighborhood Branch of Heights Libraries for the past six years. He is responsible for leading the library’s programming and outreach efforts with the Bhutanese refugee community living near the Noble Library and coordinating with other refugee service organizations to provide programs and services to the community. He graduated with a Master of Library and Information Science and a Master of Education from Kent State University in 2015.

 

Recorded 12/13/23

This is a last minute meeting that will focus on Issue 2 and what it means for libraries.

Navigating Issue 2: What Public Libraries Need to Know About Ohio’s Marijuana Legalization

Join Kastner Westman & Wilkins attorneys Michael Karst and Mike Tontillo on this timely, FREE, one-hour networking workshop explaining how the passage of Issue 2 affects public libraries and what they can still do to regulate marijuana in the workplace.  This is a great opportunity for interactive dialogue about how to manage the workplace as marijuana becomes more available to the public.

Recorded 12/13/23

We have all been known to tell stories about our experiences working in the public library. Many of those include stories about patrons, sometimes positive ones, but far too often it’s the negative ones that get us the attention we are looking for when telling a story. While many believe venting helps reduce stress after a difficult interaction with a patron, the research shows the opposite is true.

In this session we will explore types of patron bashing and how it is damaging to the person doing it, their organization, and the profession.

Learning Objectives:

• Several types of patron bashing and its effect on those around you.
• Strategies to avoid contributing to patron bashing and how to respond when you witness it.
• The qualities expected of service-oriented information professionals.  

Presenter:

Dana Bomba  is a Branch Manager with the Chesterfield County Public Library, near Richmond, Virginia, and the 2022 Virginia Library Association’s Librarian of the Year. Her primary focuses are strategic initiatives, community outreach opportunities, and staff development. As an experienced manager, Dana is committed to team building and coaching her employees to excellence. As a frontline manager, she is driven to create connections with her community and takes pride in providing personalized service to every customer. Previously she served on the Executive Board of the Central Virginia Young Professionals and the Conference Committee for the Virginia Library Association.

Recorded 12/7/23

Library managers and staff have many demands and distractions. This presentation will help cut through the noise and suggest both technical and non-technical solutions for better balance at work. You’ll learn about different software and apps that can help. Attendees will also learn more about how to deal with email stress, creating boundaries and routines, and more.
 
Learning Objectives:

• More about prioritizing tasks
• Tech-solutions for tech distractions
• Effective project and time management digital tools
• Communicating with colleagues and others to better create healthy boundaries

Presenter:

Carrie Rogers-Whitehead worked in libraries for nearly a decade and now consults and trains librarians. She regularly researches and writes for librarians, educators and parents. Carrie has published 5 books, with two coming out in 2022 including a new book co-authored with two school librarians with ABC-CLIO: Advocating Digital Citizenship: Resources for Library and Classroom. In 2021 she received an Outstanding Reference Title award from the Reference & User Services Association of ALA. Carrie is the founder of Digital Respons-Ability, a mission-based company that has educated tens of thousands of students, parents and educators in digital citizenship. Her company’s curriculum and work can be found in multiple states and countries. Carrie is a sought after trainer, former TEDx speaker, adjunct instructor and loves to teach others.
 

Recorded 12/6/23

"Management in Harmony" is an enlightening and engaging webinar that delves into the art of cultivating a management team that operates in perfect harmony. In today's dynamic library landscape, the success of an organization often hinges on how effectively its management functions as a cohesive unit. This webinar aims to provide participants with invaluable insights and actionable strategies to foster a culture of collaboration, effective communication, and synergy within their management teams.
 
Attendees will learn the key principles and practices that enable managers from diverse backgrounds and departments to align their goals, work seamlessly together, and drive organizational success. Throughout "Management in Harmony," participants will discover 7 key strategies that focus on the importance of aligning departmental objectives, building strong inter-departmental relationships, and establishing clear communication channels. Whether you're an experienced manager looking to enhance your team's cohesion or a new or aspiring leader seeking to unlock the full potential of your management cadre, this webinar promises to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to create a management team that harmoniously navigates challenges, maximizes opportunities, and ultimately propels your organization toward its strategic objectives.
 
Join presenter Kim Garrett, Deputy Director for the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, for an illuminating session where you'll learn how to orchestrate your management team to perform in perfect harmony, driving excellence and innovation across your organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn to Align departmental objectives
• Build strong inter-departmental relationships
• Establish clear communication channels

Presenter:

Kim Garret,Deputy Director for the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library System
With a passion for knowledge and a dedication to serving the community, Kim Garrett, Deputy Director for the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library System, brings nearly 15 years of invaluable experience to the table. Having started her career as a youth services librarian, Kim has steadily climbed the ranks, exemplifying unwavering commitment to promoting literacy, fostering a love for learning, and expanding access to resources for all patrons. Her extensive expertise in library management, collection development, and innovative programming has been instrumental in transforming the libraries she has served into vibrant hubs for lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. As a leader in Ohio’s public libraries, Kim continues to champion the role of libraries as vital community assets, shaping the future of our industry and ensuring that libraries remains a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment for years to come.

Recorded 12/5/23

What do you need to know?  Children’s Supervisors juggle onboarding and supporting staff, scheduling staff, programming, and outreach…and a lot more.  Learn the basics you need to run a successful children’s department.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the steps to successfully onboard new children’s staff and support them in their roles.
• Learn tips on creating a work schedule and a programming schedule that meets the needs of their community.
• Learn how to connect with community resources such as local schools, childcare centers, and nonprofit agencies.

Presenters:

Julia Boxler is the Youth Programming Manager at Cuyahoga County Public Library. In her role, she has led programming from birth to age 18 and has been an integral lead in a number of youth initiatives at CCPL. Julia’s work includes the expansion and re-imagination of homework services, the creation of a new avenue of programming to assist youth who struggle to meet the third-grade reading guarantee, the coordination of Parent Engagement programming, including a kindergarten readiness initiative, and the ongoing creation of partnerships with local organizations to support youth with special needs and their families.  Julia's ability to get the most out of her budget has provided the resources necessary to implement her various programs.

Maria Trivisonno is the Family Engagement Specialist for Cuyahoga County Public Library in suburban Cleveland, Ohio.  She started paging at CCPL when she was 16 years old and served as a children’s assistant, teen librarian, and children’s department head throughout the years.  Maria received a Laura Bush 21st Century “Youth Services, Librarians, and Museums—A New Vision of Learning” scholarship funded by the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in Washington, D.C. to get her MLIS at Kent State University, graduating in 2011. She is a member of the advisory board of the Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth, is co-chair of ALSC’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, and the current chair of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.


 

Recorded 11/30/23

So what really IS cataloging, anyway? Why do we do it? What does a typical cataloger's day look like? Geared toward non-catalogers and brand-new catalogers, this session will share introductory vocabulary, concepts, and principles of cataloging, as well as advice for pursuing technical services work.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand why and how libraries catalog materials
• Gain new vocabulary to discuss library catalogs
• Learn to "read" catalog records at a basic level.

Presenter:

Misty Alvaro has worked in academic, public, and special libraries, but public libraries are their forever home. They worked in every possible public services department and technical services before landing their perfect gig as a cataloging and processing manager at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries. They are a member of CML's DEI Committee and are passionate about equity, inclusion, and representation in library collections. Most importantly, Misty loves answering questions!
 

Recorded 11/28/23

Join us as we explore some of the lesser known features of Canva Pro, and learn new uses for commonly used features. From animation to picture retouching, Canva is a versatile tool with so many hidden uses!

Learning Objectives:

• Utilize lesser-known features of common tools (such as the gradient sliders on the color selection tool)
• Discover new features (such as Animation)
• Improve the overall quality of Canva productions

Presenter:

Amanda Hughes is a youth services library associate with the Bexley Public Library by day, and an amateur graphic designer... also by day! She helps design many of the materials used in the building, including BPL's custom summer reading art.

Recorded 11/14/23

Many public libraries, and some school libraries, are transitioning away from using the Dewey Decimal System for a variety of reasons: it is outdated and leaves no room for change; to make libraries more accessible to a wider variety of people; and to group related subjects together to name a few. Get a basic overview of the BISAC system, hear about the experience of the Madison Public Library making the switch, and learn some tips and tricks for implementing your own alternative system at your library.
 
Learning Objectives:
 

• Steps involved in making a switch in systems
• Pros and Cons of eliminating Dewey
• Tips for success

 
Presenter:

Dawn Weaver is the Collection Development Librarian at the Madison Public Library in Madison, Ohio, where she has worked for 20 years. She began her career working as a reference librarian in the Children's Department presenting programs and storytimes before transitioning to include adult reference and then accepting her current position in 2018. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work with a cognate in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University and enjoys being able to use her skills to better the lives of patrons.
 

Recorded 11/7/23

This webinar will focus on how to lead a comics and graphic novels book club at your library or in partnership with another organization.We will think about the history and formalistic qualities of comics and reflect on the how the medium invites new ways of participation in reading groups. Finally, we will consider how to curate and focus on book clubs related to diverse subjects such as LGBTQ identity.  
  
Learning Objectives:   

• Participants will develop skills to lead a comics and graphic novel book discussion  
• Participants will be able to incorporate creative activities into their book discussions  
• Participants will learn about diverse subjects through comics and graphic novels  

Presenter:

Valentino L. Zullo is the Anisfield-Wolf Postdoctoral Fellow in English and Public Humanities at Ursuline College. He is the former Scholar-in-Residence at the Ohio Center for the Book where he continues to co-lead the Get Graphic program and is the American editor of the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics. He is also a licensed independent social worker training to be a psychoanalyst at the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center. 

Recorded 11/2/2023

This social-emotional learning webinar will address your frustration with trying to contain and redirect the boundless energy of young people in the library.  You will build a deeper understanding of why youths act the way that they do, and hands-on tools to encourage their best choices.  Additionally, you will discover existing programs that actively and effectively build social-emotional intelligence, and inspiration to develop your own.

Learning Objectives:

• Following the webinar, participants will be able to describe the origins of youth's behaviors.
• At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to apply socially-emotionally aware communication tools.
• Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to identify library programs that effectively encourage social-emotional intelligence.

Presenters:

Adina Bloom Lewkowicz is a social-emotional learning specialist; curriculum consultant; expressive arts teacher, and licensed independent social worker.  She is the author of “Teaching Emotional Intelligence: Strategies and Activities for Helping Students make Effective Choices” (Skyhorse, 2016).  Ms. Lewkowicz provides trainings, programs, and curricula for schools, and institutions such as the Cuyahoga County Public Library.  She is on the SEL 4OH Leadership Team, and also speaks nationally on the use of the expressive arts in education, prevention, and counseling.

Anna Heinz has served with Cuyahoga County Public Library as Literacy and Outreach Librarian, Teen Services Librarian and Children’s Services Supervisor for nearly 20 years. In addition to her MLIS, Anna is a professionally licensed 1-8^th grade educator and has extensive training in working with youth that have experienced trauma as an Ohio licensed foster parent.
 

Recorded 10/24/23

Empower your decision-making, overcome pitfalls, challenge resistance, and foster resilience on the path towards inclusive change and personal well-being.

Learning Objectives:

• DEI Decision Making: basic components of making decisions through the lens of inclusivity.

• Common Missteps in DEI Systems Change: What are the major pitfalls to avoid when embarking on a systems change process.

• Identifying and Challenging Resistance: What does resistance sound like from others? How do I identify and challenge it in myself and my everyday life?

• Self-Identity and Resiliency:How do I care for myself in the process of DEI and advocacy?

Presenters:
 
Chinenye Nkemere
Chinenye (ChiChi) (she/her) is a strategic thinker. She has over 10 years of experience in community engagement, asset building and advocacy. She holds a B.A. in Political Science, African Studies and African American Studies from The Ohio State University, with a focus on race and electoral politics. ChiChi is a Teach for America alumni and highly skilled curriculum specialist. She is active in various civic projects and strategic initiatives in Northeast Ohio. She remains dedicated to progressive and radically inclusive equity in all spaces and for all peoples.

Bethany Studenic
Bethany (she/her) is a Master's level Social Worker and Attorney. Bethany has over a decade of experience in community change initiatives and has served as a leader in prominent social and research-based advocacy movements. Additionally, Bethany has worked in direct practice with diverse groups, including survivors of domestic violence, community police reform movements, and families experiencing poverty.

 

Recorded 10/12/23

For years, library staff have fulfilled the role of technology instructors within our communities. However, in this era of swift transformations, this responsibility comes with its fair share of challenges. Our speaker will explore strategies for building and maintaining the skills necessary to succeed, as well as how to apply them when providing tech-help to library patrons.
 
Learning Objectives: 

• Attendees will identify core library staff tech skills and develop strategies to build and maintain them. 
• Attendees will identify current tech help topics and commonly used patron devices. 
• Attendees will explore best practices in patron tech instruction.

 Presenter:

Nick Tanzi is a nationally recognized library technology consultant, and author of the books Making the Most of Digital Collections Through Training and Outreach (2016) and Best Technologies for Public Libraries: Policies, Programs, and Services (2020). From 2019-2021, Tanzi served as the column editor for Public Library Magazine’s “The Wired Library”. His work has also been featured in publications including VOYA Magazine, Computers in Libraries, Library Journal, and Marketing Library Services.

Recorded 10/11/23

Whether you’re a newly minted library staffer responsible for the budget for Summer Reading, a Director concerned with making the most of your budget, or have budgeting responsibilities somewhere in-between, budgeting can be intimidating. Join Wendy Bartlett, Collection Development & Acquisitions Manager for Cuyahoga County Public Library, and learn basic budgeting do’s and don’ts, how to be ready for unexpected decreases in funding, how to cope if you mess up, and how to educate yourself about the bigger budgeting picture. You’ll leave with practical ideas (and tools!) that will make working with the budget a pleasure rather than a chore.

Learning Objectives:

• Basic budgeting do’s and don’ts
• Prepare for the unexpected
• How to handle a mistake
• Understanding the bigger budgeting  picture 

Presenter:

Wendy Bartlett serves as the Collection Development & Acquisitions Manager for Cuyahoga County Public Library, a position she has held since 2009. Before that, Wendy was the branch manager for the Beachwood Branch of CCPL, and before that, the Assistant Director of the Kent Free Library. Wendy was the Regional Manager of the Cleveland-Pittsburgh Borders stories before joining the library world. She also served as a Councilperson for the Village of Lodi, her hometown in her twenties, where she first learned about budgeting for government agencies.

 

Recorded 10/4/23

While we may provide information to patrons on a daily basis, sometimes we need to step back and re-assess not only what we're doing but how we're doing it. This webinar will provide you with a chance to look at standards of practice, suggestions on steps to take in the reference interview, and ways to search for information on any topic. Designed for those staff members new to the reference desk to get them off on the right foot.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will gain practical searching skills to apply within any information-searching environment.
• Attendees will be acquainted with standards of reference service against which to measure their performance.
• Attendees will learn the importance of - and how to conduct - a thorough reference interview.

Presenter:

Don Boozer is Manager of the Literature Department and Homebound Services at Cleveland Public Library as well as Coordinator of the Ohio Center for the Book. He is also an adjunct instructor at Kent State University's School of Information where he teaches the reference service and information sources class.
 

Various people, institutions and organizations help shape the way we view the world, sometimes in inaccurate ways. Participants will learn to identify implicit and explicit biases and explore strategies for challenging them in ourselves and others.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand various concepts around bias
• Develop strategies for counteracting biases you may have
• Identify resources for continued learning and support

Presenters:
 

Katie Mattise (they/them pronouns) joined Kent State in 2016, first serving as program coordinator and later as assistant director of the LGBTQ+ Center. Through this position, Katie worked across Kent State to educate, advocate and be a resource to the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to Kent State, they worked at various universities in residence life. Katie now serves as a director in the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Through this role, they work with others to create, provide and facilitate opportunities for people to engage in meaningful conversation around various social justice topics.

Katie earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in English Literature and a Master of Science in Cultural Foundations of Education from Syracuse University. Katie’s passion lies in social justice, and they are excited to collaborate with Kent State stakeholders, on and off campus.

 

Recorded 9/21/23

In this webinar we will explore the functions of the departments typically found in public libraries and how they work together. We will discuss how to pursue the various careers available in the public library field, including the education requirements and how to match your soft skills with a suitable position.
Learning Objectives:

• Understand how departments such as technical services, circulation, and adult services operate in a public library
• Explore public library career paths
• Discover what role(s) would best suit you

Presenter:

Jeff Laser is a Continuing Education Coordinator for the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (NEO-RLS). Prior to joining NEO-RLS, he worked in public libraries for a decade, in both a single-building library and a large metropolitan system. His experience includes roles in circulation, adult services, and youth services.
 

Recorded 9/20/23

The dedicated people who work in libraries support their patrons in many ways. Perhaps one of the most important, and least visible, population segments they assist are marginalized peoples. When those in the LGBTQ+ or homeless communities seek out guidance, libraries are there. But if you want to proactively offer services to them, or to BIPOC teens, disabled individuals, and others, how can you reach them?

This session will teach you the basics of outreach communication, then show you how to apply them to get your messages to those in need, even if they don't have email or internet service.  These strategies will be especially helpful to those who don’t have prior communications training, or who don’t have a plan and / or a budget for outreach. Even solo librarians can benefit. Any library worker will leave this session with more knowledge and confidence in communicating with hard-to-reach segments of their communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Know how and why to separate populations into “target audiences”
• Understand the importance of basic audience research
• Be able to craft attention-getting messages 
• Know where to place messages so they’ll be seen, online and offline
• Have ideas for helpful partnerships

Kathy Dempsey wrote the popular how-to book The Accidental Library Marketer and founded her own marketing consultancy, Libraries Are Essential. Her work is dedicated to helping librarians and information professionals promote their value and expertise in order to gain respect and funding. Kathy has been the Editor of Marketing Library Services newsletter for 28 years, and was formerly Editor-in-Chief of Computers in Libraries magazine. She's Founding Chair of the Library Marketing and Communications Conference. This writer, editor, and marketing maven has been giving presentations across the U.S. and Canada for 25+ years, always sprinkling them with humor to make marketing concepts more interesting and accessible.

 

Recorded 9/13/23

While libraries can vary in size, scope, and communities served, all libraries adhere to a set of overarching principles that include a commitment to equitable access, intellectual freedom, patron privacy and confidentiality, and the free expression of ideas. This session will provide an overview of these guiding principles and include examples of how they present in today's libraries.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to summarize the foundational tenets of library service as they relate to access and intellectual freedom.
• Participants will be able to identify conditions and situations that might pose challenges to access and intellectual freedom in libraries.
• Participants will be able to appraise their own libraries and work environments and recognize processes that support equitable access and intellectual freedom as well as those processes or procedures that could be improved.

Presenter:

Jeff Regensburger is currently a Library Consultant and LSTA Coordinator at the State Library of Ohio. In that capacity, he administers the State Libraries' LSTA Grants to States funds and assists libraries who have been awarded LSTA funding. Prior to that, Jeff served 25 years at Worthington Libraries that included time as an Adult Services Librarian, Supervisor, and 12 years as a Library Manager. Over the course of his career, Jeff has served on the State Library’s LSTA Advisory Council, OPLIN’s Content Advisory Committee, and OLC’s Intellectual Freedom Committee. Currently, Jeff serves on the Library Leadership Ohio Planning Committee and the ILEAD Ohio Planning Team.

Jeff earned a Master of Library Science from Kent State University School of Library and Information Science (now known as School of Information) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Ohio State University.

Recorded 8/17/23

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in NC adopted two major digital equity initiatives in 2021: distributing refurbished laptops to 20,000 adults and building a free WiFi network for a neighborhood with low internet connectivity. We will share knowledge gained, along with outcomes of both projects, during this session. Both projects provided valuable lessons for public libraries interested in digital equity work, from strategic partnerships and staff capacity to legal requirements and considerations for user experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify potential challenges and solutions for programs that address digital equity in their community.
• Evaluate potential partnerships that can contribute to the success of digital equity projects.
• Develop a strategic approach to a public library’s role in the digital equity landscape.

Presenter:

Emery Ortiz has worked in North Carolina public libraries since 2009, beginning in youth services and moving into library administration. After 8 years as a Library Director, she joined Charlotte Mecklenburg Library as its Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer in 2022. Emery loves public libraries for their ability to equitably spread knowledge and a sense of wonder throughout their communities.
 

Recorded 8/9/23

You may be surprised to find out that, aside from our regular customers, we also have internal customers...our coworkers! You may be even more surprised to hear that these internal customers are even more important than our regular customers. Being a great coworker (or, providing amazing internal customer service) may seem simple enough but the fact is that it can be a tricky and complex thing to learn. In this workshop you will learn why it is so important to develop the skills of a great coworker and about the four key categories of great internal customer service and you will learn many techniques that you can apply in your daily interactions with your coworkers.
 
Learning Outcomes:

• You will understand, and be able to explain to others, what internal customer service is and why it is so important.
• You will know the four main skills that are needed to provide great internal customer service and have the tools you need to develop these skills.
• You will learn about the Internal Customer Service Standards that were created by the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library staff, and be able to take these back to your library as an example for creating your own. 

 
Mary Frankenfield has worked in the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library system for more than 20 years. During her time at MRCPL, Mary has worked as a page, a clerk, a children's librarian, and a branch manager. She has been in her current position as Deputy Director for a little over five years. Among her many other duties, Mary has an active role in employee training and development and has presented workshops for NEO-RLS, OLC, and the MRCPL staff.
 

Recorded 8/8/23

Every organization has problems to solve, obstacles to overcome, and a desire to do things better, but how do you harness that energy and bring about change and improvement? Design thinking might be a useful tool for tackling complex challenges. It is both a process and a mindset fueled by curiosity. Join us for an overview of the how, what and why of design thinking. Follow along one organization’s journey through the process and learn about the unexpected, insightful and fun path they took to develop impactful solutions. Participants will be guided through this process with structured support to spur their creativity and set a course for new discoveries.  

Learning Objectives

• Actively experience both the design thinking process and design thinking mindsets.
• Apply the design thinking process to a current opportunity or challenge within their own unique library community.
• Receive actionable tools to begin to solve their identified challenge through a human-centered lens.

