Tag Archives: United for Libraries

Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (9/22 – 9/27)

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.

For more information, please visit WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan

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Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (9/8 – 9/12)

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.

For more information, please visit WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan

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Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (9/2 – 9/5)

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.

For more information, please visit WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan

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Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (8/25 – 8/29)

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.

For more information, please visit WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan

Posted in Education & Training | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

United for Libraries 2025 – Recordings Available!

The Nebraska Library Commission has purchased statewide registration! All library directors/staff, Trustees/board members, and Friends of the Library and Foundation representatives receive FREE access to all recorded sessions for the United for Libraries 2025 Virtual Conference.

The recordings, slides, and handouts (if applicable) are now available in the 2025 United for Libraries Virtual – Full Conference on the ALA eLearning website. All sessions are eligible for CE credits for both librarians and board members!

  • Statewide Access – Nebraska
    • Click “Register” first, if you don’t have an account.
    • Click “Access” to login to ALA eLearning.
  • Once you’re logged in, on the left-hand side menu, click on “Nebraska Statewide Training for Trustees, Friends, and Foundations”
  • Scroll down slightly until you see “FREE Registration for 2025 United for Libraries Virtual: Trustees, Friends, and Foundations” and click on the link to access the course (screenshot below).
  • Once you’re in the conference/course, you should be able to see the sessions for each day, as well as tabs for the different events and resources, such as the Author Talks, Author Tea, and Book Buzzes.

If you have any questions, trouble logging in and/or accessing the course, or need further assistance please reach out to United for Libraries at united@ala.org or call (312) 280-2161.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (7/21 – 7/25)

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.

For more information, please visit WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan

Posted in Education & Training | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

United for Libraries Virtual 2025: Statewide Registration

2025 United for Libraries Virtual: Trustees, Friends, Foundations

Tuesday, July 29th – Thursday, July 31st

The Nebraska Library Commission has purchased statewide registration! All library directors/staff, Trustees/board members, and Friends of the Library and Foundation representatives receive FREE registration and/or on-demand viewing – a value of $149 per person.

Registration includes live attendance and on-demand access to three full days of programming, expert speakers, microlearning sessions, and the “Virtual Gala Author Tea.” Programming runs from 10:00 am CST to approximately 3:00 pm CST daily with scheduled breaks. Registrants may participate in some or all program sessions live, and/or watch recordings on-demand.

Sessions include:

  • Tuesday, July 29th – Trustee Day
    • Get Familiar with Freedom of Information Laws
    • Meetings That Matter: Driving Results, Not Just Discussions
    • Public Official Basics for Trustees: Introduction to Public Administration and Public Finance
    • Top 10 Things Library Board Members Should Know – But Often Don’t
    • Why Is It Always a Battle?: Concerns of Public Library Trustees in the United States
    • Keynote – Austin Channing Brown
  • Wednesday, July 30th – Foundation/Fundraising Day
    • Library Storytelling: How to Find Memorable Library Stories to Use for Marketing and Promotion
    • Let Your Impact Ring! Sharing Your Library’s Successes so Funders Will Listen
    • Overcoming the Barriers to Library Fundraising Success
    • Strengthening Library and Foundation Relationships: The Role of the Memorandum of Understanding and Relationship Committee
    • Virtual Gala Author Tea
  • Thursday, July 31st – Friends Day
    • Friends for Everyone: Inclusivity and Accessibility Best Practices
    • Get Strategic: Creating a Strategic Plan for Your Friends Group
    • Gnomes Need Homes: A Different Type of Silent Auction!
    • Lessons from a New Board President
    • Library Funding 101: Understanding How Things Get Paid

Special Events:

  • Keynote – Tuesday, July 29th (3:30 pm CST)
    • “Austin Channing Brown is an author and speaker providing inspired leadership on racial justice in America. She is the New York Times bestselling author of I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, a Reese’s Book Club pick. Her work has been featured by outlets such as On Being, Chicago Tribune, and WNYC. Her new book, Full of Myself, releases in August 2025.”
  • Virtual Gala Author Tea – Wednesday, July 30th (3:30 pm CST)
    • Join United for Libraries for our 2025 Virtual Gala Author Tea. Bring your beverage of choice and enjoy authors talking about their writing experience and latest books. Moderated by Donna Seaman, Editor of Adult Books, Booklist.
    • Invite your library staff and patrons! More details coming soon.

