FREE Webinars in July

Crouching Tigers, Reading Dragons: Creating a Reading Challenge Program (WebJunction Webinar) July 7, 1-2 p.m. [CT] Join guest presenters from Seattle and British Columbia as they share their experiences and expertise with the Global Reading Challenge/Reading Link Challenge, a program that encourages team building, reading for retention, and cooperation between school and public libraries. Using a “quiz bowl” format, the program has successfully challenged teams of young readers across the country for over a decade. The presenters will demonstrate how the program can fit into your library’s programming, regardless of size or budget; and how it can be done in one building, between public libraries and public schools, or across state or international borders. The program emphasizes books that reflect a diversity of backgrounds, and encourages 4th and 5th grade students of all reading abilities to engage in the “sport” of reading. Open Source Library System Software: Libraries Are Doing it For Themselves (Infopeople Webinar) July 21 (12-1p.m.) [CT] One of the great advantages of an Open Source Library System (OSLS) such as Koha or Evergreen is the ability to empower staff and optimize the user’s experience by getting involved in improving the software. This is in contrast to the traditional integrated library system (ILS) model where all the software development was done by “the vendor,” creating a condition of “learned helplessness” on the part of library staff. By making the transition to OSLS, you can shift the culture of your organization from “learned helplessness” to one in which everyone can contribute to enhancing their work environment. This webinar will describe all the ways to get involved with an OSLS project — even if you aren’t a programmer. By the end of the webinar, you will understand why involving your organization in an OSLS project creates opportunities for delivering new services to customers and optimizing the work of your staff. Living Library Project: Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover (WebJunction Webinar) July 22, 12-1 p.m. [CT] The Living Library is a unique event that brings together people who have special interests, beliefs or experiences to speak with people from different backgrounds and share their personal story. In this innovative program participants can “check out” Living Books for a personal conversation. Both the Bainbridge Island and Santa Monica Public Libraries executed two successful Living Library events. The Bainbridge Island event covered such diverse experiences as life as a quadriplegic, a female police officer, a young gay man and an atheist. Santa Monica Public Library’s Living Books included a fat activist, a formerly homeless person, an ex-gangmember and a nudist. Join us for a free webinar with leads from these projects: Rebecca Judd from the Bainbridge Island (WA) branch of the Kitsap Regional Library System, and Julie MacDonald and Rachel Foyt from the Santa Monica Public Library in Santa Monica (CA). Hear how they planned and implemented the project in their libraries, and find out how you can create a Living Library in your community. Racial and Ethnic Resources (National Library of Medicine) July 22 (2-3 p.m.) [CT] Racial and Ethnic resources. The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region is presenting a new series of online classes. Once a month in 2009, liaisons will present information and exercises on various databases from the National Library of Medicine in an hour-long web conference. All classes are free and no registration is required. You will simply need 1) a computer with Internet access and 2) a phone (the system will call you – free of charge). To join the webinar, go to: https://webmeeting.nih.gov/mcrupdate/ on the day of the program. Bilingual Storytimes: Building Early Literacy and Community (WebJunction Webinar) July 29, 1-2 p.m. [CT] Libraries are expanding storytime programming to build early literacy skills in their community. The Mission Branch of the San Francisco Public Library recently added to their popular Bilingual Toddler Tales Program (300-400 attendees!) hands-on literacy activity stations for caregivers to explore. Seattle Public Library has expanded their Summer Reading Program to include bilingual storytimes in Chinese, Vietnamese and Spanish. Both libraries have had great success in their early literacy programming and continue to build deep connections with caregivers in their communities. Join Laura Tarango, children’s librarian at the Mission Branch, and Valerie Wonder, immigrant and refugee programs manager at Seattle Public Library, during this free webinar. You’ll hear how they assessed the community’s needs, developed and adapted the programs; and they’ll provide practical steps for you to apply to your outreach and programming efforts.