This webinar will discuss foresight (or futures thinking) and how strategically thinking about the future can support the people that work in libraries, the library organization, and the community the library serves. With insights from a group of library staff across the state of Idaho, library consultants at the Idaho Commission for Libraries have been investigating how to incorporate thinking about the future into library work and developing fun ways to share what they’ve learned. Their newest toolkit, the Things From Future Libraries Toolkit, provides a guide for anyone to put on a creative, participatory design workshop where attendees imagine and prototype an object from a library in a future they select.
Annie Gaines is the Continuing Education Consultant for the Idaho Commission for Libraries, where she connects the people who work in all types of libraries to provide training and support to reach their future goals. She has experience working in academic and public libraries (her very first job was as a teenage library page in her local public library) and has earned certificates in strategic foresight, facilitation, and instructional design.
Date Recorded: 2/25/2026
Format: Archived YouTube Video
Presenters: Annie Gaines, Continuing Education Consultant / Idaho Commission for Libraries
Learn how our library works closely with community partners to bring fun adventures to our patrons. By working closely with our local game shop, toy store, comic book store, volunteer GMs, a local brewery (the list could go on and on), we’re able to provide an array of fun events related to gaming, filmmaking and more. These events bring new users to the library who sometimes have never set foot inside before. Find out how we make it work and strategies we suggest to work with partners in your community.
In parts 
Oftentimes, we fall into the habit of writing on autopilot. We use the same language, acronyms, jargon, and naming conventions in all of our pieces without first considering who we are trying to reach with each message. This webinar will cover how to shift the focus of your marketing back to your target audience to ensure you’re communicating more effectively. Every brand also has its own voice and personality–even your library! We’ll discuss how to identify that voice as well as tips for applying it to your writing and marketing materials.
Technology evolves at an exponential pace—a concept that can be challenging to grasp. Modern public libraries play a vital role in helping patrons navigate and adapt to these rapid societal changes. We provide access to digital literacy tools, cutting-edge technology, and resources for cultural adaptation and inclusion.
Recent property tax reform will have a significant impact on library budgets. But, what is that impact, exactly? And, how can we make a plan if we don’t know what we’re planning for? This presentation will detail how you can ensure your library’s financial stability by staying informed and having a clear course of action when reality hits. We will start with a brief overview of gathering data for expected revenue streams. Next, we will touch upon specific evaluation measures to help determine if the return is worth your investment. Finally, we’ll look within each major budget category to share specific suggestions for realizing actual cost-savings.