Registration Options – Choose one of the options below to register:

  • Statewide Free Registration Form
    • Allow one business day for registration.
  • ALA eLearning Website via the Nebraska Statewide Access Course
    • Must be enrolled in the Nebraska access course to register. You will be prompted to login, if not already logged in.
  • Email United for Libraries
    • Email united@ala.org
    • Include your full name, email address, library, and primary role on behalf of your library.
    • Allow one business day for registration.
  • Bulk Registration
    • Library directors may email united@ala.org
    • Include full name, email address, and primary role on behalf of the library for each individual to register.
    • Allow two business days to register.
  • For registration questions, contact United for Libraries staff by email at united@ala.org or by phone at (312) 280-2161.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (6/23 – 6/27)

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.

For more information, please visit WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan

Posted in Education & Training | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (6/16 – 6/20)

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.

For more information, please visit WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan

Posted in Education & Training | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

United for Libraries Virtual 2025: Statewide Registration

Blue text on white background, to the left of an image of an open blue book with red stars. Text reads "United for Libraries Virtual 2025" Smaller red text underneath reads "Trustees, Friends, Foundations"

2025 United for Libraries Virtual: Trustees, Friends, Foundations

Tuesday, July 29th – Thursday, July 31st

The Nebraska Library Commission has purchased statewide registration! All library directors/staff, Trustees/board members, and Friends of the Library and Foundation representatives receive FREE live registration and/or on-demand viewing – a value of $149 per person.

Registration includes live attendance and on-demand access to three full days of programming, expert speakers, microlearning sessions, and the “Virtual Gala Author Tea.” Programming runs from 10:00 am CST to approximately 3:00 pm CST daily with scheduled breaks. Registrants may participate in some or all program sessions live, and/or watch recordings on-demand.

Sessions include:

  • Tuesday, July 29th – Trustee Day
    • Get Familiar with Freedom of Information Laws
    • Meetings That Matter: Driving Results, Not Just Discussions
    • Public Official Basics for Trustees: Introduction to Public Administration and Public Finance
    • Top 10 Things Library Board Members Should Know – But Often Don’t
    • Why Is It Always a Battle?: Concerns of Public Library Trustees in the United States
    • Keynote – Austin Channing Brown
  • Wednesday, July 30th – Foundation/Fundraising Day
    • Library Storytelling: How to Find Memorable Library Stories to Use for Marketing and Promotion
    • Let Your Impact Ring! Sharing Your Library’s Successes so Funders Will Listen
    • Overcoming the Barriers to Library Fundraising Success
    • Strengthening Library and Foundation Relationships: The Role of the Memorandum of Understanding and Relationship Committee
    • Virtual Gala Author Tea
  • Thursday, July 31st – Friends Day
    • Friends for Everyone: Inclusivity and Accessibility Best Practices
    • Get Strategic: Creating a Strategic Plan for Your Friends Group
    • Gnomes Need Homes: A Different Type of Silent Auction!
    • Lessons from a New Board President
    • Library Funding 101: Understanding How Things Get Paid

Special Events:

  • Keynote – Tuesday, July 29th (3:30 pm CST)
    • “Austin Channing Brown is an author and speaker providing inspired leadership on racial justice in America. She is the New York Times bestselling author of I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, a Reese’s Book Club pick. Her work has been featured by outlets such as On Being, Chicago Tribune, and WNYC. Her new book, Full of Myself, releases in August 2025.”
  • Virtual Gala Author Tea – Wednesday, July 30th (3:30 pm CST)
    • Join United for Libraries for our 2025 Virtual Gala Author Tea. Bring your beverage of choice and enjoy authors talking about their writing experience and latest books. Moderated by Donna Seaman, Editor of Adult Books, Booklist.
    • Invite your library staff and patrons! More details coming soon.

