On-Demand Webinars

How do you respond when patrons ask why there aren't more e-books at the library? It's not an easy question. Turn your (and your patron's) frustration into action. View this archived recording of the free, 90-minute webinar and learn about two creative e-book campaigns initiated by libraries, as well as a comprehensive communications template kit to help you develop your own! You'll find new strategies for reaching out to your community members not only to explain why libraries have limited e-book collections but also to enlist their help in improving e-book access.

You’ve heard it—reference transactions are down. Expensive resources aren’t used. Librarians feel their skills are underutilized. What can we do? Don’t give up! Innovative libraries are finding ways to revitalize their reference departments by shifting attitudes, changing their collection philosophies and service models, and pioneering new services. Learn proven methods for reinvigorating reference service and find out what you can do to make reference one of the centerpieces of your library again.

People who visit the library infrequently—or those who don’t visit at all—present a special challenge to public library staff. It’s hard to identify why they don’t use the library, because they typically ignore surveys or focus groups. And without knowing what their needs are, it’s difficult to know what services and programs will attract them. Don’t give up! This on-demand webinar offers some basic techniques that can be used to gain insights about non-users and help you draw them into the library.

The mercurial state of public libraries’ relationship with e-books and their publishers is not always an easy issue to understand. This one-hour, on-demand webinar features a discussion of the current state of e-books with regards to public libraries and the publishing industry. Points cover current and best practices as well as what will be coming down the pike.

If you’re interested in learning more about screencasts and hearing tips on how to create them, this is the perfect on-demand webinar for you! Screencasts are excellent tools for demonstrating software, teaching computer skills, and visually sharing step-by-step navigation of websites and databases. They can be a powerful tool for all sizes of public libraries. Come learn how to design and produce killer screencasts for staff and public use, whether your targeted audience is a single person or an entire community.

It's easy to feel intimidated by the complexity of copyright issues, but copyright can be fun—and there are actually a few easy answers! Learning just a few basics can help you gain confidence to tackle some copyright issues head-on, and build a solid foundation for expanding your knowledge in the future.

For public library staff, dealing with the media can sometimes be rewarding, sometimes frustrating, sometimes exciting, sometimes daunting… but always necessary. This on-demand webinar covers the fundamentals of media planning and outreach—including social media—to prepare you to work with the media and generate attention that will support your library’s activities and advocacy efforts. This webinar was an extension of the free PLA advocacy training program, Turning the Page 2.0.

As the author of the Book Lust: Recommended Reading collection, there is no one better suited than Nancy Pearl to help you find the perfect summer reads to feature at your library. Nancy shares her recommendations for books guaranteed to make your patrons start turning pages. She features a “read alike” section and also provides a downloadable handout of the recommendations. Combine Nancy’s irrepressible charm and undeniable knowledge, and you’ll have an hour-long webinar of fun and great ideas.

Would you like to learn about a simple, effective strategy that will make you, your library, and our profession indispensable? This webinar describes a straightforward concept that enables libraries to heighten their importance by replacing traditional terms with powerful, intuitive, value-enhanced terminology that people understand. Learn how strategic vocabulary can immediately convey your true value—even to someone who has never set foot in a library.

As the author of the Book Lust: Recommended Reading collection, there is no one better suited than Nancy Pearl to help you find the perfect gift for book lovers on your list. In her first-ever webinar with PLA, Nancy shared her recommendations for books guaranteed to make your friends and family smile and start turning pages. She also provided a downloadable handout of the recommendations so you can share with your patrons. Combine Nancy’s irrepressible charm and undeniable knowledge, and you have an hour-long webinar of fun and great ideas.