We all made the ever-popular “ATTEND MORE CE” New Years resolution this year, right?  Well to help you meet that goal, here’s what is coming up over the next several weeks.

If your library has volunteers donating their time and skills, check out this demonstration of Vogistics (a volunteer tracking system) at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on Thursday, January 26 from 1-3 pm.  FREE!

There will be an web conference reviewing the FY2013 Adult Literacy grant application on Monday, January 30th from 9:00-10:30 am and repeated from 2:00-3:30 pm.  These workshops are always helpful in ensuring applications are properly completed and for sharing grant ideas.  FREE!

Also on the 30th, there will be a meeting of the Reforma Midwest Chapter from 1-3 pm at the RAILS building in Wheeling (formerly the NSLS building).  Videoconferencing is also an option. Reforma promotes the development of library collections to include Spanish-language and Latino oriented materials; the recruitment of more bilingual and bicultural library professionals and support staff; the development of library services and programs that meet the needs of the Latino community; the establishment of a national information and support network among individuals who share our goals; the education of the U.S. Latino population in regard to the availability and types of library services; and lobbying efforts to preserve existing library resource centers serving the interests of Latinos.

Readers Advisory folks will want to attend the Western Suburbs RA SiG meeting at the Rails Geneva Service Center on Tuesday, January 31st from 9:30-noon.  They’ll be wrapping up their 1.5 year study (!) of Science Fiction.  The day’s topic is “Time Travel/Far Future.” FREE!

Also on the 31st, there is a WebJunction web conference on Developing and Maintaining E-Reader Policies and Procedures for Libraries from 1-2pm.  David Newyear, adult information services manager, Mentor Public Library, Ohio; and Daniel Schwartz, library director, Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, Kerrville, Texas will focus on the nuts and bolts of serving patrons with gadgets, including policies and procedures for libraries lending e-readers and for patrons using their own readers to access library e-book collections. Hear from a library who has e-reader policies and procedures in place, including how they review and update polices; and from a library who’s recently developed policies and procedures after researching and learning from many other libraries.   If your library is planning an e-reader service, this is the workshop for you.  If your library already has a service in place, this is a great opportunity to see how your policies compare.  FREE!

Moving into February, there is an IMRF workshop on Tuesday, February 7th from 1-3pm.  What You Should Know About IMRF brings in Paul Paris to discuss all things IMRF, such as the differences in benefits for employees enrolled in Tier I vs. Tier II, how to get updated IMRF information, even when not the IMRF Authorized Agent, and options such as an insurance selection available to members upon retirement. Paul will take your questions during the session as well.  This sounds like a great ‘train the trainer’ opportunity.  Staff from your library attends the workshop and then briefs everyone else.  FREE!

The Business Librarians Interest Group (BIG) is having a meeting on Thursday, February 9th from 9:30-noon at the Glenview Public Library.  BIG consists of librarians working with the business community meet to network together, sharing resources, programming ideas and other related topics of interest to the group.  On a side note, if you haven’t yet had a chance to visit the new Glenview Public Library, this is a great opportunity to do so.  It’s a beautiful building and alone is well worth the trip.  FREE!

WebJunction’s webinar Cloud Computing 101 will be held on Thursday, February 9th from 1-2pm.  “Cloud computing” seems to be all the rage, but what actually is it? Roy Tennant, senior program officer in the Research division of OCLC, will explain what cloud computing offers libraries, how libraries are using these services, and what you should consider when thinking about using a cloud service in your library. A distinction between services for end-users and services for organizations will be made, explained, and illustrated, as well as the terms used to describe cloud services. Learn how quick and easy it now is to deploy applications “in the cloud” using tools such as Google Docs, Google App Engine, and Amazon’s Web Services, among others. Resources for further exploration will be included.  FREE!

The Readers Advisory Interest Group (RAIG) will meet on Thursday, February 16th from 9:30-noon at the RAILS Wheeling building.  The Readers Advisory Interest Group (RAIG) is a group of area librarians who meet the third Thursday of every other month to discuss fiction genres and trends and readers advisory to patrons. All are welcome to attend our free meetings. FREE!

There will be a Live and Learn Construction Grant Committee Review held via videoconference at six RAILS buildings on Thursday, February 23rd from 9:30am-4:00pm.  If your library is working on a construction grant, this is a must-attend.  FREE!

