WebJunction Course Catalog

Format: Webinar, original date November 10, 2020
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

Format: Webinar, original date March 20, 2014
Hosted by: WebJunction and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Are you looking for fresh ways to connect your library with your community? Find out how these Nebraska libraries moved beyond traditional partnerships by uncovering shared commitment to community needs with new partners, especially local businesses. These new connections led to programming and events that promote health, literacy and entertainment for the whole community. The efforts extend the library's marketing reach, build library support, and strengthen community relationships all at little or no cost.

Presented by: Becky Baker, Scott Childers, and Lisa Olivigni

Format: Webinar, original date March 13, 2024
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Are you feeling the strain of serving patrons with complex needs? Is your library seeing increased patron behavioral issues and mental health concerns? This session reviews ideas and approaches for how libraries can support both high-needs patrons and staff. As a result of this webinar, you will be able to:

• Articulate the changing needs of library patrons and how these impact staff 
• Learn strategies for assessing your library’s unique needs
• Discuss helpful programs, collaborations, and/or services for high-needs patrons
• Apply person-centered strategies to begin creating cultural change in your library
• Anticipate potential barriers to change

Presented by: Beth Wahler and Sarah Johnson

Format: Webinar, original date April 5, 2019
Hosted by: Infopeople, as part of the California State Library Mental Health Initiative webinar series, Where Compassion Meets Action
Length: 1 hour

Presented by: Lisa Harris

Format: Webinar, original date March 5, 2020
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

Every day, public libraries open their doors to people facing ongoing life challenges, such as poverty, mental health symptoms, substance abuse, or domestic violence. The library may be the only protective place they can turn to, the only place that can counter the debilitating negative factors that govern their lives. Join this webinar to explore the ways the library functions as a "protective factor" and to understand how the library, staff, and patrons exist within a community-wide context of safety. With consideration for how poverty, race, or other often stigmatized challenges impact the patron experience, learn practical and applicable ways to assess your library’s relationship with patrons, local law enforcement, social workers, and other organizations. Hear how the Sacramento Public Library learned through crisis to address staff and community trauma and to build resilience through more compassionate and inclusive policies and practices.

Presented by: Eric Lashley, Patrick Lloyd and Rivkah Sass

Format: Webinar, original date July 7, 2022
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

In the U.S., there are 43 million adults–nearly one in five–who read below a third-grade level, and over half of all adults read below a sixth-grade level (National Action Plan for Adult Literacy, 2021). Low levels in literacy can impact many aspects of daily life including the ability to find and maintain employment, navigate health care needs, and complete government forms. This webinar will explore the characteristics of adults with low literacy levels and how they differ from those of adults with learning disabilities, including how and why each of these groups approaches reading. Learn about the importance and value of developing literacy skills, as well as strategies for library staff on how to identify when someone may need literacy support, how to broach the subject with a patron, and ways to suggest materials and resources to reluctant adults who may be struggling with literacy. 

Presented by: Katharine Ware

Format: Webinar, original date December 3, 2015
Hosted by: WebJunction and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries
Length: 1 hour

The Cazenovia Public Library is connecting the dots between early literacy, the local food pantry and family well-being, and they’re doing it all on a small budget. Starting with an Early Literacy project at the CazCares food pantry, library outreach coordinators began to build more in-depth relationships with the food pantry’s clients. Their interactions led to unexpected positive outcomes:

• adults obtaining their high school equivalency through the library tutoring program;
• school age children participating in an interactive summer learning program and book club;
• and the food pantry becoming the site for ESL classes, Dolly Parton Imagination Library sign ups and health literacy initiatives.

Find out how this innovative library team supplemented their small budget with donations and volunteers to make Family Literacy work for the community.

Presented by: Betsy Kennedy

Format: Webinar, original date September 10, 2015
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

We are all so busy! Who has time to deal with conflicts? When conflict occurs, and we are confronted with a colleague, library patron, supervisor, or board member who is frustrated and upset, it can be tempting to identify a quick fix. However, when we do take the time to practice clear communication to uncover what people really need, we can get to better outcomes. Healthy communication involves:

• Actions that show you are really listening
• Communication with people who are angry or upset in a way that their needs can be addressed and resolved
• Knowing your own emotions and needs, and effective ways to express them

Practicing healthy communication skills will boost your self-confidence and contribute to a happier workplace.

