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ARSL TRAIN

Document Accessibility Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide from Word to PDF

When: Thursday, October 1
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET

Join us for a follow-along session that introduces some key fundamentals of digital accessibility and demonstrates select techniques for creating more accessible documents.

Participants will work directly with a provided Word document as we walk through hands-on remediation examples and commonly used tools. This session is not an exhaustive training on document accessibility, but rather a focused look at core concepts and workflows you can build on.

This webinar will cover:

• A brief overview on digital access and how that applies to documents
• Remediating an MS Word document step-by-step (this will be the largest part of the session) including:
  • Ensuring the document has appropriate metadata and heading structure
  • Proper use of tables
  • Alternative text
  • Converting a Word document to a PDF
  • Adobe Acrobat Overview—Checking for compliance
  • Determining when it is appropriate to use a Word file vs. a PDF file
  • Tools and resources

Presented by: John Kirchner, SHARE Member Engagement Specialist, Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS)

John is the SHARE Member Engagement Specialist at the Illinois Heartland Library System. IHLS is a quasi-governmental agency that provides services to libraries in southern and east-central Illinois. John has worked in libraries for seven years, with a focus on digital accessibility for two. John enjoys origami, gaming, and playing with his cat Whimsy in his free time

Register: Document Accessibility Essentials 

 ARSL TRAIN

2026 ARSL Conference Debrief

When: Thursday, October 15
11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET

More information coming soon, stay tuned!

Register: 2026 ARSL Conference Debrief

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.

Register: Compassion Without Collapse

Previous ARSL TRAINs

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View a selection of ARSL TRAIN session recordings available to all, including Partner TRAINs and COVID-19 Roundtables.

Public ARSL TRAIN Archive

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