Author Archives: Holli Duggan

Flash CE Grant!

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Holli Duggan

We are opening applications for just one week to cover registration costs to attend the Iowa Library Association’s virtual conference on October 15th!

ILA has extended a special $50 registration rate for Nebraska Library Association (NLA) members. Non-members can register for $80 or Trustees for only $20.

More information about the conference can be found at the links below:

CE Grant Details:

  • The applicant must be either 1) employed in an accredited Nebraska public library or a state-run institutional library at the time of application, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library. You do not need to be a member of NLA to apply.
  • These are for individuals only (no group applications).
  • Applications are due by 11:59 pm (CST) on Wednesday, October 7th.
  • You will also need to submit a separate indication of support form.
  • Applicants will be notified on Thursday, October 8th.
  • You must register for the conference by Monday, October 12th.

Apply Now!

Note: This mini-round of CE grants is separate from our 2021 Continuing Education grants which will be available for applications starting on Monday, October 5th and will be open for online learning, other out-of-state conferences, and larger CE projects. For more information on those grant opportunities, please see our main CE Grants Information page.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.

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Basic Skills Update: Postponed Classes

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Holli Duggan
Blue background with a pink circle. Text reads "basic skills classes updated schedule 2020"

The three Basic Skills classes that were postponed earlier this year will be offered again!

There will be more classes added and an updated 2021 schedule, so if you are unable to attend these dates, there will be more options coming up. These classes will hopefully help if you need to finish up your Basic Skills certification requirements.

Please note that Finance and Intellectual Freedom do fall over holidays, but they are scheduled to allow for extra time, if needed. These classes, like the other Basic Skills classes, do not require you to be logged in at any specific times.

If you have any questions at all about these or any of the Basic Skills classes, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

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Reminder: Submit your CE grant applications!

Posted on August 27, 2020 by Holli Duggan

Just a few days left to apply for a Continuing Education (CE) grant to attend the ARSL 2020 virtual conference!

ARSL logo: airplane in front of SOAR with libraries, Sharing Our Amazing Resources

You can now see the detailed program schedule, as well as the session descriptions on the conference website. Keynote speakers include William Ottens, Cassandra Campbell, and Nancy Pearl. Sessions will also be recorded and available to registrants after the conference, so you won’t have to worry about missing anything!

Nebraska public librarians, library board members, and library students have a terrific opportunity with this virtual professional conference. Each grant recipient will be reimbursed for the costs of attendance, including conference registration and mileage (if traveling to a host library). Librarians, board members, and students may apply for an individual grant. Since ARSL is offering a group registration rate this year, library directors may apply for a group grant.

More details about the grant and the application forms are all available on the Continuing Education and Training Grants 2020 page.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

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Apply for a Continuing Education Grant!

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Holli Duggan

There’s still plenty of time to apply for a Continuing Education (CE) grant to attend the ARSL 2020 virtual conference!

ARSL logo: airplane in front of SOAR with libraries, Sharing Our Amazing Resources

You can now see the detailed program schedule, as well as the session descriptions on the conference website. Keynote speakers include William Ottens, Cassandra Campbell, and Nancy Pearl. Sessions will also be recorded and available to registrants after the conference, so you won’t have to worry about missing anything!

Nebraska public librarians, library board members, and library students have a terrific opportunity with this virtual professional conference. Each grant recipient will be reimbursed for the costs of attendance, including conference registration and mileage (if traveling to a host library). Librarians, board members, and students may apply for an individual grant. Since ARSL is offering a group registration rate, library directors may apply for a group grant.

More details and the application forms are all available now on the Continuing Education and Training Grants 2020 page.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

Important Dates:

  • Aug. 31: CE Grant Application Due Date
  • Sept. 4: Recipients Announced
  • Sept. 28 – Oct. 2: ARSL Conference
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ARSL Conference and CE Grants

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Holli Duggan

Registration for the 2020 ARSL virtual conference is opening today! 

Registration will open today at 4:00 p.m. (CST). The updated schedule and speakers can be viewed on the ARSL Conference website.

Even better news — the CE grants are reopening! 

Starting Monday, July 20th, applications for CE grants will be available to submit online until August 31st.

