Listed below are FREE programs Accessible Technology Coalition, ALA, ALCTS, American Association of School Librarians, American Libraries, American Libraries Live, American Management Association, Booklist, Colorado State Library, Geek the Library, GrantSpace, Infopeople, Insync Training, Libraries Thriving, Library Journal, Lyrasis, Montana State Library, Nebraska Library Commission, Nonprofit Webinars, O’Reilly, Public Library Association, San Jose State University, School Library Journal, Teacher-Librarian Virtual Café, TechSoup, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, TLT Group, University of Wisconsin-Madison, VolunteerMatch, Washington State Library, and WebJunction will be webcasting during April.
In the event that you aren’t available during those times, or you would like to check out past webinars, here are the links to archived events:
OPAL Webinar Archives
Infopeople
Common Knowledge
School Library Journal
Booklist
Tech Soup
Library Journal
eSchool News Webinars
WebJunction
SirsiDynix Institute Webinars
TL Virtual Cafe
Washington State Library First Tuesdays
NonProfit Webinars
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Colorado State Library: CSL in Session
Lunch Lessons with CLiC (Colorado Library Consortium)
ALA Tech Source Makerspace Webinars
April 3 (11-12 pm)
Changing Libraries – New Ways of Working (Texas State Library and Archives Commission)
Rachel Van Riel (Director, Opening the Book) introduces the thinking behind new library practice in the UK and the evidence on user behavior which underlies the new approach. In particular, she will look at how the introduction of self-service changes the role and daily tasks of library staff and how to help staff adjust to feeling comfortable working away from the help desk in a library space. Rachel will look at how these changes can lead to better experiences for patrons and more job satisfaction for staff.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/
April 3 (11 am-12 pm)
Dig Into Reading: Summer Reading Program 2013 (Nebraska Library Commission)
Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services at the Nebraska Library Commission, will give brief book talks of new titles pertaining to the 2013 Summer Reading Program themes: Dig Into Reading (children’s theme) and Beneath the Surface (teen theme).
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/
April 3 (1-2 pm)
So Many Devices, So Little Time (WebJunction)
Our library patrons want help in learning how to use their mobile devices—such as an e-reader, smartphone, or new tablet–and it can feel like an insurmountable task to help them all. Join us for some practical guidance on how libraries can help patrons with a variety of gadgets. We’ll share tips for how to set up realistic formal training sessions and how to best offer one-on-one assistance. You will also gain examples of practical training outlines, how-to guides, and video tutorials.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 3 (12-1 pm)
PLAmetrics: How to Make Public Library Data Work for You (Public Library Association)
Whether you’re already a PLAmetrics subscriber or just interested in using public library data to enhance planning and implementation at your library, this free, interactive webinar is a must! PLAmetrics, the online report database, not only provides access to both Public Library Data Service (PLDS) and public-use IMLS data, but also enables customized sorting and reporting features.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 3 (3-4 pm)
The Fundraising Houseparty: How to Party with a Purpose and Raise Money for Your Cause (NonProfit Webinars)
The Fundraising Houseparty – one of the most powerful, flexible, and effective way to raise money from individuals and highlight your cause. Takeaways: How to prepare for a houseparty, Who can be Hosts and what you can expect from them, What should go in your invitation, The criteria for an effective presentation, Elements for an engaging and powerful “ask”, and The importance of follow-up.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
April 4 (1-2 pm)
Troubleshooting Windows 8 for Beginners (O’Reilly)
First Thursday Webcast. Getting started with repairing and fixing Windows 8 can be very complex with many technical tools you need to be familiar with. This needn’t be the case though. In this webcast, Mike Halsey, the author of “Troubleshoot and Optimize Windows 8 Inside Out” will show you how even non-technical people can troubleshoot and repair Windows 8.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 4 (2-3 pm)
Creating a Culture of Storytelling (TechSoup)
Making storytelling an organizational priority is as important as the technology you use to tell your story. Successful storytelling does not happen in a blink of an eye, out of thin air, or by pressing a magic button. In fact, storytelling done right is a multi-tiered process that requires working with staff, donors, and beneficiaries to organize, produce, and publish assets to the web.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/
April 4 (2-3 pm)
What’s New in Youth Nonfiction (Booklist)
Join representatives from Candlewick Press, Annick Press, and Boyds Mills Press to learn about the latest in nonfiction, plus ways to incorporate these titles in the library and classroom. Moderated by Booklist senior editor, Ilene Cooper.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 4 (3-4 pm)
Perspectives on Academic Patrons: A Closer Look at Takeaways from Library Journal’s Academic Patron Profiles (Library Journal)
In 2012, Library Journal surveyed more than 3,000 students and faculty members to determine their perceptions and usage behaviors about their academic libraries. In late 2012, LJ released Patron Profiles, Academic Library Edition, a comprehensive 52 page report that analyzes the data and covers a wide range of topics. This special Library Journal webcast will take a deep dive into the data with respected academic voices and LJ editorial expertise. Listen to our panel discuss some of the report’s major findings and get a close look into trends driving library use. Attendees will leave with insights and actionable takeaways to help guide effective long term planning and prepare you with the tools needed to engage students and faculty to create stronger libraries.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 5 (11-12 pm)
