CE Around the State — June Edition
Hello again! June is off to a quick start–so quick that I got busy and missed it! Lucky for us the rest of June has a few things to offer, take a look.
Still time to get in and sign up for WebX‘s webinar Worldshare ILL Borrowing on Monday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This course is part of a series to help transition member libraries already familiar with WorldCat Resource Sharing and its functionality to OCLC’s new WorldShare ILL service. Specifically, it will concentrate on Borrower activities that libraries need to know as they transition to, and begin to make borrowing requests in WorldShare ILL (WSILL). There are several more sessions scheduled throughout the month, check the L2 calendar here if you can’t make these. FREE! Register HERE
Summer is a great time to catch a few webinars, like Webjunction‘s Support Patron Learning in Small Spaces with Small Budgets on Wednesday, June 12 from 1-2 p.m. This webinar will showcase how small and rural libraries can provide effective training to patrons even with limited staff, resources, or space. This webinar is hosted in collaboration with TechSoup for Libraries and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries. Presented by: Brenda Hough and Stephanie Gerding, consultants, TechSoup for Libraries and Wendy Street, director, Pella Public Library, Iowa. FREE! Register HERE
Finally, if you’re interested in learning more about OCLC Connexion, check out this free workshop happening at Mascoutah Public Library Wednesday, June 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Presented by Shelley Stone, this workshop will introduce the windows-based client interface to OCLC Connexion. Participants will learn how to search, edit and take final action on those records to be imported into SHARE. Good for three CPDU credits, register by June 18 HERE
Libraries have always been a place for the community to gain information about personal finance. However, since 2008, the rules have changed. What resources are up-to-date and which ones are still useful? Join us for an informative session with Karen Chan, a financial educator and Certified Financial Planner, to learn how to best work with patrons on financial issues and connect them to the resources they need.
Topics covered will include:
- Handy tools you can share with clients including how to compare loans to identifying assets
- Financial tips that will benefit you and your patrons
- Opportunities for libraries to become more involved in providing financial education opportunities to their communities
- Activities you can use with job clubs
All reference librarians and front line reference desk workers can benefit from this informative session!
When: Friday, June 21 / 9:30 am-12 pm
Where: Schaumburg Township District Library , Rasmussen North
Cost: FREE Sponsored by H.W. Wilson, Gale Cengage Learning and TBS
CE Around the State—May Edition
Hello there! Sorry for the late start, we’ve had a bit of baton passing here in this column so bear with me and we’ll get back on track for next month. So I know that a week or so has already flown by this month but maybe you’ll still find some interest in these programs happening around Illinois the rest of May.
Librarians looking to update their tech skills in Polaris can attend a couple of different training sessions Monday, May 13 courtesy of the Illinois Heartland Library System. SHARE Serials for Polaris from 9am-12pm, and SHARE Barcoding in Polaris from 1:30-3:30pm. Information here and here. There are several more sessions scheduled throughout the month, check the L2 calendar here if you can’t make these. FREE!
Spending so much time in meetings you can’t get your work done? Worried that meetings aren’t worth the staff time they consume? Maybe you should attend How to Have Shorter, More Productive Meetings at the Matteson Public Library Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 9 am – 12:30 pm. Sponsored by Dominican University, GSLIS, Cont. Professional Development, Cynthia Aaronson of Milestone Partners will teach you how to become both a better meeting participant and effective meeting leader. Information and registration here. FREE!
LACONI presents Playing the Part: Communicating Change with a Smile on Friday, May 17 from 9:15 am – 12:15 pm. One of the most difficult aspects of messaging change is “playing the part”: convincing your staff that impending change will be manageable and positive even though you are just as scared as they are! Matt Elwell, CPLP (President and CEO, ComedySportz of Chicago, Inc.) will lead participants through a fun, interactive session that practices effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills around change. Information and registration here.
Robyn Scott and Colleen Murray are Chicago-based actors and improvisers who bring the skills and techniques of theater and improvisation to business professionals across industries. Check them out at Improv Skills Workshop: , at Dominican University in two separate sessions on Friday, May 17: Team Building from 9 am- 12 pm and Leading and Mentoring from 1-4 pm. Information and registration here and here.
Join Duncan Smith, Reader’s Advisory expert and NoveList creator Tuesday, May 21 from 2-3 pm for an engaging webinar on NoveList Select and the potential for catalog integration specifically for RAILS LLSAP member libraries. This event is also open to other interested RAILS members. Information here. FREE!
Building a digitally inclusive community requires multiple strategies, collaborations and creativity. Some digital inclusion strategies are referred to as “broadband adoption” which includes technology training, broadband awareness, low cost internet service and low cost home computers. Tune in Wednesday, May 22 from 1-2 pm EDT as WebJunction presents a webinar with the creators of the Broadband Adoption Toolkit discussing how to implement strategies for building digitally inclusive communities. Information here. FREE!