What will be covered by grant funds?

  • Registration for the ARSL 2020 virtual conference
  • Mileage if traveling to a host library

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Librarians and staff members employed in an accredited Nebraska public library 
  • Board members of an accredited Nebraska public library
  • Nebraska students currently enrolled in a Library Science degree program (or will be enrolled in the fall) – will require proof of enrollment

Can library directors apply for a group CE grant?

  • Yes! ARSL is offering group registration rates this year. If libraries wish to take advantage of these group rates, the library director may apply for a CE grant for multiple staff members. Groups are not required to watch the conference together, though you may set up watch parties (following all safety guidelines).

Note: If you’ve already been awarded a CE grant for the ARSL conference, you do not need to reapply. I’ll be reaching out to you all individually.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

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Friday Reads: Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Holli Duggan

During my recent morning walks, I’ve been trying out more audiobooks instead of the usual podcasts. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor was one that appeared on my recommended list (which then reminded me that I also have the hardback copy sitting on my to-read shelf for a while, oops) and is narrated by Yetide Badaki. I haven’t quite finished it yet, but it’s definitely hard to put down. The world-building and magic, rooted in mythology, is fantastic.

Twelve-year old Sunny feels like she just doesn’t belong anywhere, living between two worlds. She was born in New York City, but moved to Aba, Nigeria with her parents and brothers when she was nine. All Sunny wants to do is to go to school, play soccer (where she would excel on the field if given the chance), and laugh with friends. However, she’s constantly bullied by her classmates, her brothers, and even her father. The boys at school won’t let her play soccer with them. Even if they would, her albinism causes her skin to be far too sensitive to be out in the sun, as well as more bullying. But Sunny never backs down, she’s a strong and intelligent character.

One night, during a blackout, she sees a nightmarish vision in candlelight. Shortly after, she meets Orlu and Chichi, and her odd life starts to make a little more sense. She has strong magical abilities which she begins to study as a new member of the ancient Leopard People society. The wonderful magical world opens up to Sunny, as she learns to turn her weaknesses into her greatest strengths while keeping it all secret from the rest of her family. She and her new friends quickly learn how dangerous this world and their training can be as they’re set to stop a dangerous killer before Sunny’s vision can come true.

Okorafor, Nnedi. Akata Witch. Penguin Group, 2011.

Posted in Books & Reading, Youth Services | Tagged | 1 Comment

Niche Academy is Open!

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Holli Duggan
NLC Niche Academy and Reopening Lives Tutorials. Online Learning.

Two new online learning resources are now available!

First, the Nebraska Library Commission Academy is available to librarians as a thirty-day trial through Niche Academy. Lessons include topics such as:

  • Code of Ethics for New Directors
  • 10 Strategies for Community Organizing in Libraries
  • 2020 United States Census
  • Virtual Programming: Working with Presenters and Performers
  • Research Essentials

Please check it out and let me know what you think! Each lesson is eligible for 1 CE credit for those enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, just submit a CE Activity Report form when completed.

Second, the Reopening Lives Academy is a collaborative project between Niche Academy and librarians all over the United States to help answer patron questions as libraries work on reopening.

…many of us are anticipating a surge of patrons with questions about unemployment, taxes, and financial resources. We anticipate questions about public and personal health, and how the CARES act (and other legislation) will affect or help small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Niche Academy

These short tutorials are intended to help librarians and patrons answer these many different questions and provide quick resources with quality information on topics such as COVID-19, wearing masks, mental health, and writing resumes.

If you want to learn more about the collaborative project (or are interested in participating), there is more information posted on the Niche Academy blog.

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United for Libraries Login Update

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Holli Duggan
Logo: United for Libraries Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations

The United for Libraries platform has been updated!

The new system should be easier to use with some shiny new features. More details about those features will be coming soon, but for now, the login information has changed. There will no longer be one general login for libraries and library boards. Members will register for their own individual logins through the United for Libraries website. This includes the Trustee Academy courses, the Short Takes for Trustees, and other United for Libraries resources.

Access to these resources has been provided for Library Trustees and Directors by the Nebraska Library Commission.

To request a login, please submit a United for Libraries Login Request form.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.

