Helpful Tools for Libraries

Here is a list of tools that might be helpful to your library.  This isn’t an endorsed list and there are other tools available, but these are tools that many libraries in Indiana use.  Some are free and others have a cost.

New | Banned Books |Circulation and Collections | Communication | Digital items | Facilitators | First Amendment Audits | Internships | Library Basics | Miscellaneous | Onboarding Staff  | Populations | Presenting | Public Relations  | Readers Advisory |
Reading Logs | Resume Builders | Safety | Security | Tech tools | Trustees |
Video Conferencing | Video Creation | Website Development | YouTube Channels

New

Helpful tools for websites

Banned and Challenged Books

Circulation and Collections

Communication

    • Discord – YouTube tutorial by Andrew Laverghetta, Eckart Public Library public service specialist – “Your place to talk” – communication tool / perpetual message board or chat room.  Click here to go to Discord’s website.
    • Slack – workplace chat app

Digital items (ebooks, emagazines, videos, etc.)

    • Flipster – digital magazines through EBSCO
    • Hoopla – streaming platform for audio books, comics, e-books, movies, music & tv
    • Kanopy – streaming platform for films & documentaries
    • Overdrive/Libby – access Ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more available for free / Indiana Digital Library – public libraries in Indiana with legal service area population under 150,000 are eligible to join the Indiana Digital Library
    • TumbleBooks – curated database of children’s e-books and more

Facilitators

First Amendment Audits

Internships

    • Work & Learn Indiana – this program links employers, learners, high schools, colleges and universities – it is a searchable database, matching and reporting system that also provides resources and guidance on work-based learning opportunities

Library Basics

    • WebJunction’s Foundational ABLE and SABLE Courses – “Developed by staff of the Idaho Commission for Libraries, the free, online Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) program provides basic library knowledge and skills for staff members who have no formal education in library science … These courses are organized into 3 key topical areas, Collection Development, Technical Services, and Public Services.”
    • Youth Services Basics – This course is designed as an introduction to library services for public library staff working with youth. Whether you are already working in a library or just starting out in a new youth services position, this content will help you consider why library services focusing specifically on youth are important, how to collect appropriate materials, the types of services and programs you can provide to your patrons, and the importance of outreach services.  Create a free Moodle account to access.

Miscellaneous

    • Doodlepoll – simple way to schedule meetings
    • Kahoot – game-based learning platform
    • Niche Academy – tool for creating online training
    • PrinterOn – print on demand from laptop, tablet or smartphone
    • Tasks for down time pdf
    • Wakelet – a free resource to capture, organize and share multi-media resources with students, teachers, and learning communities

Onboarding Staff

Populations

Presenting

Public Relations

    • Canva – online design tool – great for library signs or images for webpage
    • Constant Contact – email marketing software
    • LibraryAware – newsletter software EBSCO product cost is determined  on library population
    • Wowbrary – informs library patrons by email and/or RSS about your library’s newest items

Readers Advisory

Reading Logs

Resume Builders

Safety

Security

    • RUN. HIDE. FIGHT – from the City of Houston, tips for surviving an active shooter event

Tech Tools

Trustees

    • Short Takes for Trustees – These are quick, professionally-produced videos designed to help trustees better understand their role.  These offerings are generously provided through a $150,000 grant from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation.  Indiana is a current statewide training partner and FREE statewide access is available to Indiana Trustees and library staff for the “Short Takes for Trustees” videos.  Trustees and Indiana library staff need to register and will be sent information to access the videos.

Video Conferencing

Video Creation

    • Camtasia – software for creating video tutorials – screen recorder & video editor
    • Flip – record & share short videos (formerly Flipgrid – now only available on mobile apps iOS & Android)
    • Icecream Screen Recorder – free screen recording software
    • ScreenPal – screen recorder & video editor (formerly called Screencast-O-Matic)

Website Development (this is an informational list, not an endorsement for specific companies)

YouTube Channels

 

PDO updated 2-10-2026 pn