Public libraries need more data and evidence to demonstrate their value to their communities, but collecting the data is only half the battle. How do you communicate it? How do you use it to make strategic decisions? Data visualization can help libraries better understand their data and feel confident communicating their impact back to their communities. In this on-demand webinar, attendees learn best practices for how and when to use data visualization, helpful tools for creating visualizations, and how to apply these tips using Project Outcome.
It’s never too early to start planning for next year’s summer learning programs! Measuring the outcomes of programs and services helps libraries with decision making, program improvements, advocacy, and funding requests. PLA staff gathered stories from libraries participating in Project Outcome to create implementation tips and best practices to help libraries feel confident implementing Summer Reading surveys next year. Learn how libraries have used the standardized Summer Reading surveys to measure the success of their summer learning programs and demonstrate their impact in the community.
You’ve surveyed your patrons. You’ve collected great data. You’ve learned more about what your patrons value. Now, how can you begin implementing changes based on the outcomes you’ve gathered? In this on-demand webinar, learn how your peers have taken action—and how you can, too—using results you’ve gathered from Project Outcome surveys. Use your survey results to guide programming changes, strategic planning, communication, advocacy, or new funding requests.
This on-demand webinar is designed to teach participants how to use their Project Outcome results to influence library programming as it relates to short- and long-term decision-making. Learn how to closely analyze their results, specifically the open-ended feedback collected from patrons, to make programmatic changes and hear from two public libraries that have already implemented the Project Outcome surveys and made changes based on their results.
This webinar will discuss how to better demonstrate your value to campus administrators by examining the benefits and opportunities gleaned from an assessment conducted by the library at Marymount University. This periodic review was a holistic examination of services and staffing levels that included thorough benchmarking and a visit from an external reviewer.
PLA is committed to providing information on the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19 to PLA members and others working in public libraries. This series of free webinars, originally presented March 26–April 23, 2020, featured updates on the current status of the pandemic, examples of how libraries are dealing with closures and serving their communities virtually, and opportunities to share and learn from each other.
Understand how libraries use their unique programs, services, partnerships, and facilities in support of community needs—now and in the future. This free on-demand webinar provides an overview of results from the Public Library Association's (PLA) 2022 Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey. Learn how libraries can apply the results to planning and advocacy, and how to engage in PLA's ongoing data initiatives. The 2022 Survey Report is freely and publicly accessible on the PLA website.
An overview of the results of the 2021 annual survey on Public Library Staff and Diversity. The results provide new and updated information related to beginning librarian and library director salaries; staff roles; hiring and retention efforts; and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) goals and activities. This webinar will highlight how the data suggests both opportunities and challenges for the future of public libraries. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to engage in PLA’s on-going data-related initiatives.
Public libraries have always been in a unique position to help local writers connect with readers in their communities. The advent of self-publishing platforms presents libraries with a new resource to enhance that connection and reinforce their place at the center of community cultural life. In 2012, the Los Gatos (Calif.) Library began a partnership with e-book self-publishing company Smashwords to offer a three-part series of e-book self-publishing seminars. This partnership has grown to include a co-branded publishing portal managed by Smashwords.
Education about consumer health services and programming can help public librarians stay current and develop new programs and services for their communities. This on-demand webinar provides an overview of educational programs available via the National Network of Libraries of Medicine about consumer health and specific health topics. These programs can help librarians get the Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) credential, which brings an additional, recognized level of expertise to their libraries and helps them connect with community partners.