All ARSL TRAIN sessions are listed below. Click the title of the session to view more information. Recordings are available for any events which were open to members and non-members, such as Partner TRAINs and COVID-19 Roundtables.
If you would like to view all of our past workshops, we have an archive for ARSL members with dozens of additional recordings! Log in or join ARSL now to view.
Thursday, February 19th | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Sara Koehn & Drew Wichterman, ARSL Advocacy Committee Co-Chairs, in collaboration with Dan Novack, Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Penguin Random House
Small and rural libraries face unique legal challenges—often without access to legal counsel. Join ARSL's Advocacy Committee Co-Chairs and Dan Novack from Penguin Random House for a national overview of the current legislative and court landscape. We'll examine key cases like Llano v. Little, discuss how legal developments in one state impact libraries nationwide, and provide encouragement and practical advocacy strategies for small library workers. While we cannot provide specific legal advice, this session will help you better understand and navigate today's complex legal environment.
Thursday, February 12| 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Paula Willey, Senior Manager, Collection & Project Development, First Book
Paula Willey is a Senior Manager in charge of Collection & Project Development at First Book. Her job is to read, review, and purchase the very best in children's and teen literature, so that First Book's members can pass brand-new books along to the children they serve. Formerly a public librarian in Baltimore, she is co-author of The Passive Programming Playbook: 101 Ways to Get Library Customers off the Sidelines, a horror enthusiast, and a lifetime Spanish language learner.
Join Paula for a webinar on passive programming inspired by her book!
Thursday, January 15 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Christinna Swearingen and Kenneth Roman, 2026 ARSL Continuing Education Committee Members
ARSL members, join us for a collaborative discussion on creative, engaging programming for older adults in your library! Share your successes, troubleshoot challenges, and gather fresh ideas from fellow library professionals serving rural and small communities.
2025
Thursday, December 11 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by the 2025 ARSL Continuing Education Committee
This session invites members to share their reading passions. Bring five of your favorite books to discuss! Whether they're professional reads, personal favorites, or titles you're recommending to patrons. Let's celebrate what we're reading and discover new page turners together!
Thursday, October 16 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Rachel Lunden, Digital Services Librarian, Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records (NV)
Leadership is a vital skill, especially for small and rural librarians! Join Rachel Lunden for a session about her experience with ARSL's Leadership Institute and how she has transformed her own work through the knowledge and experience she has gained. This presentation is for anyone interested in learning more about leading at every level.
Tuesday, October 14 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Cathy Fleischer, Professor emerita, Eastern Michigan University & Professional Learning Consultant, Everyday Advocacy
Librarians know the value of a good story! In this webinar, we’ll draw upon the storytelling skills you already possess, but add a slight twist: learning how you can use stories as a starting point to advocate for the patrons, books, and activities that make your library so special. Participants will be guided through some interactive activities to identify important stories that might help others understand libraries in new ways. You’ll leave with some action steps to help you advocate for your spaces.
Wednesday, October 8 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Emma Giles, Director of Programs, SciStarter and Arizona State University & Darlene Cavalier, Founder, SciStarter
Citizen science invites people of all ages to contribute to real research—anytime, anywhere—through small acts of science, like sharing pictures of nature or answering survey questions about your pet’s personality. There’s something for everyone! In this webinar, the SciStarter team will introduce what citizen science is, why it matters, and how libraries of all capacities can connect their communities to projects that fit local interests.
This session will show how to: - Connect patrons to meaningful science opportunities. - Access free professional development for staff. - Use ready-to-go resources, including circulating kits, promotional tools, and more. - Enrich programs with science that’s easy, fun, and inclusive.
You’ll also get a preview of 2.50 Million Acts of Science, a nationwide campaign launching this April in celebration of America’s 250th birthday, showcasing the collective impact of everyday people advancing discovery.
This webinar will equip you with practical tools and inspiration to integrate citizen science into your library's programming!
[RESCHEDULED] Thursday, October 2 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by the 2025 ARSL Continuing Education Committee
What did you take away from the 2025 ARSL Conference? In this TRAIN Roundtable, you’ll have a chance to debrief and unpack what you learned. Share the ideas and resources that you’ll be implementing in your library, and hear takeaways from sessions you may not have attended yourself.