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Continuing Education: April Free Webinar List

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Holli Duggan

Lots of free webinars coming up in April!

The free webinar list from the Wyoming State Library/WebJunction presents a list of webinars with program descriptions and links to registrations. Below are some upcoming webinars.

NCOMPASS LIVE

ONLINE CONFERENCES

ADVOCACY

ASSESSMENT & PLANNING

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

BOARDS

CAREERS

CHILDREN & TEENS

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT

COMMUNICATION

COVID-19

DEVELOPMENT & MANAGING CHANGE

DIGITAL RESOURCES

FUNDRAISING

LEGAL

LIBRARY SPACES

MANAGEMENT

OUTREACH & PARTNERSHIPS

PROGRAMMING

READERS’ ADVISORY

REFERENCE

SCHOOL LIBRARIES

TECHNOLOGY

TRAINING & INSTRUCTION

VOLUNTEERS

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Friday Reads: My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Holli Duggan

I am here!!

Eighty percent of the world’s population has been manifesting fantastic superpowers by the time they turn four years old. Those with more powerful “quirks” have become professional superheroes, working to stop those who would use their powers for evil and to save innocent lives. Young Izuku Midoriya dreams of the day when he can follow in the steps of his idol, All Might – the number one hero and symbol of peace.

When Midoriya learns that he is one of the unlucky few, born without a quirk, he is crushed. However, he refuses to let this setback stop him from his dream of attending U.A. High, the prestigious high school, and enrolling in their hero course. As the entrance exam approaches, it seems all but impossible that Midoriya will have any hope at all getting accepted.

An encounter with All Might and a battle with a sludge villain changes everything and sets Midoriya on the path to his destiny (with some incredibly hard work). Katsuki Bakugo, his rival/friend since childhood is less than impressed. (If you’ve ever seen or read Dragon Ball Z, they remind me of Goku/Vegeta, ha.)

I’ve just started reading this series, but I’m really enjoying it so far. Midoriya is so pure and precious and there’s more to All Might than just his physical strength. (There’s some fourth-wall breaking that I also love with All Might’s character.) The quirks and other characters are all so different and fun. There are animal-based quirks; one character has all the powers of a frog. Others can make things float, have powers of fire or ice, explosions, or powers like one student who has engines in his legs that make him really fast.

This first book of the manga series moves quickly with enough story to build the world and lots of action between villain/hero battles and later in the entrance exam. Intended for young adults/teens.

Horikoshi, K. My Hero Academia, Volume 1. Translated by Caleb Cook, VIZ Media LLC, 2016.

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Basic Skills Postponed and Certification Update

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Holli Duggan

As situations continue to change daily, we have decided to postpone the upcoming Basic Skills classes. We are going to be focusing on developing more self-paced modules which will be announced as they are available.

The one exception to this change will be the “Introduction to Cataloging” class which begins on April 1st and will be open until May 31st. Additionally, the “Understanding MARC 21 Bibliographic Records” class (which is part of the cataloging certification, not a Basic Skills class) will begin as scheduled on March 30th.

So, what does this mean if your certification is due in 2020?

No worries!

For both librarian and library board certifications that are due in 2020, you will be able to extend your certification for one year. For example, if your current certification date is 05/01/20, your new date would be 05/01/21. Linda Babcock will be reaching out to individuals and library boards via email about this extension process.

For those of you who are not due for certification renewal in 2020, but are worried about completing CE hours or keeping up with the Basic Skills requirement as we move through this difficult time, we understand and are able to work with you for extensions or offering additional resources. We absolutely want to do everything we can to help.

If you have any questions or concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to contact Linda Babcock or Holli Duggan.

