On-Demand Webinars

Most Recent: Freely Available

Benchmark 101: Become a Data-Informed Library
FREE on-demand webinar
Panelists: Renee Di Pilato, Sara Goek & Katina Jones

Benchmark: Library Metrics and Trends features interactive data visualizations that allow libraries to easily explore peer comparisons across a wide range of metrics related to library programs, services, and operations. Learn how Benchmark can support your library in everyday decision-making. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Benchmark’s interactive and user-friendly data dashboards and reporting tools for public library subscribers. These feature data from PLA annual surveys, the IMLS Public Libraries Survey, and the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The visualizations make it easy to compare your library’s data to peer and national reference points. PLA staff and member leaders share examples of how libraries can use the data to unlock insights about performance, demonstrate value, and increase community impact. More…

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Innovative Engagement for Libraries: Using Sport, Physical Literacy, & Wellness to Engage & Support Your Community
FREE on-demand webinar sponsored by Hiveclass
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. This one-hour webinar explores 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…

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PLA 2023 Technology Survey: Free Information Session
FREE on-demand webinar
Panelists: David Lee King, Julie Walker, Larra Clark & Katina Jones

Public libraries are key partners in bridging the digital divide. This free on-demand webinar provides an overview of PLA’s 2023 Technology Survey and covers 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 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…

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Public Library Services for Strong Communities: Results from PLA’s 2022 Survey
FREE on-demand webinar
Panelists: Dan Hensley, Jerianne Thompson, Sara Goek & Katina Jones

Understand how libraries use their unique programs, services, partnerships, and facilities in support of community needs—now and in the future. This free webinar will provide an overview of results from the Public Library Association's (PLA) 2022 Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey. Participants will learn how libraries can apply the results to planning and advocacy, and how to engage in PLA's ongoing data initiatives. More…

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Empowering Communities with Creativity: CRAFT & HOBBY
FREE on-demand webinar sponsored by CRAFT & HOBBY
Panelists: Joey Kizer & Sara Ewell

We are all beautifully creative humans. The more creativity we can invite into our day-to-day lives the more fulfilling, interesting and meaningful our lives become. This webinar will dig deeper into the power of creativity and why investing in creativity is so important to communities. With the upcoming launch of CRAFT & HOBBY, creativity as a community resource can become a reality. More…

Most Recent: Available for Purchase

The Mentor Monitor Program as a Supplement to Security and Resource to Staff
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 on-de,amd webinar, 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…

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Disability Inclusion in Library Services
Panelist: Shelley Harris

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

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Using Passive Readers’ Advisory to Market Your Collection
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 on-demand webinar, learn the art of a well-curated book display and booklist that are both diverse and inclusive. More…

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Addressing Emotion and Culture in the Fight Against Fake News
Panelists: Dr. Jason Young, Jennifer Ashby & Jenny Cole

Misinformation—or fake news—has exploded across the world over the past few years, with serious social and political implications. It undermines our trust in public information by exploiting our personal beliefs, emotions, and identities, thereby triggering responses that expand social divides and encourage us to resist competing claims. Solutions require more than just providing the public with the skills and tools for determining the truthfulness of claims; they also require resources for addressing the social and emotional impacts of misinformation. In this on-demand webinar, you learn about a library-led research project that is designing new digital literacy approaches for combating misinformation. This project, funded by the US National Science Foundation, is creating tools and resources that librarians can use to address misinformation more holistically as the informational, emotional, and social problem that it is. Members of the project team share resources and findings from the first year of the project, and describe ways that your library can get involved in future work. More…