The library has its idea for a project or service – and even has a funder in mind. But writing the grant proposal, tracking all the required forms and documents, and aligning to the funder’s priorities can be a daunting task. Get started on the right path with guidance for planning and organizing the elements of the proposal; analyzing and embedding funder priorities across the application; designing the plan with successful management built in from the start. The best practices shared reflect experience administering grant programs, serving as a grant reviewer, and winning competitive grants.

Change can often happen when we are already deep into a rhythm, process, or workflow, requiring a quick pivot to new services, responsibilities, and roles. Strong, cohesive teams position an organization to successfully face transitions such as reorganizations, staff vacancies and changeover, and external upheaval. With a focus on teambuilding and collective planning during times of transition, organizations can find new paths and navigate changed roles.

Whether you are working with colleagues, engaging community partners, or getting active in professional organizations – meetings are a fact of life for library staff. Save valuable time and motivate others by learning the most efficient ways of preparing for and running everyday meetings. With practical guidance and proven tools, learn how to the make the most effective use of conveners’ and participants’ time while avoiding common pitfalls. Leave with practical tips to plan, facilitate, and follow-up after different types of meetings.

There are times when we seek board or committee service and then there are times when we are called to board or committee service. Discover the first steps in becoming a great board or committee member. Become versed in board and committee best practices.

Bedbugs remain a constant concern for libraries and other public spaces – and more and more it seems like a question of when, not if. Learn how bedbugs affect library facilities and collections today. Equip library staff and facilities managers with the training and strategies necessary to protect their library collections, patrons, and staff from the disruptions posed by bedbug infestations.

Gifts and donations to libraries require careful development and consideration. And the terms for acceptance, retention, and use of gifts and donations should be well-documented and communicated. Explore best practices in gift and donation policies for libraries and discover new ways to make the best case for effective donation- and gift-making to your library.

Libraries are dynamic hubs of innovation and support for local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Empower librarians and library staff to play a vital role in the growth and success of their local small business communities. Connect library users to resources from business plans to business marketing.

Neurodiversity recognizes that people experience and interact with the world in many ways. While there are many dimensions to neurodiversity, it is often used in the context of the autism spectrum as well as other neurological or developmental conditions. By developing a better understanding of neurodiversity, library staff can create more inclusive library environments through interactions, spaces, services, and programs that welcome and respect neurodiverse patrons.

Many libraries wade into trend scanning occasionally – for strategic planning or to help inform a new program, service, or target audience. But a regular program of trend scanning can prove a manageable and beneficial practice across the organization. Borrowing from futures and foresight practices, library staff can adapt a "scan, clip, and review" process to identify new pieces of information. With simple set-up strategies and a clear sense of what to look for, scanning provides a quick path to analyze and socialize new ideas and anticipate changes in our communities.