Here’s one we can all relate to, eh? Diane Becker presents Grow As a Pro: Bouncing Back During Times of Stress and Change at the Gail Borden Public Library from 9:30 am – 1 pm. Stress and change are inevitable in the workplace. This interactive workshop will address positive ways to handle stressful situations and increase personal resiliency. Participants will also leave with an understanding of the nature of change and ways to smoothly transition during workplace changes. First in a series, information and registration here.
Brush up on some RA skills at the Western Suburbs Genre Study Tuesday, May 28 9:30 am – 12 pm at the RAILS Geneva DuPage River Room. Genre study for Readers’ Advisors & other interested library staff. Meets every other month. Participants share brief summaries & appeal factors for titles read. Current study focuses on “must know” authors/books in various genres as outlined by the Adult Reading Round Table. Information on reading requests, etc., here.
And wrapping up May is the WebEx Webinar Worldshare ILL Migration-Overview for Illinois happening Thursday, May 30 from 10-11 am. This one-hour webinar will provide an overview of migrating from WorldCat Resource Sharing to WorldShare ILL. We will review how to register for the migration to receive your library’s custom web address, create staff accounts, and review the basic components of the system. Learning resources, documentation, and steps to take to get ready will be shared. Information and registration here.
Field Trip – Pumping Station: One
Interested in creating a makerspace at your library? Visit one of the originals with RLA-CE when we tour Pumping Station: One. Get tips from Adam Dzak, one of PS: One’s Directors, on getting started with technology, building a community, finding freebies, and more. After, join us for a post-tour discussion at Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant.
If F.A.O. Schwartz is a playground for kids, then Pumping Station: One is the playground for kids at heart. PS: One is a a hackerspace where the community gets to decide what types of tools and resources to include. Drill presses, 3D printers, electron microscopes, welding gear, and IT equipment are all available. PS: One is a community first and a “space” second. It is a 180+-member collective of carpenters, metal workers, cyclists, tailors/seamstresses, web developers, micro-brewers, game developers, musicians, car enthusiasts, college professors, men, women, and above all else, people obsessed with the pursuit of knowledge.
CE Around the State–April Edition
Phew, April snuck up on me there! I must have been distracted by all the sunshine, singing birds, and March Madness. Apologies for the short notice on some of these, but here is your continuing education round up for the month of April. Be on the lookout for another great RLA-CE program coming up, to be announced.
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Webjunction hosts So Many Devices, So Little Time on April 3 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. The webinar will offer practical guidance in helping patrons with a variety of gadgets, hosting one-on-one sessions, and creating instructional materials. Information here. FREE!
LACONI hosts TSS: Interviewing & Interdepartmental Communication on April 5 at 9:50am at White Oak Library District in Romeoville. The Management Association will address the legal aspects of the interview process. Information and registration here.
Head to Fremont Public Library for Connect, Create, Collaborate: Working in the Cloud with Web Apps on April 6 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Information here. FREE!
Tinker will meet on April 9 from 9:30am to 11:30am at Schaumburg Township District Library. Tinker is a “technology networking group for library staff who work–-or want to work–-with children, teens, and technology.” Information here. FREE!
Webjunction offers another webinar, Engaging Stakeholders, the First Step to Creating a Digitally Inclusive Community. Tune in April 10 at 12:00pm. Information here. FREE!
As always, Slam the Boards on the 10th of each month. Hit your favorite social Q&A sites, answer questions librarian-style, identify yourself as a librarian, and post links to Twitter #slamtheboards.
We all need it sometimes—Positive Responses to Challenging Situations is April 11 from 9:00am to 12:30pm at Matteson Public Library. Diane Decker will present “positive approaches to challenging situations, and strategies for developing more productive relationships with bosses, co-workers, and patrons.” Information here.
Head to Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library on April 11, from 10:00am to 3:30pm for Empowering Library Staff to Meet the Needs of the Spanish Speaking Community. Information here. FREE!
Dominican University’s Follett Lecture featuring Mary Minow is April 15 at 6:00pm at the university’s Martin Recital Hall. Ms. Minow will present “Copyright in the Digital Age—Some Unexpected Considerations.” Information here. FREE!
NISO and RAILS sponsor EPUB3 and the Future of Interoperable E-Books on April 17 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. This videoconference will be held at the RAILS EAST Peoria location. More information here. FREE!
Butler Book Banter meets on the third Thursday of each month to talk children’s literature and network at Dominican University’s Crown Library. Head over April 18 at 7:00pm. Register here. FREE!
LACONI’s Responsive Web Design is April 19 from 9:30am to 12:00pm at Skokie Public Library. Matthew Reidsma will present an intro to responsive design, then walk attendees through creating a simple webpage that looks great across a variety of websites. Information and registration here.
The Former NSLS Youth Managers’ Meeting is April 19 from 9:30am to 12:00pm at Des Plaines Public Library. All YS managers in the RAILS area are welcome. RSVP to Stephanie Spetter, SSpetter@dppl.org.
Head to Gail Borden Public Library for Grow as a Pro: Making the Most of Your Time on April 23, from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Diane Decker will present on time management and professional development. Information here.
