Online Learning for Library Staff

Course Summary

This presentation will examine how robots can be used alongside read alouds to increase student engagement, literary connections, and comprehension skills. We’ll look at ways to use robots to represent character traits; enact dramas; demonstrate the sequence of story elements; and allow students to create their own stories and characters. Attendees will experience activities they can take and adapt for their library programs and receive a resource toolbox with ideas, guiding questions, and premade activities utilizing robots.

Presenter: Melanie Sowa-Li, Technology Teacher, Conroe ISD

Original air date: May 7, 2024

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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Course Summary

Sometimes, the act of curling up with a good book or magazine can be difficult or impossible. But thanks to the Talking Book Program (TBP), the National Library Service (NLS), the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), and new technology, there are many options available to help Texans of all ages maintain the ability to read with access to books and magazines 24/7. Join Jaclyn Owusu, Public Awareness Coordinator with the Talking Book Program, to learn who is eligible and how to sign up, along with updates about the program.

Original air date: March 9, 2023

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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This webinar will introduce librarians to a step-by-step process to lead their communities in resiliency planning and local emergency preparedness. Researchers from the Translational Health Research Center (THRC) at Texas State University will share results from a pilot project that positioned librarians in two rural Texas communities as leaders to convene local stakeholders for community collaborations by adapting COPEWELL (Composite of Post-Event Wellbeing), an evidence-based model for resiliency planning developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Dr. Elizabeth K. Eger and Rex Long from THRC and Library Directors Dianne Connery and Brandy Winn will share their experiences and present a roadmap for other librarians to engage in similar community resiliency collaborations.

Original air date: May 15, 2024

1.5 CE Hours (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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Presented by TSLAC Grants staff as part of a series for new public library directors, this webinar reviews best practices for applying for grants in general, and provides information about TSLAC grants in particular.

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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The end of the library’s local fiscal year 2023 is a great time to pull together reports and statistics that will be needed to complete the next Annual Report. Having the information at your fingertips will make completing the online report quicker and easier. Join Library Data Coordinator Valicia Greenwood as she discusses all parts of the report, walks through the requirements for and value of library accreditation, and answers any questions you may have.

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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Public libraries all over Texas must submit the Texas Public Libraries Annual Report each year in order to be eligible for accreditation and agency programs. Take a deep dive into the LibPAS data collection portal and get to know all parts of the Annual Report. With log-in information sent to you the first week in January, we invite you to follow along for a serious look at every section, every question. First review our webinar, Get It Together! Preparing for the 2023 Texas Public Libraries Annual Report, to get the most out of the training.

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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Presented by State Librarian Gloria Meraz as part of a series for new public library directors, this webinar provides recommendations and tips for leaders, and suggestions from attendees for cultivating resilience.

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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There have been some recent changes in the Western genre and Laura Jean Norris from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s Talking Book Program is here to tell you all about it. She will provide Reader’s Advisory tips, strategies, trends, and resources for ensuring that your Western fans are getting the gunslinging action your patrons are hankering for.

Original air date: March 26, 2024

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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"What should I read next?” Have you ever struggled to answer that question? The Reader's Advisory team at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Talking Book Program are here to help! Saidah Ochoa, John Berkeland and Laura Jean Norris will provide Reader's Advisory (RA) tips, new ways of approaching genres, and general RA resources. Explore different ways to keep your patrons' book appetites satisfied with the Texas Talking Book readers advisory librarians.

Original air date: March 8, 2016

Last reviewed: September 2, 2022

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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Public librarians are often a trusted source of information on subjects that have a huge impact on patrons’ lives. This can include aspects of everyday life that intersect with the law, like landlord disputes, child custody issues, gun ownership, end-of-life planning, and more. If you are a public librarian with little experience researching what the law says, you may feel nervous about how to answer patrons’ questions about the law without veering into legal advice. This presentation from the State Law Library about the many free resources they offer will help build your confidence in providing legal information to patrons and help you know when to refer them to another entity that can provide the help they need.

Presented by Texas State Law Library Assistant Director Amy Small and Web Content and Reference Librarian Laura Gienger

Original air date: January 13, 2022

1 CE Hour

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Have you heard? Texas is set to receive millions of dollars in funding to advance internet connectivity, device access, and digital literacy skills. Libraries have been doing this work for decades, so this is truly our moment to strategize, think big, and build momentum for what’s to come. In this webinar you’ll learn when the funding will become available, how you can apply, what you can do to prepare, and what resources to use to assist your planning.

Original air date: March 29, 2023

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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In this webinar, explore the power of AI within library settings and discover practical applications of AI through real-world examples and implementations that can benefit library staff at all levels. Our presenter Dianne Connery of Pottsboro Library, a small rural public library in North Texas (pop. 3,945), has already begun using AI to make her life as a librarian easier. Among many other things, it helps her quickly write grants, create slide decks for presentations, draft important letters - and even assisted with coming up with a title and description for this webinar. Dianne is also pioneering practical applications as well. Just this month, she launched a front desk AI librarian, custom-made for her library, to serve her community by answering frequently asked questions and directing them to local services. She’s also working on programming to teach patrons how to use the technology to help them write cover letters and build resumes.

Original air date: January 30, 2024

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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According to the Public Library Association’s 2020 Public Library Technology survey, almost 85% of libraries provide some type of informal training to help patrons use technology, but how can libraries leverage existing tools and resources to meet all the need, especially with limited staff and time? This webinar will cover how to use free online assessment tools and self-guided resources to help library users and library workers level up digital skills.

Presented by: Theresa Sladek, Strategic Partnerships & Northstar Business Development, Literacy Minnesota and Cindy Fisher, Digital Inclusion Consultant, TSLAC

After this webinar attendees will:

• be able to select assessment tools to understand digital skill levels
• be able to identify resources that address digital skills
• select tools and resources to address most needed digital skills

Original air date: September 29, 2022

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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Attendees will learn simple, affordable, actionable ways to make their library a more welcoming and usable space for patrons with visual disabilities. Presented by Kayleigh Matheson, Reader's Advisory Librarian for the Talking Book Program of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Original air date: September 12, 2023

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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This online event is for libraries in the Alamo region (San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA.)

During this session, you will learn about:

• the services and programs that WS Alamo offers (for career seekers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, youth, apprenticeships, etc.)
• your local labor market, local in-demand careers, and other regional needs
• the benefits of collaborating with WS Alamo for regional prosperity
• opportunities to leverage the goals your library shares with WS Alamo to reach a wider audience

Original air date: February 22, 2023

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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This online event is for Texas libraries in the counties of Starr, Hidalgo, and Willacy. Meet key staff from Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV).

During this session, you will learn about:

• the services and programs that Workforce Solutions LRGV offers (for career seekers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, youth, apprenticeships, etc.).
• your local labor market, local in-demand careers, and other regional needs.
• the benefits of collaborating with Workforce Solutions LRGV for regional prosperity.
• opportunities to leverage the goals your library shares with Workforce Solutions LRGV to reach a wider audience.

Original air date: August 24, 2023

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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This online event is for libraries in the North Central Texas region (the counties of Collin, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell and Wise). Meet Danielle Davis, the Partnership Development Coordinator for Workforce Solutions (WS) North Central Texas.

During this session, you will learn about:

• the services and programs that WS North Central Texas offers (for career seekers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, youth, apprenticeships, etc.)
• your local labor market, local in-demand careers, and other regional needs
• the benefits of collaborating with WS North Central Texas for regional prosperity
• opportunities to leverage the goals your library shares with WS North Central Texas to reach a wider audience/li>

Original air date: February 15, 2023

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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Course Summary

This online event is for libraries in the Southeast Texas region (the counties of Hardin, Jefferson and Orange).

During this session, you will learn about:

• the services and programs that WS Southeast Texas offers (for career seekers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, youth, apprenticeships, etc.)
• your local labor market, local in-demand careers, and other regional needs
• the benefits of collaborating with WS Southeast Texas for regional prosperity
• opportunities to leverage the goals your library shares with WS Southeast Texas to reach a wider audience

Original air date: February 8, 2023

1 CE Hour (CPE  eligible for Texas educators)

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