How do you let your community know how valuable your library is? Learn about ‘Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, February 18 at 10am CT..
Come hear some ideas for communicating your value and how to encourage your library board to be involved in your efforts. There will be time for Q&A as well as for sharing your own examples of what has worked well in your community.
March 4 – Tour de Force: Build Bridges by Leading Tours of Your Library
March 11 – Public Library Survey: Nebraska’s New Data Collection Tool
March 18 – Modernizing a Small Library on a Small Budget: Systems, Culture, and Community in Year One
April 8 – Programming with Purpose: Adult Programs and Community Partnerships
April 22 – Emergency Management in Libraries
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Hear about ‘Empowering Families Through Literacy: Tools and Strategies from Nebraska’s Statewide Initiative’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, February 11 at 10am CT.
Join us for an engaging session highlighting Nebraska’s statewide efforts to strengthen family literacy through cross-sector collaboration, inclusive practices, and accessible tools. This presentation will showcase the work of the Nebraska Department of Education’s Family Literacy Advisory Committee, including a newly developed implementation guide and centralized resource hub designed to support schools, libraries, and community organizations. Participants will explore practical strategies and adaptable tools that librarians can use to deepen their role as literacy leaders in their communities. Whether you serve young children, adult learners, or multilingual families, this session will offer valuable insights and resources to support and enrich your local literacy efforts.
Feb. 18 – Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!
Feb. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
March 4 – Tour de Force: Build Bridges by Leading Tours of Your Library
March 11 – Public Library Survey: Nebraska’s New Data Collection Tool
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Learn how to implement ‘Homesteading at Your Library’ programming on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, February 4 at 10am CT.
This hands-on series of programming offers library patrons the chance to explore essential homesteading skills such as starting a garden, fermenting, raising backyard chickens, vinegar making, canning, and more. Patrons gain practical knowledge for sustainable living in a modern world, from basic techniques to tips for successful practice at home. Homesteading sessions include interactive demonstrations led by knowledgeable staff, volunteers, or local experts, and provide take-home materials to help participants implement what they’ve learned. The homesteading program fosters community engagement and empowers individuals to embrace self-sufficiency in their everyday lives. Leave this session with ideas for implementing similar programs tailored to your own community’s needs.
Feb. 11 – Empowering Families Through Literacy: Tools and Strategies from Nebraska’s Statewide Initiative
Feb. 18 – Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!
Feb. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
This makes Wednesday, March 4, the deadline to post your Form 470 to the USAC website, meet the 28-day posting requirement for the competitive bidding process, and submit a Form 471 by the filing window closing date.
However, we do not recommend waiting until the last day to submit your Form 470! If there are any issues that day, like the E-rate servers are slowed down because it is the last day to submit, or you can’t submit the form due to reasons on your end, such as illness, weather, power outage, etc., then you would miss the deadline and lose out on E-rate altogether.
So, if you haven’t already done so, and you are not exempt, get your E-rate Form 470 submitted as soon as possible!
IMPORTANT: Before you file your Form 471, check your Form 470 Receipt Notification for your Allowable Contract Date – the first date you are allowed to submit your 471. Do not submit your 471 before that date! Remember, after you submit your Form 470, you must wait 28 days to submit your Form 471. You can find your Notification within the EPC portal in your News feed.
Do you need help completing your forms? Do you have questions about E-rate? You’re in luck!
Today’s E-rate Special Edition News Brief has detailed tips and instructions, as well as information about upcoming online training opportunities from USAC.
And more recorded webinars, demos, and training materials are available on the NLC E-rate webpage.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with your E-rate forms, please contact the State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries in Nebraska, Christa Porter, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3107.
The schedule for the 15th annual Big Talk From Small Libraries online conference is now available!
You will find all the details on the Schedule page. Information about our presenters is available on the Speakers page.
If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time to jump over to the Registration page and sign up – the conference is free and open to anyone in the world to attend! Please be aware that all times are listed in US Central Time – UTC-6.
You are welcome to watch as an
individual or to host a group viewing of the conference. If several staff
members from the same library want to attend, you can just register for one
seat and have staff members view/listen together via one workstation.
You can also host a viewing party this same way and invite staff from other libraries. For any group viewings, if you know who will be there, you can list your Additional Attendees on your one registration or you can send us a list after the event. Be sure to take all necessary health and safety precautions into account when planning group viewings.
Big Talk From Small Libraries 2026 will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 between 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT) via the GoTo Webinar online meeting service.
Celebrate the 2026 One Book One Nebraska selection, The Antidote, with us on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, January 21 at 10am CT.
The One Book One Nebraska reading program is entering its twenty-second year. Nebraska libraries and other literary and cultural organizations continue to plan activities and events to encourage all Nebraskans to read and discuss the same book. Join us to hear more about this state reading promotion activity, sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Humanities Nebraska, and the Nebraska Library Commission.
We are excited to talk about the 2026 selection The Antidote: A Novel by Karen Russell (Knopf, 2025).