Presenters:

Rachel Siegelis a design + innovation specialist at Lakeland Community College, spearheading The Teachers Guild program for K-12 educators in Northeast Ohio since 2018. Rachel also co-leads Alumni Engagement efforts for The Lakeland Foundation. Trained in human-centered design, Rachel has worked with design + innovation firm IDEO on multiple consulting projects, including the global Parents as Allies initiative. She is currently leading design teams from twenty-eight school districts in Western Pennsylvania on a family-school engagement partnership program supported by The Grable Foundation, Kidsburgh, The Brookings Institution, HundrED, and Learning Heroes. Rachel holds a M.S.Ed in School Counseling from Duquesne University. 

Jen Smyseris the program manager of the Nonprofit and Public Service Center at Lakeland Community. Jen draws on her experiences in higher education, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to inform her work serving the nonprofit community. She relishes volunteer opportunities, serving on the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District as a Board Supervisor and as the “cookie mom” for Girl Scout Troop 70444. Jen graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Sociology and a B.S. in Natural Resource Management. 

Recorded 8/2/23

Without regular access to the internet, many people in correctional facilities turn to libraries for help with their information and research needs. They send questions by snail mail, and this strikingly non-digital endeavor is easy to provide. St. Louis County Library has been receiving letters from people in correctional facilities for decades, but in recent years our service has increased by over 1,000%.

Answering questions via mail to correctional facilities requires a combination of traditional reference skills, modern searching techniques, and special security considerations. This service provides an excellent low-cost opportunity to serve the community and further the fundamental mission of public libraries. Join Megan Phifer-Davis to learn how you can start providing this service and develop procedures and guidelines to prioritize security and safeguard privacy. She’ll also explain methods used to expand the service and connecting with other libraries doing this work across the country.

Learning Objectives:

• How to begin the service of answering reference questions by mail from people in correctional facilities
• Best practices for responding to inquiries
• Methods to promote the service

Presenter:

Megan Phifer-Davis is the Manager, Reference at St. Louis County Library in St. Louis, Missouri. She is responsible for the electronic resources for St. Louis County Library and managing the Reference librarian staff, a staff of 12, that work throughout all of St. Louis County providing research assistance to educators and students, small business owners, job seekers, and more. She previously worked at Lindenwood University as the Outreach and E-Learning Librarian in St. Charles, Missouri. She has served on local library committees and presented at local Missouri library conferences on the library's Reference by Mail service, as well as on Open Educational Resources. Megan received a B.S. in Psychology from Fontbonne University and a M.L.I.S. from Simmon's University.
 

Recorded 8/2/23

In an era where public libraries are evolving into vibrant community centers, the need for comprehensive and inclusive support services has become increasingly apparent. This webinar is designed to explore the integration of social work professionals into library settings to enhance the overall well-being of library patrons and strengthen community connections.  You will hear from both administration and the social workers on staff.

Learning Objectives:

• Insights into why the library decided to hire a social worker
• Process to hire a social worker
• Building community partnerships and outreach
• Supporting patrons and staff with restorative solutions
• Linking customers to area resources
   

Presenters:

Enda Bracken is the Branch Services Director for the east side of Cuyahoga County Public Library. He works closely with the 7 branch managers who oversee 9 branches. Enda has previously worked for Dublin Public Libraries in Ireland, The Free Library of Philadelphia, Mentor Public Library and Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library.



​Byanta Spencer, LISW-S, CCTP, Social Work Manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library
Bryanta L. Spencer is a licensed independent Social Worker and founder of Fortitude Wellness and Consultations LLC where she provides psychotherapy and professional development training.  She holds certifications as a Clinical Trauma Professional and Mental Health First Aider.  To compliment her passion for helping others and rooting for the underdog, she completed her undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University earning dual degrees in Social Work and Communications with a minor in Criminology.  She also holds a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University.  Currently, she is serving as the Social Work Manager of Cuyahoga County Public library.  Social services being provided in libraries is a growing trend and she is the first Social Worker in Cuyahoga County to be employed by a library system. 


Deborah McCullough , Chief of Operations, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County
As part of the Administrative Leadership Team, the COO has oversight of public services operations and buildings—staffing, hours of operation, management of a group of administrative team members that include the Director of Facilities and Maintenance, the Technical Services Manager ( including all materials acquisitions and processing), the public services managers and coordinators responsible for Main Library and all branch supervisors, and most recently the social worker who is a valued member of our team. She is  also the staff representative for the Building and Sites committee of the Board of Trustees.  She s in all building and renovation projects for PLYMC.


Jim Young is the Social Work Specialist for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County which consists of 14 active branches. Jim has 18 years of experience and has worked in various community mental health settings providing therapy and intervention techniques to children, adolescents, and adults. He is active in helping the library’s patrons in finding assistance for their various needs like shelter, benefits, and community agency access. In addition, Jim has experience working as a social worker for home health agencies and hospice providers. Jim has been vocal in helping to provide library staff with De-Escalation techniques for dealing with difficult situations and patrons. Prior to obtaining his Masters of Social Work degree from Youngstown State University, Jim worked for the state of Ohio aiding veterans with barriers to employment. Jim is licensed by the Counselor and Social Work Board in Ohio to practice as a LISW with Supervisor designation. He resides in Rogers Ohio with his therapy dogs Kirby, Katie, Loki, and Tonks that accompany him to work and help provide therapeutic benefits to those who need it.    

Recorded 7/26/23

Join us for an informative webinar as we dig into the world of online accessibility and inclusion. Learn about key concepts of digital accessibility and address important questions.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight and practical strategies to create inclusive and accessible library websites. Let's bridge the gap and empower everyone to access the digital world seamlessly.

Learning Objectives:

• What is Accessibility?
• Why is Accessibility Important?
• Who needs support online?
• Accessibility + Usability = Inclusion
• Website Accessibility Statements
• Recite Me - Accessibility on Demand

Presenter:

Aaron Van Auken is a Business Development Executive at Recite Me. Coming originally from a background in sports television, Aaron entered the world of tech sales and established himself as a career sales professional. His track record of relational selling and development has come from a love for working with people and understanding their “why”. Outside of work he enjoys staying active, playing golf, home projects, and spending time with his kids.
 

Recorded 7/25/23

We all collect data, but what are we doing with it? What can we do with it? This workshop will walk through a real library dataset to look for insights and create a visual representation that tells a story. We will also walk through setting up an Excel workbook to efficiently capture data.

Learning Objectives:

• Navigation of large datasets and mining for useful insights using basic tools such as filtering and formulas such as “average” and “percent change”.
• Data visualization based on data mined from a large dataset
• Creation of a data tracking workbook that utilizes cell referencing across worksheets

Presenter:

Kile Byington
Having taken her first library job in 2006 as a Children’s Library Assistant, Kile Byington has spent the last fifteen-plus years building a skill set via various roles in several library systems, from programming to collection development to finance. She is currently the Fiscal Officer for the Twinsburg Public Library and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Akron with a minor in Spanish.
 

Recorded 7/19/23

The five generations currently represented in the workforce have their own world view and attitude toward work and life. Oftentimes, each generation's unique approach and/or generational stereotypes create friction among individuals and teams. This fun, interactive workshop will explore how unique views of each generation may impact an individual's approach to work, discuss the harmful effects of generational stereotypes, and identify leadership strategies to leverage the collective strength in generational diversity.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore how formative events in generational year spans may impact individual perspective
• Discuss the harmful effects of generational stereotypes in the workplace
• Identify strategies to leverage the collective strength of generational diversity

Presenter:

Ellen Procida is the Operations Manager in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Cape May County. She has worked in various roles throughout her 26 years with the courts including ombudsman, training coordinator, team leader, and probation officer. Ellen has a Master Degree of Arts in Human Resources and Training Development from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor Degree of Arts in Criminal Justice from Stockton University. Ellen brings her passion for leadership and learning to every training session she facilitates.
 

Recorded 7/13/23

Accessibility is having a moment. More than ever, libraries are embracing the reality that if you have users, you have users with disabilities. Making our services, resources, and spaces accessible is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have unique skills to contribute to solving our library’s accessibility challenges. We’ll share what we’ve been doing at NC State University Libraries, from ebooks assessments to sensory friendly maps to squashing 300,000+ web accessibility errors. We hope this presentation will meet you wherever you are on your accessibility journey and give you some ideas about things you and your colleagues might do to make your libraries more accessible for everyone in your community.
Learning Objectives

• Understand why accessibility matters to libraries. 
• Identify resources available to begin making your library more accessible. 
• Connect efforts at NC State with efforts you could implement at your library

Presenters:

​Robin Camille Davis is the Associate Head of User Experience at NC State University Libraries, where she coordinates content strategy, advocates for accessible practices, and conducts user research. She is the chair of the Libraries Accessibility Committee. In 2022, she was honored with a Movers & Shakers Award from Library Journal.

Beth Ashmore is the Associate Head of Acquisitions & Discovery (Serials) at NC State University Libraries. She has worked on accessibility in libraries through a collaboration with Lyrasis to present the findings of their 2019 Accessibility Survey white paper and by representing ASERL to the Library Accessibility Alliance where she has served on the e-resource testing and training committees. She is also the co-author of The Librarian’s Guide to Negotiation.


 

Recorded 7/12/23

This webinar is also part of the 2022 New Supervisors' Academy.

Time management is one of the most important skills that any manager/supervisor should have.   Understanding, implementing and following effective time management practices will help you accomplish more.
 
Learning objectives:

• Valuing your own time
• Setting realistic priorities
• Delegating tasks effectively
• Recognizing and avoiding time wasters
• Taking Action
• Practical Tools

Presenter:

Kim DeNero-Ackroyd has been the Deputy Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library for 11 years. In this role, she supervises eight public service managers directly, as well as leads all public service activities. She currently serves on ALA Council, ALA’s Committee on Organizations and co-chairs PLA’s Membership Advisory Group. Prior to her current role, she has twice been a branch manager, in addition to other supervisory positions. In all of her positions, effective time management has been one of the critical components of success. She is passionate about helping to develop future and current library leaders.
 

Recorded 7/11/23

Complaints about library collections are increasing, and library staff need to be prepared to encounter users who are upset about library materials. A clear understanding of the foundations of intellectual freedom and how to engage with users who have complaints can keep these situations from becoming a major problem. This session will look at why diverse collections are important, preparing for materials challenges before they happen, addressing both informal and formal complaints, and working with the media, and share additional resources that are available for dealing with these difficult situations.  Please bring your questions.

Learning Objectives:

• Importance of diverse collections
• Being prepared for material challenges
• Addressing both formal and informal complaints
• Working with the media

Presenter:

Barry Trott is Adult Services Consultant at the Library of Virginia, where he helps public libraries across the Commonwealth plan and develop services for adult library users. He earned his MSLS from The Catholic University of America School of Library and Information Science in 1997 and then worked at the Williamsburg Regional Library for 24 years, starting off as a reference librarian and then as readers’ services librarian. In 2001, he became Adult Services Director, and in 2012 was appointed Digital Services Director, where he served until 2014 when he was appointed Director of Special Projects and Technical Services. Barry is past-president of the American Library Association’s Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). He edited the readers’ advisory column for Reference and User Services Quarterly (RUSQ) from 2004-2012 and served as editor-in-chief of RUSQ from 2012-2018. He was the series editor for Libraries Unlimited’s Read On series and author of Read On . . . Crime Fiction (2008), and has contributed articles or chapters to numerous publications, including The Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, Reference Reborn (Libraries Unlimited, 2010), Journal of Library Administration, and Research-Based Readers’ Advisory (ALA Editions, 2008). Barry has presented programs at the American Library Association annual conference, the Public Library Association conference, and the Virginia Library Association conference and for library systems throughout the country.
 

Learning Objectives:

• Development of effective leadership and employee relations skills, particularly for new supervisors and those who have been promoted from within;
• Considering effective performance management and corrective action techniques.
• Developing effective documentation

Presenter:

Jim P. Wilkins,  OSBA Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC
Jim began his law career more than thirty years ago when labor law – dealing with unions -- was in full bloom, and employment law was still emerging. As a result, he has a depth and breadth of experience in labor law that many younger lawyers won’t have because of the decline in the unionized segment of the American workforce.

Throughout his career, he has devoted significant time to representing and counseling employers on union relations matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, arbitration proceedings, and maintaining non-union status. He has negotiated countless labor contracts in both the private and public sectors, both blue collar and white collar. He regularly represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board and Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board in representation and unfair labor practice proceedings.

At the same time, Jim is as much an employment lawyer as he is a labor lawyer. He has been around from the outset of such landmark legislation as the ADA and FMLA. Both have a tremendous impact on the day-to-day advice he provides to employers who look to him to keep them out of trouble. When discrimination claims arise, Jim represents employers in state and federal courts and before the EEOC and state fair employment practice agencies. Jim also assists employers who have federal contracts with their affirmative action obligations, including the preparation of affirmative action plans.

Recorded 6/13/23

Passive-aggressive behavior can be maddening. It catches us off guard, causes confusion, resentment, and low morale. What causes it and how can you help prevent it? This webinar will bring together research from multiple fields on how to handle passive-aggressive behavior, with particular tips for librarians. It will also explore the causes of passive-aggressive behavior, the benefits of anger, gender biases around anger, and more.

Learning Objectives:

• How passive-aggressive behavior can be an adaptive trait and encouraged through systems at work, home or in broader society 
• Signs and examples of passive-aggressive behavior 
• Tips and techniques on how to reframe the behavior and deal with it appropriately whether it is coming from colleagues, patrons, or superiors 
• What boundaries are and how they affect our behavior 
• Role play examples to more effectively communicate

Presenter:

Carrie Rogers-Whitehead worked in libraries for nearly a decade and now consults and trains librarians. She regularly researches and writes for librarians, educators and parents. Carrie has published 5 books, with two coming out in 2022 including a new book co-authored with two school librarians with ABC-CLIO: Advocating Digital Citizenship: Resources for Library and Classroom. In 2021 she received an Outstanding Reference Title award from the Reference & User Services Association of ALA. Carrie is the founder of Digital Respons-Ability, a mission-based company that has educated tens of thousands of students, parents and educators in digital citizenship. Her company’s curriculum and work can be found in multiple states and countries. Carrie is a sought after trainer, former TEDx speaker, adjunct instructor and loves to teach others.

 

Recorded 6/6/23

Designed for administrators and managers, this webinar will share how the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library developed an annual training for any staff member who is eligible to be an In Charge person. Deputy Director Kim DeNero-Ackroyd will explain how their annual three hour training is arranged and also under constant revision, in order to stay relevant with current library needs, and share examples of their agendas. She will also explain the contents of what goes into their In Charge notebooks and explain how this resource has been compiled.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Training staff to become more confident in taking on more responsibility.
• Discuss the important of sharing policies and procedures with staff, as well as developing them with staff input.
• Improve customer satisfaction in resolving issues.

Presenter:

Kim DeNero-Ackroyd has been the Deputy Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library for 11 years. In this role, she supervises eight public service managers directly, as well as leads all public service activities. She currently serves on ALA Council, ALA’s Committee on Organizations and ALA’s Council Orientation Committee. Prior to her current role, she has twice been a branch manager, in addition to other supervisory positions. In all of her positions, effective time management has been one of the critical components of success. She is passionate about helping to develop future and current library leaders.

Recorded 5/31/23

Learning Objectives: 

• Understanding the relevant legal landscape as related to leading and supervising employees;
• Recognizing inappropriate workplace behavior (e.g., misconduct, job performance deficiencies, harassment, tardiness and attendance);
• Knowing how to respond lawfully and effectively to inappropriate behaviors in the workplace

Presenter:

Jim P. Wilkins,  OSBA Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC
Jim began his law career more than thirty years ago when labor law – dealing with unions -- was in full bloom, and employment law was still emerging. As a result, he has a depth and breadth of experience in labor law that many younger lawyers won’t have because of the decline in the unionized segment of the American workforce.

Throughout his career, he has devoted significant time to representing and counseling employers on union relations matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, arbitration proceedings, and maintaining non-union status. He has negotiated countless labor contracts in both the private and public sectors, both blue collar and white collar. He regularly represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board and Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board in representation and unfair labor practice proceedings.

At the same time, Jim is as much an employment lawyer as he is a labor lawyer. He has been around from the outset of such landmark legislation as the ADA and FMLA. Both have a tremendous impact on the day-to-day advice he provides to employers who look to him to keep them out of trouble. When discrimination claims arise, Jim represents employers in state and federal courts and before the EEOC and state fair employment practice agencies. Jim also assists employers who have federal contracts with their affirmative action obligations, including the preparation of affirmative action plans.

Recorded 5/11/23

Every employee brings a different point of view to the library workplace, and managers cannot learn everything about staff members’ unique knowledge and training. Specifically, supervising employees in IT, building and grounds, and PR or marketing can be a challenge. Librarians and library workers also bring specialty knowledge of genealogy, archives, fluency in other languages, and more. In this webinar, we will discuss how to measure, evaluate, and provide direction to your team members with these important abilities.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Learn to develop tools and templates for hiring.
• Discuss the ongoing process of coaching, training, and management.
• Find resources to keep informed without learning an entirely new discipline.

 
Presenter:

Cari Dubiel brings 25+ years of experience to the library field, working in many different capacities. She is currently Assistant Director at Twinsburg Public Library. Cari is also a writer and a former board member for Sisters in Crime, a national group for mystery authors.
 

Recorded 5/2/2023

ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms have thrust us into a new world of technologies that are amazing, but also slightly alarming. Dr. Christopher Harris, School Library System Director for Genesee Valley (NY) BOCES and Senior Fellow with the American Library Association, will introduce and explain the technology that drives ChatGPT and explore potential uses in different types of libraries.

Due to a statewide collaboration among all four Ohio Regional Library Systems--SWON Libraries Consortium, Northeast Ohio Library System (NEO), Northwest Library System (NORWELD), and the Southeast Regional Library System (SERLS)--this webinar is being offered for FREE to all regional library members. 
 

Presenter:

Dr. Christopher Harris is the Director of the School Library System for the Genesee Valley BOCES, an educational services agency supporting the libraries of 22 small, rural districts in Western NY. He was a participant in the first American Library Association Emerging Leaders program in 2007 and was honored as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2008. In 2022, Dr. Harris was named a Senior Fellow for the American Library Association for school libraries and youth policy issues. Dr. Harris received his Ed.D. from St. John Fisher College in 2018 for dissertation research on helping teachers become more confident teaching computer science.

Returning to his earlier work as a member of the ALA/Verizon gaming initiative panel of experts on games in libraries, Christopher started Play Play Learn in 2014. The site provides educational resources and consulting services to connect games and learning in libraries, schools, and homes for students of all ages. In 2015, the first titles in Christopher's Teaching Through Games series were released by Rosen Publishing as professional books with lesson plans for using tabletop games in classroom and library instruction. The Playful Classroom, a series of books with artwork tied to games from HABA were released from Rosen Classroom in 2018. The Unplugged Activities for Future Coders series with play-based approaches for computational thinking was published by Enslow in 2019.

An avid gamer and reader, Christopher lives with his wife, a K-12 school librarian, their daughter, and cats outside of Rochester, NY.

Recorded 4/18/2023

Whether you are a new a supervisor or a seasoned manager, this interactive webinar will help you enhance your skills in managing your team. The webinar will focus on building a cohesive team and creating and maintaining trust. It will also provide a step-by-step guide for having difficult conversations and give participants the opportunity to practice conversations about common work situations.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to create and build a cohesive team
• Learn the dos and don’ts of creating and maintaining trust
• Learn a step-by-step process for having difficult conversations

We will be using breakout rooms.

Presenter:

Taurean J. Johnson (who also goes by TJ) serves as a Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). In his capacity as Commissioner, Mr. Johnson works with parties in the private, public and federal sectors, mediating collective bargaining agreements, grievances, and employment disputes. In addition to his mediation work, Mr. Johnson frequently delivers training programs to labor and management groups.  Taurean attended the University of Cincinnati (UC) earning dual degrees in Political Science and African American Studies.

Recorded 4/12/2023

Rest and relaxation are important, but preparing for inevitable emotional triggers is empowering. Learn practical ways to turn habitual reactivity into ways to respond more effectively and with less regret.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply mindfulness to ordinary social and emotional challenges.
• Explore mindfulness strategies for developing emotional awareness and regulation.
• Learn how to take emotional reactions off autopilot. 

Presenter:
Daron Larson is a Mindfulness Coach who discovered from personal experience that consistent mindful habits really can make ordinary moments better — including the uncomfortable ones. As a parent, social worker, and librarian, he has always found purpose in identifying resources to help people respond more effectively to the challenges of ordinary life. Daron says mindfulness is about much more than temporary relaxation. It offers a variety of flexible ways to experience your life with greater vitality despite its inevitable discomforts and uncertainties. His TEDx talk — Don't Try to Be Mindful — has been viewed over half a million times.
 

Recorded 4/4/2023

Learn about many of the different ways libraries & librarians can leverage the power of TikTok. Using examples from her own TikTok, Kelsey will demonstrate how TikTok videos can be used by libraries for things like advocacy, collection development, outreach, readers advisory, tutorial-creation, and community building. We’ll also talk about the safety of using TikTok, it’s powerful impact on the publishing industry, and more. You’ll leave this session inspired to give TikTok a try!

Learning Objectives:

• Identify various goals that TikTok can help libraries and librarians achieve.
• Describe the ways TikTok is impacting the publishing industry and the reading trends and habits, particularly among young adults.
• List various strategies a librarian can use to leverage TikTok for collection development, particularly diverse collection development.

Presenter:

Kelsey Bogan is a high school Librarian, adjunct MSLIS Professor, and a professional Speaker/Presenter who enjoys helping librarians learn to leverage the power of social media for their library’s advocacy, collection development, outreach, and community-building efforts. Kelsey is an outspoken advocate for reform in the library profession, especially as relates to outdated collection organization and development traditions. She is particularly proud to have created the viral library organization concept “Dynamic Shelving,” and of her ongoing work to redevelop her library towards greater inclusivity, accessibility, and equity. Connect with Kelsey on Twitter & TikTok @KelseyBogan, or on her blog www.dontyoushushme.com!

