Libraries of all sizes must be prepared to deliver services that reflect the changing needs of communities. They maintain critical relevancy by conducting regular and effective community needs assessments. Review examples of frameworks and tools needed to begin a new community needs assessment. Form an actionable plan to align with the library’s mission and vision and secure the library’s role as a vital organization in the community.

While rarely part of education and training, library staff are often tasked with assisting or leading fundraising for library projects or programs. Grants, donations, gifts, and fundraising events all play into this informative session that will get anyone started on the path to supporting your library.

Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills, play a critical role in virtual and in-person library services. Explore new ways to support staff’s development in these areas by understanding soft skills, developing personal improvement goals and implementing training plans.

No one wants workplace conflicts or performance issues, but a big part of a manager's job is addressing personnel issues when they arise. Administering effective performance improvement plans can make a difference in the likelihood of repeated mistakes, maintaining staff morale, and improving overall performance. This session highlights both written and verbal communication techniques, follow-up plans, and establishing accountability.

Meetings are a weekly – sometimes daily – ritual for many library administrators and staff. Learning to lead and participate effectively in meetings results in better preparation to get the most out of your time. How to plan and facilitate an effective meeting and employ strategies to combat common meeting problems are covered.

Learn some of the best time management principles to increase productivity and assess the value of tasks. Discover the benefits of creating goals and how productivity is tied to the ability to assess time and establish priorities.

While most know that documentation is crucial to the continuity and sustainability of processes in library work, it is still an easy thing to write off as too hard. Lessons from the field of technical writing can help prioritize these important tasks. Identify how to incorporate key tips from technical writers to make documentation creation more efficient and useful.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated to affect 1 in 44 children in the U.S. and to be present across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Librarians will benefit from learning about modifications that can enhance the library experience for individuals on the autism spectrum. This workshop will provide librarians across settings with a greater understanding of ASD as well as strategies for communicating more effectively with such patrons.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness estimates that one in five children, teens, and adults suffer from a mental illness. With libraries functioning as a hub of the communities they support, library professionals must be prepared to serve patrons struggling with mental health needs.

In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving user expectations, libraries face the ongoing challenge of staying relevant and engaged with their communities. Design thinking, a human-centered approach to problem-solving, offers a powerful framework for librarians and staff to foster innovation and create exceptional user experiences. After reviewing the concept and theory behind design thinking, take a deep dive into each step of the process through discussions and exercises.