Join Nebraska Center for the Book Board Member Becky Faber; Nebraska State Historical Society Director of Historic Sites, Broc Anderson; and Nebraska Library Commission Communications Coordinator Tessa Timperley to:
Hear about this year’s selected book and ask questions.
Learn about how to create a successful local reading promotion using Nebraska’s year-long, statewide celebration featuring The Antidote.
Brainstorm strategies to read and discuss The Antidote.
Find tools to help engage your community in local activities to encourage them to come together through literature to explore this work in community-wide reading programs.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: How to Build a Virtual Makerspace
Feb. 4 – Homesteading at Your Library
Feb. 11 – Empowering Families Through Literacy: Tools and Strategies from Nebraska’s Statewide Initiative
Feb. 18 – Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Below is a list of free training opportunities coming up this week and some recently recorded webinars! There is also a monthly list of free training resources which is compiled each month by the Maine State Library and WebJunction.
Many webinars are recorded and can be watched later.
Are you considering building a new library or renovating your current library? Hear about one library’s experience ‘Navigating New Building Projects’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, January 14 at 10am CT.
Public library building and renovation projects are often once-in-a-generation events. Staff and leaders may never have done a similar project and may never do one again, making it imperative for libraries to learn from one another.
Our library opened the doors to its new building on April 1, 2024, after raising more than $3.3 million to help fund construction. After an overview of this project and process, I’ll discuss ways to help manage input, communication, and expectations during the building process, and share practical lessons learned about fundraising, moving, and building design.
Jan. 21 – 2026 One Book One Nebraska: ‘The Antidote: A Novel’
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: How to Build a Virtual Makerspace
Feb. 4 – Homesteading at Your Library
Feb. 11 – Empowering Families Through Literacy: Tools and Strategies from Nebraska’s Statewide Initiative
Feb. 18 – Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Join us for the first NCompass Live webinar of 2026, where you will hear about the ‘Best New Teen Reads of 2025’, on Wednesday, January 7 at 10am CT.
Sally Snyder, the Nebraska Library Commission’s Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, will give brief book talks on titles published in the last year that could be good additions to your school or public library’s collection. A sentence or two about the plot, and then some comments on what in particular makes this a ‘Best’ title, including details such as “gaining self-confidence” or “steps up to stand with others.”
Titles for middle and high school levels will be included.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Jan. 14 – Navigating New Building Projects
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Feb. 4 – Homesteading at Your Library
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
These Basic Skills courses are all online and free to any Nebraska resident or anyone employed in a Nebraska library.
The courses are each open for about two weeks at a time. You do not need to be logged in at any specific meeting times – just complete the work when it’s best for your schedule.
Hear about the ‘Best New Children’s Books of 2025’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, December 17, at 10am CT.
Sally Snyder, the Nebraska Library Commission’s Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, will give brief book talks on titles published in the last year that could be good additions to your school or public library’s collection. A sentence or two about the plot, and then some comments on what in particular makes this a ‘Best’ title, including details such as “both parents are involved in the child’s concerns” or “demonstrates the point that we all need and want a home.”
Titles for pre-school through elementary school will be included.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Dec. 24 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – Happy Holidays!
Dec. 31 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – Happy New Year!
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Learn about the endless options for creating digital content with Canva on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Return of the Canvaholic’, on Wednesday, December 10 at 10am CT.
Hi, my name is Kelly Kenny, and I am still a Canvaholic. Truly. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s website, “-aholic” means one who likes (something) to excess. There are chocoholics, workaholics, shopaholics, bookaholics – the list goes on. While all of those still describe me, Canvaholic remains the best fit. I still use Canva daily – whether it’s for worksheets, flyers, research organizers, library signage, posters, or even birthday party invitations for my now five-year-old. Canva’s had my back for years, and it just keeps getting better.
In this session, I’ll share exciting updates to Canva, explore how Canva and AI are changing the game, spark ideas for using Canva with students, and introduce new tips and tricks to level up your designs. Whether you’re a longtime Canva fan or just getting started, come geek out with me on all things Canva! After all, I’ve learned a lot on my nine-year journey to becoming a Canva Fanatic. (Yes, if you did the math, that’s right—I’ve been Canva obsessed since 2016.)
Presenter: Kelly Kenny, Elementary Teacher Librarian and K-6 Library Curriculum Chair, Hillside Elementary, Westside Community Schools, Omaha, NE.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
Dec. 24 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – Happy Holidays!
Dec. 31 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – Happy New Year!
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
The Nebraska Library Commission is offering a group discount to all Nebraska librarians who attend the Computers in Libraries 2026 conference. This year it will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, VA, from March 17 through March 19, 2026. Detailed information about the conference can be found on the conference web page as it becomes available.
This year the Gold Pass will be available for the group discount rate of $699 early-bird / $719 regular (non-discounted rates are $899 early-bird / $949 regular).
The Full 3-Day Pass will be available for the group discount rate of $399 early-bird / $429 regular (non-discounted rates are $599 early-bird / $649 regular).