Also on the 23rd, WebJunction is hosting the web conference Twitter for Job Seekers: Tips for Helping Your Library’s Job-seeking Patron from 1-2pm.  Twitter is one of the best online tools for networking and job seeking. Whether browsing job postings or connecting with people in your field, Twitter offers something for everyone. Brooke Roegge, digital information specialist, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Andrea Snyder, manager, Job & Career Information Center, Enoch Pratt Free Library/Maryland State Library Resource Center will cover tips and techniques for helping patrons network and find jobs on Twitter, and provide your library with ways to use Twitter in support of job seekers. Learn how you can use “tweets” to extend and augment your library services, showcase the resources and programs you provide job seekers and demonstrate the powerful connections you create in your library community. FREE!

Dominican University resumes their excellent series of weekend workshops with The Truth About Choice on Saturday, February 25th from 8:30am-6:00pm

Join us for a day-long exploration of the choices we make as teachers, librarians, and readers. Noted author and freedom-to-read advocate Chris Crutcher will speak about young people’s rights to make their own reading choices. Members of the Butler Children’s Literature Center will share ideas about choosing books for classrooms and choosing books with young adults. A panel of editors and reviewers will discuss using book review journals to make wise and economical collection choices, and a panel of librarians and teachers will share some of the best (and worst!) choices they have made. We will end the day with a champagne reception in the new, permanent Butler Center space.

As one might expect, we’re getting into the slow months for CE.  The holidays create staffing challenges as more folks want to use vacation time and the weather starts making those lovely scenic morning/afternoon drives to libraries far afield not so lovely nor scenic.

But worry not, there are still some good opportunities out there in December, starting with, of course, RLA-CE!

On Tuesday, December 13th we’ll be hosting Director’s Uncensored from 10:00am-noon.  We’ve been brainstorming about this program for a few years now and we’re very excited now that we’ve got it just right.  Our all-star lineup of directors – Detlev Pansch of Barrington Area Library, Kate Hall of New Lenox Public Library District, and Mike Madden, former director of Schaumburg Township District Library – will give you the lowdown on what it’s really like to hold down the top job.  Director’s Uncensored also marks our return to the RAILS Wheeling building!  The former NSLS headquarters building has a great auditorium and we’re very happy that it is available for use again.  As always, this program is FREE!

LACONI is hosting a technology workshop on Thursday, December 1st from 9:30-noon at the Northlake Public Library.  If you are looking for an answer to your Library’s current website woes, or simply want to learn more about Content Management Systems, then Creating Dynamic Websites with Joomla and WordPress.  Ann Stoval from Indian Prairie Public Library and Hadley Ford from River Forest Public Library will be sharing their experiences redesigning their own library’s website.   Special guest speaker is Brian Brown, e-marketing and web design consultant, from Strategic Strategies will detail the process of a website migration to a CMS.  This program is FREE!

On December 4th is the final class in the 3-part Storytelling workshop presented by Dominican University.  This looked like a fascinating series.  If you attended, please share your experiences!

On Tuesday, December 6th from 1-2pm, WebJunction is offering  Free Windows 7 Curriculum: Basic Computer Training at Your Library.  The program is presented by Tom Watts and highlights the My PC Series (http://www.mypcprogram.com/), a completely free and fun, hands-on, jargon-free curriculum of computer classes developed by Microsoft for adult learners that aims to make this challenge a bit easier. This program is FREE!

WebJunction is hosting another hour-long program on Wednesday, December 14th.  A Small But Powerful Webinar for Winning Big Support for Your Rural Library is an introduction to the revised edition of the popular Small But Powerful Guide to Winning Big Support for Your Rural Library, a new toolkit from the American Library Association’s Committee on Rural, Native, and Tribal Libraries of All Kinds, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries. This webinar will introduce you to the tips and strategies presented in the toolkit, share the experiences of a rural librarian who has built support for her library, and introduce you to some of the additional advocacy tools and resources from the American Library Association. This program is FREE!

And finally, the deadline for submitting proposals for ILA 2012 – Bouncing Higher! is January 31st.  I’m sure most of you are aware of how outstanding ILA is every year.  But you may not be aware that the majority of programs come the brainstorms of us librarians.  So take the plunge.  You have a great idea, and we all want to learn about it!