Tech Tools with Tine: Tech Basics (Texas State Library and Archives Commission)
Please join us for a special series with technology trainer, Christine Walczyk, all about popular online tools. The series is meant to be short on talk about library context and higher concepts. It’s really all about the tools themselves! Our aim is to demonstrate how to use one tool in each webinar in under 60 minutes with time for Q&A built in.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/
April 5 (2-3 pm)
When Bad Things Happen in Good Online Courses (TLT Group)
We’ll share some examples of really ineffective online education and suggest some improvements.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 8 (8-9 pm)
The Connected Concierge In Your School & Classroom! (Teacher-Librarian Virtual Cafe)
The age of toiling away alone in the classroom is long gone. There is a hero in your midst that can help you now. This suave savior is a master of media, a talented techie, and a connected colleague. The teacher librarian should be the “go to” resource in every building. This chat is going to focus on how these amazing people can be integrated into a teacher’s lesson planner.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://tlvirtualcafe.
April 9 (2-3 pm)
Geek the Library Informational Webinar (Geek the Library)
Get a complete Geek the Library overview and your questions answered in a live format. Our informational webinars are a simple way to learn about the details before committing to participate in the program.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://get.geekthelibrary.org/
April 9 (3-4 pm)
Part 5 On Common Core – The Common Core and the Public Librarian (School Library Journal)
School librarians across the country have been actively engaged in implementing the Common Core State Standards. More recently public librarians have joined the conversation, asking their colleagues what they need to know about the initiative and how it will affect collection development, homework help, and reference service. Join us for a chat with Olga M. Nesi, a regional coordinator with the New York City Department of Education, Division of Library Services, and Nina Lindsay, Children’s Services Coordinator at the Oakland Public Library, Oakland, CA as they explore the ways in which today’s professionals in public libraries are being called on to serve students in their libraries in light of the Common Core.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 10 (12-1 pm)
Leading at the Speed of Trust (American Management Association)
Join Stephen M.R. Covey as he explains how trust dramatically lowers costs, speeds up results and increases profits and influence. Many businesses fail to recognize that trust-related problems like redundancy, bureaucracy, fraud and turnover eat away at an organization’s bottom line in the form of slowed productivity, diverted resources and missed opportunities. What’s more, a lack of trust among customers chips away at brand integrity. Doing business at the “Speed of Trust” dramatically lowers costs, speeds up results and increases profits and influence.
Then you can begin to realize “Trust Dividends”—and get the benefits of a key issue most businesses ignore.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://www.amanet.org/news/
April 10 (1-2 pm)
Effective Strategic Planning Part 2: Getting Results (NonProfit Webinars)
Strategic planning has a dicey reputation for any number of reasons: 1) it often is tedious and time-consuming; 2) the issues it identifies are either obvious or not critical to the mission (or both); 3) the actions it specifies are vague and unmeasurable; 4) it is ignored once the plan is written (or the written plan is never quite finished); 5) it simply adds tasks to an already over-stretched staff; 6) it has no results visible to stakeholders; 7) it does not advance your mission. These problems are not inherent to strategic planning; they are signs that it has been done badly. This webinar will look at how a nonprofit can infuse its mission into the daily activity of staff and board through a straightforward, rigorous, and even morale-building process. It will offer both a structure and tools for planning.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
April 10 (1-2 pm)
Engaging Stakeholders, the First Step to Creating a Digitally Inclusive Community (WebJunction)
WebJunction.org is proud to be hosting an engaging discussion of Rhode Island’s digital inclusion stakeholder engagement process. We’ll discuss why Broadband Rhode Island (BBRI) decided it was important to create a process of engaging stakeholders in order to discuss technology access and use. Key collaborators will explain their involvement, how various sectors were engaged, the impact of NTIA funded projects upon the stakeholder engagement process, and how policy recommendations were created and prioritized.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 10 (1-2 pm)
Introduction to Corporate Giving (Grantspace)
Seeking to target companies that might fund your organization? Finding it hard to get information? Need to get beyond the Yellow Pages? Join us for an introduction to the world of corporate support for nonprofits and funding research tools to help you identify corporate prospects.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 10 (2:30-3:30 pm)
The Tween Scene at your Library (Colorado State Library)
Tweens are not quite children, but not quite teens. What’s the best way to offer services to this group to keep them engaged at your library and in reading? Join us for this interactive session to discuss best practices for effective tween programming, policies, reading advisory, and more. Hear examples from Colorado public libraries and share your experiences in serving this important audience.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://cslinsession.cvlsites.