Recorded 3/28/2023

Designed for non-managerial staff who occasionally serve as an In Charge person, this webinar will incorporate many real life scenarios for discussion with attendees. Cleveland Heights - University Heights Public Library Deputy Director Kim DeNero-Ackroyd will facilitate and share best strategies in handling situations with facilities, security, the media and customers.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Becoming more confident in taking on more responsibility.
• Recognizing the important of knowing, understanding and communicating policies and procedure.
• Improve customer satisfaction in resolving issues.

Presenter:

Kim DeNero-Ackroyd has been the Deputy Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library for 11 years. In this role, she supervises eight public service managers directly, as well as leads all public service activities. She currently serves on ALA Council, ALA’s Committee on Organizations and ALA’s Council Orientation Committee. Prior to her current role, she has twice been a branch manager, in addition to other supervisory positions. In all of her positions, effective time management has been one of the critical components of success. She is passionate about helping to develop future and current library leaders.

 

Recorded 3/16/2023

This is part of the 2023 New Supervisors' Academy
As new supervisors you may find unresolved challenges with your staff that need to be addressed sooner rather than later.  How do you go about addressing something that might have been brewing for a long time without Rocking the Boat?  Learn how to use expectations, goals, communication, follow-up and follow-through to right the ship and move forward with confidence.

Presenter:

Cheryl Kuonen, Director, Mentor Public Library
 

Recorded 3/14/2023

Determining relevant partnerships can be an overwhelming process. When an efficient and effective plan is in place, we have the greatest possible impact in our communities. During this session participants will receive the tools to enable library staff to make decisions on partnerships that best serve their communities, within the library's mission and strategic plan 

• Participants will learn how to assess the needs of communities they serve to understand what partnership should be created.  
• Participants will develop skills to source, identify and cultivate relationships with various partners. 
• Understand how to create partnership agreements and understanding from internal and external partners to meet the need of your library patrons

Presenter: 
Nicole Bryan, MLS Neighborhood Library Supervisor, Brooklyn Public Library
Nicole has spent some of her career within the social services arena, developing programs and meeting constituents' needs. Currently, she assesses the delivery of library services, by employing trauma-informed methods, to transitional populations in public library branches and homeless shelters in Brooklyn, N.Y. She received her MLS degree from Long Island University.

Recorded 3/8/2023

Social media algorithms make success seem impossible for small and rural libraries, especially when the rules keep changing! But you can rise above algorithm changes by centering your social media promotions on strategy and implementing best practices that will hold no matter what changes are made by the platforms. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to match your promotional goals with the available audience on each of the social media platforms and how to determine which kind of content works best on the platforms. Plus, you’ll get the secrets for handling negative comments and learn how to turn your trolls into supporters. 

Learning Objectives

• How to align what the library does on social media with their organization's overall goals, as well as how to focus the content they post to social media on the wants and needs of their available audience. 
• How to use evergreen posting practices to keep audiences engaged, even when the algorithm changes. 
• How to create a process to surprise and delight negative commenters on social media. 

Presenter:
Angela Hursh, Senior Engagement Consultant, NoveList
In this role she helps libraries create effective and engaging marketing, within budget and with a personalized approach. Angela’s background includes more than six years as the Content Team Leader for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and more than 20 years as an Emmy-award winning broadcast television news journalist. Angela is passionate about library marketing and has expertise in collection marketing, strategy, public relations, email, and social media.
 

Recorded 3/2/2023

How does access to a school librarian help students prepare for their first year of college? Do students feel more prepared for college-level research? Does it have any effect on feelings of library anxiety? Did remote learning have an impact? In fall 2021, we conducted a survey of first-year students from Ohio at Miami University and The Ohio State University at Newark to help answer these questions. We analyzed student responses based on the different types of high schools and districts they attended throughout Ohio. In this session, we will discuss the results of our findings that when students receive librarian help in high school, they feel measurably more confident about doing college-level research. But what happens when students don't receive this help? We will discuss these findings as well. In addition, we will share our students' understanding of how college librarians can help them in their own words and discuss how we have changed our own approaches to our work with first-year students in instruction, reference, and web services.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the differences in exposure to library instruction reported by students in Ohio high schools.
• Understand first-year students’ self-described knowledge of college librarians
• Implement at least one new strategy to overcome first-year students’ library anxiety

Presenters:

Abigail Morgan is a Social Sciences Librarian at Miami University, with liaison responsibilities to the business school as well as the departments of Anthropology and Teaching, Curriculum, & Educational Inquiry. She works with first-year students as an instructor in a first-year research experience credit-bearing class and in the business school’s first-year integrated core curriculum. She worked previously as a middle school teacher and school librarian.





Jerry Yarnetsky is a web services librarian at Miami University where he focuses on user experience and accessibility. He also teaches a course on interaction design and development at Miami. He previously worked extensively with incoming students at Montgomery County Community College in metro Philadelphia.







Janell Verdream is an Instruction Librarian at The Ohio State University- Newark and Central Ohio Technical College. She works primarily with first- and second-year students in a credit-bearing research class, as well as in one-shot library sessions.

Recorded 3/1/2023

Many times we are caught off-guard by inappropriate comments and aren’t prepared to respond in the moment. In this session, we provide simple responses for common scenarios, that prepare you to curtail the behavior and make it clear that what is happening is not ok.

Learning Objectives:
 

• Participants will learn how to identify different types of harassment.
• Participants will become empowered to speak up when faced with an uncomfortable situation.
• Participants will leave with several statements they can use in future conversations.

Presenters:

Emily Correa is the Deputy Director for the Campbell County Public Library System. She was a member of the 45th Class of Leadership Lynchburg in 2021, and was named one of Lynchburg Business Magazine's Top 20 Under 40 in 2022. Emily currently serves on the editorial board of Virginia Libraries journal. Previously she was involved in leadership with the Virginia Library Association, the Mid-Atlantic Library Alliance, The Power of WE Lynchburg, and the County of Campbell.

Dana Bomba is a Branch Manager with the Chesterfield County Public Library, near Richmond, Virginia and the 2022 Virginia Library Association’s Librarian of the Year. Her primary focuses are strategic initiatives, community outreach opportunities, and staff development. As an experienced manager, Dana is committed to team building and coaching her employees to excellence. As a frontline manager, she is driven to create connections with her community and takes pride in providing personalized service to every customer. Previously she served on the Executive Board of the Central Virginia Young Professionals and the Conference Committee for the Virginia Library Association.

Recorded 2/16/2023

It’s February! Time for summer! Whether you’re planning your first summer library program or just want a refresher, this session will get you in the summer mood. We'll reflect on 2022 and look forward to 2023; chat about some summer “basics” like registration and completion, tracking, and prizes; explore resources to support your summer planning, and look at CSLP’s “All Together Now” and other theme options. There will be time for questions and idea sharing, so bring your questions and ideas! This webinar will cover planning for all ages.

Presenter:

Janet Ingraham Dwyer is the youth services library consultant at the State Library of Ohio. Her job is to support, advise, and empower children’s and teen services specialists in public and school libraries around the state. She manages Ohio’s participation in the nationwide Collaborative Summer Library Program and collaborates with the Ohio Library Council on Ohio Ready to Read, a statewide resource network to facilitate early literacy activities in libraries.
 

Recorded 2/15/2023

It goes without saying that libraries navigated a lifetime worth of challenges in the pandemic. Those challenges taught us an important lesson: we can do important things! As we emerge from the pandemic, now is the best time to ask exciting questions about your library promotions. What worked? What didn’t? What might work now that didn’t work in the past? In this session, you’ll have a chance to think like a library marketing scientist. Learn how to form a hypothesis, set up your experiments, record and analyze your results, and tie all of this to your marketing goals. Leave with the knowledge and inspiration to find new ways to get people to use your library.  

Learning Objectives:

• How to use your library's current promotional metrics to spot trends and create experiments that can further your library's overall strategic goals.  
•  A list of marketing factors to test.  
•  A list of metrics every library marketer needs to track and analyze.  
• How to make marketing experimentation a consistent (and fun!) part of your job. 

Presenter:
Angela Hursh, Senior Engagement Consultant, NoveList
In this role she helps libraries create effective and engaging marketing, within budget and with a personalized approach. Angela’s background includes more than six years as the Content Team Leader for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and more than 20 years as an Emmy-award winning broadcast television news journalist. Angela is passionate about library marketing and has expertise in collection marketing, strategy, public relations, email, and social media.
 

Recorded 2/8/2023

This webinar is also part of the 2022-2023 Leadership Academy.

This Webinar will provide a brief overview of strategic leadership, provide you with tools to infuse strategic thinking into your library operations, and will discuss strategic leadership  in an ever changing world.
 
Learning objectives:

• Participants will learn the difference between strategy and leadership skills vs operations and management skills, and will understand the importance of weaving these critical skills together.
• Participants will learn several integral tools for infusing their management style with strategic thinking.
• Participants will discuss trends and potential impacts on future library operations

Presenter:

Paula Miller has served as Director/Administrator in four states –Baltimore County Public Library and Eastern Shore Regional Library (both MD), Pikes Peak Library District (CO), Westlake Porter Public Library (OH), and Dover Public Library (DE). Most recently, she molded BCPL’s role as a community hub and instrument of democracy, and she oversaw the development and opening of award-winning and state-of-the-art Library 21c in Colorado Springs. Enamored by libraries since her first shelving job at age 16 at Kent Free Library, she believes our public libraries are critical community resources that bring people together and that serve as bridges to opportunities in individuals’ lives. She is focused on identifying new and emerging needs, roles, and connections that keep our libraries relevant and effective.
 

Recorded 2/7/2023

It doesn’t necessary take a crystal ball to see what’s coming down the pike for employers, including public libraries.  This webinar will examine impending changes in the law and in the world of work.  It will give attendees the opportunity to discuss how to cope with the challenges of the post-COVID world.
 
Learning Objectives:  Drawing upon the collective experience and wisdom of our presenters and attendees, this webinar will:

• Discuss recruitment and retention strategies to cope with the Great Resignation;
• Discuss best practices and challenges with remote and hybrid work arrangements; and
• Anticipate upcoming changes in the law as well as the impact of the recent jump in Ohio’s minimum wage.

Presenters:

Jim P. Wilkins,  OSBA Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC
Jim began his law career more than thirty years ago when labor law – dealing with unions -- was in full bloom, and employment law was still emerging. As a result, he has a depth and breadth of experience in labor law that many younger lawyers won’t have because of the decline in the unionized segment of the American workforce.

Throughout his career, he has devoted significant time to representing and counseling employers on union relations matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, arbitration proceedings, and maintaining non-union status. He has negotiated countless labor contracts in both the private and public sectors, both blue collar and white collar. He regularly represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board and Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board in representation and unfair labor practice proceedings.

At the same time, Jim is as much an employment lawyer as he is a labor lawyer. He has been around from the outset of such landmark legislation as the ADA and FMLA. Both have a tremendous impact on the day-to-day advice he provides to employers who look to him to keep them out of trouble. When discrimination claims arise, Jim represents employers in state and federal courts and before the EEOC and state fair employment practice agencies. Jim also assists employers who have federal contracts with their affirmative action obligations, including the preparation of affirmative action plans.


Amanda S Smith, Associate , OSBA-Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law, DE&I Officer , National Diversity Council Certified Diversity ProfessionalKastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC

Amanda’s unusual path to becoming a labor and employment attorney began with earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in neuroscience at Allegheny College and Kent State University, respectively. After determining that a career in science ultimately was not for her, she took a job as a legal assistant following her graduate studies, and immediately fell in love with law.

That first position at a plaintiff’s side labor and employment firm quickly evolved into enrolling in classes at the University of Akron School of Law, where she eventually earned her juris doctor degree, summa cum laude. Her experience to-date as a management-side labor and employment attorney has led to some lively discussions at the dinner table back home with her father (a police chief) and mother (a former union president).

Amanda has found the work to be both fascinating and fulfilling. She represents employers in many types of labor and employment matters, including charges before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Ohio Civil Rights Commission and other state fair employment practice agencies. She also counsels employers on litigation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution matters, as well as wage/hour compliance, performance and leave management, discipline, and workplace policies.

Recorded 2/1/2023

Instead of trying to add one more self-care challenge to your list, why not use mindfulness to help you address what's already on your list: healthier eating, moving your body a little more, and getting more rest?

Learning Objectives:

• Learn a practical approach to practicing mindfulness — with or without meditation
• Expand your understanding of mindfulness beyond breath awareness and relaxation.
• Explore how to apply mindfulness insights to common self-care challenges

Presenter:
Daron Larson is a Mindfulness Coach who discovered from personal experience that consistent mindful habits really can make ordinary moments better — including the uncomfortable ones. As a parent, social worker, and librarian, he has always found purpose in identifying resources to help people respond more effectively to the challenges of ordinary life. Daron says mindfulness is about much more than temporary relaxation. It offers a variety of flexible ways to experience your life with greater vitality despite its inevitable discomforts and uncertainties. His TEDx talk — Don't Try to Be Mindful — has been viewed over half a million times.
 

Recorded 1/26/2023

While many of our libraries have issued public statements declaring a commitment to greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), many of us have struggled with how to move beyond words to enacting sustained, anti-oppressive actions. We will look at one library that used a multi-pronged, stepped approach to embed inclusive excellence as a framework in every department. Inclusive excellence recognizes an institution’s ability to succeed is dependent upon how fully it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of each of its members. First, the library formalized its diversity committee, developing a charge and requiring representation from each department. Second, the library reconfigured a senior administrator position to include oversight for library-wide DEI initiatives. Finally, the library completed an inclusive diversity strategic planning process that solicited input from stakeholders across campus, with a particular emphasis on library employee engagement, ensuring the plan would connect to other campus DEI initiatives while meeting the needs of all library users. The presenter will discuss how these components are key to ensuring DEI frameworks are deeply embedded in a library’s culture and daily operations. Participants will consider approaches to infrastructure, professional development, outreach, and strategic planning that they can use at their own libraries.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn about approaches to include in a diversity strategic planning process
• Participants will learn about models for infrastructure that create sustainable foundations for ongoing DEI work
• Participants will develop critical questions to ask at their home institutions to ensure long-term sustainability of diversity initiatives

​​Presenter:

Ione T. Damasco (they/them) is the Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence, Engagement, and Operations for the University Libraries at the University of Dayton. In their role, they provide leadership, guidance, and support for anti-racist, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as well as outreach and engagement efforts across the Libraries. They are committed to centering well-being and empathy as core leadership values, highlighting the experiences of marginalized groups in their scholarship, and using dialogue as a form of praxis to create greater understanding of different perspectives.

Recorded 1/25/2023

The pandemic forced libraries to have virtual programming to meet their patron's needs. Although it can be difficult to iron out all the problems, hybrid programming has continued to expand the library's reach, allowing patrons who cannot attend library events in person to reap the full benefits of the library's services, and creating an archive of programming for patrons to experience well after the program is finished.

In this webinar Zach and Josh plan to show the positives of hybrid programming as a more permanent fixture at Bexley Public Library and how other libraries can plan for the future of hybrid programming.

Learning Objectives:

• What makes a good hybrid program
• Scalable hybrid set up for your needs
• Planning for the future of hybrid programming

Presenters:  

Zach Parish has worked in public libraries for 10 years and currently serves as the Programming Librarian at the Bexley Public Library where he oversees the coordination of Adult Services programming.

Joshua Bryant has 11 years of library experience and is currently the Technology Librarian at Bexley Public Library.

Recorded 1/19/2023

Are you promoting your library the best you can, both inside and outside the library walls?  Learn ways that you can better represent your library in your community.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Empowering you and your whole staff to become good ambassadors
• Preparing for successful contacts within your community
• Enhancing your community's perception of your library

Presenter:

Former children's associate and retired branch manager with experience in rural, suburban, and urban public libraries; current part-time instructor in Cuyahoga Community College's Encore program for older adults

 

Recorded 1/18/2023

You know you should. You wish you could. But delegation has never been your strong suit. Take heart! This is definitely an area you can improve in – it just takes knowing yourself, knowing your employees, and knowing how to put that knowledge to work for you!

In this session, you’ll learn specific tips to help you delegate more effectively – not just more – and you’ll also discover why doing so is important to your success as a supervisor.

We’ll uncover some important questions to consider when you finally make that leap to delegating on a consistent basis. We’ll also look at not just whether or not a task should be delegated, but also to whom – and how to make sure the delegation process is successful.

Learning objectives:

• Common obstacles to delegating effectively
• The key ingredients to an effective delegation process
• Specific tips to ensure the delegation is successful

Presenter:

Linda Bruno has been developing and conducting training workshops for libraries and other organizations for more than fifteen years. She offers workshops on topics ranging from Leadership Skills to Emotional Intelligence – and lots of areas in between!  Linda received her MBA from the University of Florida and has years of experience in hands-on management positions.  She develops her workshops based on solid research and – more importantly – real-life application.

Recorded 1/11/2023

Library promotion is difficult, especially when many staff are trying to market their library in addition to all their other duties. Factor in the challenges of a lack of budget and a lack of time, and it can seem impossible to have library marketing success. But it can be done! In this keynote, attendees will learn how to target messages to specific audiences including community members who don’t have (or don’t want) internet access. Attendees will leave with a plan to work smarter by putting their time and available resources to the best use. This speech is packed with inspiration and practical tips to promote a library’s collection, services, and programs in a smart and successful way.  

• How to set measurable goals and target specific audiences.
• How to promote your library when you have no time or money.
• How to reach non-digital community members.

Presenter:
Angela Hursh, Senior Engagement Consultant, NoveList
In this role she helps libraries create effective and engaging marketing, within budget and with a personalized approach. Angela’s background includes more than six years as the Content Team Leader for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and more than 20 years as an Emmy-award winning broadcast television news journalist. Angela is passionate about library marketing and has expertise in collection marketing, strategy, public relations, email, and social media.

Recorded 1/10/2023

Keeping abreast of changes in employment laws is an on-going challenge for employers generally and for HR Professionals in particular.  In this webinar, we will examine recent developments in the law that significantly impact the ability of public libraries to manage the workforce in a challenging environment.

Learning Objectives:  Attendees will come away with a stronger understanding of recent changes and developments in the law, including:

• The impact of the Ohio Employment Law Uniformity Act, including recent changes in how the Ohio Civil Rights Commission’s processes charges of discrimination
• Recent developments that impact employers’ ability to manage employees’ medical and mental health issues (i.e. FMLA/ADA developments)
• Senate Bill 47 changes in Ohio’s wage-hour law

Presenters:

Jim P. Wilkins,  OSBA Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC
Jim began his law career more than thirty years ago when labor law – dealing with unions -- was in full bloom, and employment law was still emerging. As a result, he has a depth and breadth of experience in labor law that many younger lawyers won’t have because of the decline in the unionized segment of the American workforce.

Throughout his career, he has devoted significant time to representing and counseling employers on union relations matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, arbitration proceedings, and maintaining non-union status. He has negotiated countless labor contracts in both the private and public sectors, both blue collar and white collar. He regularly represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board and Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board in representation and unfair labor practice proceedings.

At the same time, Jim is as much an employment lawyer as he is a labor lawyer. He has been around from the outset of such landmark legislation as the ADA and FMLA. Both have a tremendous impact on the day-to-day advice he provides to employers who look to him to keep them out of trouble. When discrimination claims arise, Jim represents employers in state and federal courts and before the EEOC and state fair employment practice agencies. Jim also assists employers who have federal contracts with their affirmative action obligations, including the preparation of affirmative action plans.


Amanda S Smith, Associate , OSBA-Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law, DE&I Officer , National Diversity Council Certified Diversity ProfessionalKastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC

Amanda’s unusual path to becoming a labor and employment attorney began with earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in neuroscience at Allegheny College and Kent State University, respectively. After determining that a career in science ultimately was not for her, she took a job as a legal assistant following her graduate studies, and immediately fell in love with law.

That first position at a plaintiff’s side labor and employment firm quickly evolved into enrolling in classes at the University of Akron School of Law, where she eventually earned her juris doctor degree, summa cum laude. Her experience to-date as a management-side labor and employment attorney has led to some lively discussions at the dinner table back home with her father (a police chief) and mother (a former union president).

Amanda has found the work to be both fascinating and fulfilling. She represents employers in many types of labor and employment matters, including charges before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Ohio Civil Rights Commission and other state fair employment practice agencies. She also counsels employers on litigation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution matters, as well as wage/hour compliance, performance and leave management, discipline, and workplace policies.
 

Recorded 12/8/2022

More than ever, patrons are engaging with their library online. With that being said, in what ways is a library digital branch more than just a website? More importantly, how can we build our digital branches to best serve current and future users?
 
Learning outcomes: 

• Participants will understand the evolution of library digital presences, from early websites to current offerings.
• Participants will discover the key components of a library digital branch. 
• Participants will learn how to improve the accessibility of a digital branch. 
• Participants will understand future trends likely to impact their library's digital branch. 

 Presenter:

Nick Tanzi is a nationally recognized library technology consultant, and author of the books Making the Most of Digital Collections Through Training and Outreach (2016) and Best Technologies for Public Libraries: Policies, Programs, and Services (2020). From 2019-2021, Tanzi served as the column editor for Public Library Magazine’s “The Wired Library”. His work has also been featured in publications including VOYA Magazine, Computers in Libraries, Library Journal, and Marketing Library Services.
 

Recorded 12/7/2023

Good decisions do not happen by chance. They are the result of a step-by-step decision-making process that includes understanding the effect of emotional and situational influences. This interactive one-hour webinar will help participants assess their dominant decision-making style and identify factors that can hinder effective decision making.

Learning Objectives:

• · Assess decision-making style
• · Explore emotional triggers that affect decisions
• · Discuss situational decision-making
• · Learn an easy step-by-step process for making decisions

Presenter:  

Taurean J. Johnson (who also goes by TJ) serves as a Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). In his capacity as Commissioner, Mr. Johnson works with parties in the private, public and federal sectors, mediating collective bargaining agreements, grievances, and employment disputes. In addition to his mediation work, Mr. Johnson frequently delivers training programs to labor and management groups.  Taurean attended the University of Cincinnati (UC) earning dual degrees in Political Science and African American Studies.