Have you ever wondered what the life of a library director is like or what they’re really thinking? Join us for “Directors Uncensored,” a revealing panel discussion with three Chicagoland library directors, including Detlev Pansch of Barrington Area Library, Kate Hall of New Lenox Public Library District, and Mike Madden, former director of Schaumburg Township District Library. We will cover a variety of topics, including:

• Thoughts on the future of libraries and librarians
• Change management
• Ideal traits for library leaders
• A glimpse at the day in the life of a director
• Developing partnerships with your community
• The role of technology in libraries

RLA-CE is very excited to sponsor Mobile Solutions for Libraries on November 10, from 9:30-noon at the Northbrook Public Library.  We’re expecting a big crowd, so make sure you register early.  The program is, of course, FREE!

WebJunction, ALA TechSource, and the ALA Office for Research & Statistics are co-sponsoring 2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study: Results, Trends, and Resources on November 1st from 1-2pm.  This webinar is FREE to register.

The second part of Dominican’s Supervisory Skills Series, How to Motivate Staff is November 2nd at the Matteson Public Library from 9am-4pm.  This program is not free but does include lunch!

On November 4th from 9:30-noon, LACONI-RASS is sponsoring The Chicago Underground Library at the Oak Park Public Library.   Nell Taylor and Emily Porter of The Chicago Underground Library will discuss the similarities and differences between standard public library services and those offered by the CUL. Not Free

The State Library is hosting “Wow, That’s Cool! What is it?”  on November 10th from 1-2pm.  This webinar will feature the Library of Virginia’s tour of the state showing off all sorts of cool tech gadgets and devices.  Not just for patrons, this tour focused on helping library staff keep current with developing trends. FREE!

Dominican is hosting Tapping Into the Positive Side of Conflict on November 17th from 9-noon.  In this practical session, you will identify your normal response to conflict, explore ways to use your strengths, and create an individual plan for using the five steps for managing conflict.  This program is not free , but it did bring some Monty Python which is always a good thing.

Also on the 17th, LACONI is sponsoring Wired That Way for Customer Service.  Yes, it’s a Circ program, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if we dropped in.  Plus, it is being held at that copper-roofed marvel the Prospect Heights Library! Not Free

We’re also always on the lookout for great CE, so if you know of a group or source that offers workshops, classes, webinars, or other training, please let us know!

Since this is RLA-CE’s website, hopefully you won’t begrudge us promoting our program first.  We’re hosting Mobile Solutions for Libraries on Thursday, November 10th from 9:30-noon at the Northbrook Public Library.  Toby Greenwalt will give us a better understanding of the various tools our patrons can use to meet their library needs. FREE

LACONI’s fall program is Top Tech Trends: Planning for the Road Ahead.  Jason Griffey, Associate Professor and Head of Library Information Technology at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga is the featured speaker.  Thursday, October 6th from 9:30-3:00 at the Skokie Public Library.  Not free

ARRT has two programs in October.  Crossover Connection: Linking Your Adult and Teen Collections will be held on Tuesday, October 11th from 1:30-3:30 at the Schaumburg Public Library.  Not free   Their fall book discussion of The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet will take place on Wednesday, October 26th from 1:30-3:30 at the Niles Public LIbrary.  This is FREE but you have to get your copy of the book on your own.

Dominican is sponsoring a three part workshop on storytelling on October 9, November 6 and December 4.  Yes, those are all Sundays.  Not free

Dominican is sponsoring a workshop on Problem Solving on Thursday, October 13th.  Diane Decker is the facilitator and if you’ve never been to one of her programs, you’re missing out.  Not free

Don’t forget the best bang for your CE buck – the ILA Annual Conference!  This is one of the best events in the state.  Plus, this is the first year it will be held in Rosemont.  Not free but sooo worth it.

There’s an interesting WebJunction course on using skill-based volunteers in Public Libraries on Wednesday, October 19th from 1:00-2:00.  Webjunction is a great resource for continuing education.  They cover a wide range of library-related topics and best of all, most are FREE

WebJunction is hosting another webinar on Tuesday, October 25th (1:00-2:00) entitled Teaming Up With Teens@ Your Library.  And yes, I had to double check to make sure it wasn’t ‘Teeming.’  FREE

As the mobile environment continues to mature, libraries are employing a variety of exciting and innovative tools to make their services available anywhere, any time. In this dynamic presentation, Toby Greenwalt, Skokie Public Library’s Virtual Services Coordinator, will provide an overview of how libraries of all sizes and levels of technological expertise can meet their patrons’ needs via mobile devices.