Thursday, August 21 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Jonna Ward, Founder and CEO, Library Support Network
Join us for this roundtable, a follow-up to the July TRAIN "Empowering Library Stakeholders to Support & Advocate for Libraries." Participants are encouraged to work through their stakeholder challenges and successes in an open discussion, as well as share their own success stories with fellow small and rural library community members. Review the recording of the July session and handouts to prepare you for this roundtable discussion!
Tuesday, August 12 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Alexis Bortle, Membership & Marketing Specialist, Roper Center
Exclusive Offer: Attendees received one year of free access to Roper iPoll for their library and patrons. After the first year, ARSL members can renew with a pay-what-you-can model.
Roper iPoll is a comprehensive opinion data research platform from the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at Cornell University. It provides access to nearly a million survey and poll questions dating back to 1935, with tools for both novice and expert users. Features include: - Keyword search and filtering - Historical data and trends - Full questionnaires and methodology details - Custom charts, demographics, and citations
Thursday, July 31 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Jonna Ward, Founder and CEO, Library Support Network
From boards to foundations and from friend groups to the broader community of library patrons as a whole, every library has stakeholders on many levels. Join Jonna Ward, Library Support Network, for advice and strategies for empowering these stakeholders to support and advocate for your library. Hear about the Library Support Network and the resources they provide to support library advocacy and fundraising.
Tuesday, June 24 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Marshall Krueger, Steward Services Program Manager, Little Free Library
From decommissioned newspaper boxes to malfunctioning mini-fridges, learn how to upcycle a previously loved object to create a Little Free Library! Marshall Krueger, Steward Services Program Manager at the Little Free Library nonprofit organization, will be presenting on common items repurposed as Little Free Libraries, as well as how to officially register your upcycled Little Free Library to join the global network of over 200,000 Little Free Libraries.
Thursday, June 12 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Philip Carter, Director, Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System (MS) & Tyler Hahn, Director, Cherokee Public Library (IA)
Join us for in an interactive roundtable focused on leveling up your customer service game. Share and discover effective staff training methods, best practices for common patron interactions, tips for setting boundaries, must-have policy language, and more. Whether you're grappling with limited resources, staffing challenges, or unique community needs, come prepared to discuss your experiences and leave with actionable insights from your ARSL community.
Friday, May 30, 2025 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Library System, and Co-Founder, Sustainable Libraries Initiative (NY); Matthew Pavloff, Director, Kinderhook Memorial Library (NY); Cheryl Jones, Director, Mamakating Library (NY) & Margaret Woodruff, Director, Charlotte Public Library (VT)
Join us for a follow-up session to discuss the progress you’ve made as you’ve started to use the National Climate Action Strategy or think about ways to implement it in your library. What have you learned, what are you feeling inspired to do, and where do you go from here?
Friday, May 16, 2025 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Library System, and Co-Founder, Sustainable Libraries Initiative (NY); Matthew Pavloff, Director, Kinderhook Memorial Library (NY) & Margaret Woodruff, Director, Charlotte Public Library (VT)
Learn about the National Climate Action Strategy, which gives libraries a blueprint to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adopt internal disaster preparedness plans and strategic goals to contribute to community resilience, and harness the transformative power of education for climate justice through relationships with local community organizations. Hear from people doing this vital work in their rural and small library communities, and leave with some easy actions to start implementing the strategy in your own library.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Chuck Strand, Executive Director, Rural Minds
Compared with their urban counterparts, rural Americans have higher rates of depression and suicide. At the same time, they are less likely to seek mental healthcare services due to stigma and lack of access in rural communities. Join our April TRAIN session to learn about the state of mental health in rural America and discover free resources and programs available from Rural Minds, the only national 501(c)3 nonprofit focused solely on providing the 46 million people in rural America with mental health information. Leave with ideas for identifying and meeting this vital need in your library’s community.
