ARSL TRAIN
Compassion Without Collapse: Boundary Setting for Library Staff Under Pressure
When: Thursday, November 5
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
Library staff are expected to provide exceptional service while navigating behavior that can be demanding, inappropriate, or emotionally charged. This interactive session introduces a trauma-informed approach to asserting compassionate boundaries — helping participants stay kind, clear, and courageous under pressure. Rooted in neuroscience and informed by real-world library scenarios, participants will explore how nervous system activation influences communication, why boundary testing occurs, and how to respond with grounded clarity rather than reactivity. This session empowers librarians to recognize early warning signs, and learn practical strategies for responding in ways that protect staff well-being while maintaining welcoming, inclusive spaces. Participants will:
- Understand the role of nervous system activation in difficult patron and colleague interactions
- Recognize early indicators that a boundary may be needed
- Practice mindset shifts that support confident, respectful limit-setting
- Identify strategies for upholding boundaries while maintaining welcoming library spaces
Presented by: Ariana Friedlander, MPA
Ariana Friedlander, MPA, is founder of Rosabella Consulting and a master facilitator specializing in trauma-informed leadership and the Neuroscience of Conversation®. With over 20 years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations, including libraries, she helps professionals navigate difficult interactions with compassion, clarity, and confidence. Her Trauma-Informed Assertiveness Training equips library staff to maintain exceptional service while setting healthy boundaries. Ariana lives in sunny Colorado with her family.
ARSL TRAIN
Engineering Within Reach: Family Makers Kits for Rural and Small Libraries
When: Thursday, November 12
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
Want to bring hands-on engineering to your library without breaking the bank or taking up hours of prep time? Discover how low-cost, ready-to-implement Family Makers kits can turn your library into a vibrant engineering hub for children (5-10 years) and caregivers! In this webinar, you will get a closer look at engineering kits developed and tested in partnership with seven rural US libraries. While originally designed for online family programs, these kits and engineering activities work seamlessly as in-person workshops, take-and-make kits, or drop-in stations.
In this workshop, participants will:
- Explore six engineering curricula designed specifically for rural children and caregivers.
- Learn how to adapt Family Makers curricula for in-person sessions, take-and-make kits, or drop-in stations.
- Understand strategies to address common issues with supply materials, mixed-age groups, and parent-child dynamics in engineering workshops.
Presented by: Soo Hyeon Kim & Gi Woong Choi, Assistant Professors at Florida State University
Dr. Soo Hyeon Kim is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information at Florida State University. Dr. Kim is an interdisciplinary, translational researcher at the nexus of Library and Information Science (LIS) and the Learning Sciences (LS). Her research aims to broaden children’s access to STEM learning opportunities by transforming public libraries and family interactions as facilitators for play- and maker-based STEM learning experiences. Dr. Kim’s research often employs community-engaged, asset-based, and participatory design methodologies and approaches. Previously, she was an associate professor (with tenure) at Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Indianapolis.
Dr. Gi Woong Choi is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies at Florida State University. He is an educational researcher and has a professional background in human-computer interaction, user experience, and game design. His research interests span across the fields of learning sciences, instructional systems and learning technologies, and information science, with a current focus on AI in education, informal STEM learning, libraries as learning spaces, problem-solving, makerspaces, and educational affordances of emerging technologies.
ARSL TRAIN
Session Details Coming Soon
When: Thursday, November 19
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
Topic, presenter, and registration information coming soon. Check back for updates!
ARSL TRAIN
Session Details Coming Soon
When: Thursday, December 3
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
In partnership with EdFarm.
Session description, presenter, and registration information coming soon. Check back for updates!
ARSL TRAIN
Session Details Coming Soon
When: Thursday, December 10
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
In partnership with the Fred Rogers Institute.
Session description, presenter, and registration information coming soon. Check back for updates!
ARSL TRAIN
No Headset Required: Virtual Tours & VR for Every Library Member
When: Thursday, January 28, 2027
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
In partnership with Digital Human Library.
Discover how your library can offer immersive learning experiences to every member, with no headsets, special equipment, or setup required. In this webinar, we'll explore Digital Human Library's web-based collection of virtual tours and virtual reality (VR) experiences, which runs on the devices your members already use, from library computers to their own phones and laptops. VR can take a reader inside a book, offer a new perspective on a historical event, and introduce learners to people, places, and cultures from around the world. Its immersion and interactivity make it one of the most sought-after resources in education and public libraries, yet headsets remain out of reach for many communities. This collection removes that barrier, helping your library expand access to technology, support lifelong learning, and engage members of all ages. Join libraries across Canada and the U.S. that are already opening the world to their members, one virtual journey at a time.
Presented by: Leigh Cassell, CEO and Founder, Digital Human Library
Leigh Cassell is an award-winning educator, consultant, and the CEO and Founder of Digital Human Library (dHL). In 2011, Leigh launched dHL, a global platform connecting classrooms with industry experts and experiences using videoconferencing, live streaming, and virtual reality. With over 20 years of classroom experience and a background in educational leadership and technology, Leigh has dedicated her career to enriching student learning through meaningful connections and digital innovation. Her work bridges geography and equity, empowering teachers and students to engage with diverse people, places, and ideas from around the world. Beyond her work with dHL, Leigh is a respected keynote speaker, children's author, and advocate for experiential learning, globally connected learning, and digital citizenship. She collaborates with educators, school districts, and industry partners across North America to design and implement innovative learning experiences that foster global competencies and student voice. A passionate lifelong learner and nature enthusiast, Leigh brings curiosity, empathy, and creativity to everything she does.
Previous ARSL TRAINs
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