Recorded 11/30/2022

Consistent and effective evaluation of your managers is key to the success of your organization. Even the most motivated, highest performing employee will struggle and become disengaged if they are being managed poorly and bad managers open you up to a host of negative consequences: poor customer service, high turnover rates, lawsuits, and more. Evaluating managers can be a challenge; it is quite different than evaluating other types of employees. There are many attributes and skills that a manager must have and in order to accurately judge that manager's performance, the evaluation must take these things into consideration. And, making the evaluation meaningful and effective requires you to do more than simply fill out a form each year. If you have a manager evaluation process but want to improve it, or if you do not have such a process, this workshop will provide you with some great tools to use when improving (or creating) your own manager evaluation process. 

Learning Objectives:

• Learn some of the commonly used evaluation tools and learn about the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library's tool and process. 
• Learn the key areas to explore as you begin crafting your own manager evaluation tool and process. 
• Understand the three components that must be included in the manager evaluation process.

Mary Frankenfield is the Deputy Director of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library. She has worked at MRCPL for the past 20 years and has been in management  positions for the last 8 years. In her current role she has focused much of her time and attention on staff training and development, crafting policy and procedure, writing job descriptions, and refining the library's hiring and onboarding process. In her spare time she lavishes affection on her two kitties, Sasha and Bitty, and she enjoys directing and performing in local, community theater. 
 

Recorded 11/17/2022

This webinar is also part of the 2022-2023 Leadership Academy.

Congratulations you've been promoted in your library!  What an exciting time - until you realize that you are now in charge of your peers.  Navigating the potentially rocky terrain of becoming a supervisor to your former peers can be stressful for all involved, but there are ways to ease the transition.  Learn how to build a foundation with your co-workers, tips to start in a positive way, and how to strive to be an effective leader for all of your staff.  Bring your questions.

Presenter: 

Cheryl Kuonen,Director, Mentor Public Library
 

Recorded 11/15/2022

Researchers in the fields of psychology and education have published dozens of studies exploring methods of combating misinformation, and some have had some success. One strategy with a lot of potential is the idea of "inoculating" people against misinformation by exposing them to misinformation strategies and raising their skepticism. This workshop will explore why the spread of misinformation is so difficult to prevent, how inoculation techniques work, and how to apply misinformation inoculation strategies to library instruction and programming.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the current challenges of misinformation in today's information environment, including several common misinformation dissemination techniques
• Design and implement pre- and debunking strategies for misinformation in library instruction and/or outreach
• Develop activities and approaches that discourage cynicism among students/patrons regarding information sources such as news media 

Presenter:

Mandi Goodsett (she/her) is the Performing Arts & Humanities Librarian, as well as the Open Educational Resource & Copyright Advisor, at Cleveland State University. Her research interests include open education, critical thinking in library instruction, mentoring new professionals, and sustainability in libraries. In her free time Mandi loves cooking, playing board games with friends, and enjoying the outdoors of Northeast Ohio.

Recorded 10/19/2022

Do you ever find it challenging to maintain an optimistic attitude at work? If so, this webinar is for you! Discover how to create a positive workplace culture. 
 
Objectives:

• Incorporate mindfulness into your every day activities
• Define and explore the practice of self-care
• Find ways to implement positivity in challenging situations

Presenters:

 Amber Salmon
Amber has 18 years of library experience. She is currently an Adult Services Librarian in the Business, Government & Science Division at the Akron Summit County Public Library. Amber has a background in Art History.
 

Brooke VanDerlin
Brooke has 17 years of library experience with the Akron Summit County Public Library as a Public Service Assistant and a Children’s Librarian. In addition to Library Science, Brooke has a background in Clinical Counseling.
 

Recorded 10/13/2022

Troubleshooting is one of the most frustrating aspects of e-resource librarian work. This webinar hopes to bring some levity and originality to the topic. In the vein of David Letterman’s Top Ten List, join us as we count down libraries’ most commonly encountered e-resource access issues. We cover everything from user error to vendor mischief, broken links to incorrect metadata. Participants will be introduced to multiple examples in order to gain a better understanding of why these issues occur and how they are resolved.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the most common e-resource access issues encountered by troubleshooters
• Understand why these e-resource access issues occur 
• Evaluate options for resolution of access issues

Presenters:

Holly Talbott has more than seven years of experience with electronic resources and is coauthor of The Electronic Resources Troubleshooting Guide (ALA, 2020) and The Electronic Resources Librarianship: A Practical Guide for Librarians (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018). She is currently the electronic resources librarian at Kent State University and was previously the electronic resources and licensing librarian at the University of Arizona Libraries.

Ashley Zmau has more than ten years of academic library experience and is coauthor of Electronic Resources Librarianship: A Practical Guide for Librarians (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018) and The Electronic Resources Troubleshooting Guide (ALA, 2020). She is currently the technical services librarian at Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine and was previously the electronic resources librarian at the University of Texas at Arlington and the electronic resources management librarian at Southern Methodist University.

Recorded 10/12/2022

Explore methods to manage a busy library or department on a lean budget.  Learn about priority and project planning and preparing for surprises.  This session will also explore how outside funding like grants can provide a valuable boost of financing.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to prioritize your budget.
• Identify grants funds that meet your objectives.
• Gain strategies for assessing the value and cost of outside funding.

Presenters:
Julia Boxler is the Youth Programming Manager at Cuyahoga County Public Library. In her role, she has led programming from birth to age 18 and has been an integral lead in a number of youth initiatives at CCPL. Julia’s work includes the expansion and re-imagination of homework services, the creation of a new avenue of programming to assist youth who struggle to meet the third-grade reading guarantee, the coordination of Parent Engagement programming, including a kindergarten readiness initiative, and the ongoing creation of partnerships with local organizations to support youth with special needs and their families.  Julia's ability to get the most our of her budget has provided the resources necessary to implement her various programs.
 

Rebecca Ranallo, Director of the Literacy & Learning
Rebecca leads the development, implementation, oversight, and evaluation of library programming and literacy services for people of all ages.  Community needs are ever-changing, and Rebecca works to ensure that CCPL embraces the challenges in our community and recognizes the value of life-long learning. With more than fifteen years in public libraries, Rebecca has a strong history of implementing library initiatives that build confidence and access across the community and is expert at getting the most from her budget in order to do so.

Recorded 10/11/2022

Open educational resources, which are free and openly licensed learning materials, are becoming increasingly in-demand among patrons, especially faculty at academic institutions. This session will provide guidance in how to find openly licensed and other free educational materials, as well as ideas for how to communicate with faculty, students, and other patrons about these materials. Whether you regularly look for OERs or are completely new to the open education movement, this session will provide helpful tips for you!

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate the value of open education for learning, accessibility, and equity in education
• Find OERs and affordable learning content to meet specific disciplinary needs
• Communicate to faculty or other patrons effectively and efficiently about the affordable learning materials that were found

Presenter:

Mandi Goodsett (she/her) is the Performing Arts & Humanities Librarian, as well as the Open Educational Resource & Copyright Advisor, at Cleveland State University. She serves as an OhioLINK Affordable Learning Ambassador and an instructor for the Open Textbook Network OER Librarianship Certification. Her research interests include open education, critical thinking in library instruction, mentoring new professionals, and sustainability in libraries. In her free time Mandi loves cooking, playing board games with friends, and enjoying the outdoors of Northeast Ohio.

 

Recorded 10/5/2022

In this class, library staff will learn how to play an active, positive role in helping teen and young adult patrons navigate the process of applying to college. From learning the basics about the college application process today to programs they can run themselves and with partners, library staff will leave class not only more informed about the on-going changes and evolutions of the college application process, but also excited about using library resources to create a more equitable experience for young adults.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will build a baseline understanding of the contemporary college application process, including vocabulary and general components.
• Participants will learn about and explore various databases and library resources that will be relevant in serving college curious teens and young adults.
• Participants will formulate new and explore existing program ideas that can be implemented at libraries to help serve teens interested in learning more about applying to college and completing the process.

Presenter:

Aryssa Damron is a children’s librarian with the District of Columbia Public Library system. She serves on the YALSA Alex Awards for 2023, the ALSC Membership Committee, and is involved with the Jane Austen Society of North America. She holds a BA in English from Yale University and a MSLS from the University of Kentucky. She is the author of "The Path to the Ivy League Leads Straight Through the Public Library," a chapter in the book Hope and a Future: Perspectives on the Impact that Librarians and Libraries Have on Our World.

Recorded 9/27/2022

What is critical library instruction? How do librarians use it to address injustices in libraries and information systems, and how do our current situations complicate and create new possibilities for its practice? By striving to recognize education's potential for social change and emboldening the learner's agency, critical library instruction has much to offer librarians interested in reevaluating their teaching practices. This session will illustrate some of the many ways that librarians incorporate this vital approach to teaching the complexities of information. Attendees will learn what critical approaches to instruction can look like, and consider issues involved in this demanding but important approach to teaching in libraries. This presentation will introduce the essentials of critical librarianship, consider how librarians have applied this theory and practice to instruction, and reflect on what critical library instruction means in our times of hybrid learning and intensified inequalities.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Identify foundational principles of critical librarianship 
• Describe ways that academic librarians can practice critical library instruction 
• Articulate challenges and possibilities in making your own library instruction sessions more critical and meaningful to learners

 Presenter:

Eamon Tewell (he/him/his) is Head of Research Support and Outreach for Columbia University’s Science, Engineering, & Social Science Libraries, where he supervises a team of subject librarians and identifies ways to support the research and learning needs of students and faculty through reference and instruction. Eamon has published and presented on the topics of critical information literacy, library instruction, critical reference practice, and questioning narratives of grit and resilience in libraries, and is a recipient of the Jesse H. Shera Award for Distinguished Research. He received his MS in Library & Information Science from Drexel University and his MA in Media Studies from Long Island University.
 

Recorded 9/14/2022

The webinar presenters will walk attendees through a process by which common problems faced by academic libraries can potentially be resolved. The webinar will focus on budget, space, and personnel challenges using real examples. These case studies will explore the outcomes, both positive and negative, and allow the attendees to explore potential iterative approaches of their own.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Come away with a basic understanding of iterative design.
• Be able to compare own academic environments with those of real-life case studies.
• Be able to apply iterative design processes to own library challenges.

Presenters:

Joelle Pitts is the Senior Associate Dean for Carnegie Mellon University Libraries. In that role she is responsible for library finances, access services, technical services including cataloging and acquisitions, operations, human resources, assessment, and reporting. Previously she served as the head of the Content Development and Academic Services departments of the Kansas State University Libraries. Joelle holds masters degrees in library science and business administration. She is a founder and board member of the award-winning New Literacies Alliance, an inter-institutional information literacy consortium dedicated to creating institutional, technological, and vendor-agnostic online lessons. Integrating her instructional design, collections, and management experience, Joelle’s research areas include: distance education and e-learning theory, design, and assessment; inter-institutional collaboration; collection assessment; as well as the intersections of scholarly communication and information literacy. She has published and presented on these topics at the local, national, and international level.
 
L. Angie Ohler is the Associate University Librarian for Collections and Content Strategy at the University of Minnesota Libraries with responsibilities for collections strategy and budget, statewide enterprise systems, acquisitions and e-resource management, cataloging and metadata, preservation, ILL and digital delivery, copyright and scholarly communications. Previously, she served as the Associate Dean for Content and Digital Initiatives at the University of Arkansas Libraries and before that was the Director of Collection Services at the University of Maryland Libraries. Angie has had a long career working with and across consortia, acting as the central point of negotiation for statewide library groups across Maryland and Arkansas, and was instrumental in helping national consortia NERL and GWLA to codify their preferred practices for vendor and publisher negotiations. She earned her MLIS at Catholic University and a Masters in Anthropology from American University in Washington DC. A regular contributor to the profession, Angie is currently the Chair of the American Library Association’s Core Division Metadata and Collections Section. Her scholarship includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and national conference presentations focusing on scholarly communication, collection development, e-resource management, library IT and systems, organizational change and change management.
 

Recorded 9/7/2022

Boundaries and limit settings for patrons at public libraries can prevent library workers from feeling drained at the end of a work day. When healthy boundaries are set, it helps us manage our own frustration or anger instead of feeling as if there is a loss of control. This session will teach participants not only how to identify when patrons blur the lines of professional and personal boundaries in the library, but how to work through the common boundaries issues that are faced when dealing with the public.

Learning Objectives: 

• Session will provide applicable concepts on how to identify and understand most common situations when patrons blur professional and personal boundaries.
• Session will provide practical tools to library staff on how to set limits and deal with patrons who cross the boundary lines when visiting libraries.
• Participants will learn de-escalation techniques when dealing with difficult patrons.
• Participants will learn the importance of self -care by learning new techniques on how to take care of themselves during and after these uncomfortable encounters.

Presenter: 
Nicole Bryan, MLS Neighborhood Library Supervisor, Brooklyn Public Library
Nicole has spent some of her career within the social services arena, developing programs and meeting constituents' needs. Currently, she assesses the delivery of library services, by employing trauma-informed methods, to transitional populations in public library branches and homeless shelters in Brooklyn, N.Y. She received her MLS degree from Long Island University.

Recorded 8/31/2022

Being short on resources seems to be "the new normal" for libraries— and having too little money and too few staff members always leads to the same predicament: not enough time. While it is not possible to create more time, making use of time management tools can help you to make improvements in your productivity—while also decreasing stress and frustration and increasing satisfaction and well-being.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess your personal opportunities and focus areas for time management changes
• Identify 5-7 specific time management tools and techniques that can be adapted to a variety of tasks and roles
•  Make plans to immediately improve your time management (and how you feel at work)

Presenter:
Brenda Hough is a librarian, writer, and learning professional with 25 years of professional experience working in and supporting libraries by providing training and consulting services. She is the author of Crash Course in Time Management for Library Staff and the co-editor of WebJunction’s Competency Index for the Library Field. She is an adjunct instructor for Emporia State University (KS). She has worked on projects for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WebJunction, the Public Library Association, Infopeople, California Libraries Learn (CALL), the State Library of Arizona, the State Library of Oregon, the Northeast Kansas Library System, and more. She is the owner of EluciDare Learning.

Recorded 8/23/2022

This training will focus on understanding what constitutes sexual harassment of library employees, whether from co-workers or customers, and will discuss how to effectively  prevent and handle incidences.

Learning Objectives:

• Discussion of harassing versus irritating behavior
• Tips for preventing harassment
• Effectively responding to incidents

Presenter:

Barbara Baker is a Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) in Independence, Ohio. As a Federal Mediator, she assists parties in collective bargaining negotiations and mediates labor and employment disputes in the private, public and federal sectors. In addition, Ms. Baker trains labor advocates and management in collective bargaining including bargaining processes, contract administration, steward/supervisor training and developing effective labor management committees. She also provides training in communication skills such as conflict resolution, active listening and communication dynamics. Ms. Baker facilitates person to person dialogues as well as group discussions to promote strong workplace relationships.


​ 

Recorded 8/18/2022

We have all heard the saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” This is the essence of Agile Project Management. In contrast to more traditional project management methodologies, Agile puts the emphasis on consistent collaboration, evaluation, and iteration throughout the project lifecycle to increase the possibility of a successful deliverable. Much of the work done in libraries is in the form of projects (e.g., a new program, the redesign of a space, or a library-wide collection audit). In this webinar, we will discuss Agile Project Management and the benefits of utilizing and adapting this methodology when embarking on a new library project, big or small.  

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principles of Agile Project Management and how they compare to other methods of project management.  
• Examine the benefits of utilizing Agile when managing library projects.  
• Explore possible adaptations of the Agile method and discuss the process of implementation. 
• Discuss specific examples of library projects and how Agile could be applied.  

Presenter:  

Ragan Snead is a Continuing Education Coordinator at the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System and has over 10 years of experience in public and academic libraries. She has a passion for staff development and helping library staff reach their full potential. In addition to her work in various areas of librarianship, Ragan has also helped library staff and patrons navigate new and evolving technology. She received her MLIS from Kent State University and her MBA from Lake Erie College. 

Recorded 8/17/2022

Five years ago, Kent District Library (MI) created a response framework for their employees to use to respond to difficult situations that occur in the library. Responding to concerns and complaints in a kind and empathetic way ensures people feel listened to and cared for. This prevents escalation and helps maintain a safe environment.  Last year, Kent District Library revisited the Frameworks through the lens of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.  The new Frameworks focuses on learning and growing together, and de-escalating situations for the safety of all, while addressing unconscious bias.  
 
In this session, we will introduce four frameworks which each have an acronym to help staff remember the steps.  
 
Code Green, LEARN 
Code Yellow, CARDS 
Code Red, EBBS 
Code Follow-Up, FLOWS
 
The Code Green Framework is for daily complaints and interactions, such as book challenges.  Code Yellow is for slightly more escalated situations, and Code Red is for situations where the safety of patrons and staff may be at risk.  Finally, Code follow-Up focuses on self-care and reflection after a difficult situation.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon Completion, participant will be able to plan for the development of a response framework for their communities. 
• Participants will be able to create an evaluation plan for existing patron behavior responses to ensure the diverse experiences and backgrounds of the community are respected and policies are equitable. 
• At the end of the session, participants will be able to employ responses for immediate use with their patrons. 

Presenters:

Liz Knapp is a Regional Manager I at Kent District Library in Kent County, Michigan.  Liz's region includes three libraries, two in rural areas, and two in suburban areas.  Liz has worked in libraries for over 20 years in Michigan, Florida and Indiana. She has been part of the Response Framework project for 6 years and is the current leader.  Liz has presented on a regional, state, and national level on kind, empathetic and compassionate communication in difficult situations.   

Shelley Roossien has been the Accessibility & Inclusion Specialist for KDL for the past 17 years. She heads up the Talking Book & Braille Center program, as well as other library services and programs for people with disabilities. She is also the co-leader for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion workgroup.  

Leigh Verburg is a Branch Librarian at Kent District Library and is engaged with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion workgroup within the library system. She is passionate about social justice and acknowledging race, power and privilege to help deconstruct systemic racism. 
 

Recorded 8/16/2022

This webinar offers positive actions leaders must take to help break free from stress, perfectionism and self-doubt so they can find the confidence to work and lead effectively.

Learning Objectives:

• Achieve confidence and break free from self-doubt
• Find your voice to speak and act with assertiveness
• Build resilience and bounce back from setbacks

Presenter:

Marti Peden is the owner and principal of Peden & Associates, a training and consulting company based in Akron, Ohio.  For more than 30 years, she has been a trainer, facilitator, speaker and organizational development professional.  She specializes in conflict resolution, managing change, strategic planning, team building and positive approaches to life’s challenges. 
 
For over 25 years, Marti has worked with numerous libraries as a speaker, facilitator and strategic planning consultant.  She has worked with many of the libraries within the NEO-RLS regional library system as well as facilitating staff days for various public libraries.  She presented at the 2013 ALA convention in Chicago, IL and the 2014 PLA convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Marti holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The University of Steubenville and a Master’s of Education Degree from Kent State University.  She is an annual presenter for executive leadership programs such as the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and the Executive Education Program at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

Recorded 8/10/2022

Omaha Public Library implemented a subject librarian model as a way to reimagine adult services. From idea, beta team, to embedding subject librarians in OPL’s library system and the greater community, you will learn how it all started and how the subject librarian team operates today. Highlights will include examples of successful projects, programs, and ways to implement this model if it is the right fit for your library.

Learning Objectives:

• Introduction to the subject librarian model
• Determine if the subject librarian model is a fit for your library
• Be provided with a framework to get started

Presenter:

Amy Mather is an Adult Services Manager at Omaha Public Library. Amy believes in connecting the community through information, storytelling and relationships. She established and manages a team of subject librarians who develop programming, outreach and engagement strategies, and curated collections around community-based interests. She is also responsible for the planning and production of several popular events at Omaha Public Library. Amy won the Library Journal’s Movers & Shakers award in 2010 for her outreach efforts to young professionals, hosted her own podcast for four years (before everybody had a podcast), and has also worked as an adjunct instructor teaching human relation skills at Omaha’s community college. Amy completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Mexico, and completed her master’s degree in library and information science from Louisiana State University. Though she grew up in West Virginia and has lived in New Mexico, Louisiana, and Washington D.C., she considers Omaha home. In her free time, Amy enjoys reading, yoga, making jewelry, and has recently started bird-watching with her new binoculars.

Recorded 8/3/2022

In this 90-minute webinar you'll gain an understanding of which guidelines are used to measure website accessibility in the United States and how to begin to evaluate your own library's site for potential issues. We'll also discuss some common pitfalls and things to avoid.
 

Topics for this webinar include:

• What accessibility means in a web context, and how it differs from web usability
• Legal issues surrounding web accessibility and how these can affect libraries
• National and international standards commonly used for accessibility evaluations, and which to use, when
• An introduction to automated validators and what they can and cannot do
• Actual code examples for both good and bad implementations of some common HTML elements

Learning Objectives:

• Know what website accessibility is and why it matters, including from a legal standpoint
• Learn of the two main standards used for website accessibility and when to apply them
• Understand how automated validators work and what they can and cannot do
• Learn several code examples, both good and bad, for increasing accessibility

Presenter:

Laura Solomon, MCIW, MLS, is the Library Services Manager for the Ohio Public Library Information Network and a W3C-certified front-end web developer.  She has been doing web development and design for more than twenty years in both public libraries and as an independent consultant. She specializes in developing with Drupal. She is a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker. She’s written three books about social media and content marketing, specifically for libraries, and speaks nationally on both these and technology-related topics.  As a former children’s librarian, she enjoys bringing the “fun of technology” to audiences and in giving libraries the tools they need to better serve the virtual customer.


 

Recorded 7/26/2022

Columbus Metropolitan Library staff will share their expertise in the evaluation and selection of furnishings for public library settings. Case study examples will be shown including what products and materials have worked well and what have not. Magee and Jones both hold degrees in Interior Design and have experience working in the industry.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn tips and tricks for selecting furniture.

• Identify considerations in selecting fabric/material options.

• See what’s new in furniture options.

Presenters: 

Steve Magee, Senior Project Manager
Deanna Jones, Senior Project Manager, Columbus Metropolitan Library
 

Recorded 7/21/2022

Has anyone ever asked you to catalog a bicycle? Libraries have been adding more and more non-book materials to our catalogs: models, tools, toys… even ukuleles. This session will discuss content versus carrier for non-books, then walk through the most important descriptive data for any format. Build the confidence to catalog all your weirdest stuff!
 
