[Libs-Or] Upcoming learning opportunities

Fri Feb 13 10:24:20 PST 2026

Hello Library Community!

Here’s a summary of upcoming learning resources available through the State Library and other organizations. Be sure to visit the State Library of Oregon’s CE website<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/> for more learning resources and the CE Calendar<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted#s-lib-ctab-24120710-1>.

You can also view the PDF<https://maine-msl.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=76010632> (with webinars listed by category/subject) and an online<https://www.webjunction.org/find-training/free-events.html> version of this month's free events (compiled by the Maine State Library and hosted by WebJunction).

You can view this email online as well.<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted#s-lib-ctab-24120710-2>

>> If you’re looking for learning resources on a particular topic, please contact me<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon?subject=I'm%20looking%20for%20CE%20resources> – I’m happy to help! <<

NEW: LiFT – Introduction to the Library Catalog
The newest self-paced course in the Library Foundational Training (LiFT) program<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/lift> introduces learners to what a library catalog is, the purpose of a catalog, and how a library’s catalog is essential for providing core library services, such as reliable access to collections. Learners will also be introduced to basic terminology related to a library’s catalog and learn about the most important elements in a bibliographic record.

You can read more about LiFT courses here<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/lift>. If you already have a free WebJunction account, you can start the Introduction to the Library Catalog course from here<https://learn.webjunction.org/enrol/index.php?id=838>.

LEARN: Telling Your Library's Story<https://my.nicheacademy.com/oregonstaff/course/86857?categoryId=28356> (Oregon Library Staff Academy / Niche Academy tutorial)
Note: Oregon library staff and volunteers can request access to the Oregon Library Staff Academy by using this form<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/RequestAccessToContinuingEducationResources> and choosing the option for the Oregon Library Staff Academy.

OCLC's From Awareness to Funding studies exposed a disturbing truth: use has nothing to do with library support. Moreover, public support for libraries is falling. Yet those of us working in libraries know how powerful and even transformational our services can be both for individuals and communities. So if the threat to our existence has been growing, and it has, for over 60 years, how do we tell a library story that actually changes hearts and minds?

This tutorial covers:

·        Research regarding library support

·        A formula for breaking through confirmation bias

·        The structure of an emotionally powerful story, and how to customize it

Presenter: Jamie LaRue is the director of the Garfield County (Colorado) Public Library District. Author of "The New Inquisition: Understanding and Managing Intellectual Freedom Challenges," LaRue has been a public library director for many years, as well as a weekly newspaper columnist and cable TV host. From January of 2016 to November of 2018, he was director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, and ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom. He has written, spoken, and consulted extensively on intellectual freedom issues, leadership and organizational development, community engagement, and the future of libraries.

WATCH:  This month from Ryan Dowd: three-part series on Conflict Prevention and De-escalation<https://my.nicheacademy.com/homelessnessoregonlibraries> – each only 5 minutes short making them perfect for staff meetings!
Part 1: covers the basic de-escalation steps that will calm down most people (and keep you safe!)
Part 2: covers the "biggest mistake" which is making conflict personal and tools you can use to avoid that mistake.
Part 3: covers three advanced techniques you can use when de-escalating.

Note: Oregon library staff and volunteers can request access to the Dowd Training for Oregon Library Staff Academy by using this form<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/RequestAccessToContinuingEducationResources> and choosing the option for the Dowd Training for Oregon Library Staff.

LISTEN: AI Refusal feat. Kay<https://www.librarypunk.gay/e/155-ai-refusal-feat-kay/> (librarypunk podcast)
This week we have Kay Slater back on to talk about AI and what the refusal of AI means in terms of library practice and theory.

READ:  Understanding WCAG: Making digital spaces welcoming for everyone<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/understanding-wcag-accessible-digital-content.html?j=5643505&e=darci.hanning@slo.oregon.gov&l=28396_HTML&u=426073795&mid=6281533&jb=5006&utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_content=February+4+2026+-+Crossroads+-+20260204_142705> (WebJunction)
Libraries work hard to make sure everyone in their community can find and use the resources they need. That commitment extends to the digital world, too, but figuring out where to start with web accessibility can feel overwhelming. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), can help clarify what accessible digital content in your library looks like. These guidelines build on previous standards and reflect the needs of users with a wide range of disabilities, including cognitive, motor, and visual differences. [READ MORE<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/understanding-wcag-accessible-digital-content.html?j=5643505&e=darci.hanning@slo.oregon.gov&l=28396_HTML&u=426073795&mid=6281533&jb=5006&utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_content=February+4+2026+-+Crossroads+-+20260204_142705>]

HIGHLIGHTED WEBINARS/COURSES:

Wednesday, February 18, 8:00a PT: Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!<https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgId=26033> (Nebraska Library Commission)
How do you let your community know how valuable your library is? Come hear some ideas for communicating your value and how to encourage your library board to be involved in your efforts. There will be time for Q&A as well as for sharing your own examples of what has worked well in your community. The webinar is recorded<https://nlc.nebraska.gov/ncompasslive/ncarchivelist.asp> for anyone who may want to watch it again or who cannot attend at the scheduled time. Registration is not required to view the archived recordings.