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Continuing Education: COVID-19 and Emergency Planning

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Holli Duggan

Below is a short list of free resources related to the current difficulties of COVID-19, including the sudden shift to online or distance services and managing anxiety and stress. Following this list, there are upcoming webinars discussing online library instruction, copyright, how other librarians are navigating this crisis, and frauds and scams to watch out for. Additionally, there are several recorded webinars focusing on emergency and disaster planning. These webinars are all eligible for continuing education (CE) credit for the Public Librarian certification program and for library board members. If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

Resources:

Pandemic Preparedness (Nebraska Library Commission) – some guidance and resources collected, includes several example policies and restrictions from Nebraska libraries

Libraries and the Coronavirus: Evolving Information and Resources (WebJunction) 

OCR Short Video on Online Education and Website Accessibility (U.S. Department of Education)

Virtually Virtual Hangouts for Educators (Media Education Lab) – daily live hangouts with educators to discuss COVID-19 with different discussion leaders and curated resources

Managing Anxiety and Stress (CDC) – short article with resources

Emergency Responders: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself (CDC) – short articles with resources

COVID-19 Webinars:

Information Literacy at a (Social) Distance: Strategies for Moving Online (ACRL) – archived from March 17th

Pandemic Pedagogy: Resources for Library Instruction at a Distance (ACRL) – archived from March 18th

Navigating the Impact of Coronavirus – discussion panel with library professionals of Seattle Public Library Foundation, King County Library System Foundation, Toronto Public Library, and The Public Library Fundraising Forum – recording 

Professional Convention and Management Association is hosting a series of webinars in March on how business events around the world are being affected 

March 20: Copyright for Campus Closures: Exploring Copyright Issues around Moving Instruction and Reference Online (ACRL) – will be archived after the live session

March 20: Libraries and COVID-19: Managing Strategies and Stress (American Libraries Live)

March 26: Librarians Respond to Coronavirus and Other Pandemics (Library 2.0) – recording will be available, register for a free Library 2.0 account to login

April 8: Coronavirus Frauds and Scams: What You Need to Know (Federal Depository Library Program) – register to attend live session or to receive recording

Emergency/Disaster Planning Webinars and Courses:

From Facilities to Trauma: Disaster Planning and Community Resiliency at Your Library (WebJunction) – archived recording

NCompass Live: Emergency and Disaster Response Planning for Libraries (NLC) – recording

Are You Ready? Essential Disaster Health Information Resources for Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe (NNLM) – archived course

In Case of Emergencies: Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning (NNLM) – online course

Making Sense of Numbers: Understanding Risks and Benefits, Learning How to Communicate Health Statistics (NNLM) – archived recording


From Problem to Prevention: Evidence-Based Public Health (NNLM) – archived recording

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Basic Skills Schedule Changes

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Holli Duggan

***Basic Skills Postponed and Certification Update***

Due to the closures and difficulties related to COVID-19, there will be some changes to the upcoming Basic Skills course schedules.

Library Technology will be postponed until April 6th. Registration will be reopened and be available until March 27th. If you have already registered, you do not need to register again. If you would like to cancel or change your registration, please contact Holli Duggan.

Library Finance will be postponed until May 4th.

Intellectual Freedom and Core Values will be postponed until May 25th.

Additionally, each Basic Skills course will be “open” for an additional week (though still 2 CE hours each) to allow more time to complete the required work, if needed.

The upcoming Introduction to Cataloging course will still begin on April 1st, but will be open until May 31st.

Details about each of the courses and registrations can be found on the NLC Training & Events Calendar.

If you have any questions at all, please contact:

Holli Duggan

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CE Grants: Last week to apply!

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Holli Duggan

There’s still time to submit your application to attend the 2020 ARSL Annual Conference in Wichita, KS! Applications are due next Friday (01/17/20)!

Though the conference is in September, registration opened in spring last year (and sold out very quickly). Best to plan early and apply! Grant funds could go towards the cost of registration, travel, meals, or hotels.

CE grants are open to applicants who are either 1) currently employed in an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, or 3) a student enrolled in a certificate or degree program with a concentration in library and information science or school library media at an accredited college or university for Fall 2020.

More details about the grant requirements, along with the application forms can be found in the links below.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

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Apply for a CE Grant!

Posted on December 30, 2019 by Holli Duggan

There’s still time to apply for a CE Grant to attend the ARSL 2020 conference before January 17th! This is an awesome opportunity to attend an out-of-state but nearby conference focused on rural and small libraries! Though the conference is in September, registration opened in spring last year (and sold out very quickly). Best to plan early!

Applications are now open to library students, librarians employed in an accredited public library, and library board members! Please see details in the links below.