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 11:30 am PT / 12:30 pm MT / 1:30 pm CT / 2:30 pm ET Presented by Katie O'Connell, Local History Librarian, Harrison Memorial Library (CA)
Join us for a crucial training call on proactive disaster planning for rural & small libraries. Learn how to create or update your disaster preparedness strategies before emergencies strike. Seasoned librarians will guide you as you determine the essential steps you will need to take to safeguard your collections, staff, and patrons. Discover valuable resources and best practices to position your library as a vital hub of information and assistance during challenging times. Don’t wait for disaster to strike—equip your library with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively and serve as a beacon of support in your community.
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Melissa Little, Area Manager, NCW Libraries (WA)
Are you always on the lookout for program ideas that won’t overburden your already-stretched-thin budget, staff, or time? Join our February TRAIN roundtable for a discussion of passive or self-directed programs for every age and interest in your community. Share your own passive program successes and lessons learned, and leave with ideas tested and approved by small and rural libraries!
Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 11:30 am PT / 12:30 pm MT / 1:30 pm CT / 2:30 pm ET Presented by Carrie Willis, Marketing Lead, Thorndike Press & Kris Smith, Media Specialist, Buddy Taylor Middle School (FL) and FAME President
Did you know large print can make a big difference for young readers? In the 2023–2024 school year, Project Tomorrow conducted a nationwide study to measure the efficacy of large print in classroom reading. Their research illustrates how this easy-to-implement literacy solution positively impacts student reading skills and mindsets, including reading confidence, comfort, and comprehension. Join this webinar to learn study key findings, hear the experience of a participating school librarian, and discover community and collection insights from the public library point-of-view.
2024
Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Amy Stone, Library Director, Bridgton Public Library (ME); Tasja Williams, Assistant Librarian, Talkeetna Public Library (AK); Jenny White, Library Director, Schuyler Public Library (NE) & the ARSL Advocacy Committee
Explore strategies for library workers to cultivate meaningful relationships with funders. By understanding potential supporters, library workers can effectively communicate their libraries' value and impact within the community. Attendees will learn practical tools and techniques to enhance advocacy efforts and secure funding for their library initiatives.
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Amy Stone, Library Director, Bridgton Public Library (ME); Tasja Williams, Assistant Librarian, Talkeetna Public Library (AK); Jenny White, Library Director, Schuyler Public Library (NE) & the ARSL Advocacy Committee
Explore strategies for library workers to cultivate meaningful relationships with funders. By understanding potential supporters, library workers can effectively communicate their libraries' value and impact within the community. Attendees will learn practical tools and techniques to enhance advocacy efforts and secure funding for their library initiatives.
Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Katie Sullivan, Senior Program Manager, Urban Libraries Council & Erica Freudenberger, Outreach, Engagement & Marketing Consultant, Southern Adirondack Library System (NY)
Thursday, September 19, 2024, 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by the ARSL Continuing Education Committee
What did you take away from the 2024 ARSL Conference? In this TRAIN Roundtable, you’ll have a chance to debrief and unpack what you learned. Share the (r)Evolutionary ideas and resources that you’ll be implementing in your library, and hear takeaways from sessions you may not have attended yourself.
Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Bailee Hutchinson, ARSL Social Media Coordinator & Freelance Library Consultant
Thursday, July 18, 2024 | 11:00 am PT /12:00 pm MT/ 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Tiffany Hayes, Education Design and Development Manager, South Carolina State Library (SC)
Thursday, June 13, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Mark Pond, MLIS Business Research Librarian, Spokane Public Library (WA) & Stacey Goddard, Public Services Manager, Spokane County Library District (WA)
The Spokane Public Library and the Spokane County Library District (located in eastern Washington) have partnered for over a decade on supporting their local business community. The most recent iteration of that has taken the form of StartUp Spokane, a regional collaborative approach to library business services. We’ll give a quick overview of the program, the highs, the lows and how you might be able to forge a similar partnership in your community.
Thursday, May 16, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Stephanie Gerding, MLIS, Library Grant Expert and author of Winning Grants: a How-To Manual for Librarians
Learn practical strategies for successful grant work! Are you wondering how to get started writing grants for your library or seeking to streamline your grant work to save time and increase success? Applying for a grant doesn’t need to be overwhelming. This grant webinar will be engaging, informative, and packed with valuable insights to make the grant process not only manageable but also enjoyable. Learn an easy-to-follow grant process, how to quickly locate grant opportunities, determine what funders are looking for in a successful grant proposal, and discover real library grant success techniques. Practical advice, easy grants for beginners, partnership ideas, and a valuable resource list will be shared. With the grant process demystified, you’ll feel empowered, inspired, and ready to win grants for your library!
Thursday, April 18, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Samantha Bouwers, Consultant for Continuing Education, State Library of Iowa (IA)
Thursday, March 21, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Samantha Bouwers, Consultant for Continuing Education, State Library of Iowa (IA)
Even the smallest of towns or most rural areas have great things going for them, if you know where to look! In this workshop, you’ll learn the benefits of community asset mapping, the advantages of starting from a place of strength with planning, and how to complete a community asset map of your own.
At the end of this workshop, you will be able to: - Define “community asset” - Identify the advantages of asset-based planning - Develop a community asset map for your library service area
Friday, February 23, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Tiffany Hayes, Education Design and Development Manager, South Carolina State Library (SC)
Library staff have a lot to worry about – difficult patrons, limited budgets, and balancing a variety of community needs. Stress can affect staff morale and productivity, not to mention personal well-being and quality of life – and nervous energy is contagious among a team! In this session, learn how to recognize the 4 Fs of stress response in oneself and others, discover techniques to manage acute stress and chronic worry, and leave with suggestions for creating a calmer library work environment.
Friday, January 19, 2024 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Montserrat Stock, Latino community member (WA); Dana Mannino, Programming Librarian, Spokane County Library District (WA); & Cheryl Zobel, Collection Development Librarian, Spokane County Library District (WA)
Four years ago, the Latino Community invited their local library district into a collaborative relationship to improve services and collections. This relationship has benefited both the library and the community. In this workshop, we will share the experiences of this process, including:
- Lessons learned from collaborating with an immigrant community - Insights into the experiences and information needs of this diverse population - Examples of programs that did and did not work - Recommended first steps in developing a world languages collection
2023
Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Amy Stone, Library Director, Bridgton Public Library (ME)
Interested in advocacy but don't think you have the time? We are all busy and our days are full. But taking a little time each month to get some advocacy into your everyday can help you build your connections, focus your work, and communicate with your best supporters.
Learn more about what you can do with a few minutes each month, or maybe more time if you can set it aside, for big impact with "Intro to 13 Months of Advocacy". Consider these research-based activities, and real-world experiences, as a great starting place for you to think about your community, your connections, your supporters, and your work.
Thursday, October 26, 2023 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Joy Worland, Library Consultant for Continuing Education and Small and Rural Libraries, Vermont Department of Libraries (VT)
All ARSL members are invited to the Fall 2023 Roundtable on multilingual library services and collections. If your library has programs, collections in languages other than English, or services or outreach to people whose first language is not English, please come share about them! We would love to hear about initiatives with proven success, new innovations, and aspirational ideas. We will also discuss challenges libraries face in this area, and collectively brainstorm for possible solutions.
Thursday, May 25, 2023 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Annice Sevett, Assistant Library Director, Albert Lea Public Library (MN) & Joy Worland, Library Consultant for Continuing Education and Small & Rural Libraries, Vermont Department of Libraries (VT)
Rural and small libraries use volunteers in many ways. Working with volunteers comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Come to this round table to hear from other libraries about how they manage volunteers. Attendees will be encouraged to share their experiences with each other and will come away from the session with ideas and tips that they use at their own library.
Thursday, March 2, 2023 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Allie Stevens Gosselink, Director, Calhoun County Library & Museum (AR)
What programs have been a big hit with teens? After our November Teen Programming & Services Roundtable, we heard from attendees who wanted to keep the conversation on teen programming going. Part Two of this conversation will focus on teen program ideas, as well as the most effective ways to market those programs to bring teens into your library. Leave with an even longer list of must-try ideas from your ARSL colleagues. All attendees are welcome at this roundtable discussion, regardless of whether you attended the November session.
Monday, January 30, 2023 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Rowana Miller, Executive Director, Cosmic Writers & Echo Phillips, Children's Librarian, Free Library of Philadelphia (PA)
Every child deserves high-quality creative writing education. That’s the idea driving Cosmic Writers, a registered 501(c)(3). Building on their successful partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia, Cosmic Writers wants to work with rural libraries across America. This interactive webinar will feature the following: a) An overview of how their model has worked at the Free Library of Philadelphia - featuring participating library workers, b) An overview of the importance of support for creative writing education in lifelong learning spaces like public libraries, c) An interactive discussion on how Cosmic Writers can support you in your efforts to support creative writing education.
2022
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by John Chrastka, Executive Director, EveryLibrary
Attempts to ban or censor materials come in many shapes and from several different directions. When they originate with concerned parents or community members, it is always important to engage in difficult conversations. But when they become politicized or performative, they may be driven by outside agendas and not legitimate local concerns. In this session, EveryLibrary's executive director John Chrastka will share ways to better understand the differences and be properly equipped to engage the issues, organizations, and political philosophies driving these divisions.
Thursday, November 10, 2022 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Allie Stevens Gosselink, Director, Calhoun County Library & Museum (AR)
How do you get teens into your library? What are some of your teen program successes? Join your ARSL colleagues for an informal chat about teen programming and services.
Thursday, May 19, 2022 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Joy Worland, Library Consultant for Continuing Education and Small & Rural Libraries, Vermont Department of Libraries (VT)
Many libraries are carefully considering their collections and services through an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens. But what about the budget? Do you and your trustees make intentional efforts to create and implement budgets that are equitable and ethical? If so, what does that look like? If not, let's brainstorm together on how the ways libraries allocate their money can support the spirit of equity and inclusion that libraries so often emphasize in their missions. This will be an informal discussion and a safe place to respectfully share a variety of viewpoints.
Thursday, April 21, 2022 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Annice Sevett, Assistant Library Director, Albert Lea Public Library (MN) & Erin Silva, Youth & Teen Services Librarian, North Liberty Library (IA)
Join us to discover some easy, fast ideas for adult programming during summer reading. In particular, expect to leave with new ideas for passive programs and programs-in-a-box. Please consider preparing brief comments on 2 or 3 programs you have done that have been successful in your community to share with the group!
Thursday, March 17, 2022 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Gary Deziel, Extension Assistant Professor, University of Vermont Extension (VT)
This workshop will help library staff enter the sometimes-daunting world of budgets with confidence. Topics covered will include the budget cycle, basic characteristics of annual budgets, accounting terms, reports, and tenets of ethical money management. Participants will learn how to use the library’s strategic plan as a foundation for budget planning and leave with an understanding of the essential “must dos” to manage their organization’s budget competently and safely.
This workshop will cover aspects of library budgeting applicable to libraries in any state, relevant to both municipal and non-profit/incorporated libraries, and share timelines that can be adapted to differing fiscal years.
Thursday, February 17, 2022 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Erin Silva, Youth & Teen Services Librarian, North Liberty Library (IA)
The ongoing impact of the pandemic, intense winter weather, and systemic inequities are making food insecurity a more urgent issue than ever in communities all over the country. Join librarians working in rural settings to share and discuss ways public libraries can support affected people in their communities through partnerships with other organizations, positioning the library as a food distribution center, and disseminating information. Examples of potential national and regional partners and tips on how to incorporate this work into your library’s mission and manage the associated workload will be shared in this interactive, facilitated round table.
Thursday, January 20, 2022 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Judy Calhoun, Regional Director, Southeast Arkansas Regional Library (AK)
Libraries come in all shapes and sizes and each building is unique as the librarians that run them. You probably know exactly where everything is located, but what happens when you are unable to provide the answers? This two-part session will help you develop a tool that will be invaluable to staff and future employees. Part one will provide the foundation and tips to creating a building book for your library. In part two of the workshop, we will look at completed books, share insights, and discuss any obstacles or concerns with each other.
2021
Thursday, December 16, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Susanna Kahn, Tech Librarian, Charlotte Public Library (VT) & Jessamyn West, Technologist, Activist, Educator & Writer
Do you ever struggle to explain a technology device, platform, or task to patrons? Maybe it’s something that’s second nature to you and you can’t figure out why it isn’t easy for the other person. Or alternatively it’s something you’re not 100% comfortable with but you still feel like you ought to be able to help. Are you great one-on-one in-person but find yourself not finding the right words on the phone? We probably all have had those moments when tech help just doesn’t click. Join tech librarians Susanna Kahn and Jessamyn West for some tips on how to make these interactions more successful for both you and your patrons. There will be time for participants to share what works for them, too.