Academically-inclined folk may want to check out ALA Techsource’s webinar workshop, Teaching Information Literacy with Discovery Tools. On April 24 at 1:30pm. More information here.
LACONI will host a Poetry Foundation Tour on April 26 from 9:45am to 12:00pm. Celebrate National Poetry month with a tour of the Foundation’s new building in Chicago. Information and registration here. FREE!
LACONI also hosts Every Child Ready to Read: 2nd Edition on April 26, from 9:30am to 4:00pm at Schaumburg Township District Library. Explore early literacy practices in this demonstration and hands-on event. Information and registration here.
Webjunction closes out the month with a webinar, Extending Access to E-Books for Public Libraries: New Strategies on April 30 at 12:00pm. The event will explore the big picture of e-books in public libraries, including public policy, data collection, and content creation. Information here. FREE!
CE Around the State–Spring is in the Air!
You may be ready for spring break (maybe just a break from the slush), but RLA-CE is just gearing up to offer you some awesome spring programming!
In March, we’ll be hosting Be an Online Detective! at Skokie Public Library on March 13, from 9:30am to 12:00pm. Steven Jablonski of the Skokie Public Library will explore the world of online public records and show how you can use this information to locate people and find out more about them. We will look both at official government agencies and at commercial sites that recycle and disseminate public information in creative ways. Finally, we will consider how people can obtain public records that aren’t available online. The program is FREE, and you can register here.
Aside from that, check out the great continuing ed opportunities below.
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Those who run summer reading programs and need to plan can head to Rock Falls Public Library March 1, 9:00am – 12:00pm for the Performer Showcase. Call Amy at Rock Falls at 815.626.3958 to register. Information here.
As always, Slam the Boards on the 10th of each month. Promote librarians beyond the library! On the 10th of each month, visit your favorite “Social Q&A” sites (Yahoo Answers, Quora, WikiAnswers, etc.) and locate questions for which you can provide well-researched answers. Identify yourself as a librarian in your answer. Then post links to your answers on Twitter using the hashtag #slamtheboards. FREE!
REFORMA Midwest Chapter will meet March 11 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm at various RAILS Videoconference Rooms. REFORMA is a national association that promotes library and information services to Latinos and the Spanish speaking community. The meeting is open to all who are looking for resources and ideas for collection and programming. Email lesquivel@vapld.info to RSVP. Details here. FREE!
Web design folk can join Chicagoland Drupal Group on March 12, 9:30am to 12:00pm at Skokie Public Library. Beginners to advanced users are welcome. Information here.
Also on March 12, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Lisle Library District, LEARN (Libraries’ English and Reading Network) will meet. For staff members interested in providing materials and services to adults learning to read, speak, and understand English. The group meets twice a year to share ideas about providing and marketing services. RSVP to joep@ippl.info. Information here.
Webjunction will host a webinar, Worth a Thousand Words: Library Snapshot Day on March 13, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Information and registration here. FREE!
The LACONI Middle Managers’ Meeting will be March 15, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the RAILS Burr Ridge location. Supervisors in all capacities are welcome to meet and network. Information and registration here.
LACONI will also host 50 Shades of Marketing on March 15, from 9:30am to 1:00pm at Woodridge Public Library. In this workshop they’ll share practical tips and tricks on how to improve your marketing strategy. Information and registration here.
The Youth Librarian Networking Group will meet March 18, 9:00am to 12:00pm at the RAILS Wheeling location. More information here.
Webjunction has another webinar, Signature Events for Small Libraries on March 19 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. If the phrase “chocolate in the stacks” intrigues you (of course it does!), snap to for this one. Information and registration here. FREE!
Head to Dominican University’s Crown Library for Butler Book Banter on March 21 at 7:00pm. Join Thom Barthelmess, Butler Children’s Literature Center Curator, and fellow children’s book enthusiasts on the third Thursday of the month for lively book discussions, socializing, and snacks. Register here. FREE!
C.L.A.S.S. (Children’s Librarians Association of the South Suburbs) will meet March 25, 10:00am to 12:00pm for a business meeting and program. More information here.
Readers Advisory librarians and those interested in RA can join in the Western Susburbs Genre Study on March 26, 9:30am to 12:00pm at the RAILS Geneva location. Visit their Facebook page for information, and check out the “homework” here. FREE!
Be An Online Detective!
If someone’s not a famous person or relentless self-promoter, what can other people uncover about that person on the Internet for free?
Steven Jablonski of the Skokie Public Library will explore the world of online public records and show how you can use this information to locate people and find out more about them. We will look both at official government agencies and at commercial sites that recycle and disseminate public information in creative ways. Finally, we will consider how people can obtain public records that aren’t freely available online.
After the program there will be a tour of Skokie Public Library’s newly remodeled second floor Computer Commons, Business Center, and study rooms.
When: Wednesday, March 13, 9:30 am – 12 pm
Where: Skokie Public Library Mary Radmacher Room
Cost: FREE Sponsored by H.W. Wilson
Questions? Contact us.