Registration Options – Choose one of the options below to register:

  • Statewide Free Registration Form
    • Allow one business day for registration.
  • ALA eLearning Website via the Nebraska Statewide Access Course
    • Must be enrolled in the Nebraska access course to register. You will be prompted to login, if not already logged in.
  • Email United for Libraries
    • Email united@ala.org
    • Include your full name, email address, library, and primary role on behalf of your library.
    • Allow one business day for registration.
  • Bulk Registration
    • Library directors may email united@ala.org
    • Include full name, email address, and primary role on behalf of the library for each individual to register.
    • Allow two business days to register.
  • For registration questions, contact United for Libraries staff by email at united@ala.org or by phone at (312) 280-2161.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.

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Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (6/9 – 6/13)

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.

For more information, please visit WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan

Posted in Education & Training | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (1/13 – 1/17)

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.

For more information, please visit NLC: Free Webinars or WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan

Posted in Education & Training | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Continuing Education: Weekly Resources (1/6 – 1/10)

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.

For more information, please visit NLC: Free Webinars or WebJunction: Free Training

To submit CE hours for the NLC certification programs:

Questions about CE hours or the certification programs, please contact: Holli Duggan









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United for Libraries Learning Live: Building Effective Library Director & Board Relationships

All Nebraska public libraries are members of United for Libraries through the Statewide Group Membership purchased by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission provides this membership to ensure that public library staff members, Friends, Trustees, and Foundations can take advantage of United for Libraries’ services to enhance fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.

Tuesday, October 8th, 1:00 PM (CST)

Register Here

“A strong director-board relationship is essential to the success of the library. Find out how the best practices on the director and board working together on advocacy, community outreach, planning, succession, and more. Find out how to prevent and solve conflicts, and how to unite to advance the library’s mission.”

Statewide Group Members receive FREE registration for the live webinars and on-demand access for the duration of the active statewide group membership. These “Learning Live” sessions are recorded and can be accessed through the United for Libraries eLearning course.

For more information about previous sessions, please visit: Previous “Learning Live” Sessions

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

United for Libraries Virtual 2024: Statewide Registration

2024 United for Libraries Virtual: Trustees, Friends, Foundations

Tuesday July 30 – Thursday, August 1

There’s still time to register for the 2024 United for Libraries Virtual Conference! All Nebraska library directors/staff, Trustees/board members, and Friends of the Library and Foundation representatives receive FREE live registration – a value of $149 per person. 

Registration includes live attendance and on-demand access to three full days of programming, keynote featuring author Eric Klinenberg, and the virtual Gala Author Tea. Individuals may attend any/all sessions live and/or watch on-demand.

This interactive three-day virtual event will feature expert speakers on current topics facing library Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and staff who work with them.

  • Participate in live Q&A sessions with presenters
  • Enjoy exclusive access to keynote speakers and authors
  • Receive a certificate of attendance (for live participation or on-demand viewing)

Programming runs from 10:00 am CST to approximately 3:00 pm CST daily with scheduled breaks. Registrants may participate in some or all program sessions live, and/or watch recordings on-demand. (Sessions are also eligible for certification CE hours!)

Sessions include:

Tuesday, July 30th – Trustee Day

  • “Rising to the Challenge: The Trustee’s Role in the ‘Culture Wars’”
  • “Securing Tomorrow: Effective Succession Strategies for Library Boards”
  • “Valuing Your Library: Beyond Cost-Benefit Analysis”

Wednesday, July 31st – Foundations & Fundraising Day

  • “Donor Engagement: Acquiring and Inspiring Committed and Faithful Supporters”
  • “Enhancing the Story – Developing a Smaller-Scale Capital Projects Fundraising Campaign”
  • “Fundraising Tips and Tricks: Some Novel Ideas”
  • “Marketing is the Future: How to Build a More Sustainable Library Foundation Model by Integrating Marketing in the Organizational Culture, Strategy, and Practice”