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Rachel Onuf, Vermont Historical Records Program Director, Vermont State Archives & Records Administration (VT)
This series of four hour-long sessions will walk you through the process of creating (or reviewing and revising) a disaster plan for your library, using a simple template. There will be short homework assignments to help you succeed in ending the series with a completed plan. We can also discuss how plan development fits within the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and address specific areas of interest, so bring your questions!
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Rachel Onuf, Vermont Historical Records Program Director, Vermont State Archives & Records Administration (VT)
This series of four hour-long sessions will walk you through the process of creating (or reviewing and revising) a disaster plan for your library, using a simple template. There will be short homework assignments to help you succeed in ending the series with a completed plan. We can also discuss how plan development fits within the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and address specific areas of interest, so bring your questions!
Tuesday, November 16, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Rachel Onuf, Vermont Historical Records Program Director, Vermont State Archives & Records Administration (VT)
This series of four hour-long sessions will walk you through the process of creating (or reviewing and revising) a disaster plan for your library, using a simple template. There will be short homework assignments to help you succeed in ending the series with a completed plan. We can also discuss how plan development fits within the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and address specific areas of interest, so bring your questions!
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Rachel Onuf, Vermont Historical Records Program Director, Vermont State Archives & Records Administration (VT)
This series of four hour-long sessions will walk you through the process of creating (or reviewing and revising) a disaster plan for your library, using a simple template. There will be short homework assignments to help you succeed in ending the series with a completed plan. We can also discuss how plan development fits within the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and address specific areas of interest, so bring your questions!
Thursday, September 16, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Meredith Wickham, Director, Southwest Public Libraries (OH)
How can you become a more effective advocate for your library? Join this roundtable discussion to share your advocacy stories, wins, and challenges with your ARSL colleagues.
Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Judy Calhoun, Regional Director, Southeast Arkansas Regional Library (AK)
Libraries come in all shapes and sizes and each building is unique as the librarians that run them. You probably know exactly where everything is located, but what happens when you are unable to provide the answers? This two-part session will help you develop a tool that will be invaluable to staff and future employees. Part one will provide the foundation and tips to creating a building book for your library. In part two of the workshop, we will look at completed books, share insights, and discuss any obstacles or concerns with each other.
Thursday, July 15, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Phillip Carter, Director, Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System (MS) & Bailee Hutchinson, Branch Manager, Altus Public Library (OK)
Join us on Thursday, July 15, 11:00 am-12:00 pm PT/1:00-2:00 pm CT, for “speed networking” with your ARSL colleagues. You’ll get paired off randomly into Zoom breakout rooms for short one-on-one conversations to spark new ideas and connections.
Thursday, June 17, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Brenda Hough, Instructional Designer, Infopeople/Califa & Betha Gutsche, WebJunction Programs Manager, OCLC
After a year of upheaval from the COVID pandemic, compassion fatigue and librarian burnout are more prevalent than ever. It is a valuable prescription to turn inward with self-care practices, but going-it-alone may only increase feelings of isolation during shutdowns and safe-distancing. What if you could tap into your larger community to bolster your own well-being while increasing social cohesion for all? Design thinking strategies are tailor-made for tackling the kind of gnarly problem that the pandemic has forced on all of us. In this workshop, we will uncover community needs, explore the intersection with our own needs, generate lots of potential ideas, and prototype some solutions. It’s a stimulating and fun process that could have a big impact on your rural community.
Thursday, May 20, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Greta Bergquist, Librarian and Youth Services Consultant, State Library of Oregon (OR)
Are you ready for summer programs? Bring your best program ideas, tips, and stories to share with your colleagues! How are you handling summer reading? What have you learned from virtual programming over the past year? As libraries start to reopen, how do you plan to put on in-person events safely? We want to hear about your most successful programs—and the disasters that at least made a great story. Leave this roundtable with new program ideas for children, teens, and adults, as well as new connections in your ARSL community.