Learning Objectives:

• Identify content versus carrier fields in RDA MARC21 bib records
• Include crucial descriptions to maximize searchability
• Use a “weird stuff” template as a starting point in future cataloging

Presenter:
Misty Alvaro is the Materials Manager for Columbus Metropolitan Library, in charge of all cataloging and processing operations. They have worked in public, academic, and special libraries; in all functional areas from circulation and public services librarianship to special collections cataloging and management.
 

Recorded 7/14/2022

You’ve decided to renovate your library either in its entirety or just a section.  This session will cover case studies of recent library renovations in the state of Ohio. The presenters will share what decisions they had to make during the design and construction process, as well as lessons learned. There will be ample time for questions.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn what design considerations to contemplate when renovating a library.

• Hear lessons learned from recent renovation projects in Ohio libraries.

• Understand considerations for historical renovations.

Presenters:

Peter Bolek, President and Director of design for HBM Architects, is the heart of the firm’s collaborative working model, taking an active role in both strategic and detailed design solutions in the studio.  His passion lies in the belief that in addition to solving complex and pragmatic needs of a client’s program, design has the transformative power to enhance our everyday life experiences.  Peter provides design leadership and insight into all the firm’s projects, as well as acting as the project designer on the firm’s most significant projects. 
Peter has more than 20 years of experience with public sector clients and has participated in and orchestrated all facets of feasibility studies, programming, planning, design and construction of library projects across the country.

​Wendy Tressler, M.Ed, MLIS, Director of Capital Planning & Project Management, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Throughout the past two decades, Wendy Tressler, M.Ed., MLIS has worked in a variety of leadership roles at Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML). Currently serving as the Director of Capital Planning & Project Management, she leads construction, facilities, technology, and lean/operational excellence projects for the library’s 24-building system. In her role, Tressler leads the library’s nearly $275M aspirational building program that includes the replacement or significant renovation of 18 buildings to date. 

Ms. Tressler is one of only a few women in Ohio leading construction management, and is recognized as an expert in library facilities building planning and project management. Her expertise and consultation has been shared widely; presenting and serving on numerous local, state, regional and national panels for the library, architecture and construction industries. Tressler’s leadership experience includes the Ohio Library Council and American Library Association (ALA). She has also guest lectured at Kent State University- Columbus Campus Master of Library Information Sciences (MLIS) program and Syracuse University Online MLIS program on project management in libraries. Tressler has been a member of ALA’s Core Library Interiors & Furnishings and Equipment committee since 2014 and was appointed Chair of the Building and Operations Section Leadership Team.

Recorded 7/13/2022

Time Management Yours and Theirs
Time management is one of the most important skills that any manager/supervisor should have.   Understanding, implementing and following effective time management practices will help you accomplish more.
 
Learning objectives:

• Valuing your own time
• Setting realistic priorities
• Delegating tasks effectively
• Recognizing and avoiding time wasters
• Taking Action
• Practical Tools

Presenter:

Kim DeNero-Ackroyd has been the Deputy Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library for 11 years. In this role, she supervises eight public service managers directly, as well as leads all public service activities. She currently serves on ALA Council, ALA’s Committee on Organizations and co-chairs PLA’s Membership Advisory Group. Prior to her current role, she has twice been a branch manager, in addition to other supervisory positions. In all of her positions, effective time management has been one of the critical components of success. She is passionate about helping to develop future and current library leaders.
 

Recorded 7/12/2022

Effective communicators are not born, they are continually developing. You can improve your communication skills and forge great relationships with employees by getting more intentional about how you communicate.

In many ways, your success as a supervisor will depend on how effective you are in communicating your messages to others in your library.
 
This program will focus on the dos and don’ts of effectively communicating with others (including your boss)!
 
Specifically, we will discuss:
 

• How to effectively use the Communication Cycle to determine the best way to create and send your messages (verbal and written)
• How to give more effective and more easily understood instructions
• The one question to NEVER ask your employees
• Tips on writing emails that get results

 
Presenter:

Andrew Sanderbeck is a respected expert presenter and consultant for libraries and library organizations on communication skills, customer service and self-care. He has presented at many national, state and regional conferences, as well as international conferences in the United Arab Emirates and more than a dozen European Countries.  He is the past board president of the Haywood County Public Libraries in Western North Carolina and now resides in Bradenton, Florida.
 

Recorded 6/22/2022

 Join Pam Linger, retired human resources manager, to learn what you should know as a supervisor when it comes to human resources.

Learning Objectives:

• Hiring – the process from beginning to end
• Job descriptions
• Performance Management

Presenter:

Pam Linger is an experienced Human Resources professional and owner of PML Consulting, LLC.  She has experience working both inside organizations as an HR professional, and outside organizations, as an HR consultant.  She often serves as an outsourced HR Manager for small to medium-sized organizations.   Her specialization is in executive and career coaching and handling difficult employee relations situations.  Pam believes that the most important characteristic of an excellent HR professional is the ability to balance the needs of the employees, effectively and compassionately, with those of the organization.  

Recorded 6/14/2022

Countless people have Gmail accounts but many of the other applications in the Google suite go unused. Although applications like Google Drive and Google Docs have a reputation for being less intuitive than other popular platforms, they can still be useful and it’s all free!  

Learning Objectives: 

• Learn what applications are offered free with your Gmail account 
• Explore the functionality of Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.  

Presenter:

Ragan Snead is a Continuing Education Coordinator at the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System and has over 10 years of experience in public and academic libraries. She has a passion for staff development and helping library staff reach their full potential. In addition to her work in various areas of librarianship, Ragan has also helped library staff and patrons navigate new and evolving technology. She received her MLIS from Kent State University and her MBA from Lake Erie College. 
 

Recorded 6/7/2022

Learn more about the processes required by Ohio law specifically for public libraries and what you need to know to make sure your library is following the law when hiring a Design Professional, Contractor, Construction Manager at Risk, or Design-Builder – it’s not just bidding anymore!

Learning Objectives:

• Understand what the law states regarding selecting an architect and/or engineer.

• Learn the difference between different construction methodologies.

• Hear tips for interviewing architects.

Presenters:

Laura Bowman, Partner Bricker & Eckler
Laura Bowman’s practice focuses on the preparation of construction project documents on behalf of private and public owners. Laura provides guidance on project delivery systems, including construction manager at risk and design-build, and creates procurement and bidding documents as well as construction project contracts. Her experience also includes advising public owners on compliance with Ohio statutory requirements relating to construction bidding and procurement. Project values vary from less than $100,000 to over $1 billion.

Laura represents a variety of public and private entities in Ohio. She has worked on agreements for private developers; renovation and new build projects for cities, villages, townships, libraries, counties and port authorities; jail construction and renovation projects; water/wastewater construction projects; and school renovations, including urgent necessity projects.

Wendy Tressler, M.Ed, MLIS, Director of Capital Planning & Project Management, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Throughout the past two decades, Wendy Tressler, M.Ed., MLIS has worked in a variety of leadership roles at Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML). Currently serving as the Director of Capital Planning & Project Management, she leads construction, facilities, technology, and lean/operational excellence projects for the library’s 24-building system. In her role, Tressler leads the library’s nearly $275M aspirational building program that includes the replacement or significant renovation of 18 buildings to date. 

Ms. Tressler is one of only a few women in Ohio leading construction management, and is recognized as an expert in library facilities building planning and project management. Her expertise and consultation has been shared widely; presenting and serving on numerous local, state, regional and national panels for the library, architecture and construction industries. Tressler’s leadership experience includes the Ohio Library Council and American Library Association (ALA). She has also guest lectured at Kent State University- Columbus Campus Master of Library Information Sciences (MLIS) program and Syracuse University Online MLIS program on project management in libraries. Tressler has been a member of ALA’s Core Library Interiors & Furnishings and Equipment committee since 2014 and was appointed Chair of the Building and Operations Section Leadership Team.

Recorded 6/2/2022

Microsoft Teams gained considerable traction during the pandemic and has been increasingly popular as a “full service” business communications platform. Teams offers video conferencing, file storage, and application integrations. It can be a very useful and effective tool for both remote and in-person collaboration when utilized effectively.  

Learning objectives: 

• Learn the layout and basic functions of Microsoft Teams 
• Learn about SharePoint and OneDrive and understand how they interact with Teams 
• Explore applications that may be useful to you and your library 

Presenter:

Ragan Snead is a Continuing Education Coordinator at the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System and has over 10 years of experience in public and academic libraries. She has a passion for staff development and helping library staff reach their full potential. In addition to her work in various areas of librarianship, Ragan has also helped library staff and patrons navigate new and evolving technology. She received her MLIS from Kent State University and her MBA from Lake Erie College. 


 

Recorded 6/1/2022

 Join Pam Linger, retired human resources manager, to learn what you should know as a supervisor when it comes to human resources.

Learning Objectives:

• The big compliance issues (FLSA, EEOC, ADA and FMLA)
• What a supervisor can ask/say to employees
• Harassment and discrimination

Presenter:

Pam Linger is an experienced Human Resources professional and owner of PML Consulting, LLC.  She has experience working both inside organizations as an HR professional, and outside organizations, as an HR consultant.  She often serves as an outsourced HR Manager for small to medium-sized organizations.   Her specialization is in executive and career coaching and handling difficult employee relations situations.  Pam believes that the most important characteristic of an excellent HR professional is the ability to balance the needs of the employees, effectively and compassionately, with those of the organization.  

Recorded 5/24/2022

Making certain LGBTQIA+ books are accessible for all children is more important than ever, but would-be censors are making it much more difficult. We will talk about why these books are a critical part of your collection and how to deal with would-be censors and other stakeholders. We will suggest ways to make sure your teens continue to view your library as a safe space with the books they need. And finally, we will share some of the newest books published in the past year.

There will be time for questions.

Learning Objectives:

• You will learn why LGBTQIA+ books are critical to your collection
• You will learn how to deal with would-be-censors
• You will learn ways to make sure teens feel they have a safe space at the library

Presenters:
Please visit our websites to get a taste of who we are and what we do.

Dr. Christina Dorr. https://www.opendorrs2books.com/
Christina Dorr’s love affair with books began early when her mother took her to the tiny, red-brick public library in their village. This involvement has led her to become an award-winning librarian, faculty member, author, presenter, and consultant. She has served on a number of state and national book award committees, including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Geisel Award, and Stonewall committees. Profiles in Resilience: Books for Children and Teens that Center the Lived Experience of Generational Poverty is her third book, and second published by the American Library Association.
 

Liz Deskins. http://www.lizdeskins.com
Lizabeth (Liz) Deskins began teaching as an adjunct instructor for Kent State’s School Library Media K-12 Program in 2017. Prior to teaching at Kent State, Liz taught graduate courses in education and library science at Ohio Dominican University for eight years. In addition, Liz has taught multiple online courses and webinars for the American Library Association's AASL and ALSC divisions, as well as for INFOhio.  Liz has worked 30+ years as a school librarian. Liz’s master’s degree focused on literature for children and young adults. She has co-authored two books with Dr. Christina Dorr: Linking Picture Book Biographies to National Content Standards: 200+ Lives to Explore (ABC-Clio, 2015) and LGBTQAI+ Books for Children and Teens: Providing a Window for All (ALA Editions, 2018). Her latest book is Content Area Collaborations for Secondary Grades, published by ALA Editions in 2019.

Recorded 5/19/2022

Financing projects big and small is interdisciplinary — legal and financial. This session will review voted and unvoted legal options for financing projects and the related cost of funds for each option. Fitting financing into an overall financial and facilities plan will also be discussed as well as managing expectations about what is possible given practical constraints.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn options for financing library building projects including utilizing PLF notes.

• Identify legal elements of financing library projects.

• Utilizing facilities plans in the budget process

Presenters:

Rebecca Princehorn, Partner, Bricker & Eckler LLP
Rebecca Princehorn is a partner in Bricker & Eckler's Public Finance group. Her practice emphasizes school and local government law. She served as bond counsel for the first Ohio publicly offered Public Library Fund-backed library notes.  She has also structured collaborations between local governments, particularly those involving libraries and school districts, and gifts to local governments. Becky is a frequent lecturer on public finance for several organizations, including the Ohio Library Council, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, Ohio School Boards Association, Ohio Association of School Business Officials, Ohio Township Association, Ohio Association of Public Treasurers, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association and the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. She serves as Editor of Baldwin's Ohio Practice, Local Government Law-Township, published by Thomson/Reuters Publishing.

Patrick King, Senior Vice President of Public Finance, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.

Lauren Hagan, Chief Financial Officer/Fiscal Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Lauren joined CML in January 2018. As the library’s Chief Financial Officer, Lauren leads the Finance, Property Management, Procurement, Capital Planning & Project Management and Data Analytics & Insights departments. Prior to joining CML, Lauren served as Senior Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller at Loyola University Chicago and was responsible for the financial operations of several significant units within the finance division including general accounting, financial systems, payroll, the student business office and accounts payable. Lauren had the pleasure of working at Loyola University Chicago for nearly eight years where she held various roles in finance and administration. Lauren’s career began in public accounting gaining experience in both audit and tax at two large public accounting firms. Lauren is passionate about issues affecting women and families and is on the finance committee of South Side Early Learning (SSEL) an early childhood nonprofit. Lauren is a member of Columbus Business First’s 40 Under 40 class of 2020. Lauren earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in accounting from Loyola University Chicago; she is also a CPA. Lauren and her husband Jim Venetucci live in Hilliard and have two young children, Joe (6) and Theo (3).
 

Recorded 5/18/2022

Designed primarily for front-line library staff, Handling Patron Content Concerns in Challenging Times will provide tips and advice for dealing with informal challenges to library materials that are occurring across the United States. During this webinar, Dr. Dawkins will equip participants with a step-by-step process to de-escalate potentially hostile encounters. In addition, participants will review talking points to help patrons understand why library workers are advocates for patron access.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Understand and be able to articulate the legal and ethical foundation for the Freedom to Read
• Develop a step-by-step process for handling oral complaints/concerns with a variety of types of complainants

Presenter:

Dr. April Dawkins is an assistant professor in the Library and Information Science department at UNC Greensboro. She teaches Materials for Adolescents, Legal & Ethical Issues in School Libraries, and Reading, Literacy, and the Library. Dr. Dawkins is a member of the School Library Research editorial board. She is also the editor of Intellectual Freedom Issues in School Libraries (Libraries Unlimited, 2017). Her research interests include intellectual freedom, self-censorship, and access and equity issues in school libraries and diversity in young adult literature.

Recorded 5/10/2022

A one-hour virtual presentation given by the Ohio Auditor of State’s Chief Legal Counsel, Mary DeGenaro, on the Ohio Public Records Act and Open Meeting Act, as well as the importance of proper record retention.

Learning Objectives;

• Provide understanding of Ohio’s Public Records Act
• Provide understanding of Ohio’s Open Meetings Act
• Provide understanding of Ohio’s Record Retention Laws

Presenter:

Mary DeGenaro is the Chief Legal Counsel for Auditor of State Keith Faber, the third branch of government in which she has served Ohio.  For 18 years she served in the judiciary as the 159th justice of the Ohio Supreme Court and as a judge on the Seventh District Court of Appeals, comprised of Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, Mahoning, Monroe and Noble Counties.  Prior to that she was a member of Poland Village Council. 
Admitted to the Ohio bar in 1986, Mary is also admitted to practice in the federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983 from Youngstown State University and her law degree in 1986 from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University, where she interned with U.S. District Judge George White.


 

Critical cataloging as a subset of Critical Librarianship has been around for decades but has been getting more well-known and gaining support recently. In this presentation we will review what critical cataloging is, the changes that the Library of Congress has been making recently, and what libraries can do locally to support a more ethical catalog.

Learning objectives:

• Attendees will review principles of critical/ethical cataloging
• Attendees will learn about changes the Library of Congress is actively making and how to stay updated
• Attendees will identify ways to implement ethical cataloging choices locally

Presenter:

Chloe Bragg is the Cataloging Librarian at the Ingalls Library at the Cleveland Museum of Art. She received her MLIS after achieving a degree in Anthropology at Kent State University. Chloe has worked in technical services in academic and special libraries. She is passionate about DEI issues in librarianship, especially in critical librarianship and critical cataloging.
 

Curious about what's new in library design? In this session, we will cover an overview of current trends in library design with a panel of experts in library design. Case studies of 5 new buildings will be reviewed to highlight examples in action. There will be ample time for questions.  The session will be moderated by Wendy Tressler, MLIS, Director of Capital Planning & Project Management, Columbus Metropolitan Library.  The panel of experts include:  

• Marc Bittinger, Design Principal CBLH Design
• Peter Bolek, President and Director of Design HBM Architects
• Jonathan Moody, CEO Moody Nolan
• Richard Ortmeyer, Partner Bostwick Design Partnership
• Margaret Sullivan, Principal Margaret Sullivan Studio

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding the Design Process
•  DEI and ADA considerations
• Hearing about current trends

Presenters:  

Rick Ortmeyer has 30 years of experience serving the public sector and institutional clients, providing him with a deep understanding of the responsibilities inherent to institutions supported through public and philanthropic funding. His career experience includes over 80 library planning and design projects, 45 with Bostwick Design Partnership since he joined the firm in 2003.
 

There are so many ways to get information these days. Tweets, texts, news feeds, search engines, and social media bring it to us with a touch at all hours. When any newsclip or meme you want can be retweeted, pushed, or streamed with little effort and (sometimes) even less thought, how can library users determine the credibility and authority of what they’ve discovered? With information in different formats on disparate platforms, how can librarians help their community members make sophisticated decisions instead of uninformed leaps? How has the value of information changed for library users, who’ve become skeptical of experts and challenged the value of public discourse?

Learning Objectives:

• Examine elements of misinformation and disinformation while exploring methods to help library users make informed information choices
• Group discussions will highlight current user engagement with information quality and unique opportunities for library staff to participate in information literacy
• Through timely examples and patron-based scenario exercises, participants will analyze the value of information and learn how to identify potential avenues for user communication and education

Participants will be going into breakout rooms

Presenters:

Megan Mamolenis a Librarian and Assistant Professor at Lakeland Community College. During her time at Lakeland, Megan has provided information literacy education and reference services, and has served as e-resources manager. Megan is interested in creating unique library programming that highlights the Association of College and Research Libraries’ information literacy framework as well as mental health resources that are available in the library and throughout the college. 

Thomas Hylandis the Library Program Chair and a Professor at Lakeland Community College. Thomas focuses on information literacy instruction, specializing in active learning in the classroom and the assessment of student learning outcomes.
 

A superb high school librarian, in a discussion of making a place for all stories, explained the groups she was expanding her collection to more accurately and completely represent.  When I asked about voices of those living in generational poverty, she paused and very honestly replied, “I never thought about representation and socioeconomics.”  And proceeded to ask me about titles.  So in this webinar, we will do just that: think about our children and teens navigating the world today living in poverty – both their joys and challenges.  And how to develop our collections to represent their voices.  There will be time for questions and answers, and sharing our stories.  Please visit Christina's website to get a taste of who she is and what she does: www.opendorrs2books.com

Learning Objectives:

• Think about our children and teens navigating the world today living in poverty
• How to develop our collections to represent their voices

Presenter:
 

Christina Dorr’s love affair with books began early when her mother took her to the tiny, red-brick public library in their village. This involvement has led her to become an award-winning librarian, faculty member, author, presenter, and consultant. She has served on a number of state and national book award committees, including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Geisel Award, and Stonewall committees. Profiles in Resilience: Books for Children and Teens that Center the Lived Experience of Generational Poverty is her third book, and second published by the American Library Association. You can visit her website at www.opendorrs2books.com.

Whether you are a new a supervisor or a seasoned manager, this interactive webinar will help you enhance your skills in managing your team. The webinar will focus on building a cohesive team and creating and maintaining trust. It will also provide a step-by-step guide for having difficult conversations and give participants the opportunity to practice conversations about common work situations.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to create and build a cohesive team
• Learn the dos and don’ts of creating and maintaining trust
• Learn a step-by-step process for having difficult conversations

Presenter:

Barbara Baker is a Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) in Independence, Ohio. As a Federal Mediator, she assists parties in collective bargaining negotiations and mediates labor and employment disputes in the private, public and federal sectors. In addition, Ms. Baker trains labor advocates and management in collective bargaining including bargaining processes, contract administration, steward/supervisor training and developing effective labor management committees. She also provides training in communication skills such as conflict resolution, active listening and communication dynamics. Ms. Baker facilitates person to person dialogues as well as group discussions to promote strong workplace relationships.

Interested in learning more about library building projects? In this session, we will cover an overview of common terms, provide sample design and construction timelines, share examples for communicating with patrons, as well as, review land selection criteria, and considerations for when to renovate or build new.  At the end of the session, we will provide an overview of the upcoming sessions.  There will be ample time for questions.  The session will be facilitated by Wendy Tressler, MLIS, Director of Capital Planning & Project Management, Columbus Metropolitan Library.  Wendy has worked on library building projects of all shapes and sizes for over a decade. She also is active with ALA Core Building & Operations Section serving on the Building & Operations Leadership Committee.

Learning Objectives:

• Overview and terms 
• ​Design Phases, sample timelines
• Communicating with patrons
• Land selection
• To build new or renovate?

Presenter:

Wendy Tressler Jasper, M.Ed, MLIS, is a part time Library Consultant and works full time as the Manager of Capital Planning & Construction, Columbus Metropolitan Library. Over the past 18 years, Wendy Tressler Jasper has worked in a variety of management roles at the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) beginning her career in the HR department as the Organizational Development Manager. After 7 years working on a variety of HR projects (such as, training on Customer Service, Diversity, Management, and Reference Skills, revision of Policies & Procedures, Job Descriptions, creation of a Wellness Program, Unobtrusive Survey, and Staff Development Day), she transitioned to the Project Management & Quality Department to serve as manager. Ms. Jasper and her team worked on a variety of projects including process improvements in support and public services, the creation of the Outdoor Reading Room at Columbus Commons Park (which gained national press), and the creation and implementation of project management methodology across the system. Her knowledge of project management lead Wendy to be assigned as a member of the 2020 Vision Plan (CML’s aspirational building program) core team in 2012. In 2013, she joined the 2020 Vision Plan department full time and to date has lead the completion of ten building projects including the renovation of Main Library. In addition to her work at CML, she is involved in external leadership roles with OLC and ALA-LLAMA, including serving as Chair of the Executive Committee of LLAMA’s Building and Equipment Committee and is a member of LLAMA’s Project Management Committee.