April 10 (3-4 pm)
Proactive Approaches to Tough Times – Recessions, Sequestrations, or Organizational Changes (NonProfit Webinars)
The sequestration is but one financial crisis that has and will continue to impact the non-profit world. From the recession to the sequester and even staff turnover can negatively impact your revenue. Using proactive practices is a sure fire way to be ahead of the curve for any financial crisis your organization will endure. We’ll discuss tactics and approaches to diversify your organization’s funding streams to help reduce any funding crisis now and in the future.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
April 11 (10:30-11:30 am)
Technology and Cognitive Support: Strategies and Tools for Organization and Planning (Accessible Technology Coalition)
This is the second in a three-part series to explore the question, “How can technology support independence and participation for people with cognitive disabilities?” After this session you will be able to: Identify four underlying principles that can be used when selecting technology to be used for cognitive support. Identify at least two commonly available tools to support personal organization and planning. Identify at least two specialized tools that are designed to support personal organization and planning activities.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 11 (3-4 pm)
What’s New in Children’s Literature: 2013 Update (InfoPeople)
Discover the new books that you can recommend to children who use your library! Hear about books published in Fall 2012, and upcoming Spring 2013 titles, that will be popular with children ages 0-12. These include picture books, easy readers, transitional fiction, genre fiction for middle grades, graphic novels, poetry, nonfiction, and more!
Hear about books that will appeal to the “reluctant reader,” boys who may have drifted away from reading, and books that will have popularity with a wide audience of children.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://infopeople.org/whats_
April 11 (3-4 pm)
Some Fine Romance: Spring Titles 2013 (Library Journal)
L is for new spring picks for your library. O is for the only books you’ll want to see. V, they’re very, very extraordinary. E, there are even more romances for your patrons to adore. Romance is in the air this spring, and we know your patrons will love these upcoming releases. Join Library Journal managing editor, Romance editor, and RWA Vivian Stephens Industry Award winner Bette-Lee Fox in uncovering the sweet, sassy, sultry, salty, and sexy spring romance selections from Siren Audio Studios, Sourcebooks, and Baker Publishing Group.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 16 (8-9 am OR 12-1 pm)
Aligning Information Literacy Outcomes with Institutional Goals (Libraries Thriving)
Speakers: Meggan Houlihan, The American University in Cairo; Michelle Millet, John Carroll University
For more information and to register for the 8 am session, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
For more information and to register for the 12 pm session, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
April 16 (2-3 pm)
Turning Stress into Power (Insync Training)
Managing stress effectively has less to do with managing external events – things you can’t control – and more to do with better managing yourself. This session focuses on strategies for taking charge of your own responses to stress and turning them to more productive reactions and behaviors.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 16 (3-4 pm)
What’s New in Teen Literature: 2013 Update (InfoPeople)
The world of young adult literature is a dramatically dynamic one that, in the last decade, has become among the most vibrantly active in all of publishing. Each publishing season brings a plethora of new titles, new forms, and new formats, many of which require new methods of evaluation. Keeping up with all of these changes and the new titles flooding the market (5,000+ per year) can be a full-time job. This webinar will help its students identify new trends and the best new titles and resources for collection development.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://infopeople.org/
April 16 (9-10 pm)
Professional Ethics for Records and Information Professionals (San Jose State University)
The presentation will provide an overview of records and information management (RIM) ethics. RIM ethics is envisioned as a professional ethics for records and information professionals. As a body of knowledge, it will share characteristics and issues with other fields such as librarianship and accounting but will have its own distinctive values and perspectives. Issues important to RIM ethics include: Truth/Deception, Information Privacy, Confidentiality, Conflicts of Interest, Whistle blowing, and other topics related to the ethical management of information. Issues covered in the presentation will include characteristics of professions and their specialized ethics, the relation of professional ethics to business ethics and our common morality, codes of ethics, and the distinguishing features of RIM ethics.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/about-
April 17 (11 am-12 pm)
Helping People Find Good Health Information Online (TechSoup)
According to a recent Pew report, 59% of US adults say they have looked online for health information in the past year. How can libraries help guide people to quality online medical information? Join this session to learn more!