Thursday, August 1st – Friends Day

  • “An Extravaganza of Literary Events for Your Library”
  • “Championing Library Freedom: How Friends Groups Can Fight Back When Our Library is Under Attack”
  • “Libraries are Better with Friends: How to Foster a Strong Group of Advocates”
  • “Smooth Sailing with Library Trustees and Staff”

Registration Options

Choose *one* of the following options below to register for the virtual conference:

  • Statewide Free Registration Form
  • Email United for Libraries
    • Email united@ala.org
    • Include your full name, email address, library, and primary library role
    • Allow one business day for registration
  • Bulk Registration
    • Library Directors may email united@ala.org
    • Include full names, email addresses, and primary library roles for each individual to register
    • Allow two business days for registration.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

United for Libraries Virtual 2024: Statewide Registration

2024 United for Libraries Virtual: Trustees, Friends, Foundations

Tuesday July 30 – Thursday, August 1

Congratulations! The Nebraska Library Commission has purchased statewide registration! All library directors/staff, Trustees/board members, and Friends of the Library and Foundation representatives receive FREE live registration and/or on-demand viewing – a value of $149 per person. 

Registration includes live attendance and on-demand access to three full days of programming, keynote featuring author Eric Klinenberg, and the virtual Gala Author Tea. Individuals may attend any/all sessions live and/or watch on-demand.

This interactive three-day virtual event will feature expert speakers on current topics facing library Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and staff who work with them.

  • Participate in live Q&A sessions with presenters
  • Enjoy exclusive access to keynote speakers and authors
  • Receive a certificate of attendance (for live participation or on-demand viewing)

Programming runs from 10:00 am CST to approximately 3:00 pm CST daily with scheduled breaks. Registrants may participate in some or all program sessions live, and/or watch recordings on-demand.

Sessions include:

Tuesday, July 30th – Trustee Day

  • “Rising to the Challenge: The Trustee’s Role in the ‘Culture Wars'”
  • “Securing Tomorrow: Effective Succession Strategies for Library Boards”
  • “Valuing Your Library: Beyond Cost-Benefit Analysis”

Wednesday, July 31st – Foundations & Fundraising Day

  • “Donor Engagement: Acquiring and Inspiring Committed and Faithful Supporters”
  • “Enhancing the Story – Developing a Smaller-Scale Capital Projects Fundraising Campaign”
  • “Fundraising Tips and Tricks: Some Novel Ideas”
  • “Marketing is the Future: How to Build a More Sustainable Library Foundation Model by Integrating Marketing in the Organizational Culture, Strategy, and Practice”

Thursday, August 1st – Friends Day

  • “An Extravaganza of Literary Events for Your Library”
  • “Championing Library Freedom: How Friends Groups Can Fight Back When Our Library is Under Attack”
  • “Libraries are Better with Friends: How to Foster a Strong Group of Advocates”
  • “Smooth Sailing with Library Trustees and Staff”

Registration Options

Choose *one* of the following options below to register for the virtual conference:

  • ALA eLearning Website
  • Statewide Free Registration Form
  • Email United for Libraries
    • Email united@ala.org
    • Include your full name, email address, library, and primary library role
    • Allow one business day for registration
  • Bulk Registration
    • Library Directors may email united@ala.org
    • Include full names, email addresses, and primary library roles for each individual to register
    • Allow two business days for registration.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

United for Libraries Learning Live: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Your Library Director

All Nebraska public libraries are members of United for Libraries through the Statewide Group Membership purchased by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission provides this membership to ensure that public library staff members, Friends, Trustees, and Foundations can take advantage of United for Libraries’ services to enhance fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.

A Practical Guide to Evaluating Your Library Director

Tuesday, April 9th, 1:00 PM (CST)

“Part of a Trustee’s responsibility is to evaluate the library director, yet many organizations do not have an annual review procedure in place. During this Learning Live, library Trustees will acquire the tools needed to conduct an annual evaluation. This session is designed with the understanding that many Trustees do not have HR experience. We’ll offer practical strategies and tools to effectively assess the performance of library directors, with insight from a variety of library stakeholders. Trustees will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to conduct meaningful evaluations of their library directors. Especially when things are going well!”