This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering individuals $500 grants to attend the annual Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) 2020 Conference in Wichita, Kansas (Sept. 30th to Oct. 3rd)! Funding could go towards the cost of travel, hotel, meals, and/or registration costs.

CE grants are open to applicants who are either 1) currently employed in an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, or 3) a student enrolled in a certificate or degree program with a concentration in library and information science or school library media at an accredited college or university for Fall 2020.

More details about the grant requirements, along with the application forms can be found in the links below.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

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Friday Reads: Minecraft: The End by Catherynne M. Valente

Posted on December 13, 2019 by Holli Duggan

First, a confession, I have never actually played Minecraft. I know the basic concepts and I’ve watched other people play it, I just haven’t played it myself (yet). The only reason I picked this book up is that I’ll read anything and everything by Catherynne. I don’t know the lore of the game, so I’m sure I missed certain things, but I still really enjoyed this book (and you don’t need to read the other three official Minecraft novels before this one either).

This is a story of two young twelve-year-old endermen. Twin brother and sister, Fin and Mo, have always lived on their purple ship attached to the end city of Telos with their angry little pet shulker, Grumpo. They spend their time scavenging for very good junk or just junk, visiting the Ender Dragon (ED) who circles and watches over the End, or with their friend Kan who is very much an outsider. They all communicate telepathically, but still have a distinct “voice.” It’s definitely interesting how Catherynne writes. I really didn’t expect to care so much about little square shadow creatures.

Individually, endermen become dumb and angry, but stacked together with other elders and fragments, they become smarter, stronger, better. However, Fin and Mo are happy just the two of them and are plenty smart, thank you very much.

Then the invaders arrive from another dimension. Humans. Fin and Mo now have to defend their home and treasures as everything they know changes.

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CE Grants deadline extended! Now open to library science students!

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Holli Duggan

The deadline to apply for this year’s CE Grants has been extended to January 17, 2020! This is an awesome opportunity to attend an out-of-state but nearby conference focused on rural and small libraries!

Applications for CE Grants to attend the ARSL 2020 conference are also now open to library science students! Applications are still open to those employed in an accredited public library and board members! Please see details in the links below.

This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering individuals $500 grants to attend the annual Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) 2020 Conference in Wichita, Kansas (Sept. 30th to Oct. 3rd)! Funding could go towards the cost of travel, hotel, meals, and/or registration costs.

CE grants are open to applicants who are either 1) currently employed in an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, or 3) a student enrolled in a certificate or degree program with a concentration in library and information science or school library media at an accredited college or university for Fall 2020.

More details about the grant requirements, along with the application forms can be found in the links below.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

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Continuing Education: Eliminating Fines

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Holli Duggan

Eliminating library fines has been getting more and more attention lately.

Chicago recently eliminated late fees and “[t]he number of book returns has since increased 240%” (Forbes, 2019). Denver also announced back in January that they were going fine free and “zeroing out most customers’ existing overdue balances so they can start fresh” (Denver Library, 2019) citing their belief in “free and equal access for all.” Some libraries, like Lincoln City Libraries, are eliminating late fees for youth materials which are “an unnecessary barrier for children who often lack the autonomy or ability to return library materials on time, and for families who cannot afford to pay them” (Lincoln City Libraries, 2019). The idea behind eliminating fines really goes back to increasing access and breaking down barriers for library users. But is this the right move for every library? How do you decide or implement this kind of initiative?

There are many arguments for and against eliminating library fines, but if you’ve been having this discussion in your library or are interested in finding out more, the resources and webinars below should help start your search.

Purple background. Text in lower right corner "To fine or not to fine?" light green bottom border with text "Eliminating library fines." Left side of image alternating icons of coins and books.