The presenter for this session is Dana Abbey, who is a Health Information Literacy Coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. She will overview MedlinePlus, a free online resource produced by the National Library of Medicine. It provides information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues. She will also share tips and techniques to help libraries provide health information assistance to patrons.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/
April 17 (11 am-12 pm)
Easing Information Anxiety: Teaching Information Literacy Strategies and Skills for College Readiness (Nebraska Library Commission)
In this session, we will discuss information literacy concepts that school librarians should cover with secondary students in preparation for college. These include “Revving up Students for Research” and explaining the “Method to the Madness”. These directly relate to the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education (ACRL). Participants will leave this webinar with strategies and activities that can be implemented for use in their libraries the next day. Speakers: Bridget Kratt and Wendy Grojean-Loewenstein, UNO Library Science Education Program.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/
April 17 (2-3 pm)
Technical Services Librarians Matter at Your Library: Finding a Career in Technical Services (ALCTS)
Step behind the scenes to learn about the exciting variety of rewarding careers available in technical services librarianship. Our panel of experienced technical services librarians from a variety of positions and institutions will be the tour guides to the world of technical services. This isn’t your grandmother’s technical services department.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
April 17 (3-4 pm)
18 Advanced Facebook Strategies for World Domination (Grantspace)
We bet you already have a few hundred Facebook fans and are way beyond just knowing when to post updates, how to target updates, how to create awesome cover images, etc. Join us as we welcome presenter John Haydon, who will take us beyond the basics!
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 17 (3-4 pm)
Engage! Teens, Art & Civic Participation: Creating Compelling Discussion through Art (American Library Association)
The Engage! Teens, Art & Civic Participation webinar series will introduce a program model that targets young adults, using visual art as a springboard to civic engagement. Originally piloted in ten Illinois libraries in 2010, Engage! Teens, Art & Civic Participation is an activity- and discussion-based program model featuring a selection of curated and compelling images of American art.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 18 (2-3 pm)
The Present and Future of Ebooks (American Libraries)
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://americanlibrarieslive.
April 18 (3-4 pm)
Small Claims Court Legal Resources: A Guide for Public Libraries (InfoPeople)
More information will be available on the website.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://infopeople.org/small_
April 19 (1-2:30 pm)
Teaching the Tough Stuff: Exploring the Librarian’s Most Difficult Instructional Challenges (Lyrasis)
No matter what we call it—BI, programming, information literacy/fluency, user education—the instructional role of the librarian is challenging, but rewarding. Many of us approach instruction with little to no formal training in “how to teach.” We work hard in order to figure it out, we consult our colleagues and friends to discover “what works?” –yet several concepts–the mechanics of searching, plagiarism, scholarly discourse– remain consistently elusive, and are therefore regularly addressed in professional forums… While these topics are frequently discussed, they are still challenging to solve. Through our reasoned and polite debate, we will discover great ideas to implement in the classroom, and identify deeper issues to discuss—such as developing a personal pedagogy, the role of teaching partners like faculty, teachers, volunteers and others, and the best tools and resources available to guide us as we work to become better teachers.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 23 (10-11 am)
Accessibility Specialists: Understanding “Invisible” Disabilities & What this Means for Online Education (Accessible Technology Coalition)
This panel includes four accessibility specialists from Empire State University, Pennsylvania State University, and Drexel University and WebAIM. During the first 60 minutes, each panel member will provide a self-introduction and discuss their work with “invisible” disabilities. The panel will then share effective practices and available resources to support students and faculty with invisible disabilities in online education. The last 20 minutes will be open to questions from attendees.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 23 (1-2 pm)
Consumer Health Information: Challenges and Resources for Public Librarians (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
In this webinar, Professor Arnott Smith will talk about common misconceptions and challenges to consumer health information provision in the public library setting and provide participants with helpful resources to meet these challenges.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://www.slis.wisc.edu/
April 23 (2-3 pm)
The Preservation of Family Photographs (ALCTS)
This presentation offers basic guidance on the care and preservation of family photographs from nineteenth-century tintypes to contemporary color prints. The webinar addresses the fundamental physical and chemical properties of photographic print and negative materials, including albums and scrapbooks, and the causes and mechanisms of their deterioration. Strategies for preservation, such as proper handling, storage and display techniques, will be shared.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
April 23 (3-4 pm)
eBooks: Exploring the Rapidly Evolving Options (Library Journal)