Reaching the teens in your community can be tough even in the best of times, but the COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us wondering: where did all the teens go?  Join Steve Moser and Sarah Amazing, long-time teen librarians, as we share our tried-and-true strategies and brainstorm some new ideas. While there's no guarantee that if you do this they will come, it has worked for countless libraries.  Through a multi-step process, learn how to help set yourself up for success.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the importance of creating a safe, welcoming space for ALL teens
• Develop strategies for determining teens’ needs & interests and connecting them to programs
• Refresh their planning & marketing knowledge

Sarah Amazing is the Teen Services Supervisor at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library. Having worked with teens since 2007, she has worked with YALSA and the Ohio Library Council as a committee member, speaker, and writer. She writes at zen-teen.com.

Steve Moser is the Teen Services Librarian at the Trotwood Branch of the Dayton Metro Library. Having worked with teens in libraries since 2004, he has worked with the Ohio Library Council on multiple committees, chairing several. Steve is currently a part of Ohio's Transforming Teen Services Team through YALSA.

This is for new adult paraprofessionals/librarians or staff who may be new to collecting, providing reader's advisory or creating displays for the diverse non-fiction found throughout library collections.

Learning Objectives:

• Define and explore the various types of diversity
• Find diversity throughout the Dewey centuries of adult nonfiction collections
• Incorporate diversity into displays, discussions, and programming to promote empathy, equity, and inclusion

Presenter:

Ericableu Bartik has enjoyed a varied library career.  She has worked as a both a reference and music librarian in academic and public libraries. In 2009, she joined Cuyahoga County Public Library’s collection development department where she selects adult nonfiction, music, and magazines and newspapers.

 

As new supervisors you may find unresolved challenges with your staff that need to be addressed sooner rather than later.  How do you go about addressing something that might have been brewing for a long time without Rocking the Boat?  Learn how to use expectations, goals, communication, follow-up and follow-through to right the ship and move forward with confidence.

Presenter:

Cheryl Kuonen, Director, Mentor Public Library
 

Your donors and prospective donors are bombarded with information – just like the rest of us. In fact, the average person encounters an estimated 6,000-10,000 marketing messages/ads per day both online and in person. Participants in this session will learn ways their organization can reach donors through the everyday noise and distractions. 
 
Learning Objectives – Participants will:

• Learn the importance of developing constituent personas
• Understand how developing donor-centered language is essential to attracting new and ongoing gifts
• Learn best practices in aligning messaging with where donors are in the giving process

 Presenter:

Amy Wong, president, Dot Org Solutions, believes the world is a better place because of the special work nonprofits do for our communities, making them better places to live, work and raise families. As president of Dot Org Solutions, she is a champion for small businesses for the role they play in creating jobs, delivering important products and services, and keeping the economy strong. Her goal for nonprofits and small businesses is to get the recognition they deserve for the role they play in the success of our communities. She supports this goal through volunteer activities, mentoring other business owners and the relationships the Dot Org team develops with its clients and partners.

 

Cari Hillman, Community Engagement Director of the MidPointe Library System shares marketing tips and tricks to help make your summer a success. Scalable to libraries of all sizes, this session will outline the power of a comprehensive marketing plan and (if applicable) ways to use CSLP resources for your marketing mix.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the value of going “all in” on summer library programs
• Reframe your summer marketing mindset
• Tips to engage your staff

Presenter:

Cari Hillman has nearly 20 years of marketing experience, though she uses assorted social media filters to make it look more like 5. She serves as the community engagement director for the MidPointe Library System in southwest Ohio, overseeing library marketing, system-wide programming and community partnership development. She assists on multiple local boards and committees, including Downtown Middletown Inc. and Women Enriching Lives. Additionally, she is the chair of the CSLP Social Media Committee. She hates Twitter, loves Instagram and dreams of enlisting TikTok celebrities in her library marketing campaigns.
 

This training will provide practical tools to help staff and supervisors empower employees/colleagues. It will also provide ways to stay productive and inspired in the face of new challenges.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn how to recognize their own emotional status and needs 
• Participants will learn practical ways to connect and support staff and colleagues during uncertain times
• Participants will learn how to foster positive coping mechanisms for themselves and to share with others when facing new challenges

Presenter: 
Nicole Bryan, MLS Neighborhood Library Supervisor, Brooklyn Public Library
Nicole has spent some of her career within the social services arena, developing programs and meeting constituents' needs. Currently, she assess the delivery of library services, by employing trauma-informed methods, to transitional populations in public library branches and homeless shelters in Brooklyn, N.Y. She received her MLS degree from Long Island University.

Knowing which recruitment strategies to use for hiring non-librarian professional positions has always been a challenge in our libraries, and has been especially difficult during the Pandemic.    In this course, you will learn creative websites to use for recruitment and creative ways to use existing websites.   You will also learn how to utilize partners and vendors to assist you in sorting through the deluge of resumes that you will receive.

Learning Objectives

• Review of current recruitment sites and their features
• Temp to hire – the pros and cons
• Partnering with vendors for specialized positions
• See it from candidate's perspective

Presenter:

Pam Linger is an experienced Human Resources professional and owner of PML Consulting, LLC.  She has experience working both inside organizations as an HR professional, and outside organizations, as an HR consultant.  She often serves as an outsourced HR Manager for small to medium-sized organizations.   Her specialization is in executive and career coaching and handling difficult employee relations situations.  Pam believes that the most important characteristic of an excellent HR professional is the ability to balance the needs of the employees, effectively and compassionately, with those of the organization.  

Want to get a little more life from your paperbacks? Need a few more circs on your best sellers before they fall apart? If so, then this program is for you! Loaded with useful information on how to get the most from your collection, this program covers a wide range of book repair techniques. While some techniques may be applicable, this program is not recommended for those interested in archival repair.

You will be sent a supply list that you will need for the workshop

Presenter:

Bobbie Patridge is the supervisor of the Conservation and Processing departments at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Bobbie has been mentoring new conservationists and has been teaching interested groups on materials repair for over thirty years.
 

No one has completely conquered hybrid programming.  However, this webinar will provide some input from the libraries that have implemented it.  CJ Lynce, Assistant Director of Westlake Porter Public Library will share information about the equipment that the library purchased and how it is being best utilized along with other equipment that is available on the market.

Avon Lake Public Library made plans for full-on hybrid programming this fall, but some procedures and expectations had to be adjusted. Gerry Vogel , Assistant Director, will offer some lessons learned during the process, and a frank discussion of human factors in successful hybrid programming: what went right, what went wrong, what worked at ALPL, and what may work better elsewhere. 

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about different equipment needed for hybrid programming
• Learn about programs offered
• What lessons were learned along the way

Presenters:

CJ Lynce, Assistant Director, Westlake Porter Public Library

Gerry Vogel has been assistant director of Avon Lake Public Library since May 2006

Libraries have faced insurmountable changes in the past year. How can libraries carefully adapt to this new normal and keep their team spirit?  Our panelists will discuss how they were successful in getting their teams on board with cross-training. 

Learning Objectives:

• Encourage teamwork and communication
• Change your team's expectations
• Cross-train your different levels of staff

Presenters:

Brittany Burchett has been working in various libraries for the past ten years in Cincinnati, Midpointe, and Greene County Public Library. Brittany has been with GCPL for five years and is the Head Librarian at the Beavercreek Community Library. 

Sue Jeffery has nearly fifteen years of academic, school and public library experience in Massachusetts, Hawaii, and in Ohio with Greene County Public Library.  Sue has served the last seven years as Head Librarian in two GCPL locations and currently manages the Winters Bellbrook Community Library.

Melissa Fasanella has more than 24 years of working academic/public library experience.  Melissa’s has worked in libraries at The Ohio State University, various public library locations in Cincinnati, and Greene County Public Library.  Melissa has served as the Head Librarian at the Xenia Community Library for the past five years.

Keesha Chambers Summers is in her thirteenth year as the Head of Youth Services at the Xenia Community Library.  Keesha previously worked in a variety of public and academic library positions in Georgia that included bibliographic instruction, interlibrary loan, and management.

Small organizations often avoid promoting planned giving opportunities to donors. Many don’t know where to start and others are nervous because planned giving seems too complex to manage. This session will focus on the basics of planned giving and how even the smallest of organizations can promote planned giving as part of their fundraising programs.
 
Learning Objectives – Participants will:

• Understand basic planned giving terms and uses
• Be able to identify planned giving donors within their organizations
• Learn how to include planned giving as a part of your fundraising program

Presenter:

Amy Wong, president, Dot Org Solutions, believes the world is a better place because of the special work nonprofits do for our communities, making them better places to live, work and raise families.As president of Dot Org Solutions, she is a champion for small businesses for the role they play in creating jobs, delivering important products and services, and keeping the economy strong. Her goal for nonprofits and small businesses is to get the recognition they deserve for the role they play in the success of our communities. She supports this goal through volunteer activities, mentoring other business owners and the relationships the Dot Org team develops with its clients and partners.
 

Oceans of Possibilities is the theme for the adult summer reading program.  This year we will be hosting a virtual adult programming palooza during which everyone will have the opportunity to hear about treasure hunts involving the community, subscription boxes, and other program ideas.  Following the palooza breakout sessions we will continue the conversation with more idea sharing.  Bring your ideas to the workshop.

Lunch Break:  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 

After lunch we will hold a roundtable discussion focused on he following topics: 

• Potential Speakers
• Partnerships
• Prizes
• Modality – indoor, outdoor, and hybrid

 
We value input from everyone.  Do not miss this opportunity to learn about great programs and to network with your peers for the upcoming 2022 summer reading season.
 

Authentically connecting with people through kindness and compassion is more important than ever. Libraries are perfectly positioned to enhance social connections and positively impact lives through thoughtful and dependable patron service. 

Learning Objectives:

• Why relationship-focused service is important not only to your library but to your whole community
• What relationship-focused service looks like in a library setting
• How to begin building a relationship-focused service model that is right for your library

Presenter:

Lindsey Dorfman is a dynamic leader dedicated to strengthening libraries through curiosity, compassion, and connection. While serving the Kent District Library (MI) as their Director of Branch Services and Operations, she received a Library Journal Mover and Shaker Award for her work spearheading the KDL Way, a customer service model based on kindness, empathy, and love. Ms. Dorfman currently serves as Director of the Glenview Public Library,  located just north of the city of Chicago.

Interest-Based Bargaining (IBB) is an alternative to traditional collective bargaining and focuses on collaboration and exploring party interests. This highly interactive webinar will cover the principles of IBB, and participants will have a hands-on opportunity to apply IBB to a workplace scenario. This training is for both experienced and novice negotiators. 

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the principles of IBB
• Participants will have an opportunity to work through a workplace scenario

Barbara Baker is a Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) in Independence, Ohio. As a Federal Mediator, she assists parties in collective bargaining negotiations and mediates labor and employment disputes in the private, public and federal sectors. In addition, Ms. Baker trains labor advocates and management in collective bargaining including bargaining processes, contract administration, steward/supervisor training and developing effective labor management committees. She also provides training in communication skills such as conflict resolution, active listening and communication dynamics. Ms. Baker facilitates person to person dialogues as well as group discussions to promote strong workplace relationships.

Join Scott Warrick as he reviews the most recent and most important employment law changes and updates.  Scott will not only inform you of these important changes, but he will use his over three decades of Employment Law/Human Resource Management experience to tell you how to use this information IMMEDIATELY!  

Presenter: 

Scott Warrick combines the areas of law and human resources to assist organizations in “Solving Employee Problems BEFORE They Happen.”  Scott uses his unique background of LAW and HUMAN RESOURCES to help organizations get where they want to go, which includes coaching and training managers and employees in his own unique, practical and entertaining style.

Get ready to experience the Oceans of Possibilities.  This year’s teen summer reading program will begin with a conversation about getting to know your teens presented by Mark Tidrick of Cleveland Public Library.  Next we will go into breakout rooms and hear about escape rooms, treasure hunts in your community and a mystery box.  We will end the morning with a lively discussion of partnerships that will be kicked off by Debra Quarles of Shaker City Schools talking about their partnership with the Shaker Heights Public Library.

Mystery Boxes in your Library
Mystery boxes are perfect for your true crime, detective loving teens. Fun, innovative, and adaptable, mystery boxes give your teens the opportunity to solve crimes and mysteries all while in the safety of their local library branch. Together they'll join their brain power and connect to solve puzzles, decipher clues, and narrow down the suspects one by one until they catch that culprit.

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand the basis of teen-centered mystery boxes
• Learn how to curate your own mystery boxes and adapt mystery boxes from others 
• Explore the contents of a mystery box

Presenter:
Taylor Swan is a generalist librarian by day and a historical crafter and film lover by night. She loves anything historical, creepy, or mysterious. She received her MLIS from Kent State University in May of 2021, her BS in Education from Youngstown State University in 2017, and has worked for the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County since 2018.


Escape Rooms 101
An introduction to how escape rooms work and can be utilized in the library, with some examples of how this could pertain to the summer reading theme: underwater.

Presenter:
Libby McCuan is a children's librarian with the Cleveland Public Library. She loves to read and come up with fun programs for the kids at her branch. She has a Bachelor's degree from Penn State and a Masters degree from Kent State University School of Library and Information Science.


Lunch Break:  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

After lunch we will learn all about RPG’s and D&D.

So You Want To Be a GM/DM?
Learn what it takes to run your own Dungeons and Dragons campaign. We’ll discuss D&D Beyond, roll20, and other virtual tools. We’ll also learn a little about D&D and discuss how to DM your own D&D teen program series. Of course, D&D isn’t the only role-playing game. Learn more about tabletop RPGs for teen programming and how you can start a gaming series at your own location.
 
Presenter:
 Kelly Chaplin is a Teen Librarian from Akron-Summit County Public Library in Akron, OH. Kelly has helped organize large scale programs such as Geekfest and implemented youth-requested programs such as After Hours events and Teen Advisory Boards. She has led programming, from Murder Mystery Dinners to STEM Space Challenges, that help deliver educational and social lessons that are of interest to teens. She enjoys when teens teach her new things and encourages youth to participate at their library and in the community. Above all, she is committed to helping teens succeed.
 
The last segment of the day will be a rapid-fire brainstorm of programming ideas presented by Taylor Swan of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.  We will end the day with a roundtable discussion.  Be sure to bring your ideas for summer reading and don’t miss out on this interactive program.

Rapid-Fire Summer Teen Programs
From weird, wild, and wondrous to interesting, interactive, and intellectual, this session will be a quick brainstorm for programs which can be used in conjunction with the ALA Summer Reading theme of Oceanography.

Learning Objective: 

•  Brainstorm and inspire thematic programming ideas for teens

Join Scott Warrick as he reviews the most recent and most important employment law changes and updates.  Scott will not only inform you of these important changes, but he will use his over three decades of Employment Law/Human Resource Management experience to tell you how to use this information IMMEDIATELY!  

• How has Ohio drastically changed its law surrounding its civil rights law?
• How has personal liability changed under Ohio law?
• How have the statutes of limitations changed under Ohio law?
• How should you handle masks and vaccination records in your organization?
• How should employers handle the DISABILITY/MEDICAL and RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION options for employees who do not want the vaccination?
• What did the Sixth Circuit say about requiring employees to use someone’s preferred pronouns, such as he/him, she/her or they/them?
• What did the Sixth Circuit say about conducting internal investigations … and what does it mean for you?
• What did the Sixth Circuit say about OFFENSIVE SPEECH and FREE SPEECH?
• Why did the Sixth Circuit find that “AMBIGUOUS” responses to employees regarding the FLMA can end in liability?

Presenter: 

Scott Warrick combines the areas of law and human resources to assist organizations in “Solving Employee Problems BEFORE They Happen.”  Scott uses his unique background of LAW and HUMAN RESOURCES to help organizations get where they want to go, which includes coaching and training managers and employees in his own unique, practical and entertaining style.

There is no single way to approach a donor and ask for a gift. But there are strategies to help organizations communicate with and make solicitations at all stages of the donor lifecycle. In this session, participants will learn strategies to approach donors at all levels, run an annual campaign and understand the nuances of major gift fundraising.
 
Learning Objectives – Participants will:

• Learn the importance of having different strategies to approach donors at different giving levels
• Gain knowledge to run and effective annual giving campaign
• Understand what is needed to have an effective major gift program

Presenter:

Amy Wong, president, Dot Org Solutions, believes the world is a better place because of the special work nonprofits do for our communities, making them better places to live, work and raise families. As president of Dot Org Solutions, she is a champion for small businesses for the role they play in creating jobs, delivering important products and services, and keeping the economy strong. Her goal for nonprofits and small businesses is to get the recognition they deserve for the role they play in the success of our communities. She supports this goal through volunteer activities, mentoring other business owners and the relationships the Dot Org team develops with its clients and partners.
 

There is an ocean of possibilities for this year's virtual children’s summer reading program.  Marilyn Weiss, Mentor Public Library, will share her oceans of possibilities with some indoor and outdoor programs.  Next, we will help you put some STEAM into your summer reading program with Jennifer Norton from Westlake Porter Public Library.    Join your peers for a lively breakout room discussion of more ideas for programs. 

Lunch Break:  12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

The afternoon will start with a rapid-fire session of craft ideas and a 7 week preschool storytime.  We will  also be sharing passive program ideas.  Please send a one-page sheet to Melissa Lattanzi by January 10^th.  We will end the day with a general roundtable discussion which will be kicked off with a talk about the Cleveland Public Library Partnership.  Come prepared to discuss partnership opportunities, prizes, registration, and other topics of interest.  We look forward to seeing everyone.

Lost at Sea - Launch Points for Your Summer Programming
Feeling lost in the ocean of possibilities for programming this summer? We can help with some jumping off points. Marilyn will present a few programming ideas that can fit into this year's summer reading theme, or be run completely separately, including some passive programming in VR.

Presenter:

Marilyn Weiss has been working in libraries for the past 15 years, specifically working as a Library Associate at Mentor Public Library for the past 8 years. She's always looking for an opportunity to create something new in her work, be it a covered wagon or cardboard tractor. She strives to make her story times and programming exciting, educational, and entertaining

Preschool Storytimes with Oceans of Possibilities
A handout will be shared with preschool storytimes all laid out with poetry, fingerplays, songs, rhymes, and musical selections on a variety of topics related to this year's theme.  There will also be a brief discussion about the importance of rhyme and movement with the littles!

Presenter:

Barbara Scott has been the Children's Librarian at the Bucyrus Public  Library for the past 36 years.  She has also been a member of numerous OLC committees/divisions, and has presented on the library's popular Music and Movement program at ALSC symposiums.  She also heads up Crawford Reads 20, a grass-roots literacy organization in Crawford County to get books into the hands of children and is also the Executive Director of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library/Governor's Imagination Library's Crawford County affiliate.  


 

Learn about the foundational principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and how they affect libraries.  How is cultural competence and cultural humility applied in your library practice?  How can your library work towards becoming more equitable and inclusive of both internal and external customers?  What are the roles of managers and staff in working towards positive change across the organization?  The presenter will share tips, resources, and sample programs that can be applied in a variety of library settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about cultural competence and cultural humility 
• Hear about ways to make your library more equitable and inclusive
• Learn how managers and staff can work towards positive change

Presenter:

Caroline Smith is the Inclusive Services Consultant at the South Carolina State Library. She focuses on issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within libraries and provides support to library staff across the state of South Carolina. Her goal is to advocate for libraries that are truly inclusive of the diverse communities they serve. Caroline received her Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina in 2011 and was recognized by Library Journal as a 2020 Mover & Shaker. Prior to her current position, she worked for the Charleston County Public Library in a variety of roles for nine years.

What is a MARC record, and more importantly, what is a good MARC record? Whether you’re vetting vendor-supplied records, copy cataloging, or creating original records, you will get something out of this webinar. We’ll take a quick tour of the MARC bibliographic format, explaining some of the fields that are important for a functional catalog. Then we’ll tackle some of the most frequent asked questions about cataloging: How many subject headings should a record have? Do we need contents and summary notes? What about series?

Learning Objectives:
Participants will

• Be able to tell if a MARC record is complete enough to be ingested by their catalog and provide meaningful access
• Be able to identify the most common subject heading systems and whether a record has sufficient headings
• Understand how series statements are used, and where to find series information

Presenter:

Mike Monaco is Coordinator, Cataloging Services at The University of Akron University Libraries. He has worked as a cataloger in public and academic libraries for twenty years. He has served as chair of the ALCTS Catalog Form and Function Interest Group, Coordinator of the Ohio Library Council Technical Services Division, and Chair of the Northern Ohio Technical Services Librarians Board, and presented at the ALA Annual Conference in 2019 and the Library Collective’s 2020 conference.
 

Managing and responding to the heightened emotions of others can be very challenging in the public service world.  Our ability to do this well relies on our understanding of how stress impacts humans and more important, how we are able to regulate during times of increased stress in order to best manage the emotions of others.  

Learning Objectives:

• A greater understanding of how Trauma and Stress impact our brains
• Knowledge on the Stress Cycle and why individuals escalate during times of stress
• De-escalation techniques to support times of high stress in the library
• Learn how we can better regulate our own emotions

Presenter:
Erin Turner, LISW-S, is the Intensive Services Program Manager at Crossroads/Beacon Health in Lake County and Adjunct Faculty for Youngstown State School of Social Work Graduate Program. She has worked in community mental health settings for over 20 years as a volunteer, direct service provider, clinical supervisor and program manager. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including trauma, mood disorders and crisis situations. Erin specializes in community based crisis intervention.   Erin has provided multiple trainings within the context of Social Work including, Risk Assessment, Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Motivational Interviewing. 

Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers: these terms can bring to mind both good and bad characteristics and personal attributes that may automatically influence the way we interact with clients and coworkers. This session will discuss some of the common age-based stereotypes and the way they can influence learning situations and workplace interactions. Different ways to (and not to) think about common situations will be presented so as to break down and prevent prejudices that might exist in your institution.

