Webinars

Free Webinars

PLA 2023 Technology Survey: Free Information Session
A free PLA webinar
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Panelists: David Lee King, Julie Walker, Larra Clark & Katina Jones

Public libraries are key partners in bridging the digital divide. This free webinar will provide an overview of PLA’s 2023 Technology Survey and cover why your library’s response matters. The survey explores current assets and emerging trends in public libraries, including technology capacity, resources for patrons, infrastructure, digital literacy, and staffing. Presenters will share how results from the 2020 Technology Survey have been critical to advancing digital equity initiatives from the local to national level. The data gathered in 2023 will shed light on how the field has evolved in the past three years and help position libraries for new broadband funding opportunities in 2024. More…

---

Super Searchers for Library Workers
A free PLA webinar
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Panelist: Toby Greenwalt

The ease with which misinformation can be created and spread online endangers everyday discourse—and libraries are uniquely suited to help counteract its negative effects. Using research developed at University of Washington, Google has created a new set of tools for evaluating material found online, making it easier to think critically about the veracity of digital information right at the point of search. In this interactive presentation, library consultant Toby Greenwalt will demonstrate the capabilities of Super Searchers and showcase potential applications in the library workspace. More…

---

Innovative Engagement for Libraries: Using Sport, Physical Literacy, & Wellness to Engage & Support Your Community
A free webinar sponsored by Hiveclass
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Panelists: Adam Shafer & Ili Erster

Research shows that participating in youth sports can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for youth, their families, and communities. While star athletes are few in between, and not every person has an inherent love for sport, it’s undeniable that physical activity and sports have an incredible ability to transcend boundaries and bring communities together. In this one-hour webinar, we’ll explore how libraries can leverage physical activity as a tool to engage with patrons. This webinar is perfect for children’s librarians, youth librarians, and anyone interested in learning about an innovative digital resource aimed at promoting equity and access to quality physical wellness education for all. More…

---

Beyond Super Searchers: Public Libraries in the Age of Misinformation
A free PLA webinar
Friday, November 3, 2023
Panelists: TBA

The spread of digital misinformation continues to have profound effects on the physical world, and libraries are in no way immune. How can the profession use its information literacy and critical thinking skills to understand the current landscape and better inoculate itself against these effects? In this webinar, we’ll take a look at some of ways misinformation has impacted public library service, and how libraries can better operate in this rapidly changing environment. This panel features multiple perspectives on the effects of online misinformation and offers first-person narratives on the threats and opportunities presented. More…

---

Super Searchers for Library Workers
A free PLA webinar
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Panelist: Toby Greenwalt

The ease with which misinformation can be created and spread online endangers everyday discourse—and libraries are uniquely suited to help counteract its negative effects. Using research developed at University of Washington, Google has created a new set of tools for evaluating material found online, making it easier to think critically about the veracity of digital information right at the point of search. In this interactive presentation, library consultant Toby Greenwalt will demonstrate the capabilities of Super Searchers and showcase potential applications in the library workspace. More…

---

Super Searchers for Library Workers
A free PLA webinar
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Panelist: Toby Greenwalt

The ease with which misinformation can be created and spread online endangers everyday discourse—and libraries are uniquely suited to help counteract its negative effects. Using research developed at University of Washington, Google has created a new set of tools for evaluating material found online, making it easier to think critically about the veracity of digital information right at the point of search. In this interactive presentation, library consultant Toby Greenwalt will demonstrate the capabilities of Super Searchers and showcase potential applications in the library workspace. More…

Paid Webinars

Using Passive Readers’ Advisory to Market Your Collection
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Panelist: Lila Denning

Book displays, bookmarks, online lists, and social media are great tools for passively marketing your library’s collection and helping patrons find their next great read! Passive readers’ advisory tactics also bring attention to midlist and overlooked titles and are a great way to introduce patrons to read-alike options for popular titles by diverse authors. In this webinar, participants will learn the art of a well-curated book display and booklist that are both diverse and inclusive. More…

---

Disability Inclusion in Library Services
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Panelist: Shelley Harris

To best serve patrons with disabilities, we need to understand their community, culture, and needs. In this webinar, we will explore disability experiences, how to provide safe and inclusive spaces, and how to serve patrons through programming and collections. Although the examples will be youth focused, they can be adapted for any age. More…

---

The Mentor Monitor Program as a Supplement to Security and Resource to Staff
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Panelists: Lane Edwards & Ryan Grame

Mentor monitors are a resource to support staff members and help keep the peace in a busy library. Ideally, they are members of the community who are able to relate well to others to help provide guidance and mentorship—especially to teen/tween patrons.. Through relationship building, the mentor monitor is able to act as a counselor, guide, teacher, advisor, and confidant to positively influence and reinforce good behavior and decision-making. In this webinar, participants will learn about the benefits of mentor monitors from staff of the Cuyahoga County Public Library in Ohio, where the mentor monitor program has been in place for more than a decade. More…

---

Empowering Future Managers through Cohort Mentoring
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Panelists: Ally Garcia & Garrett Kuramoto

Since before the pandemic, San Mateo County Libraries in California struggled to retain top performing staff and fill key management roles internally. Promotional candidates felt they lacked the skills to make the jump to manager and didn’t know how to obtain them. Meanwhile, existing managers were less concerned about skillsets and more concerned with candidates’ ability to navigate the library system’s unique organizational culture. Mentorship is a proven way to help staff gain perspective, practical skills, and second-hand experience, but can be difficult to manage with limited time and resources. That’s why San Mateo County Libraries developed a program that brings the best of all worlds. Learn how cohort mentoring addresses skills that are hard to gain on the job and is an investment in staff growth that positively impacts an organization’s equity goals, long-term sustainability, and success. More…