As the eBook industry continues to evolve, there are more and more acquisition and collection development options available to libraries, which is a great thing—once you can make sense of them all. Subscribe or purchase? Outright or demand-driven purchase? What about short-term loan and loan-to-own? There are so many variables to explore, and these are just a small handful of the business model considerations available to libraries today. This special webinar event, hosted by EBSCO, will address key points to consider when navigating eBook business models, and will also take a closer look at other options, including ordering services (e.g., EBSCOhost Collection Manager, GOBI and OASIS), eBook providers, user experience, digital preservation and much more.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 23 (3-4 pm)
Search Engine Optimization 101 for Nonprofits (NonProfit Webinars)
What is SEO and what does it mean for your organization? SEO or Search Engine Optimization is simply the process of getting your website found more easily on the internet, and with more traffic from search engines you have an opportunity to get more clients, members, supporters, partners, volunteers and donors. While SEO can be a powerful force, many nonprofits find it confusing and complicated. As you start to research the subject you may get overwhelmed with differing opinions and complicated technical explanations. Don’t fear, we are here to help.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 24 (2-3 pm)
Engage Young Learners with National Geographic Kids! (School Library Journal)
Engage students and broaden their horizons with reputable, authoritative, and child-focused content that will bring them the world in a way they’ve never seen it before. Fun and substantive, National Geographic Kids will take them on amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 24 (2-3 pm)
Personal Digital Archiving (ALCTS)
Increase your understanding of common digital files—digital photos, recordings, video, documents, and others—and learn what it takes to preserve them. Technology changes rapidly. If you don’t actively care for your digital possessions you may lose access to them as some technologies become obsolete. Learn about the nature of the problem and hear about some simple, practical tips and tools to help you preserve your digital stuff.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
April 24 (3-4 pm)
People are talking about you…but do you know what they’re saying? (InfoPeople)
Your library may have spent a lot of money or time on online marketing or social media outreach, only to have its reputation severely damaged by one angry blogger. How can you track this kind of activity and mitigate negative commentary? Learn what tools are available to help monitor your library’s precious online reputation and some strategies to protect your library’s brand.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
http://infopeople.org/
April 25 (11-12 pm)
Revisiting Public Computer Center Policies (Montana State Library)
Tracy Cook from the Montana State Library will discuss some key factors to consider in your PCC policies, especially in regards to teen use.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 25 (2-3 pm)
Archival 101: Dealing with Suppliers of Archival Products (ALCTS)
Archival 101 is designed to demystify the archival product market for the layperson and nonpreservation specialist. The presentation will provide an overview of the conservation and preservation issues facing libraries, cultural organizations, and individuals; describe the terminology in use; discuss products and offer buying tips on the different ways these can be used. A list of links to other resources will also be provided.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
April 25 (2-3 pm)
Walking the Walk: Engage Volunteers in your Volunteer Engagement Program (VolunteerMatch)
Join this free webinar to learn more about how to model the volunteer engagement you want for your organization in your own program. Stop just talking the talk and start walking the walk! Learn how to effectively delegate volunteer engagement and management work to volunteers so you have the opportunity to “think bigger.” We’ll discuss evaluating your program for volunteer engagement, determining how best to use volunteers, creating a communication plan, screening and training volunteers to be an important part of your volunteer recruiting, retention and recognition plans. VolunteerMatch is here to help make it easy for you to recruit volunteers, manage existing volunteers, and promote your organization.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
April 25 (6-7 pm)
Be the Change: Make the Administrator Connection (School Library Journal)
Hear from school administrators about how to work with them to make the library central to the school’s strategic direction–help shape the school’s future to better serve our kids, make a mark that matters, and get noticed for it.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 30 (1-2 pm)
Extending access to e-books for public libraries: New strategies (WebJunction)
A January 2013 convening of public library leaders from across the U.S. resulted in a set of strategies that they have agreed to pursue. The strategies include public policy, data collection and clearly defining the library’s value in the e-book supply chain, and outlining how libraries themselves can become vital participants in the emerging models for content creation and delivery. We will talk about how these strategies are progressing, how this work fits with other initiatives to extend e-book access, and we’ll touch on how you can get involved with these efforts.
For more information and to register for this program, visit:
April 30 (3-4 pm)
Supercharge Your Volunteer and Personal Fundraising Campaigns (NonProfit Webinars)
Growing and sustaining a productive volunteer base is hard work! Join us for a discussion of how to ensure your volunteer campaigns are a net positive for your organization. Join NationBuilder’s Adriel Hampton for a discussion of how to leverage data on historical actions to engage with top volunteers, how to use your social media supporters to evangelize your mission, and creating effective personal fundraising campaigns. Learn how to optimize your websites and workflows to effectively leverage your volunteers to get more done.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: