Summer is an ideal time for library staff to sharpen their skills and explore tools. Through Amigos Library Services, staff can spend time learning about tools designed to clean up messy data, how to do more with MARC records, or pick up some programming language basics.
Amigos is closely monitoring statewide programs and services - and we appreciate state libraries' efforts to keep libraries and partners informed as they navigate the changing landscape of IMLS's Grants to States program.
Amigos Library Services is pleased to announce the following individuals have been elected to three-year terms (2024-2027) on the Amigos Board of Directors:
During last week's Annual Membership Meeting, Amigos announced one of its largest investments in member benefits. Beginning in June, Live Online sessions will be added to the list of continuing education offerings provided as a free benefit of membership. This addition encompasses all single- and multi-part sessions focused on various practical and specialized skills.
On May 14, 2025, Amigos Library Services hosted "Our Present. Our Futures. The Amigos Member Conference 2025," bringing together library professionals and several students from across the region for a day of learning, inspiration, and connection.
Amigos is pleased to share an exciting professional development opportunity from vendor partner Bloomsbury. On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm central, Bloomsbury will host a free webinar, Global Plays in Translation, through its acclaimed Drama Online digital library.
Library employees often go the extra mile for patrons and colleagues, providing professional, courteous service in every interaction. Unfortunately, staff sometimes find themselves in situations where the interaction has crossed the line and they may not recognize that it has happened or know what to do when it does. Learn how to identify when an interaction is no longer within the acceptable code of conduct, ideas of how to handle the habitual issue, and explore safety procedures and protocols that can be enacted to keep everyone safe.
Using plain language can improve accessibility for users of all literacy levels and remove barriers to understanding. This session covers plain language basics, how to get others on board, and how to create sustainable habits that work for your library. Learn to write easy-to-read messaging for library communications of all kinds, both internally and externally.
Python can be an invaluable tool for automating process and saving time. Python is a programming language that can help automate workflows and metadata management processes. This straightforward introduction will help staff get started with Python, reviewing the basics of the language to write simple scripts, and how to use the PyMARC library of code to automate library-specific tasks.
Interested in doing more with your MARC records? Looking for an easy way to add or delete fields, split a batch of records into several groups, or extract particular fields to create a report? This introductory course will take on these tasks and more, starting with the basics of how to download and install the free MarcEdit software.