Upcoming Opportunities
These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.
Southeast Collaborative Conference
March 11 – 13, 2025
The 2025 Southeast Collaborative Online Conference is a collective effort by the Georgia Public Library Service, State Library of North Carolina, South Carolina State Library, Tennessee State Library & Archives, and The Library of Virginia to offer innovative and useful online learning experiences for library staff at all levels through a convenient online conference. For more information, visit the conference website.
AI and Libraries: Literacy, Ethics, and Responsible UseLibrary Service for Community Sustainability
March 13, 2025 | 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Librarians, educators, technologists, and thought leaders are invited to explore the critical role that libraries can play in addressing both the opportunities and ethical challenges of AI. From encouraging digital literacy and ethical awareness to guiding the responsible use of AI, libraries are potentially at the forefront showing how emerging AI technologies can be used responsibly in their communities. Attendees will explore actionable insights to help navigate the complex ethical questions relating to AI and the unique role of libraries and librarians in addressing them. They will discuss practical strategies for integrating AI tools into library and education settings using ethical best practices while empowering users with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world. And they’ll focus on how libraries can not only adapt to this rapidly changing landscape but can also act as catalysts for knowledge diffusion, shaping a more informed, and innovative future for all their users. For more information, visit the conference website.
Supporting communities impacted by incarceration through library services
March 13, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Public libraries are often on the frontlines of serving communities impacted by incarceration, with many patrons facing the challenges of trauma, stigma, and reintegration. This webinar will explore how libraries can effectively support individuals and families affected by incarceration—whether through outreach to local jails or providing services to those re-entering society. Learn about successful initiatives, funding opportunities, and service models that address the lasting impacts of incarceration. For more information, visit the webinar webpage.
Library Giving Day
April 1, 2025
Library Giving Day is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. And in turn, that support will go toward the incredible programs, services and materials provided by local libraries all over the country. To join the movement, download the campaign tools, and start planning, visit the event website.
Library Journal Day of Dialog – Spring Conference
April 17, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Spanning a variety of genres, this day-long program will offer an in-depth look at the biggest forthcoming books for summer and fall 2025. You’ll hear directly from top authors as they discuss their new titles, inspiration, process, and more. And don’t forget the virtual exhibit hall! Visit the booths to download free resources and chat with representatives. The program is still under development, so stay tuned for updates! For more information, visit the event webpage.
Texas Library Grants
April 18, 2025
Since the Texas Book Festival’s (TBF) founding, it has been a part of their mission to promote literature and support Texas libraries. TBF’s goal is for these grants to assist libraries with enhancing their print, e-book, and audiobook collections with materials that meet the unique needs of their communities. For more information, visit the program website.
Ongoing Tools
These tools are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.
Elevating Others: Unlocking Your Team’s Full Potential (webinar)
This course introduces you to the concept of conflict transformation and how it differs from conflict resolution, management, and prevention. You will see how conflict offers opportunities for constructive change and explore different tools and methods for engaging in conflict constructively. Regardless of your familiarity with the topic, you’ll get insightful tips, portable handouts, lively demonstrations, and personalized assignments to bridge and enhance your own knowledge and history within the conflict narrative. In any area of your life, you’ll benefit from the practical techniques and transferable information offered through this learning journey. Approximately 17 hours – learn at your own pace. For more information, visit the course webpage
Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Newsletter
The most recent edition features information about the 2025 Summer Reading Kickoff, Citizen Science’s “From Space to Sea” webinar, exclusive sets of Brag Tags designed to celebrate the 2025 theme, upcoming wordsmithing sessions, and the National Summer Learning Association’s Summer Planning Bootcamp. Read the CSLP newsletter online or subscribe and receive it in your inbox each month.
Trauma-Informed Services in Rural and Small Libraries (webinar)
Many have realized the importance of better understanding the effects of trauma. When the library services we provide are informed by a basic knowledge of how traumatic experiences and traumatic stress may impact the people we are serving, things are likely to turn out better. However, while more libraries are adding social workers to their staff, those in small and rural libraries may be wondering how they can adopt a trauma-informed approach, without access to the resources that a larger library or a library in an urban community may have. This series of courses is tailored to the needs and perspective of those in libraries serving small and/or rural communities. To register, visit the webinar registration page.
Texas Workforce Development
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s (TSLAC) Workforce Development services are dedicated to the economic prosperity of individuals and entire communities across Texas. We support entrepreneurship, business development, job training programs, digital literacy, STEM learning, and much more in Texas libraries as they bolster the economic prosperity of Texas. For more information about getting connected to these services, please visit the Texas Workforce Development website or email us at ld@tsl.texas.gov.
Navigating Civil Legal Issues of Natural Disasters (webinar)
This three-course series will equip library staff to recognize the legal issues and be prepared to provide information and resources that will guide patrons to positive outcomes in the wake of natural disasters. While the key focus is to augment the learner’s civil legal reference skills, the sudden, disruptive aspect of natural disasters demands attention to first stabilizing operations in order for the library to serve its role as an information provider. For more information, visit the course webpage.
Need more support?
Resource Archive
Wish you had access to a repository of all the tools that are featured in the monthly Library Management Updates? Check out our Resource Archive for more information.
Continuing Education
In addition, be sure to peruse our continuing education offerings. Our resources are constantly updated, so check back often.
Questions?
For more information, visit our management services page or contact Christina Taylor at ctaylor@tsl.texas.gov.