Presented by: Anna Shelton

Format: Webinar, original date June 11, 2015
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

Community health data is a powerful tool. It allows public library leaders and local partners to launch conversations and prioritize activities to support community members with reliable health information and services. The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program provides a comprehensive platform for community based organizations of all kinds to examine and take action on community health data. Attendees at this webinar will learn about ways in which cross-sector collaboration can positively influence social and environmental factors that impact community health. Attendees will also gain familiarity with key features of the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool for further exploration of these topics. Attendees will also learn how Buffalo & Erie County Public Library has built awareness, partnerships and services in support of community health, using local data and networks.

Presenters: Kate Konkle and Renée Masters

Format: Webinar, original date October 21, 2015
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

Misinformation about health abounds in today’s info-glutted environment. What is the role of public libraries in addressing issues of accurate health information? Public libraries are uniquely positioned to contribute to healthy communities by providing informed access to reliable health information. This panel presentation provides an overview of the field of public health, highlighting innovative health promotion initiatives at public libraries, and covering training and funding resources for health-related library outreach and programming. Join the conversation about building your community’s health literacy.

Presented by: Lydia N. Collins, Anita Kinney, and Christian Minter

Format: Webinar, original date January 15, 2019
Hosted by: Infopeople
Length: 1 hour

How do library administrators and managers foster a healthy, inclusive work environment so all employees can succeed? Unfortunately, individuals with diverse backgrounds and uniqueness are being subjected to subtle and overt bias in the library workplace due to the divisive climate in which we live. We have each been a part of the process; on either end of the bias whether we know it or not.

Presented by: Dr. Michele A. L. Villagran

Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

A crisis is any situation that threatens the integrity or reputation of your library, museum, or archive. This could include funding reductions, safety or security events, health issues, public challenges, or other problems.

In this course, you will learn about the three types of crises and how they are defined. You will also compare examples of crises. Finally, you will evaluate your organization’s crisis preparedness.

Related course: Crisis Communications Planning for Libraries, Archives, and Museums

Format: Webinar, original date July 11, 2019
Hosted by: Infopeople
Length: 1 hour

Did you know that crafts are considered to be an excellent way to work through the pressures of daily life stressors? For over a century in the United States, crafts have played an integral part in therapeutic practices. The idea of providing crafts as a creative outlet emerged during the First World War in response to the needs of the returning soldiers. More recently, research has revealed that crafts can provide a variety of tangible health benefits, such as feelings of relaxation, stress relief, a sense of accomplishment, increased happiness, reduced anxiety, and enhanced confidence.

In this webinar, presenter Kimberli Buckley will discuss how to put together an adult craft program on a budget, how to utilize crafts to promote awareness, and she will offer a wide variety and range of craft examples that will prove that crafts aren’t just for kids. Additionally, she will discuss history of crafts and the current state of the crafting world as well as the therapeutic and health benefits that crafts can provide for adults.

Presented by: Kimberli Buckley

Format: Webinar, original date February 6, 2018
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

For too many children and teens, summer is a time of hunger and learning loss. Libraries offer the perfect environment to combat childhood hunger and obesity while preventing summer learning loss by offering free, healthy lunch to kids through the USDA Summer Food Service Program. In California, Lunch at the Library was developed to provide tailored support to library staff, offering tools to develop successful public library summer meal programs that draw new families to the library, foster community partnerships, and engage families with learning and enrichment opportunities while school is out. Join us for this webinar to learn about the tools and practical tips for starting or expanding a USDA summer meals site and incorporating lunches into your summer reading program. Even if you’ve been offering summer lunches for years, you’ll come away inspired and ready to plan.

Presented by: Trish Garone, Patrice Chamberlain, and Jasmin LoBasso

Format: Webinar, original date April 13, 2021
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

The mental health impacts of the pandemic are taking a toll on our communities, often compounding the physical and emotional effects of trauma experienced by many, including library patrons and staff. With increased understanding of mental health and trauma-informed care, library staff can be better prepared to provide unbiased service to those struggling to find help, information, and support. Join this webinar to learn how libraries can be better prepared to respond using the principles of trauma-informed care, and how Mental Health First Aid can equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to communicate with compassion, even in difficult situations. Learn ways to apply a trauma-informed approach to library services, internal and external policies and practices, and how to build connections with other community providers.

Presented by: Tiffany Russell and Anne Chapman

Format: Webinar, original date August 6, 2020
Hosted by: WebJunction and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Opportunity often hides behind adversity. As libraries look to a future of post-pandemic challenges, from looming budget cuts to increasingly urgent community needs, David Lankes, in The "New Normal" Agenda for Librarianship, encourages us to consider framing the positive opportunities, rather than loss, in the changes that lie ahead. If we are intentional, we can use these circumstances to grow our organizations and to address the digital access disparities in small and rural communities. This presentation explores how one rural library has improved internet access in partnership with an internet service provider, hosted telehealth appointments in collaboration with healthcare providers and transportation agencies, worked with schools to ensure opportunities for youth through esports, and improved digital literacy skills for patrons and local businesses.

Presented by: Dianne Connery

Format:

Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

Libraries are community hubs, including for health information and programming. As community health needs shift and grow, libraries are looking to support topics like consumer health literacy, healthy aging, mental health, food and nutrition, access to healthcare via telehealth, physical activity, and overcoming technological barriers to accessing health information. At the same time, the public health sector is learning that libraries are valuable partners in advancing local health priorities. Join this webinar for an introduction to public health, and hear how public health practitioners and library staff are partnering for success. Learn how to build library staff confidence in providing health information, assess community health needs, and build community partnerships that magnify the role public libraries play as key contributors to community health.

Presented by: Megan A. Weis, QuinTasha Knox, Dianne Connery and Carol Perryman

Format: Webinar, original date October 11, 2023
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Building on research and insights presented in the webinar, Low Morale in Libraries: Impacts and Countermeasures, this panel discussion delves deeper into essential facets that foster a healthy and supportive library culture, exploring institutional and individual solutions to countering low morale. Examining how organizational culture, library hierarchies, and management styles affect the workplace experiences of library staff, we’ll explore various strategies for library staff working to navigate power dynamics and advocate for positive personal or organizational change. Recognizing the trauma, stress, and burnout experienced by library staff, we’ll consider how to:

• Assertively communicate needs while embracing change, set boundaries to address toxic positivity, and foster a compassionate environment
• Explore visionary leadership approaches for inclusive libraries and promote collaboration for library staff at all levels
• Gain insights on trauma-informed practices and collective care to help recover from burnout and foster empathy and resilience

Join this panel of researchers, library practitioners, and changemakers as they share experiences, research, and practical strategies to help foster a healthier, empowered library environment.

Presented by: Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, Sunnie Scarpa, Ann Glusker, Lauren Comito, and Angelica Rodriguez

Format: Webinar, original date March 24, 2021
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

Libraries across the country are increasingly working to address food insecurity in their local communities. Presenters from the South Carolina State Library, University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health SNAP-Ed program, and Richland Library will provide examples of library food access initiatives including seed libraries, community gardens and farmers markets. Guidance will be provided on how to start food access initiatives with limited local partnership options, few staff and limited resources in rural, urban and suburban settings. The session will also explore how two statewide organizations support local libraries in this work through technical assistance and funding.

Presented by: Carrie Draper, Ashley Page, Leighan Cazier and Rebecca Antill

Format: Webinar, original date May 3, 2019
Hosted by: Infopeople, as part of the California State Library Mental Health Initiative webinar series, Where Compassion Meets Action
Length: 1 hour

Presented by: Tana Teicheira

Format: Webinar, original date May 16, 2024
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

Format: Webinar, original date April 21, 2015
Hosted by: WebJunction and TechSoup
Length: 1 hour

Every day, patrons enter libraries around the country with questions about health, housing, employment, counseling and other essential human services. And libraries are there to make these crucial connections for them. Many libraries are now exploring ways to expand their role as connector to community social services through resources such as webpages, mobile apps, and databases. These services might refer somebody to a free meal, legal assistance, support groups, and much more. Join us to hear examples of how referral services and resources have augmented the social services connections that contribute to community vitality.

Presented by:  Suzanne Moore, Diane Adams,and Jasmine Africawala

Format: Webinar, original date April 25, 2019
Hosted by: Infopeople, as part of the California State Library Mental Health Initiative webinar series, Where Compassion Meets Action
Length: 1 hour

Veterans may experience a wide range of mental health conditions after their military service. Statistics show that 37% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who receive health care from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) had a mental health diagnosis, with PTSD being the most common. The VHA reports that veterans are committing suicide at alarming rates: 22 veterans die by suicide every day. Although engaging in VHA mental health treatment has been linked to lower rates of suicide, utilization of mental health services is low. In 2010, only 28% of urban veterans and 22% of rural veterans participated in psychotherapy. Stigma around mental health is often cited as a barrier to seeking support and mental health treatment.

In this webinar, presenter Laura Wiedeman, a clinical psychologist at the VA Northern California Health Care System, discusses common mental health struggles that veterans may endure and various ways to provide support. Learn how to help reduce stigma around veteran mental health and become aware of the resources available to veterans in their recovery.

Presented by: Laura Wiedeman