Learning Objectives: 

• Learn the traditional differences in learning styles according to generational groups
• Learn how to accommodate generational learning styles one-on-one and for a group
• Learn how to accommodate the generational learning styles of library staff for training purposes
• Learn how to accommodate learning styles in a virtual environment.

Jessica Curtis has worked in Ohio libraries for 20 years and is currently an adult services librarian for the Westerville Public Library. She specializes in creating user-friendly adult classes for emerging technology and library services. She is also an instructor for Kent State University's iSchool and the author of the ABC-CLIO publication, Teaching Adult Learners: A Guide for Public Librarians (2019). 
 

Fundraising involves more than just asking for gifts and hosting special events. There is also a significant amount of work to be done to manage the fundraising operation itself. A strong infrastructure helps your organization remain compliant, consistent and accurate. Plus, it helps you secure more gifts. This session will focus on the importance of strong systems, plans, policies and procedures for your development office. 
 
Learning Objectives – Participants will:

• Learn why tracking, capturing and understanding your donor data is critical to your fundraising success
• Understand the importance of having solid policies and procedures in the development and business offices
• Understand why yearly planning is essential to attracting, engaging and retaining donors 

Presenter:

Sara Lundenberger, director, nonprofit consulting, Dot Org Solutions
Although Sara never meant to be a fundraiser, her first post-college job was as a development assistant and she never looked back. She loves working with our nonprofit clients because they know what they want to achieve, but they may not always know how to get there. She integrates fundraising best practices with an organization’s capacity to create processes and plans that are usable. Sara truly believes nonprofits make the world a better place. From her previous positions to the fantastic clients she works with now, she learns a little more about the world we live in every day. We are all touched by a nonprofit organization every day, whether we know it or not.
 

Providing care and customer service in a public setting is purposeful and wonderful work.  However, without our ability to take care of ourselves outside of the work, we can become unwell and at risk of burnout.  Our communities need you now more than ever!  Let's come together to discuss how and why this work can be depleting and ways to seek and sustain balance so that we can keep doing it!  


Presenter:
Erin Turner, LISW-S, is the Intensive Services Program Manager at Crossroads/Beacon Health in Lake County and Adjunct Faculty for Youngstown State School of Social Work Graduate Program. She has worked in community mental health settings for over 20 years as a volunteer, direct service provider, clinical supervisor and program manager. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including trauma, mood disorders and crisis situations. Erin specializes in community based crisis intervention.   Erin has provided multiple trainings within the context of Social Work including, Risk Assessment, Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Motivational Interviewing. 

Mark your calendars to attend the NEO-RLS 2021 Annual Membership and Appreciation Meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
 

• Learn how NEO-RLS is progressing financially, what our plans are for the future, more about the services we currently provide and tell us what you think
• Celebrate all those that have contributed time and expertise to NEO-RLS over the past year
• Congratulate the 2020 Rising Star and Shooting Star recipients and honorees
• Hear from Wendy Knapp, State Librarian of Ohio

Featured Program:  Altered Patron Expectations After A Year of Upheaval 
To say the past year was one of disruption would be an understatement! The COVID-19 pandemic has caused pervasive alterations in people’s daily lives, impacting everything from schooling to how we buy groceries. In the face of this upheaval, libraries face altered patron expectations. With this in mind, what are the implications for libraries as we seek to thrive in a changing environment? 
 
Learning Objectives: 

• Attendees will understand recent changes to patron behavior and service expectations. 
• Attendees will identify new program and service opportunities in our present environment. 
• Attendees will discover what service trends to expect in the coming years. 

 Presenter:

Nick Tanzi is a nationally recognized library technology consultant, and author of the books Making the Most of Digital Collections Through Training and Outreach (2016) and Best Technologies for Public Libraries: Policies, Programs, and Services (2020). From 2019-2021, Tanzi served as the column editor for Public Library Magazine’s “The Wired Library”. His work has also been featured in publications including VOYA Magazine, Computers in Libraries, Library Journal, and Marketing Library Services.

 

In this 2-hour session, we will explore how to leverage Canva to create content for social media, email marketing, and more. This course will cover the basics of graphic design and general rules to keep in mind when designing your next Instagram post or email header. Then, we will walk through the process of using Canva and some helpful features that can help your work look more professional! In the second half of the series, we will discuss social media trends and brainstorm ideas to take your digital marketing efforts to the next level. Time will be provided for discussion and questions. 
 
Learning Objectives

• Learn the basics of graphic design and why it matters for your library. 
• How to apply for a Canva nonprofit account and navigate tools for content creation.
• Understand trends and upcoming changes on various social media platforms. 

 
Presenter :

Alexandria Yurosko is the Marketing Content Manager for the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. With a decade of experience in marketing, Alexandria has developed a passion for helping nonprofit organizations reach their target audiences through relevant and strategic marketing.
 

All children need to see themselves and people in our world in books. Building an inclusive collection is challenging. It's more than a diversity list. It requires reflection, investigation, exploration, and analysis. Tiffeni Fontno, Head Librarian, Educational Resource Center, Boston College, will talk about diverse collection building, evaluating, and resources to acquire diverse children's literature.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluating how cultural competency influences book selection and services
• Defining criteria to evaluate diverse children's literature
• Assemble resources to develop a profile for selecting diverse materials

Presenter:

Tiffeni Fontno is the Head Librarian of the Educational Resource Center at Boston College. A former classroom teacher and school librarian, Tiffeni's areas of educational interest are in Curriculum & Instruction, Children & Young Adult Literature, and Educational Technology.
 

Many colleges and universities are (re)affirming their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To highlight and demonstrate that commitment, all units from across the institution are being asked how they are advancing this work. The development of collections, both print and electronic, is essential in academic libraries. They are also an obvious way for libraries to support these initiatives. Courtney L. Young, University Librarian at Colgate University and a Past President of the American Library Association, will discuss the importance of developing a diverse academic library collection.

Learning Objectives:

• The role of an intentionally diverse collection on a college/university campus
• The importance of diversity collection development statements
• Strategies for building a diverse collection
• The importance of assessing collections for diversity and inclusion

Presenter:

Courtney L. Young is University Librarian at Colgate University. She graduated with a BA from The College of Wooster and earned a MS in Library Science from Simmons College (now University). Before coming to Colgate, she held library positions at Penn State University, Michigan State University, and The Ohio State University. Courtney has served in a variety of leadership roles in the American Library Association (ALA), including being elected the 2014-2015 ALA President. She is a recipient of the Simmons Alumni Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement and Excellence in Library and Information Professional Endeavors. Courtney frequently presents and publishes on issues related to advocacy, academic librarianship, diversity, leadership, and professional development.  

 

Welcome to the updated 2021 Professional Etiquette Basics.  Based on our latest needs analysis we have updated this popular class. Perhaps you heard that professional behavior and performance does not matter anymore. The reality is that if you want to be successful, the way you look, talk, write, act and work will determine whether you are seen as a professional or not.  Being professional is more than just about taking responsibility for yourself and your work, it's about seeing beyond your immediate needs and thinking about the long-term perceptions of you, your workplace, and the people you serve.

Learning Objectives:

• What being “a professional” really means
• Learn how being professional increases your value in the workplace
• Understand the importance of “Greetings” and best practices for face, phone, ands virtual
• Develop Telephone Etiquette (Tone, Vacation/Out of office message, “Is there anything else we can do for you?” probe?
• Apply Printer protocols of beset dos and don’ts when working with printers.
• Utilize Proper Gossip-Handling Techniques
• Enhance Email dos and don’ts.
• Define and use two Assertive Behavior techniques.   (Open and honest, and asking for help)
• Understand the consequence of Oversharing information consequences.
• How to avoid confusion.  Selecting Boundaries: Accountability Chart and Authority Levels (Why two professional baseball players never run into each other during the game)

Presenter:
Dean Russell is a Professional Strategic Coach. He helps organizations and businesses increase their effectiveness through leadership coaching, training, and public speaking engagements. He has a gift and passion for helping people and organizations quickly grasp their company’s vision, gain operational traction, and work as a healthy, functional, and cohesive team.  He is a national speaker and recognized expert specializing in business management, leadership improvement, and better employee performance.
 

Videos can be a great way to offer programming and instruction that patrons can access at their convenience. Learn how to add titles, move and split clips, add text, transitions, sound effects, music and more to make your videos more interesting, professional, and effective.  Get basic instruction in editing using iMovie on a desktop computer or an iPad. Hear about other editing software options. 

Learning Objectives:

• Add items into your video
• Learn how to edit using IMovie
• Learn about other editing software

Presenter:

Nicki Petrone has over thirty years of experience with children and literacy. She specializes in programming for children under age two at the Shaker Heights Public Library. Creating videos has enabled her to tap into he​r diverse skill set by incorporating early literacy, music, creativity, design, and humor. 

Fundraising is as much an art as it is a science. In this introductory session, participants will learn what it takes to attract, engage and retain donors for fundraising success. We will review general fundraising concepts and discuss donor behavior and general donor approaches.

Learning Objectives: - Participants will:

• Gain relevant knowledge of fundraising terms and concepts
• Understand the lifecycle of a donor
• Understand the importance of planning according to lifecycle stages 

Presenter:

Amy Wong, president, Dot Org Solutions, believes the world is a better place because of the special work nonprofits do for our communities, making them better places to live, work and raise families. As president of Dot Org Solutions, she is a champion for small businesses for the role they play in creating jobs, delivering important products and services, and keeping the economy strong. Her goal for nonprofits and small businesses is to get the recognition they deserve for the role they play in the success of our communities. She supports this goal through volunteer activities, mentoring other business owners and the relationships the Dot Org team develops with its clients and partners.
 

Presenters Jarrett Dapier and Dr. Emily Knox will present information regarding how/why to reduce police presence in libraries, how to change white supremacist library policies, and how "the fog of implicit bias" influences who is considered a threat and who is not in our spaces.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify how police presence in the library can threaten patron safety, harm patrons, and cause lasting, unintended and traumatizing consequences for patrons
• See how anticipatory action, preventive practices and expanded resources are needed to avoid future situations that commonly lead to police calls
• To understand how the "fog of implicit bias" clouds judgment with regards to determining who is and who is not a threat worthy of police presence in your library and how to work to unlearn that bias

Presenters:

Jarrett Dapier has worked as a young adult librarian for over 10 years at Evanston Public Library and, most recently, at Skokie Public Library, both just outside Chicago, IL. He has written about policing and libraries for American Libraries and Library Journal and in 2019 was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker for his years of work producing teen theater in libraries. Also a children’s book author, his debut picture book, JAZZ FOR LUNCH!, was released by Simon & Schuster on September 7, 2021 and was followed by another, MR. WATSON'S CHICKENS, which was released by Chronicle Books on October 5, 2021. Both are available for purchase wherever you buy books.
 
Emily Knox is Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and an associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Her book, Book Banning in 21st Century America (Rowman & Littlefield) is the first monograph in the Beta Phi Mu Scholars’ Series. Emily's articles have been published in the Library Quarterly, Library and Information Science Research, and the Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy. She is president of the Board of Trustees of the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) and serves on the boards of Beta Phi Mu and the National Coalition Against Censorship.

This interactive webinar will give participants an overview of traditional collective bargaining negotiations, typical contract provisions, “dos and don’ts” at the bargaining table and hot topics in collective bargaining.  This webinar will help people new to negotiations learn about collective bargaining as well as giving seasoned bargaining team members the opportunity to brush up on their skills.

Presenter:

Barbara Baker is a Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) in Independence, Ohio. As a Federal Mediator, she assists parties in collective bargaining negotiations and mediates labor and employment disputes in the private, public and federal sectors. In addition, Ms. Baker trains labor advocates and management in collective bargaining including bargaining processes, contract administration, steward/supervisor training and developing effective labor management committees. She also provides training in communication skills such as conflict resolution, active listening and communication dynamics. Ms. Baker facilitates person to person dialogues as well as group discussions to promote strong workplace relationships.

In this session, the presenter will talk about accessibility for people with disabilities during the accommodation process as well as increasing recruitment of people with disabilities. The presenter, a person with disabilities himself, will use personal experience to discuss these issues and will encourage questions throughout his session to elicit a robust discussion rather than a lecture.

Learning Objectives:

• Accessibility for people with disabilities
• Accommodations process
• Recruiting people with disabilities

Presenter:

JJ Pionke is the Applied Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  He is an award-winning librarian whose research revolves around disability and accessibility for library patrons and employees.  His most recent work focuses on the educational and behavioral needs of library science graduate students and current library employees in regards to disability and accessibility in libraries.

Successful companies are made up of great employees, so why not hire great employees? Hiring and training employees is an expensive venture. Be sure to hire the right person for the right position. Hiring the right person is about more than skills and abilities; it is about finding the right combination of skills, attitude, and fit for your organization's culture.

Participants will learn the how to select the most qualified job candidate by applying the ever-popular behavioral approach to interviewing.  This method, developed by industrial psychologist Dr. Paul Green, directs you to probe the job applicant for specific examples of their past.  The reason is simple: The best predictor of a job applicant's future work behavior is their past work behavior.
 
In addition to interviewing techniques, interviewers think candidates who slouch are bored or arrogant and decide to turn them down. But, how much should we trust our impressions of candidates’ body language during interviews?  We’re all naturally able to pick up on nonverbal cues. Though often useful, non-verbal cues can be misleading. Understanding body language isn’t an exact science. In this program, we will learn some of the basic clues to positive interest and attitude.
 
Good hiring practices will save your company time and money as you will be recruiting and hiring the right candidates. Your hiring managers will benefit from this program as it prepares them to seek out that great candidate and make sure they are a fit for your company.

Learning Objectives:

• Practice steps and techniques to use in a behavioral based interview
• Utilize questions to uncover past behaviors to predict future performance
• Recognize basic understanding of how to read positive and negative body language candidates will demonstrate in an interview
• Learn body language signals that communicate their communication style which will assist you in assessing their potential success in a position

 Presenter:

Amy B. Shannon, President, Pinnacle Leadership Solutions, LLC, and a Partner in Your Partner in HR has specialized in Organizational Development, Human Resources and Training for over 25 years. For the past 13 years, Amy has been an Organizational Development consultant working with clients in manufacturing, service, financial and healthcare industries. Most recently, Amy served as the Executive Director II/Vice President of Corporate College where she built a robust leadership training curriculum to serve her clients.  Amy also holds certifications with numerous nationally known training vendors. She is a regular speaker at national conferences such as The Corporate University Week at the Disney Institute. She is a seasoned speaker for the HR Star Conference Cleveland. As a result of her high ratings, she has also been a key speaker at the HR Star Atlanta and received the Gold Medal Award three years in a row for best session speaker. Amy was a recipient of the 2015 HR Awards presented by ERC & CSHRM.


 

 






Innovation in Libraries
Dr. Roslyn Dean, Broward County (FL) Library
Wednesday, September 8^th, 10:00 am-11:00 am
 
What is next for library innovation? As libraries continue their primary mission, to offer access to information, they garner ideas to implement emerging technologies that broaden the reach and access. Broward County Library recently implemented two innovative initiatives designed to expand access to the library in unique ways and reach customers beyond the walls of the library.
 
Broward County Library’s Project Welcome initiative innovatively invites and guides newcomers/immigrants – English Language Learners as they adjust to living in Broward. The multi-faceted initiative consists of several ways to offer programs and services in multiple languages so that limited or non-English speakers have access to information without the limitation of language. One way the initiative did this was through the implementation of Amazon Echo Dot voice assistance devices, using language translation skills to bridge the language barrier.
 
Virtual AARLCC, another Broward County Library innovation, is the 3D modeling program that expanded access to the African American Research Library and Culture Center’s special collections. The project team 3D scanned African artifacts in the special collections and made them available on a website designed especially for featuring the objects. Although accessible to the public by appointment, these objects were hidden treasures that some may have never been aware of until the inception of Virtual AARLCC. Now, the 3D images of these artifacts are accessible to anyone interested via a free website.
 
Participates in this presentation will leave understanding how voice assistance can work as a language-translation tool in their library and will be able to determine if 3D modeling is a viable option. Participants will also leave with the speaker’s ideas on what is next in innovation for libraries.
 
Learning Objectives:
The goal of this presentation is to help participants understand how voice assistance tools enhance library services. The speaker will also help participants identify ways to use digitization to expand access to library collections and explore new ways to innovate library services.
 
 Presenter: 
Dr. Roslyn Dean is the Community Engagement Manager for Broward County Library in Fort Lauderdale, FL area. She supervises adult, youth, and learning program services for the library system as well as digital initiatives, outreach, volunteer services, and advantage marketing. In her over three years with Broward County Library, she has spearheaded initiatives such as the library’s LSTA grant awarded projects on 3D scanning archived objects in the Special Collections, the Echo Dot language translation program, and bridging the digital divide through the library’s new “My Digital Summer Learning Program,” for students in grades K – 3. Roslyn was one of Library Journal’s 2020 Movers and Shakers for Innovation, and she implemented and oversees the library’s virtual program model as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Dean’s primary focus is on bringing innovative programs and services with a technology spin to Broward County Library users.
 

The Metamorphosis of a Special Collection: The Ashley Bryan Art Series at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
Lisa Jackson, Broward County Library System, Florida
Steven Marshall, African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, Florida
Lauren Odom,  African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, Florida
Tuesday, Septemeber 21, 2021 from 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

In 2020, the Broward County African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) received an ALA Carnegie-Whitney grant to create an electronic resource that highlights their unique Ashley Bryan Art collection and Coretta Scott King book collection. The intent was to use the bulk of the money to pay a web designer to create the resource and staff would research and provide content. After receiving the grant, we learned that Sirsi Dynix, a newly purchased ILS for our library system, has a platform called Sirsi Rooms that we could use to create our resource which would link directly to the library's catalog. The AARLCC Youth Services Team - Lisa Jackson, Steven Marshall and Lauren Odom - will discuss the process it took to completely switch gears, find new ways to expend the funds, learn how to use the new ILS and create a resource that is both functional and beautifully rendered.

Presenters:
Lisa Jackson has been a Librarian with the Broward County Library System in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for over 20 years and is currently the Supervisor of Youth Services at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center branch. Here she has the distinct pleasure of coordinating materials and services - with her team of committed librarians - geared toward youth from birth to 18 and their parents. She earned her Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. is an avid reader of non-fiction and works with the local Humane Society's Trap-And-Release program.

Steven Marshall is a Librarian Senior at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Steven earned his Master’s of Library and Information Science degree from Florida State University and has worked at public and university libraries in Illinois and Florida. He has worked at AARLCC as a Youth Services Librarian since 2016.

Lauren Nicole Odom is a librarian at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. There she works in the youth services department and coordinates programs primarily for teens and tweens. Ms. Odom attended Nova Southeastern University for her undergraduate studies and went on to graduate from North Carolina Central University with a Master of Library Science. She enjoys the arts, including making masterpieces of her own creation and writing poetry as well as reading.

Virtual Story times with a Tech twist: How we use Livestreams, and Google Meet to share literacy apps and technology tools with families and teens​
Tawnee Isner, Kinsman Free Library
Friday, September 24, 2021 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am

Virtual story times with a tech twist. When we switched to all virtual programing, we took the groundwork of, our digital story time called Tap n’Read and turned it into a virtual programming that still allowed for traditional story time activities like songs, rhymes or crafts, as well as digital resource recommendations. The success of this program then led to the creation of our Teen Collaboratory that combined Makerspace thinking with tech gadgets and stories for Middle Schoolers through High School teens.  
Presenter:  
Tawnee Isner graduated with her MLIS in 2020 from Kent State University. She has worked at the Kinsman Free Public Library for three years as an aide and then was promoted to Technology Trainer. When she is not at work, she can be found reading horror, crafting, and baking. 
 

Alexa, place that book on hold
Molly Howard, Granville Public Library
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 2:00 pm -- 2:45 pm

"Alexa, place that book on hold" talks about how we use our smart devices like your Alexa or Google Home AI to allow people to access their library account, check our catalog, and put books on hold. 

Presenter:
Molly Howard is the Technology Coordinator at the Granville Public Library in Granville, Ohio, where she teaches a wide range of technology classes for all ages. She was born and raised in Central Ohio, leaving for a short stint to Florida to earn her Associate of Science specializing in Video Production. When not at work, she lives with her husband, their teenage son, and three cats. She ups her nerd cred by playing Dungeons and Dragons and throwing rocks and trees competitively in a kilt at Highland Games around the midwest.

From Entertainment To Education:  VR for Skills Development
Bharani Rajakumar, founder and CEO of TRANSFR www.transfrvr.com and
Sam Chada, MLIS, Career Success Manager, TRANSFR, former NEO-RLS Library Member and M&S - Tech Innovator award winner
Friday, September 10th from 10:00-10:45am

NEO-RLS has expressed the importance of using technology to create a sense of community-and make technology  accessible to everyone. Open-access and unrestricted exploration via VR is the first step.  

What comes next?

What if libraries could use the existing Virtual Reality equipment and not just to inform but to inspire? How can VR be used to invite creativity, open doors to new exploration, teach, train, support and inspire library patrons of all ages? How can Media Centers adapt existing technology and networks to open doors to new opportunities and greater quality of life?

With TRANSFR’s hands-on simulation-based training, libraries can expose people to new careers they may love but have never even imagined. Currently, learners can study and watch but there is no realistic way to offer hands-on workplace training to ensure learners experience the tools and skills needed in the workplace. 
Libraries will be able to provide a way to close the skills gap, explore emerging industry technologies, and create a pathway to the many well-paying, in-demand jobs in America. 

In this interactive workshop, CEO and founder Bharani Rajakumar and CSM Sam Chada, MLISwill provide a glimpse inside a TRANSFR training Simulation,  share real-life examples of the transformative power of simulation-based training and  then move on to a roundtable discussion of how to best engage library patrons of all ages to explore new skills via the TRANSFR catalog, existing relationships and community connections.

Learning Objectives:
Together, the participants will explore:

• What transforms VR from entertainment to education?  

• How can libraries leverage TRANSFR to bridge the digital divide?

• What should programming look like to get the best out of the TRANSFR partnership?