Thursday, February 19, 10:00am PT: Info2Go! Libraries as Cooling Centers: Every Library Can Be One<https://libraries.idaho.gov/event/info2go-libraries-as-cooling-centers/> (Idaho Commission for Libraries)
Your library can be a cooling center, even if you don’t use that term! As extreme heat events become more common even where people typically worry more about snow or ice than heat waves, libraries are adapting to welcome people who require shelter from heat. Before inviting attendees to share tips from their libraries, we’ll discuss heat risks, who is most affected, and challenges encountered in this work. Attendees will get ideas about incorporating this into existing library services, staffing needs, buy-in, and publicity. Emphasis will be on creative, inexpensive strategies. Not every library is air-conditioned, but every library can do something to meet this increasing need in their community! Presented by Joy Worland, Library Consultant at the Vermont Department of Libraries.

Wednesday, February 25,11:00a PT: ¡Libros, Niños y Más! : Spanish Books for Kids<https://events.zoom.us/ev/AmfmiKR2m6GMz1keZSp90EC4uAIwvDbOCCgNyj5dkPAroAn6fjCG~AqO_CIm-Jm7tCfYKuqIfFdWggVMujXVGoGY1MzHKVNfFRFbUMhWtFJHzQwrkE2wNHGAKbXFXZ5aFqxawJmT91ScLPg?utm_campaign=34235809-2026%20Webcasts&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=402691889&utm_content=402691889> (School Library Journal)
Make your kids collection more accessible for your community's Spanish speaking population with some of these great new titles from Mad Cave Studios, Vista Higher Education, PRH Grupo Editorial USA, MakeMake, Planeta, and Editorial Pirata. With Spanish language books benefiting both non-English speaking kids and Spanish learners alike, broadening your collection of these books is a great way to make your library more inclusive and inviting for all your young readers. As a special bonus, we will have a surprise author joining near the end of the webcast. Register here<https://events.zoom.us/e/view/JgOWTyZ0QBOMq2TBydUpsg/purchase>.

ONLINE CONFERENCES:

Friday, February 27,  6:45a-3:00p: Big Talk from Small Libraries 2026<https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgId=25071> (Nebraska Library Commission and Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL))
This free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries - the smaller the better! All of our presenters are from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people, or are directly partnered with a small library and co-presenting with the library. Topics range from technology to programming to new roles for the library. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the innovative things your colleagues are doing in their small libraries.

Recordings: Unless otherwise noted, sessions are recorded and posted to the Previous Conferences<http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/bigtalk/previous-conferences/> page as soon as possible after the event. You do not need to register for the conference to access the recordings.

You can register here<https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgId=25071> to attend the live conference sessions for free.

Tues - Thurs, March 10-12, 2026: Southeast Collaborative Online Conference<https://sites.google.com/view/secollaborative/Home> (Georgia Public Library Service, State Library of North Carolina, South Carolina State Library, Tennessee State Library & Archives, and The Library of Virginia)
The 2026 Southeast Collaborative Online Conference (SECC) is a collective effort to offer innovative and useful online learning experiences for library staff at all levels through a convenient online conference. Registration is now open<https://sites.google.com/view/secollaborative/Home> (free) –  you can view the agenda<https://sites.google.com/view/secollaborative/Shedule> and learn more about the presenters<https://sites.google.com/view/secollaborative/speakers>.

LIVE WEBINARS for the week of February 16 (details are available in the CE Calendar<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/free#s-lib-ctab-24120710-1> or at WebJunction<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/free-webinars-for-library-staff.html>)

Tuesday:

  *   8am 9 Green Flags You're Ready for Federal Grants (Even If No One's Ever Told You That Before) (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
  *   9am What You Need to Know About AI The Library 2.0 2026 "AI and Libraries" Overview: Where We Are Now (Library 2.0)
  *   11am Booklist Spring 2026 Graphic Novels & Manga Preview (Booklist)
  *   11am Acts of Science: Connected Info Session (SciStarter)
  *   11am All About the 990 (TechSoup)
  *   11am The New Instruction Librarian Live: Real Problems, Real Solutions (ASERL)

Wednesday:

  *   8am Communicating Your Library's Value and Getting your Board "On Board" to Help! (Nebraska Library Commission)
  *   10am
  *   12 Golden Rules of Nonprofit Finance (Propel Nonprofits)
  *   11am PCI: Don’t Eat the Red Frog (Because Words Can Harm You)
  *   11am DEI, Burnout, and the Case for Compassionate Leadership (GrantStation)
  *   11am Meet FRED® from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FDLP)
  *   11am The Donor Cultivation Playbook: Smarter Touches, Stronger Results (Bloomerang)
  *   11am The HarperCollins Spring/Summer 2026 Adult Preview (Library Journal)
  *   1pm Defending the Freedom to Read: A Virtual Event with Author Jarrett Dapier

Thursday:

  *   10am Info2Go! Libraries as Cooling Centers: Every Library Can Be One! (Idaho Commission for Libraries)
  *   11am MacKids School & Library Spring 2026 Preview (Booklist)
  *   11am Smarter Search, More Content: What’s New in Gale Power Search
  *   2pm Support Student Well-Being Through Focused Learning and Meaningful Human Connection (eduWeb)

Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

[State Library of Oregon (Logo)]

[cid:image002.png at 01DC9A7D.A0D22B70]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/a59abb0a2327467fac503ddb3913cf5e@slo.oregon.gov?anonymous&ep=signature>
Schedule time to meet with me<https://outlook.office365.com/bookwithme/user/a59abb0a2327467fac503ddb3913cf5e@slo.oregon.gov?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=pcard>

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/libs-or/attachments/20260213/9fa8cc8c/attachment.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 15548 bytes
Desc: image001.png
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/libs-or/attachments/20260213/9fa8cc8c/attachment.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image002.png
Type: image/png
Size: 528 bytes
Desc: image002.png
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/libs-or/attachments/20260213/9fa8cc8c/attachment-0001.png>