Please note that group discount rates are not available for daily passes or the preconference workshops except as part of the Gold Pass.
Type priority code 26NLC in the Priority Code field at the top of the form, and click the “Activate Code” button. Discounted rates should appear on the registration form after you successfully activate the code.
Complete and submit the online form by the deadline.
Deadline: Online registrations can be made until February 13th to receive the discounted rates. Please Note: If the deadline is extended for regular registration, your deadline will also be extended. After this time, rates will go up by $20 (Gold Pass) and $30 (Full 3-Day Pass).
Conference registration questions can be sent to:
Joan Weiss Conference Registrar Information Today Phone: 609-654-6266, ext. 136| jweiss@infotoday.com
Join us for a fun ‘Social Media Show & Tell!’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, December 3 at 10am CT.
Social media platforms offer a great way to communicate and engage with patrons, but creating and posting content can seem overwhelming. What types of content should I share? How often should I post, and where? How do I make the most impact with my limited staff time?
This fast-paced session will allow participants to share their successes, failures and ongoing challenges. Through guided conversation, the presenter will share some social media tips and tricks, then ask the audience to add theirs. At the end, participants will take home a full list of ideas, tips, and tricks. Come ready to share!
Dec. 24 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate?
E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to schools and public libraries on the cost of their Internet Access and Connections to make these services more affordable. This includes Broadband, Fiber, and Wi-Fi Internet access as well as Internal Connections, such as wiring, routers, switches, and other network equipment.
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) is your online portal for all E-rate interactions. With your organizational account you can use EPC to file forms, track your application status, communicate with USAC, and more.
In this workshop, Christa Porter, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, will explain the E-rate program and show you how to access and use your account in EPC to submit your Funding Year 2026 E-rate application.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with your E-rate forms, visit the NLC E-rate webpage or contact Christa Porter, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3107.
Highlights from Internet Librarian 2025 will be shared on this week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, November 26 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Just in case you miss it, this Pretty Sweet Tech will offer some highlights from Internet Librarian 2025 that was held virtually from October 28-30. It’s where all the cool kids go to learn about library technology topics.
I’ll include my usual disclaimer that I couldn’t make it to every session, but I did my best to dig around and catch the cool, helpful, or off the beaten path sessions that caught my eye.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
Dec. 10 – Return of the Canvaholic
Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Below is a list of free training opportunities coming up this week and some recently recorded webinars! There is also a monthly list of free training resources which is compiled each month by the Maine State Library and WebJunction.
Many webinars are recorded and can be watched later.
Get ready for the 2026 Collaborative Summer Library Program, ‘Unearth a Story’, by learning about quality books for your library’s collection on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, November 19 at 10am CT.
Kids will be clamoring for both fiction and nonfiction titles as they read all about dinosaurs, archaeology, and paleontology, the topic for the 2026 Summer Reading Program.
Presenter: Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Librarian 2025 Highlights
Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
Dec. 10 – Return of the Canvaholic
Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
‘There’s Always Something Happening at the Library’! Learn about ‘Becoming a Daily Destination for Your Community’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, November 12 at 10am CT.
In many of our communities, the library serves not only as a traditional library but also as a gathering place and community center. Our goal was to turn our library into a true destination for our patrons by building connections and increasing the fun!
Learn how our library re-energized its programming efforts in 2024, ultimately doubling the number of programs offered and increasing our total patron count by nearly 20% in one year. You will leave with practical examples of inexpensive drop-in and passive programming that can lead to more visits and turn your library into a daily destination for your community.
Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Librarian 2025 Highlights
Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
Dec. 10 – Return of the Canvaholic
Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Scholarships will cover conference registration fees and provide one year of PLA membership. Individuals who receive scholarships to attend the conference in-person will also receive a $750 stipend to help cover travel costs. Scholarships are available for both the in-person conference and the virtual conference.
Applications are due Nov. 6, 2025, by 11:59 PM Central. Applications are reviewed and scored by PLA volunteers and staff. Successful applicants will demonstrate how they plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained to benefit their careers, their organizations, and their communities. Complete selection criteria and the scholarship application may be found here: https://www.placonference.org/scholarships
Library workers and students who belong to at least one of the following categories are eligible to apply:
Early career (i.e., fewer than five years) or un/under-employed (annual salary less than $45,000)
Students pursuing a master’s degree in library and/or information science (i.e., MLS, MLIS, MIS)
Working in small or rural libraries (i.e., serving communities with fewer than 25,000 people)
Current or past Spectrum Scholars working in public libraries
National Association of Librarians of Color (NALCO) members (i.e., members of AILA, APALA, BCALA, CALA, JCLC, and REFORMA)
Because PLA membership always includes membership in the American Library Association (ALA), all scholarship recipients also receive free subscriptions to American Libraries and Public Libraries magazines, discounts on ALA and PLA continuing education, access to ALA’s online networking hub ALA Connect, discounts in the ALA Store, and more. The total value of the conference scholarship exceeds a $1,000 investment in an individual’s professional development.