Presenters:

Bharani Rajakumar, founder and CEO of TRANSFR, is on a mission to create alternative pathways to career success through intuitive learning methods so more people can succeed and be upwardly mobile. A determined “Disruptor”, Bharani passionately leads the TRANSFR team in strategic partnerships to achieve his mission  “Our goal is to come up with a more effective and enjoyable way to get people jobs that pay well. What we’re disrupting is the idea that there’s only one way to get there. If we can work with schools to help people find their best career path so they are better trained and have a higher earnings potential while helping employers get the high caliber teammates they need then everyone wins”
 
This is Rajakumar’s second technology company with its sights set on transforming the way people learn and achieve. He was the co-founder of math tutoring software company LearnBop, which was acquired in 2014 by online learning company K12 Inc.

Sam Chada MLIS MBA is a TRANSFR career success manager with over ten years of experience successfully integrating emerging technologies into public libraries. An experienced collectionHQ/digital products customer success manager with Baker & Taylor, Sam has also served as an emerging technologies librarian at Sandusky Library (OH) and assistant director of Wayne County Public Library (OH).

In 2012, Library Journal recognized Sam as a Mover & Shaker – Tech Leader for her dedication to the professional and worked accomplished at Sandusky Library. Here, she rolled out the nation’s first Roku & WiFi lending program, as well as installed a state-of-the-art digital media lab and early literacy center.

Insights into Innovation (and why this "innovator" really just wants a warm brownie and a nap)
Rebecca Millerjohn, Madison Public Library, Wisconsin
Wednesday, September 15^th, 10:00 am-11:00 am
 
In 2020, Rebecca Millerjohn was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker for the innovations she championed with Madison Public Library's learning and assessment practices. She has had many wonderful people in the last year jovially ask her, "How does it feel?!" If she were being honest, she would answer uncomfortable. She always assumed that innovating was a born trait, that some people just naturally generate brilliant new ideas and *poof* make them come true. Yet, she has been at the head of several successful innovations with the Bubbler at Madison Public Library over the last 6 years, and every time there is no *poof*. They generally start with trepidation, a lot of sighing, and even when there is giddiness about the possibilities and potential, there is also anxiety and the sobering truth that stepping out into the unknown is most likely going to take a lot of work. Yet when the outcomes are worthwhile - the chance to co-build opportunities with your community to enhance learning - we need to be able to say yes. We need to be able to acknowledge that discomfort while continuing to persist in exploring, adapting and transforming. This is a talk for all of the reluctant innovators out there. And when it’s over, we can all go eat a warm brownie and take a nap, because we deserve it. 
 
Presenter:
Rebecca Millerjohn is the youth services librarian with the Bubbler at Madison Public Library. Before entering the library world, she was a middle and high school classroom teacher in Houston, Texas and Chicago, Illinois. A 2020 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, her library work focuses on hands-on exploratory learning, educator support, and strategic partnerships with MPL's Bubbler program. As the Bubbler’s project manager for their Summer of Making Internship and Making Spaces initiatives, she loves sock monsters, power tools, paper circuits, and when kids get little scrunched faces that shows they are THINKING. Her current projects include community engagement with Madison educational partners, the creation of Madison Public Library’s Impact blog, and research into making & learning assessments and practices. When she grows up, she would like to go back to school to become a landscape architect or a furniture restorer. â€‹â€‹
 
 
 

Practicing Empathy with Virtual Reality
Cecil Decker, Richland Library, South Carolina
Thursday, September 23rd from 2:00 pm - 3:00pm

Studies show that experiencing someone else’s life deepens understanding, understanding cultivates empathy, and empathy motivates action— thereby fostering a more welcoming, vibrant community. However, there are many reasons you might not be able to physically meet and learn directly from others: time, money, location, and more.

In this postmortem we break down Richland Library’s My Life Experience Empathy Lab to answer the questions: Why use virtual reality to build empathy? What programming challenges were faced? What kinds of equipment and training are necessary? And what changes have there been in the technology?

Presenter:
Cecil Decker is a teaching artist providing free access to professional media tools in Columbia, SC. They teach regular classes and workshops through Richland Library and the University of South Carolina. Most recently, they have worked in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab’s Public Library Innovation Exchange to help youth and adults explore creative coding through Scratch and micro:bits.

Prototype Your Professional Life
Julia Maddox, University of Rochester Libraries
Friday, September 17^th, 10:00 am-11:00 am
 
In this interactive session, we will learn how to use Stanford’s Design Thinking process to prototype out-of-the-box solutions for addressing challenges in our library and profession. Julia Maddox will help us begin by identifying problems we’re experiencing in our work. We’ll then imagine unexpected ideas for addressing those problems. Finally, we’ll design a prototype for testing out one of the ideas... within a week! In a year like no other, we’ve all had to learn to experiment with new ways of working. This session will help us continue that spirit of experimentation, agility, and risk-taking long after the pandemic.
  
Presenter: 
Julia Maddox is an educator and consultant who helps teams build their capacity for creative problem solving. She is the founder of the Barbara J. Burger iZone at the University of Rochester Libraries, helping students make creative connections that spark action. In iZone’s vibrant innovation space (and now online!), our team helps students learn to explore ideas with creativity, empathy and resilience.
  
 

Why Not Us? The Case for AI in Libraries
Michael Hibben, Roanoke County Public Library
Thursday, September 30th from 10:00 am-11:00 am
 
Over the past decade, artificial intelligence has gone from science fiction to science fact. From smart sensors in our homes, to virtual assistants in our phones, and our recommendations on Amazon, Netflix, Google, and social media feeds, AI’s rapid expansion into our daily lives is taking place with little oversight or regulation. What role should libraries play in helping our communities understand all the possibilities and possible pitfalls of artificial intelligence? In this session, Michael Hibben will make the case that libraries must take the lead with AI literacy. He’ll talk about the Roanoke County Public Library’s award-wining work with AI and high tech and show you the many options you have to start AI programming at your library.
 
Learning Objectives:
By attending this session, you’ll learn why libraries must lead with AI literacy, how to make the case for AI programing to your Director, staff, and community, and how to get started with AI programming.
 
Presenter:
Michael Hibben is Administrative Librarian with the Roanoke County Public Library in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where he oversees the system’s headquarters library. Named one of Library Journal’s 2020 Movers & Shakers, Michael leads technology initiatives for his system including the recruitment of SoftBank Robotics’ Pepper the humanoid robot and Misty the robot from Misty Robots – both first in the nation for public libraries. Before moving to Virginia, he lived in Los Angeles where he worked for the Los Angeles Public Library.
 
 

Have you given much thought to why patrons come to your library? “They have to,” you say? Not so fast. In today’s world, they have a wealth of options to choose from when they need to access resource material, conduct research on a computer, or any other type of service or programming your library currently provides.
 
And, although there are many loyal, dedicated fans of your library, they won’t stay fans for long if your service levels have deteriorated.
 
In this nearly post-COVID environment, it’s natural to still be cautious. But when caution leads us to giving less than our best selves, we are letting down our libraries, our co-workers, our supervisors, AND our fans!
 
Learning Objectives:

• Discuss why it’s so important to have excellent service as our goal
• Dig deep to see what might be stopping us from giving our best effort to serve our patrons
• Look at ways to encourage teamwork among our coworkers
• Determine what it takes to provide excellent service in our organization’s environment – and what part we should play in doing so

  Presenter:

Linda Bruno has been developing and conducting training workshops for libraries and other organizations for more than fifteen years. She offers workshops on topics ranging from Leadership Skills to Emotional Intelligence – and lots of areas in between!  Linda received her MBA from the University of Florida and has years of experience in hands-on management positions.  She develops her workshops based on solid research and – more importantly – real-life application.

There was a day in the not-so-distant past when folks who needed access to reading materials, computer information, and other life pursuits, naturally sought out their local library.

In today’s world, though, our patrons have options – those options are also known as “our competition.” So that we may stay competitive (and continue to exist!), we’ll need to offer not only our level of service pre-COVID, but also new services and programs as we move into the future. And, we’ll need to do all of that in a timely, friendly, and welcoming manner. That will require teamwork and the best efforts of everyone on our staff.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss ways to help staff deal with the lingering fear of COVID in our environment
• How we can return to the same level of service as before the pandemic – and work as a team
• How to help staff understand the importance of them bringing their best selves to work each day since some staff members may have fallen into a comfort zone that is not as busy as they once were

The last 30 minutes of this session will be a networking meeting for customer service managers.  Please join for a discussion with your peers.

 Presenter:

Linda Bruno has been developing and conducting training workshops for libraries and other organizations for more than fifteen years. She offers workshops on topics ranging from Leadership Skills to Emotional Intelligence – and lots of areas in between!  Linda received her MBA from the University of Florida and has years of experience in hands-on management positions.  She develops her workshops based on solid research and – more importantly – real-life application.

Often libraries become the stewards of historic and cultural artifacts from their communities. These non-circulating collections can present unique challenges to public, special  and academic libraries alike. In this webinar you will discover strategies for managing your institution's special collection and issues to consider as you balance access and preservation. You will be presented with resources for improving archival storage as well as options for giving your collection a virtual presence. At the end participants will have a chance to share experiences and best practices.
 
Learning Objectives:

• What to consider when selecting a classification system
• Available archival and preservation resources
• Ways to expand access and outreach

Presenter:

Greg Hatch has served as Rocky River Public Library's Cowan Pottery Museum Curator since 2018. During his first two years he has launched a new all- ages art activity program, brought in ceramic artists for live demonstrations, and began digitizing the museum's records and archives. He began his curating career at Kent State University where he earned his BA in Art History and his Masters in Library Science. He then went on to earn his MFA in Sculpture from Ohio University where he gained experience as a museum educator.

This session will briefly talk about the Americans with Disabilities Act and what the law says about accommodations.   Then we will segue into a discussion of what the accommodation process can look like and what to prepare for.  Finally, we will discuss boundary setting and tips and tricks to navigating library workplaces with disabilities, especially chronic ones. This session will involve lecture, with a QA to follow, however questions are encouraged throughout the session.

Learning Objectives:

• Overview of Americans with Disabilities Act 
• Accommodations
• Navigating library workplace with disabilities

Presenter:

JJ Pionke is the Applied Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  He is an award-winning librarian whose research revolves around disability and accessibility for library patrons and employees.  His most recent work focuses on the educational and behavioral needs of library science graduate students and current library employees in regards to disability and accessibility in libraries.

One of the most difficult issues for frontline library staff to navigate is the balance between personalized service, which can devolve into special favors for well-liked customers, and even-handed consistency, which can become volumes of rigid rules. The key is to establish guidelines for how you treat all library users, regardless of who they are. The welcome for everyone, services that anyone can use, and common courtesy are standards that you can apply to every library visitor, including strangers, difficult customers, and people who are different from you.
Topics include examples of written standards, the importance of strategic planning and job descriptions that support customer services, and why consistency and civility can solve many customer behavioral issues.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Improve customer service with consistency, fair treatment, and access for all
• Determine if staff are making exceptions for friends, family, and otherwise favored customers
• Create a draft of a written set of standards for your library, to test and review

Presenter:

Pat Wagner is a trainer and consultant with 40 years of experience working for libraries, universities, local government, non-profits, and small businesses. She supports the success of libraries with programs on personnel, supervision, management, leadership, marketing, strategic planning, project management, and communication. Pat has worked with libraries and library organizations throughout the United States, from the smallest rural storefronts to the largest academic and urban library institutions. Pat also is a frequent speaker at state and national conferences. She is known for her good-humored and practical presentations.
 

​​

• What rights do employers and employees have when it comes to social media both on and off the job? 
• When are employee’s Facebook postings PROTECTED and when are THEY NOT?  
• When do employees represent the library?
• Do library employees have a Right of Free Speech?
• What does it really mean to have a Right of Free Speech?
• What did the EEOC say about SOCIAL MEDIA and your harassment training?
• Can employees use social media to complain about the library?
• How has the U.S. Supreme court defined “offensive”?

…and MUCH, MUCH more…

Join Scott Warrick, one of Ohio’s most popular speakers, as he reviews with you what the EEOC and the courts say about FREEDOM OF SPEECH and SOCIAL MEDIA … both on and off the job.  Scott will not only inform you of what the law requires, but he will use his 40 years of Human Resource and Employment Law experience to tell you how to use this information IMMEDIATELY!

Presenter:

Scott Warrick, JD, MLHR, CEQC, SHRM-SCP (www.scottwarrick.com) is both a practicing Employment Law Attorney and Human Resource Professional with almost 40 years of hands-on experience.  Scott uses his unique background to help organizations get where they want to go, which includes coaching and training managers and employees in his own unique, practical, entertaining and humorous style.  


 

Bias is one of the most controversial and important subjects in news literacy. People frequently perceive and allege bias in news coverage, but what does this really mean? What makes a piece of news biased, and who decides? What role do our own biases play in our perceptions of bias? In this session, we’ll help you teach this vital, complex topic in ways that empower students and customers to meaningfully evaluate the fairness and impartiality of news coverage.

Learning Objectives:

• Review common misperceptions about news media bias and develop a nuanced understanding of the topic
• Reflect on the role our own biases play in perceptions of news coverage
• Understand five types of news media bias and five possible forms it can take in news coverage

Presenter:

Peter Adams is the News Literacy Project’s senior vice president of education and has been with the organization since 2009. He began his career in education as a classroom teacher in the New York City schools. He has also worked as a trainer with the New York City Teaching Fellows Program, a youth media after-school instructor in the Chicago public schools and an adjunct instructor at Roosevelt University and Chicago City Colleges.

 

Content Warning:  This webinar contains opening remarks about child abuse.

Security Specialist and Library Trainer, Eddie Kristan, will present 10 concrete and actionable solutions to difficult patron interactions with the goal of providing empathetic service, keeping staff safe, and upholding the principles of librarianship.
 

Learning Outcomes:​

• Attendees will learn actionable recommendations for approaching, deescalating, and navigating difficult patron interactions
• Attendees will explore the difference between noncompliant and unsafe behavior for confident and informed responses
• Attendees will learn how to respond to aggressive or noncompliant behavior with calm confidence and accommodation without compromise ​

Presenter:

Eddie Kristan ran the Safety & Security Team at Warren-Newport Library in Gurnee, IL for 6 years before finishing graduate school and becoming a reference librarian and staff trainer in 2020. During his time as Head of Security, Eddie re-wrote procedure and advised on policy to turn a distrusted and counter-productive security team into a force of support and empathy for staff and the community. With the close help of Ryan Dowd (author of "A Librarian's Guide to Homelessness") and Warren Graham (author of "The Blackbelt Librarian"), Eddie was able to balance a need for confident enforcement of policy with a desperate need for trauma informed services and empathy in all things. He was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker in the Community Builder group in 2020 and Herbert Goldhor Award Winner for Public Librarianship by the University of Illinois School of Information Sciences in 2021. 

This session will be a broad introduction to what disability is, what the Americans with Disabilities Act says, and how we in libraries can assist patrons with disabilities who use our services and spaces.  We will cover a variety of topics including some disability statistics, examples of good and poor accessibility, as well as where to get more information.



Learning Objectives:

• What is a disability?
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• How libraries assist patrons with disabilities

Presenter:

JJ Pionke is the Applied Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  He is an award-winning librarian whose research revolves around disability and accessibility for library patrons and employees.  His most recent work focuses on the educational and behavioral needs of library science graduate students and current library employees in regards to disability and accessibility in libraries.

 

This highly interactive session will take an in depth look at the diversity in the workplace.  The group will explore topics including the meaning of diversity and the benefits of a diverse workplace, inclusion, unconscious bias, and cultural competency and civility. Participants will discuss various workplace scenarios to explore these concepts. Training will include tips for creating an inclusive workplace and having difficult conversations about diversity and inclusion.

Learning Objectives:

• Benefits of diverse workplace, inclusion, unconscious bias, and cultural competency and civility
• Ways to have difficult conversations about diversity and discrimination

Presenters:

Barbara Baker is a Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) in Independence, Ohio. As a Federal Mediator, she assists parties in collective bargaining negotiations and mediates labor and employment disputes in the private, public and federal sectors. In addition, Ms. Baker trains labor advocates and management in collective bargaining including bargaining processes, contract administration, steward/supervisor training and developing effective labor management committees. She also provides training in communication skills such as conflict resolution, active listening and communication dynamics. Ms. Baker facilitates person to person dialogues as well as group discussions to promote strong workplace relationships.


Vanessa Bullock was appointed Commissioner with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in May 1997. She is employed as a mediator in the Philadelphia office located in the Northeast region. As a Commissioner, Ms. Bullock has mediated both Labor and Employment disputes in the private and public sectors. In addition to her primary duties of dispute mediation, she is responsible for curriculum development and training in a variety of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs for the  FMCS Institute; Federal Executive Board; and the Cornell University ILR Scrimmage program.

Over the past year we have all become familiar with Zoom.  However, do you know all the ins and outs, and the capabilities of this platform?

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to set up a meeting including advanced settings
• Learn what needs to happen before a meeting
• Learn how to run a successful Zoom meeting to include polls, breakout rooms, and more
• Learn about utilizing the social media options within Zoom

Presenters:

Holly Klingler, Continuing Education Coordinator, NEO-RLS






Melissa Lattanzi, Continuing Education Coordinator, NEO-RLS

Podcasting is an excellent way for libraries to connect to their communities, especially as it becomes increasingly important to reach patrons beyond the library's physical space. Jeff Laser, Adult Services Librarian at Bexley Public Library and host of The BPL Podcast, will cover the ins and outs of starting a podcast at your library. Learn what equipment and software you'll need, how to find guests, and how to market your podcast on a reasonable budget. 

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to start a podcast
• Learn what equipment is needed
• Learn how to find guests
• Learn how to cost effectively market your podcast 

Presenter:

Jeff Laser is an Adult Services Librarian at Bexley Public Library, where he has worked since 2012. He graduated with an MLIS from Kent State University in 2015 and a BM in Music Composition from Capital University in 2012.

Even if your library never completely closed to the public, you’ll still want to alert everyone when your building is fully open again. To draw people back to your spaces and services, your outreach will need to be creative and attention-getting, as well as thoughtful and reassuring. It will also need to be well-planned.
 
To help you reach everyone in your community effectively—even people without internet access—this training session will offer guidance, ideas, and a marketing plan template that’s ready to fill in and roll out.
 
Learning Objectives:

• How to word messaging to address patrons’ potential trepidation about re-entering busy buildings
• How and where to place your messages to reach everyone
• Which offerings to prioritize in your messages
• How to construct a simple marketing plan just for this reopening campaign

 
While marketing communications maven Kathy Dempsey will lead this webinar and cover all the topics above, she’ll also allow ample time for attendees to share ideas and strategies with their colleagues. This way, everyone will leave with a well-rounded batch of recommendations and ideas.

Presenter:

Kathy Dempsey wrote the popular how-to tome, The Accidental Library Marketer, and founded her own marketing consultancy, Libraries Are Essential. Her work is dedicated to helping librarians and information professionals promote their value and expertise in order to gain respect and funding.

Kathy has been the Editor of Marketing Library Services newsletter for 25 years, and was formerly Editor-in-Chief of Computers in Libraries magazine. She also blogs at The 'M' Word. She's a member of the New Jersey Library Association, and Founder of the Library Marketing and Communications Conference, which she chaired in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

This writer, editor, and marketing maven has been giving presentations across the U.S. and Canada for 20+ years, always sprinkling them with humor to make marketing concepts more interesting and accessible. She continues to fight the stereotypes that librarians are boring and that "marketing" is a dirty word.

The last 30 minutes of this webinar will be a roundtable discussion for the Public Relations and Marketing Network.
 

Have you ever been guilty of “not listening” (who, me??), even when you are right there in front of the speaker, looking them in the eye? Communication experts say that 42% to 57% of our time communicating is spent listening – or maybe we should say “hearing,” since we all can be adept at hearing without listening! 
 
Even in this day of emailing, instant messaging, texting, and online chats, we still need to “listen” to be able to communicate effectively.

Do you know the biggest puzzle about listening? No? Come to this webinar and find out!!
 
Learning Objectives:

• Discuss your preferred listening style – and the listening styles of others. Do you know somebody who shows signs of impatience when you are sharing important details? Perhaps they have a different preferred listening style than you do
• Discover why preferred listening styles might change
• Become more aware of your own style so that you can adapt that style to whoever is speaking
• Look closely at how you can become a more effective listener – and improve your life!
• Come up with at least 20 tips you can use to help you use this power skill to ensure that you are really listening to those around you

 Presenter:

Linda Bruno has been developing and conducting training workshops for libraries and other organizations for more than fifteen years. She offers workshops on topics ranging from Leadership Skills to Emotional Intelligence – and lots of areas in between!  Linda received her MBA from the University of Florida and has years of experience in hands-on management positions.  She develops her workshops based on solid research and – more importantly – real-life application.

In polarizing times, building community and trust through communication is vitally important. This session will discuss how public libraries can help break down barriers and further understanding among people through programming and powerful partnerships. Ramsey County Library’s Ask series, presented in partnership with local grass roots organization Do Good Roseville, was a bi-monthly facilitated discussion designed to give a voice to the underrepresented in the community. Our new endeavor, Sidewalk Talks, focuses on providing a one-to-one empathetic listening experience in public spaces. We’ll discuss the unexpected challenges and the continuing rewards of building programming in response to racism and inequity, as well as the importance of keeping the voices of the community front and center.

Presenter:  Carol Jackson, MLIS, has held various management positions at Ramsey County Library (MN). She is currently Branch Manager of the Shoreview branch and Adult Programming Coordinator for the library system. An enthusiastic community partner and advocate, she was named a Library Journal Movers & Shakers in 2019, primarily due to the Ask series and other community well-being programming.

Many of us have become very familiar with Zoom over the last year. While it is an excellent platform that has met the needs for many libraries during this pandemic and beyond, there may be some other platforms and tools available that can help you to better connect with your audience.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Learn about alternative online services and their features that might better meet your needs 
• Discover innovative new platforms that can boost virtual interaction and learning
• Explore tools that can be used to enhance or augment your current virtual presence

Presenter:

Holly Klingler, Continuing Education Coordinator, NEO-RLS