Thursday, April 29, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Jennie Garner, Library Director, North Liberty Library (IA) & Kendra Morgan, Senior Program Manager, OCLC
More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries continue to adapt and respond while faced with the challenges of redesigning services to limit the spread of the virus. The REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM) project is providing libraries with science-based information to support local decision-making by conducting research and creating free resources for libraries to use. Presenters will share information about these REALM tools and what is on the horizon for the REALM project, as well the frontline staff perspective on creating and implementing library procedures and engaging library staff and the community during a pandemic. This webinar will be free for all.
Thursday, April 8, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Ken McDonnell, Financial Education Program Analyst, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Emily Mross, RUSA Financial Literacy Interest Group Chair and Business Librarian, Penn State Harrisburg Library (PA); Bobbie Grey, Supervisory Community Affairs Specialist, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation & Cassie Russell, Training and Technical Assistance Consultant, ICF
Thursday, March 18, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Tiffany Russell, LMSW, Social Services Manager, Niles District Library (MI)
Understanding how trauma impacts the lives of people can help library staff better serve everyone, even our most vulnerable patrons. Being trauma-informed and using a trauma-informed approach can assist libraries in being proactive and create safe spaces for everyone in our community. This webinar will discuss the definition of trauma, different forms of trauma, and the effects of trauma. Participants will be able to explain the importance of understanding trauma in the library setting and identify ways to respond using a trauma informed approach.
Thursday, February 18, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Phillip Carter, Director, Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System (MS) & Bailee Hutchinson, Branch Manager, Altus Public Library (OK)
What’s the WiFi password, because we’re feeling a connection! Join us on Thursday, February 18, 11:00 am-12:00 pm PT/1:00-2:00 pm CT, for “speed dating” with your ARSL colleagues. You’ll get paired off randomly into Zoom breakout rooms for short one-on-one conversations to spark new ideas and connections.
Thursday, January 21, 2021 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Patrick Bodily, Director, Independence Public Library (OR)
2020
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Presented by Heidi Dolamore, Consultant, Califa
Thursday, November 19, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Jennie Garner, Library Director, North Liberty Library (IA) & Bailee Hutchinson, Branch Manager, Altus Public Library (OK)
Thursday, June 25, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Kellee Forkenbrock, Public Services Librarian, North Liberty Library (IA)
Thursday, June 11, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Jennie Garner, Library Director, North Liberty Library (IA) & Bailee Hutchinson, Branch Manager, Altus Public Library (OK)
Thursday, May 28, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Clancy Pool, Branch Manager, St. John Branch, Whitman County Rural Library (WA) & C. L. Quillen, Library Director, Spotswood Public Library (NJ)
Thursday, May 21, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Sherry Scheline, Library Director, Donnelly Public Library District (ID); Bailee Hutchinson, Branch Manager, Altus Public Library (OK) & Patrick Bodily, Public Library Consultant, Idaho Commission for Libraries (ID)
Thursday, May 14, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Judy Calhoun, Southeast Arkansas Regional Library (AK)
Thursday, May 7, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Becky Heil, Southeast District Consultant, State Library of Iowa (IA) & Debbie Drachman, Library Director, Crosswicks Library (NJ)
Thursday, April 30, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Mary Soucie, State Librarian, North Dakota State Library (ND) & Meredith E. Wickham, Director, First Regional Library System (MS)
Thursday, April 23, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Patrick Bodily, Public Library Consultant, Idaho Commission for Libraries (ID) & Erin Busbea, Director, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System (MS)
Thursday, April 16, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Jennifer Pearson, Library Director, Marshall County Memorial Library (TN) & Lisa Shaw, Rural & Small Library/Workforce Development Specialist, Maine State Library (ME)
Thursday, April 9, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Jane Somerville, Library Director, Stanley Community Library (ID) & Bailee Hutchinson, Branch Manager, Altus Public Library (OK)
Thursday, April 2, 2020 | 11:00 am PT / 12:00 pm MT / 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET Facilitated by Jennie Garner, Library Director, North Liberty Library (IA) & Kathy Zappitello, Executive Director, Conneaut Public Library (OH)
Watch the ARSL TRAIN!
- Video available
- Partner TRAIN
- Workshop
- Roundtable or Networking Event