Resources:

Webinars:

  • Upcoming Nov. 20th – “Eliminating Fines: A win-win for your library and community” (Infopeople)
    • “You will hear how eliminating fines can lead to an increase in library use and circulation, with no negative effects.”
  • Recorded – “NCompass Live: Eliminating Late Fines is a Win-Win for Your Library and Community” (NLC)
    • “In this session, Beth [Crist] and Meg [DePriest] will review the research and results from the growing number of libraries across the country that have ditched late fines and coaxed new and former users to their doors. They will share talking points, tips, and an advocacy tool you can use to build a case to eliminate fines in your library.”
  • Recorded – “Fine-Free Future” (RIPL)
    • “This webinar brings together three experienced library directors who have recently eliminated some or all overdue fines at their libraries to discuss the strategies they used in their communities, the arguments for and against the elimination of fines, their plans to measure impact and success, and how they communicate the issue of overdue fines as critical to any library’s mission of equal access and social equity.”
  • Recorded – “Planning and Implementing a Fine-Free Policy” (Florida Library Webinars)
    • “Libraries are ready for a change! Our academic library went fine free in 2016, and we’re not alone. In this informative and interactive program, we will share why and how we managed to eliminate most overdue fines, aligning our circulation policies with the needs of our most frequent users…Policies and methods from public libraries will also be included!”

For webinars and CE: If you would like to earn continuing education (CE) credit and are enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, please submit a “CE Activity Report Form” after each webinar.

If you have any questions about continuing education, please contact Holli Duggan.

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Continuing Education Grants!

Posted on November 5, 2019 by Holli Duggan

Start planning ahead early and apply! This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering individuals $500 grants to attend the annual Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) 2020 Conference in Wichita, Kansas (Sept. 30th to Oct. 3rd)! Funding could go towards the cost of travel, hotel, meals, and/or registration costs.

text right side "CE Grants ARSL 2020 Kansas" text left side "due 12/13/19" link below nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/ce all on a red background

This is an awesome opportunity to attend an out-of-state (but nearby) conference focused on rural and small libraries! Details about the grant, along with the application forms can be found in the links below. Applications are due by December 13, 2019!

ARSL logo: tree with green and blue leaves, text "The association for rural and small libraries" link below arsl.info

The purpose of these grants is to assist Nebraska libraries to improve the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. CE grants are open to applicants who are either 1) currently employed in an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference or a 2) current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

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Continuing Education: Library Boards

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Holli Duggan

This week we’re focusing CE for all those wonderful library board members!

Below is a list of resources with helpful reference information for new and current library board members (or for anyone curious what library boards do), followed by several upcoming or recorded webinars.

Blue background with white text "All about library boards" with three small icons above: computer, book, keyboard

Resources:

Webinars:

  • Working Effectively with Your Library Trustees – United for Libraries*
    • “[L]earn tips and strategies for working effectively with your Trustees. Topics include orientation for new Trustees, understanding roles, meetings, emergencies, and effective communication.”
  • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: What Library Trustees Need to Know – United for Libraries*
    • “This workshop will help trustees and library directors understand how to incorporate EDI into policy development, strategic planning, funding initiatives, board development, and more.”
  • Troubled Library Boards: Prevention & Survival – United for Libraries*
    • “What essential practices can prevent or minimize board problems? When a board does become dysfunctional, how can those involved survive and create change?”
  • Library Accessibility – What Public Library Trustees Need to Know (RAILS)
    • “In this webinar…Renee Grassi will equip Library Trustees with the information and tools they need to be more effective accessibility advocates for their library communities.”
  • Build a Culture of Learning with Library Boards – WebJunction & ARSL
    • “Trustees can and should play a key role in fostering a culture of learning at their libraries – beginning with themselves. When library boards embrace a learning culture, they become more receptive to supporting continuing education, in policy, planning and budgeting.”
  • The Rural Library Trustee: Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships – WebJunction & ARSL
    • “will provided you with practical ideas and tactical strategies to support and advocate for your library organization as a trustee, or library director in a small or rural community.”
  • Toward Tech Savvy Trustees – WebJunction & ARSL
    • “The more that trustees are dialed into a personal use of technology, the better advocates they will be for the library’s technology needs. Learn some fun and practical ways to inspire greater tech savviness in your trustees.”

*The Nebraska Library Commission has prepaid for all Nebraska public library directors, members of Friends organizations, Foundation boards, and trustees to participate free of charge in online training and access to education resources offered by the American Library Association’s United for Libraries. Please contact Holli Duggan or Linda Babcock for login information.

For webinars and CE: If you would like to earn continuing education (CE) credit and are enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, please submit a “CE Activity Report Form” after each webinar.

If you have any questions about continuing education, please contact Holli Duggan.

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