Websites and apps often rely on “intuitive design” so that users can navigate them without getting confused. Low-skill tech users often lack the experience needed for good “tech intuition” which prevents them from independently navigating new websites or apps. This session will explore common design patterns and user interface characteristics that you can teach patrons so that they can quickly develop tech intuition and become more confident when using new apps and websites.
Date Recorded: 9/17/21
Format: Archived YouTube Video
Presenters: Marianne McKenzie and Alex Hampton, Indianapolis Public Library
Athens (Georgia) Regional Library is one of the first public libraries to refocus a social work program toward a trauma-informed framework. This session presents replicable steps in providing library services, designing and implementing policies, and supplying holistic training for staff utilizing a trauma-informed lens. As libraries are asked to do more with less, this session highlights easily attained methods of becoming trauma-informed and establishing a system which reflects the assets of the community and organizational values. 1hr / 1 LEU.
Mindfulness and self-care are well-intentioned buzz terms, but, how often do we really have the time or extra energy to follow through with them? Now more than ever, keeping your emotional well-being afloat can mean the difference between surviving and thriving, and not just at work. Drawing from various sources and personal experiences, including both successes and failures, discover how one hot-headed and persnickety librarian found a slice of inner peace (and can even sleep at night). Ideas and examples for self-care and stress management will be given. Handouts will include an extensive bibliography. This session asks tough questions and addresses the stress in our lives; however, it is not intended to replace professional care and/or advice.
A recent Pew study found that health is the number two most searched topic for information online. Public libraries are well-positioned and have the potential to provide health information for their communities. This session will cover free reliable evidence-based resources for health information as well as review tools for accessing health information found online.
This session will focus on how the seven tenets of mindful practice can help us manage in times of stress. Presented by Lisa Moniz, Librarian, St. James Elementary School, Myrtle Beach, SC and co-author of The Mindful Librarian. Lisa says, “This is my 28th year working in libraries. 25 of those have been in school media centers and I have worked with students in all grades, PK-12. I have an MLS from the University of NC at Greensboro and a graduate certificate in Instructional Technology from Appalachian State. Before moving to Myrtle Beach SC, I was the district Library Media Coordinator for Union County Public Schools in NC. I am now teaching in the library at St. James Elementary School. My husband Richard (with whom I co-authored the book) and I have presented on mindfulness across NC for the State Library, at ALA in Orlando and at the 2017 conference of the Vermont Library Association.”
You always wanted the “luxury” of working at home. But all of a sudden, you find yourself working from your bedroom, with no clear direction, and tons of distractions. The lines between work and home have become completely blurred, and you feel overwhelmed. How can you possibly get a handle on this new way of working, while also meeting the expectations of your boss? Lynn Hobbs will give some practical tips for setting up your space, organizing your workload, and staying balanced in the world of telework.
For years now employers have identified ‘soft skills’ as one of the largest deficiencies of newly hired employees. Theses ‘soft skills’ generally encompass communication, critical thinking, leadership, problem solving, and teamwork. All of these can be nurtured and strengthened by playing board games. Libraries of all types strive to engage with their communities. By playing board games both of these two issues can be addressed. Join George Bergstrom, the Southwest Regional Coordinator in the Professional Development Office of the Indiana State Library, to discuss how libraries can help their communities foster these skills.
Explore available opportunities for continuing education, peruse useful sites for keeping up with technology, and develop a plan for taking charge of your own learning. Topics covered will include planning for learning, time management, and state and national resources. Ample time will be given for participants to search for relevant training and education opportunities that fit their individual needs.
We don’t have large budgets. We don’t have large staffs. We might have to spend parts of our day shoveling the sidewalks or cleaning up a mess in the restroom. In spite of this, small and rural libraries have the power to be great. We can do simple, practical things that can instantly make a difference. From internal customer service tips to tech tools you can’t live without, linking these 30 things will help make your small library extraordinary.
Test yourself! Use the provided checklists to determine your technology proficiency. Be your own trainer and discover opportunities where you can increase your skills. Form a plan to personalize Technology Competencies Checklists for your own library and make the move to receive buy-in from staff.