When: Thursday, November 10, 2011, 9:30am-noon

Where: Northbrook Public Library, Auditorium (map and directions)

Cost: Free – sponsored by HW Wilson

Registration: Register Here

Any questions? Please contact us!

Please note, that this program will be limited to the first 20 people who sign up. Registration closes on Thursday, August 25. Also, if you register and cannot make it, please let us know ASAP so we can pass the spot on to another registrant.

When: Friday, September 9, 2011 at 10:30am

Where: Chicago Botanic Garden (map and directions)

Cost: Free – sponsored by HW Wilson

Registration: Sorry, registration is closed for this program. Please contact us if you would like to be added to a waitlist.

Any questions? Please contact us!

Becky Spratford talked about how the Berwyn Public Library is incorporating technology into their readers advisory services – with great success.  Here’s the link to her talk (and blog – if it’s not on your feed, it should be!).  Becky had great ideas – using book lists as many different ways as possible – on Goodreads/Shelfari/Bibliocommons/etc, on Facebook, as bookmarks (gasp – paper?!?) and don’t forget to post them on your website and save them for future use.  Link to staff reviews from the ‘about the staff page.’  This is a brilliant idea, but may cause some consternation among the rest of the staff or administration, so work deliberately.  I took her overall theme to be putting all your work into a circle so that it feeds back upon itself.  You read a book and review it for your website so patrons can read the review and want the book for their discussion group.  The discussion group, looking for other book titles, will find a read-alike display in the library that encourages them to take part in an online book discussion.  Don’t re-invent the wheel – just make that wheel bigger and bigger!

Carolyn Muci from the Mount Prospect Public Library talked about their successful programs outside the Library.  Her presentation,  Think Outside the Box focused on their book club held at a nearby Caribou Coffee stressed that creating a positive experience for the patron, wherever they were and however they used the Library was more important than making them feel obligated to visit the Library.  By expanding the presence of the Library into the community through story times at local businesses or even simply offering them no-hassle internet access after a storm lets patrons know the Library will be there for them when they need it.

Jason Smith from The Book Table was our final speaker.  Have you ever noticed that way more people claim to have witnessed an event than could ever have actually been there?  I mean, only 15,758 people were at Wrigley Field when Kerry Wood struck out 20 batters in one of the best games ever pitched.  But at least 50,ooo say they were there (heck, even I’ve done it on more than one occasion).  This just may be one of those events.  I predict BIG things for Jason Smith on the speaking circuit.  He was funny, insightful, and intelligent.   Five years from now, when he’s keynoting ALA, way more than 52 people will be claiming to have seen him talk at Park Ridge in 2011.

Big thanks to all three and to all who attended.  You made our first summer program a big success!

This summer, RLA-CE brings you Back to Books.

Librarians have been focused on technology recently and RLA-CE is no different.  We’ve had programs on eReaders, the dot gov websites, and consumer/product evaluations.  But what about books?  Y’know, those things that take up the majority of the space in most libraries?  Made from paper, written from the heart and cataloged with love?  Well, on Tuesday, June 28th, RLA-CE presents workshop highlighting some of the best ways to bring focus back to books and how technology can help us promote books more effectively.

We’ll have Carolyn Muci, Head of Marketing and Public Relations at the Mount Prospect Public Library to talk about the exciting ways they bring books out into their community.  Becky Spratford, author, Dominican University instructor, and Readers’ Advisory librarian at the Berwyn Public Library, will talk how social media can be used to promote books.  And we’ll also have Jason Smith, co-owner of Chicago’s Best Bookstore, The Book Table.  He’ll share some of his marketing secrets with us.  Not just the big, one-time events, what he does on a smaller, continuous scale to keep his customers coming back.

When: Tuesday, June 28th from 1:30-4:00 (If you’re not back from ALA yet, you’re just milking a few extra days out of New Orleans)

Where: Park Ridge Public Library (Map & Directions)

Cost: Free – Sponsored by HW Wilson

Registration: Online registration

Any questions? Please contact us!