Statewide Group Members receive FREE registration for the live webinars and on-demand access for the duration of the active statewide group membership. These “Learning Live” sessions are recorded and can be accessed through the United for Libraries eLearning course.

For more information about previous sessions, please visit: Previous “Learning Live” Sessions

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

United for Libraries Learning Live: Media and Crisis Communications for Trustees & Friends

All Nebraska public libraries are members of United for Libraries through the Statewide Group Membership purchased by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission provides this membership to ensure that public library staff members, Friends, Trustees, and Foundations can take advantage of United for Libraries’ services to enhance fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.

United for Libraries Learning Live: Media and Crisis Communications for Trustees & Friends

Tuesday, March 12, 1:00 PM (CST)

“Is your library’s Board of Trustees and/or Friends of the Library group prepared for a crisis? How can you support your library’s communications policies and procedures? This session, presented by longtime senior communications and marketing executive Kathleen McEvoy, will go over how to develop a solid communication plan, what to know about working with the media, tips on communicating the library’s value, how to respond to inquiries about book bans/censorship, and more. This program will offer tips for board members and Friends, as well as those who work with them.”

Registration and Details

Statewide Group Members receive FREE registration for the live webinars and on-demand access for the duration of the active statewide group membership. These “Learning Live” sessions are recorded and can be accessed through the United for Libraries eLearning course.

For more information about previous sessions, please visit: Previous “Learning Live” Sessions

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , | Leave a comment

United for Libraries Learning Live: Ask the Experts: Boards of Trustees, Friends Groups, and Foundations

All Nebraska public libraries are members of United for Libraries through the Statewide Group Membership purchased by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission provides this membership to ensure that public library staff members, Friends, Trustees, and Foundations can take advantage of United for Libraries’ services to enhance fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.

United for Libraries Learning Live: Ask the Experts: Boards of Trustees, Friends Groups, and Foundations

Tues., Feb. 13, 1:00 PM (CST)

“A panel of experts will address common issues that arise among library Boards, Friends groups, and Foundations, and how to solve them. Featured panelists will be Brenda Langstraat Bui, President & CEO, Chicago Public Library Foundation; Nicolle Davies, Colorado State Librarian, and Dr. Andrew Smith, Associate Professor, School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University in Kansas, and past chair of the Emporia Public Library. Each panelist will present an in-depth scenario and provide tips and best practices. During a “lightning round” session, speakers will field questions from attendees.”

Registration and Details

Statewide Group Members receive FREE registration for the live webinars and on-demand access for the duration of the active statewide group membership. These “Learning Live” sessions are recorded and can be accessed through the United for Libraries eLearning course.

For more information, please visit: Previous “Learning Live” Sessions

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged | Leave a comment

United for Libraries: January Learning Live

All Nebraska public libraries are members of United for Libraries through the Statewide Group Membership purchased by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission provides this membership to ensure that public library staff members, Friends, Trustees, and Foundations can take advantage of United for Libraries’ services to enhance fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.

United for Libraries: Learning Live – Standards of Excellence for Library Friends and Foundations

January 9, 2024 : 1 p.m. (CST)

“Is your Friends of the Library group and/or library Foundation following nonprofit best practices? Join Amy Coates Madsen, Vice President of Programs at the Maryland Nonprofits and the Director of the Standards for Excellence Institute, who will present on legal, ethical, and other standards for nonprofits. Learn about best practices, how to have a clear mission, board development, public engagement, and more.”

Registration and Details

Statewide Group Members receive FREE registration for the live webinars and on-demand access for the duration of the active statewide group membership. These “Learning Live” sessions are recorded and can be accessed through the United for Libraries eLearning course.

For more information, please visit: Previous “Learning Live” Sessions

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment